Overview
For each of the senses, you’ll investigate how sensation begins with a stimulus that is converted into an electrical impulse; how that is transmitted to the brain; and how the brain combines these messages – to arrive at a ‘perception of the stimulus’. The module is designed to be accessible to students pursuing a wide variety of degree studies.
What you will study
The Signals And Perception - The Science Of The Senses module at The Open University UK explores the ways in which exciting ideas and findings at the forefront of biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology have transformed our understanding of how we experience the world through our senses. It provides an understanding of:
- the nature of the communication signals (e.g. light for vision, sound for hearing, molecules for taste and smell)
- primary transduction mechanisms that convert signals into electrical impulses
- the common nature of the transmission and processing of the resulting electrical signal within the nervous system
- sensory disorders and treatments.
Programme Structure
Modules
- Block 1: the human senses, concentrating on observations and experiences that raise questions about how the senses work.
Block 2: neuroscience, and in particular to the neuron, you’ll look at the way electrical impulses created by external signals of whatever kind are transmitted throughout the nervous system;
- Block 3 Somatosensation describes the somatic sensory system including how we sense and perceive touch, pain and our own body position and movement.
- Block 4 Hearing and balance. In this block you’ll explore the nature and properties of sound waves; the specialised anatomy and functioning of the ear; and how auditory perception arises, including for speech and music.
- Block 5 Vision. This block is exclusively dedicated to how we sense and perceive visual information.
- Block 6 The Chemical Senses. The related senses of smell and taste as well as the sense of flavour are the focus of this block.
Key information
Duration
- Part-time
- 8 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Chemistry Neuroscience View 11 other Short Courses in Neuroscience in United KingdomAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
General requirements
- The module should appeal to students from many backgrounds, and will be of particular interest if you enjoy interdisciplinary study. It is suitable if you are specialising in biology, chemistry, physics or psychology, or following a degree in health sciences.
- This is an OU level 3 module. OU level 3 modules build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from studies at OU levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject, preferably with The Open University.
Tuition Fee
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International
1868 GBP/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 1868 GBP for the full programme during 8 months. -
National
1868 GBP/fullTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 1868 GBP for the full programme during 8 months.