2020/21 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PSYC3541 Face Perception
15 creditsClass Size: 70
Module manager: Dr Richard Harris
Email: r.j.harris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2020/21
Pre-requisite qualifications
Successful completion of all pass for progression modules in Level 2 of: BSc Psychology or MPsyc, BSc Advanced Psychology or BA Philosophy, Psychology and Scientific Thought (and its International and Industrial variants)This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The human face has such important biological and social functions that several regions of the brain are involved in processing information from faces. Indeed, we are expert perceivers of faces able to make sophisticated judgements about them - for example using subtle cues from head shape and skin texture when estimating age. A universally important locus of communication, our faces convey a range of social signals. We use faces to identify friends and acquaintances, to detect family resemblances, and to judge attractiveness on the basis of facial features.Complementary perspectives (usually cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, but also including neuropsychological, evolutionary, biological, and computational approaches) will be used to explore these topics in detail, to show how the science of face perception can inform us about what happens when we look at faces.Objectives
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the application of experimental psychology to an area of high intrinsic interest and practical relevance. Students will gain insight into the factors affecting the application of experimental evidence and laboratory techniques to the understanding of face perception.Students will see how data, techniques, and theory drawn from different disciplines (psychology, neurology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, computer science) can converge to enhance our understanding of face processing.
Learning outcomes
After completing this module students are expected to be able to:
- demonstrate in-depth understanding of the major theoretical developments in face perception;
- critically evaluate the contribution of neuroimaging research to understanding face perception;
- demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the biological, social and evolutionary factors involved in face perception;
- demonstrate an understanding of the various methodologies used in understanding face perception and critically discuss how different disciplines can contribute to our understanding of face perception
- Understand and evaluate how face perception can inform our understanding of how the brain processes complex stimuli
Skills outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to select, critically evaluate and apply published research in the field of face perception. They will become knowledgeable in how complementary approaches can be used to understand how faces are perceived.
Syllabus
The module will include 8x1 hour lectures, 6x1 hour group learning sessions, 2x1 hour tutorials on science writing for a general audience. Group discussion seminars will make use of the University's new collaborative teaching spaces to facilitate group discussion. The module will cover the following topics:
What makes faces special? Is face processing innate? Is the brain specialised for face processing?
Facial attractiveness
How do we process facial expressions?
How do we recognise faces? How do faces become familiar?
Gaze, social attention and autism
Judgements of social characteristics from faces
Applied and future perspectives in face perception: super recognisers, face transplants
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| In Course Assessment | 1 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Drop-in Session | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Group learning | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
| Lecture | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Private study hours | 132.50 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 17.50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
In weeks 1-8 students will be given a list of original research articles to read alongside their lecture notes. This will involve approximately 8 hours of independent study per lecture (8x8=64hours).6.5hrs preparation for online MCQ
In week 11 students will submit coursework blog. Preparation and writing of the blog will take approximately 38 hours.
Final exam will be an essay based exam. There is 31 independent study hours allocated for the exam revision.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored at the end of the group learning activities when students will present their understanding of complex issues, theories and applications related to face perception.A post examination feedback session will provide students with an opportunity to learn how to improve their examination essay writing.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| ------------------------- | Scientific blog, 1500 words | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
For the coursework blog students will be required to write a science blog post. As this will be a novel task for most of them student will be given examples of good science blogs and this coursework will be further supported with two tutorials where the challenges of communicating scientific findings to general audience will be discussed. Resit will take the same format.
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Online Time-Limited assessment | 1 hr 00 mins | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
One essay question to be answered from a choice of three.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 10/08/2020 08:44:50
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
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