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Student and tutor module reviews

Signals and perception: the science of the senses

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  • Points: 30
  • Code: SD329
  • Level: 3
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Student reviews

This was a really interesting module. It was tough though! There was a huge amount of fine detail to understand and I must admit, I had to rely on YouTube sometimes to get concepts straight in my head. I think this was probably the hardest module of my degree, but I really did enjoy it, and despite it being difficult I was delighted to get a distinction. So, it is possible!

If anyone has an interest in neuroscience and the senses, I can strongly recommend this module. Just be prepared for a lot of hard work!

Course starting: October 2021

Review posted: May 2023

I loved every bit of this module. The first two blocks introduced the nervous system in general and subsequent blocks covered each of the senses in turn. There is a lot of science (biology, chemistry and physics are all covered here) and a huge amount of detail to learn however the online support and guidance through the tutorials and forums was the best I've ever had with the OU. Throughout the module the tutors steered us towards considering the senses in terms of the overall themes of the module, comparing and contrasting how the senses worked and the key components and pathways of each sense.
I cannot praise this module or the teaching staff highly enough - if human science/health is your thing, this module is amazing.

Sally Green

Course starting: October 2019

Review posted: July 2020

The level of detail and complexity in this module was quite unexpected. As much as I anticipated in depth content on anatomy and physiology, I did not expect the neuro-science, which was part of the module materials and also included within the research papers that students were directed to read. Some content of the research papers does not make comfortable reading.
It was a bonus getting printed materials, that were also available online, as I like to make annotations alongside the text.
There were some very interesting video presentations and fact files that accompanied the module materials. I found that my tutor was very thorough in criticism and feedback on the tutor-marked assignments, which were helpful in reinforcing the learning.
There is a lot of material, far too much to re-read prior to the exam. This is a well structured and interesting module.

Daniel Hignett

Course starting: October 2018

Review posted: April 2020

Faculty response

Please note that this module no longer uses an examination as a method of assessment. This module is assessed through a series of assignments and an end-of-module assessment.

Please note

Each of the views expressed above is an individual's very particular response, largely unedited, and should be viewed with that in mind. Since modules are subject to regular updating, some of the issues identified may have already been addressed. In some instances the faculty may have provided a response to a comment. If you have a query about a particular module, please contact your Regional Centre.

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