Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 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 patient's 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

Together with OPB351, this unit aims to provide students with a clear understanding of the basic concepts involved in, and a working knowledge of 'normal' parameters, with respect to the psychophysical aspects of the eye and vision.

Objectives

1. To develop an understanding of the basic concepts underpinning the psychophysical principles of vision.
2. To develop the skills to assess ocular function and interpret and analyse resulting data collected.
3. To begin to develop important generic skills such as information retrieval and critical analysis, document writing and verbal presentation.

Content

Visual performance is examined with respect to its spatial and temporal characteristics, perceptual aspects of vision as well as binocular and colour vision performance characteristics.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

There will be a 2 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 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: Practicals
Description: The assessment will include writing a report and presenting a tutorial on one practical exercise and completing answers to questions about each practical. Practical quizzes based on the theoretical and practical material covered during the practical classes will also be held during the practical classes and will include multiple choice and short answer questions.
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: One (1) hour mid semester theory paper
Relates to objectives: 1,2
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: All items of assessment must be satisfactorily completed in order to achieve the learning outcomes of this unit.
Relates to objectives: 1,2
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central exam period

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

Resource Materials

No. 1
1. Goldstein EB. (1996). Sensation and Perception. Brooks/Cole.

No: 2
2. Hart WA. (1992). Adler's Physiology of the Eye (9th ed.). Mosby Year Book.

No: 3
3. Schwartz SH. (2004). Visual perception: a clinical orientation (3rd ed.). Appleton and Lange.

No: 4
4. Birch J. (2001). Diagnosis of defective colour vision (2nd ed.). 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: 16-Oct-2012