Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Optometrists assess the visual function of their patients as part of an eye examination. This enables them to characterise a patients' vision, determine whether ocular or systemic diseases are present, and make recommendations regarding prescription options. A working knowledge of visual science forms the basis for understanding these measurement processes and thus underpins the principles of optometric practice.

Aims

This unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of the optics of the eye and visual perception. At the end of this unit students should have a good understanding of the scientific principles that underpin vision and visual perception.

Objectives

1. To develop a clear understanding of the optics of the eye.

2. To develop an understanding of the basic concepts underpinning the psychophysical principles of vision.

3. To develop the skills to assess ocular function and interpret and analyse the resulting data collected.

4. To begin to develop important generic skills such as information retrieval and critical analysis, document writing and verbal presentation.

Content

The first half of the course covers the psychophysical principles of vision, with emphasis on how the visual system processes stimuli of different spatial, temporal and wavelength characteristics. Consideration will also be given to the behaviour of the visual system under different levels of light and dark adaptation. In the second half of the course, learning materials will cover the optics of the eye, including its basic design, the normal range of dimensions, methods of measurement, and retinal image quality. Emphasis is given to refractive errors and accommodation.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There will be a two hour lecture scheduled weekly and a three hour practical session scheduled throughout the semester. The practical program will provide students with experience of measurement techniques and phenomena discussed in lectures. Optional tutorials will be run as required.

Assessment

Formative Assessment
The unit coordinator will be available at all times when not teaching or conducting research, or via the telephone or e-mail to answer students' questions. The assignments will be returned to students within one month of the date of submission with feedback as required.

Assessment name: Prac report, tutorial, quizzes
Description: Practical Report, Tutorial, and Quizzes
You will be required to write a formal report describing an experiment conducted in a practical session. This report is to be in a scientific writing style and format. Short revision quizzes will be held during practical sessions to evaluate and provide feedback on your learning. These will include multiple choice and short answer questions. You will also present a tutorial as a group on one of the practical exercises. There is overlap and reinforcement of material covered in lectures and practicals
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Mid Semester Examination
Description: This is a written theory based examination designed to assess your individual understanding of concepts underpinning vision. This will include a range of question styles.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: End of Semester Examination
Description: This examination will use a range of question styles to assess individual knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles that support the function of vision.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Texts

Wood, J.M., & Atchison, D.A. Lecture manual - Visual Science 3. QUT publication (revised annually).

Rabbetts, R.B. (1998). Bennett and Rabbetts' Clinical Visual Optics (3rd ed.). London: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Schwartz, S. (2004). Visual Perception: a Clinical Orientation (3rd ed.). Appleton & Lange.

References

Hart, W. M. (2003). Adlers Physiology of the Eye: Clinical application (10th ed.). St Louis: Mosby Year Book.

Atchison, D.A., & Smith, G. (2000). Optics of the Human Eye. Oxford; Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Feb-2013