I am delighted to begin a new strand of research in my art practice this evening. I have been accepted onto a new University of Galway Micro - Credential course entitled “Scientific Arts: Studying How the Brain Perceives the World Through Creative Practice”. This course will combine Art Practice with Psychology two of my major interests. I am excited to meet the other students and to see where this course takes us.

Micro-Credentials are relatively new endeavours in the academic sphere. They are structured to provide people with an opportunity to pursue short-term, flexible, accredited courses so that they may have an introduction to a new field of expertise, to extend upon a previous area of learning, or to bridge two fields/professions. I enjoy this ethos as I have always found it useful to have more than one lens with which to look at the world.

Here is more about the course from the organizers:
”Scientific Arts is an interdisciplinary module in which learners will learn how the brain perceives the world through the senses and builds predictive models of our environments, how this shapes our actions and interactions with objects and other agents. Learners and illustrate their learning through creative practices, including artistic and technological media. Learners will participate in lectures, seminars, and arts and creative technology workshops.

What you'll learn:
How the brain works, the cognitive science of perception, and how this influences how we interact with the world. You will be able to research a theme within this topic and express that learning through newly acquired artistic and technological skills.Completing this project will demonstrate the ability to manage their time, orally communicate their knowledge, and exhibit their work.”

For more about this Micro-Credential click here.
For more about the Micro-Credentials available in Ireland click here.