We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Visual Perception and the Brain

Dale Purves

Learners will be introduced to the problems that vision faces, using perception as a guide. The course will consider how what we see is generated by the visual system, what the central problem for vision is, and what visual perception indicates about how the brain works. The evidence will be drawn from neuroscience, psychology, the history of vision science and what philosophy has contributed. Although the discussions will be informed by visual system anatomy and physiology, the focus is on perception. We see the physical world in a strange way, and goal is to understand why.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Background

Seeing Lightness, Darkness and Color

Seeing Space

Seeing Motion

Summing Up

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Excellent course for students and professionals in neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, and computer science

Helps students understand the complex mechanisms of human vision

Provides a balanced perspective on vision science and its history

Taught by renowned researchers in the field

Requires prior knowledge in natural science domains

Save this course

Save Visual Perception and the Brain to your list so you can find it easily later:

Save

Reviews summary

Introduction to visual perception

Learners say that this introductory course is a super straightforward and insightful option for anyone getting started in visual perception. Students praise the explanations and instructor but note that it may not be an appropriate fit for all.

The instructor provided excellent explanations.

"An excellent course, topic explained well."

The course is insightful and thought provoking.

"A very insightful course."

The course is an introductory course and is straightforward.

"Super straightforward."

"A perfect choice as an introductory course."

The course does not go into enough depth for everyone.

"I didn't continue the course because it wasn't what I thought it was going to be about."

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Visual Perception and the Brain. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Visual Perception and the Brain will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Art Director

Art Directors are responsible for the visual style and concepts of magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and websites. They oversee the work of other artists and designers to ensure that the final product meets the client's specifications. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide insight into the psychology of visual perception, which can be useful for Art Directors to create visually appealing and effective designs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director

Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. Visual Perception and the Brain can help build a foundation for the principles of visual perception and how the brain interprets visual information, both of which are vital to success for Graphic Designers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic designer

Photographer

Photographers take pictures for a variety of purposes, including commercial, artistic, and personal use. They use cameras to capture images of people, places, and things, and may also edit and process the images to create a desired effect. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Photographers with a deeper understanding of how the eye and brain work together to process visual information, which can help them to take more effective and visually appealing photographs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Photographer

Architect

Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. They must have a strong understanding of the principles of structural engineering, building materials, and visual design. Visual Perception and the Brain can help Architects to understand how people perceive and interact with buildings, which can help them to design buildings that are both functional and visually appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architect

UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of websites and applications. They must have a strong understanding of human-computer interaction and visual perception. Visual Perception and the Brain can help UX Designers to understand how people interact with digital products, which can help them to design products that are both easy to use and visually appealing.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Industrial Designer

Industrial Designers develop the concepts and designs for a wide range of products, including furniture, appliances, and vehicles. They must have a strong understanding of human factors, ergonomics, and visual perception. Visual Perception and the Brain can help Industrial Designers to understand how people interact with products, which can help them to design products that are both functional and user-friendly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Designer

Cognitive Psychologist

Cognitive Psychologists study the mental processes involved in perception, thinking, memory, and language. They use a variety of methods to investigate how the brain processes information and how people learn and remember. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Cognitive Psychologists with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Psychologist

Neuroscientist

Neuroscientists study the structure and function of the nervous system. They use a variety of techniques to investigate how the brain processes information, how it learns and remembers, and how it controls movement and behavior. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Neuroscientists with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuroscientist

Optometrist

Optometrists are eye doctors who examine, diagnose, and treat disorders of the visual system. They prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and may also perform surgery to correct vision problems. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Optometrists with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information and how to diagnose and treat vision problems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Optometrist

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. They perform surgery to correct vision problems and may also prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Ophthalmologists with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information and how to diagnose and treat eye disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ophthalmologist

Special Education Teacher

Special Education Teachers work with students who have disabilities. They provide specialized instruction and support to help students with disabilities learn and reach their full potential. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Special Education Teachers with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information and how to help students with visual impairments to learn and reach their full potential.

See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people to regain or improve their physical function after an injury or illness. They work with people of all ages who have a variety of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Physical Therapists with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information and how to help people with visual impairments to regain or improve their physical function.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation Counselors help people with disabilities to live as independently as possible. They provide counseling, support, and guidance to people with disabilities and their families. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Rehabilitation Counselors with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information and how to help people with visual impairments to live as independently as possible.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rehabilitation Counselor

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people to regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. They work with people of all ages who have a variety of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Occupational Therapists with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information and how to help people with visual impairments to regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. They work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Visual Perception and the Brain can provide Speech-Language Pathologists with a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms of visual perception, which can help them to better understand how the brain processes visual information and how to assess and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Reading list

We've selected 28 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Visual Perception and the Brain.

Privateers of the Americas