Neural Information Processing

Modules Master

Course title:
Colour Vision & Material Perception

Module number  MKOGW22

Type of Module Elective (Wahlpflicht)

Credits allocated  3 LP
Workload  90 h

Contact time  30 h / 2 SWS
Self-study  60 h

Course length
1 semester

Frequency of course
Triennially in the summer term; currently scheduled for 2026 and 2029

Language 
English

Limited number of participants 
20 (limited to allow discussion)

Type of Course  Seminar

Exam & Grading
Average (50/50) of the grade for the presentation and the accompanying hand-out

Objectives:
Colour and material perception: From sensation to meaning in visual perception.
The course is particularly suitable for students with an interest in both early visual processes—the spectral composition of light, wavelength encoding, colour matching, trichromacy—but also what is termed mid-level vision, the transition from "sensation" to "meaning": Colour appearance, colour constancy and the perception of material properties.
Learning Targets:
Participants learn about the encoding of different wavelengths in the visual system and how the mind creates colour from this activity. Furthermore they get to know state-of-the-art theories of colour appearance and material perception. The course should enable them to see and critically evaluate connections between experimental data and computational theories and models of colour vision and material perception.

Allowable for

  •    Kognitionswissenschaft - Master, Studienbereich Wahlpflcihtmodule Natürliche Kognition
  •    Informatik - Master
  •    Bioinformatik - Master
  •    Medieninformatik - Master
  •    Medizininformatik - Master

Prerequisites  Basic knowledge in mathematics and statistics is required; basic knowledge of the fundamentals of visual perception is helpful.

Course Co-ordinator  Prof. Felix Wichmann, DPhil

Suggested reading  Literature will be announced at the beginning of the lecture course and seminar series.