Dr. Ronald Rensink

Associate Professor

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Biography

Ronald Rensink is an Associate Professor Emeritus in the Department of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia. He received a B.Sc. in Honours Physics from the University of Waterloo in 1979, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics from the University of British Columbia in 1982, an M.Sc. in Computer Science (1986), and a Ph.D. in Computer Science (1992) from the same institution. Rensink also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Psychology at Harvard University (1992-1994). His research interests encompass the fields of visual cognition, visual attention, and machine vision systems. Rensink has contributed to the understanding of attention in visual perception, specifically how it influences the design of visual displays and interfaces. His studies often involve exploring why certain visual changes go unnoticed by observers, addressing the phenomenon of 'change blindness' which can lead to significant real-world consequences such as traffic accidents. He has worked at Cambridge Basic Research and has published extensively on related topics. Rensink is dedicated to applying his findings to improve design and technology in ways that leverage human cognitive capabilities.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

Engaged in teaching and research in Computer Science with a focus on visual cognition and attention.

Research Scientist

— Present

Cambridge Basic Research •

Conducted research exploring visual perception and attention-related phenomena.

Postdoctoral Fellow

— Present

Harvard University •

Studied psychological aspects of visual cognition.

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.