This course will cover a broad range of topics related to the perception of time. Fundamental facts of time perception will be considered in both human and non-human species, as well as comparative approaches between species. Major theories of time perception will be explored, as well as the relationship between time, space, number, and order. Finally, the course will cover the current state of knowledge of the biological basis of time perception, drawing on results from drug and lesion studies, studies of body temperature effects on timing, and timing deficits in disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
The course will be ran as a seminar, with a combination of lecture and discussion time. In addition to covering the basic material, the student should also gain some experience in critically evaluating research and theory.
On completing the module a student will be able to:
- Compare the basic features of time perception in human and non-human species
- Evaluate the major theories of time perception
- Assess the contribution of timing processes to human and animal behaviour
- Appraise the role of neural processes in different aspects of the perception of time
Advanced modules normally have 7 Seminars, one in each of weeks 2...8.
Seminars are timetabled as two-hour sessions, and may
incorporate demonstrations, problems sessions and breaks, as
appropriate.
Details of seminar topics and reading for each seminar are given
below.
- Introduction
- Timing and classical conditioning
- Fundamentals of animal time perception
- Time perception in humans
- Timing theories
- Time, space, number, and order
- Biological basis of time perception
There will be an examination review seminar held on Friday of week 9 from 9.15-11.15. Attendance is optional.
Assessment for this advanced modules will be
based on a single 3-hour examination held in Week 10. The
examination paper is divided into sections, with one section
for each module. You will be required to answer questions
from two sections (corresponding to the two modules they
have taken). Each section contains five questions from
which you must answer two. You should spend no more than 90
minutes on each section.
A sample examination paper will
be available during Week 1.
In addition, you will be expected to write at least one
essay during the course of this module, although the mark
for this essay will not contribute to your final module
mark.
Assessment Details
There is a comprehensive reading list which contains all
references for the module.
Specific references may also be found in the individual Seminar pages
Notes
Unfortunately, there are no current text books on time perception. The most recent is by Richelle & Lejeune (1980). This will serve as a source of background reading, along with selected chapters from texts on animal cognition, listed below.
Because of limited enrollment, the readings will not be on reserve. Many of the readings are in journals or books that the library already has in stock. Copies of all of the readings are available in a two-volume box set in the UG reading room. Please do not remove articles from the department. You are welcome to read the papers in the reading room or borrow them to photocopy in the department.
MANY OF THE KEY READINGS CONTAIN A FAIR BIT OF QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS. YOU WILL ONLY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING A LIMITED AMOUNT ABOUT THE MATHS IN THESE PAPERS. UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE, SKIP OVER THE MATHS AND EXTRACT THE GENERAL POINTS.
Key Reading
RICHELLE, M., & LEJEUNE, H. (1980). Time in Animal Behavior.
PEARCE, J. M. (1997). Animal Learning and Cognition.
SHETTLEWORTH, S. J. (1998). Cognition, Evolution, and Behavior.
Miscellaneous Information.
I hold weekly office hours on Tuesday 9.00-10.30 and Friday 11.30-1.00. Students are welcome to pop in and see me during these hours if they wish to discuss any aspects of the course.
The Perception of Time