Cognitive Science

Overview

Cognitive Science is the science of the mind. Drawing on the fields of philosophy, psychology, neurobiology, mathematics, computer science, and linguistics, Cognitive Science studies the nature of consciousness, the interaction of mind and matter, and the relationship between thought and language. Cognitive Science addresses long-standing questions about the nature of thought, intelligence, perception, memory, emotion, and other aspects of our mental life by employing the methodologies of the contributing disciplines mentioned above, including philosophical reflection and argument, experimental psychology, the modeling of intelligence with machines, and the investigation of the biological basis of cognition.

Requirements

Major

To major in Cognitive Science, students take total of at least 48 units. Along with six required courses, students select at least one course each from the approved list of courses in Computation, Linguistics and Philosophy. Electives can be any course with a COGS designation, can be drawn from the approved lists of courses in Computation, Linguistics and Philosophy, or selected from the additional electives list.

Required Courses

Computation

Students must select one course from the list below:

Linguistics

Students must select one course from the list below:

Philosophy

Students must select one course from the list below:

Additional Electives

Electives can be any course with a COGS designation, can be drawn from the approved lists of courses in Computation, Linguistics, and Philosophy, or can be selected from the additional electives list. A maximum of 4 units can be applied to the major from COGS 193, COGS 293, COGS 395, and COGS 495. All students are also encouraged to take statistics and computer science coursework.

Honors in the Major

Honors in Cognitive Science may be awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate excellence in their course work and distinction in their senior comprehensive project. To be eligible, students must have a 3.5 grade point average in the major and a 3.25 overall grade point average. In addition, the comprehensive project or thesis must be judged as a "pass with distinction."

Minor

A total of 24 units. Students must take COGS 101, and 20 additional units of courses any of which can come from the list of required courses, the approved lists of courses in Linguistics and Philosophy, or have a COGS designation. One of these can be a course selected from the additional electives list. A maximum of 4 units of research may be applied to the minor.

Second-Stage Writing

Students fulfill the second-stage writing requirement by earning at least a B- in COGS 201: Empirical Methods in Cognitive Science. Note that this course is typically only offered in the Fall semester, and we strongly recommend students plan ahead to avoid potential conflicts with study abroad. Students who do not successfully complete COGS 201 with a grade of B- or better will be required to submit a writing portfolio to the Department Chair no later than the midterm of the following semester. This portfolio will be prepared in consultation with the COGS 201 instructor.

Comprehensive Requirement

In the senior year the student carries out a project or writes a thesis on a topic in Cognitive Science related to their prior coursework. The project or thesis is coordinated with the work of the Cognitive Science Senior Seminar. All majors take the Senior Seminar in the fall semester of the senior year. It is highly recommended that all students complete COGS 201 prior to their senior year.

Transfer Credit Policies

The Cognitive Science Department may accept online courses for major, minor, and general elective credit. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for more details.