PSYC 439 Visual Neuroscience

Introduction to the course and visual neuroscience: Overview of the visual system. Updated Course Description: This course explores the visual system as a model for understanding complex brain functions and discusses methods used to unravel these functions. We will examine how the brains of different organisms processes visual information related to brightness, motion, depth, and color among others, and how this information is used to guide behavior and create perceptual experiences. The course combines lectures and literature seminars emphasizing the architecture and evolution of visual systems across animal species, particularly insects and mammals, including primates. The course will NOT go into depth about medical conditions. The course will focus on how visual systems are adapted to support survival in natural environments.

Photoreceptors and transduction mechanisms.

Early visual processing (retina and equivalent structures in invertebrates/insects) - Part 1.

Early visual processing - Part 2.

Early visual processing - Part 3.

Early visual processing - Part 4 and ntermediate stages of visual processing.

Overview of central visual processing in the cortex of mammals and high brain structures in invertebrates/insects.

Parallel pathways for motion vision, depth perception, color vision and polarized light vision - Part 1.

Parallel pathways for motion vision, depth perception, color vision and polarized light vision - Part2.

Parallel pathways for motion vision, depth perception, color vision and polarized light vision - Part 3.

Internal states, attention, feedback mechanisms, Part 1.

Internal states, attention, feedback mechanisms, Part 2.

Internal states, attention, feedback mechanisms, Part 3.

Course summary and expectations for final knowledge assessment.