How do we construct a description of physical reality based on sensory information?  We survey basic facts, theories, and methods of studying perception and cognition. The course will cover theories and models for inperpteting sensation, perception and concepts formation within the limited attentional and memory capacity. The course mainly focuses on visual perception and visual development. However, main discoveries done in the context of other other cognitive functions will be covered.  Representative topics include the physiology of the eye and the brain, research methods, features detection and integration, reading and face recognition, depth and motion perception, object recognition deficits, language and memory development