College Schools, Departments & Programs

Cognitive Science

Course Descriptions
  • COGS-Q 101 Introduction to Cognitive Science (3 cr.) Introduction to the study of the human mind and intelligent systems using an integrative approach. Explores the nature of intelligence through simulations, robots, human experiments and philosophical inquiry. Topics include perception, consciousness, mental representations, and models of cognition and brain anatomy as each relates to cognition. Provides an overview for those students considering a major in Cognitive Science or a related field.
  • COGS-Q 240 Philosophical Foundations of the Cognitive and Information Sciences (4 cr.) Foundational introduction to the cognitive and information sciences. The primary themes are: (1) causal issues such as functional and computational architecture (e.g., modularity, effectiveness, and implementation, analog/digital), neuroscience, and embodied dynamics; and (2) semantic issues such as meaning, representation, content, and information flow. The role of both themes in logic, perception, computation, cognition, and consciousness. Throughout, an emphasis on writing, analysis, and exposition.
  • COGS-Q 260 Programming for the Cognitive and Information Sciences (2 cr.) P: Mastery of two years of high school algebra or the equivalent. Students will learn to write simple computer programs. Programming assignments will focus on the implementation of an important class of models from cognitive science, such as neural networks or production systems.
  • COGS-Q 301 Brain and Cognition (3 cr.) R: PSY P101. An introduction to the neural mechanisms underlying complex cognition, and a survey of topics in neuroscience related to cognition. The course provides a solid background in human biopsychology. If Q301 is not offered in a given year, PSY P423 Human Neuropsychology may be substituted for this course.
  • COGS-Q 320 Computation in the Cognitive and Information Sciences (2 cr.) P: COGS Q260 or CSCI C211 with a grade of B or higher. Students will develop their computer programming skills and learn to write programs that simulate cognitive processes and run experiments with human subjects. The relation between computation and intelligence and a selection of approaches from artificial intelligence will be explored.
  • COGS-Q 330 Perception/Action (3 cr.) P: PSY-P 101 or P 155. Roboticists know that actions like catching a fly ball are exceedingly complex, yet people perform them effortlessly. How perceptual information is generated by and used in guiding such actions is covered, as are issues of motor coordination and control. Classes include laboratories on analysis of optic flow and limb movements. Credit given for only one of COGS-Q 330 or PSY-P 330.
  • COGS-Q 350 Mathematics and Logic for the Cognitive and Information Sciences (4 cr.) P: Mastery of two years of high school algebra or the equivalent. An introduction to the suite of mathematical and logical tools used in the cognitive and information sciences, including finite mathematics, automata and computability theory, elementary probability, and statistics, together with short introductions to formal semantics and dynamical systems. Credit given for only one of COGS Q350 or Q250.
  • COGS-Q 351 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Computer Simulation (3 cr.) P: CSCI C211 or consent of instructor. A survey of techniques for machine intelligence and their relation to human intelligence. Topics include modeling techniques, neural networks and parallel processing systems, problem-solving methods, knowledge representation, expert systems, vision, heuristics, production systems, speech perception, and natural language understanding. Students who have completed both C463 and C464 are exempted from taking this course. Credit not given for both COGS Q351 and CSCI B351.
  • COGS-Q 355 Neural Networks and the Brain (3 cr.) P: CSCI-C 211 or COGS-Q 260 with a grade of B or higher, and COGS Q350 or COGS Q351/CSCI B351; or consent of instructor. An overview of common neural networks, especially deep learning. Practical computer programming exercises, mainly in Python, provide training in how to implement neural networks to solve real-world problems. Students will be able to implement practical neural network solutions and evaluate their suitability as models of the brain and cognition.
  • COGS-Q 360 Autonomous Robotics (3 cr.) P: Two semesters of computer programming or consent of instructor. Introduction to the design, construction, and control of autonomous mobile robots. Includes basic mechanics, electronics, and programming for robotics, as well as the applications of robots in cognitive science. Credit given for only one of Q360 or CSCI B355.
  • COGS-Q 370 Experiments and Models in Cognition (4 cr.) P: Mastery of two years of high school algebra or the equivalent. R: PSY K300 or equivalent familiarity with statistics. This course develops tools for studying mind and intelligence, including experimental techniques, and mathematical and computational models of human behavior. Topics include neural structures for cognition, attention, perception, memory, problem solving, judgment, decision making, and consciousness. Students will design and analyze laboratory experiments and apply formal models to the results. Credit given for only one of COGS Q370 or Q270.
  • COGS-X 373 Internship in Professional Practice (1-6 cr.) P: Sophomore standing or 15 credit hours completed in cognitive science major or minor, and approval by the Cognitive Science Program. Professional work experience in an industry or research organization setting, using skills/knowledge acquired in cognitive science coursework. Requires learning contract. Evaluation by site supervisor and Cognitive Science Program. Does not count toward major or minor requirements; elective credit only. S/F grading. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in X373 and Q496.
  • COGS-Q 400 Senior Seminar in Cognitive and Information Sciences (2 cr.) P: Four courses from Q240, Q260, Q320; Q350 or Q250; Q370 or Q270. This course is intended for students who have completed or nearly completed their cognitive science coursework. Students will apply previously acquired analytic, computational, mathematical, and experimental skills to independent research projects. Discussion and research topics may include consciousness, representation, artificial life, modularity, neural networks, functionalism and embodiment, dynamical systems, learning and innateness, human-computer interaction, cognitive neuroscience, robotics, and adaptive systems.
  • COGS-Q 450 Topics in the Cognitive and Information Sciences (3 cr.) In-depth special topics not ordinarily covered in other departmental courses. Topics vary with instructor and semester. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  • COGS-X 490 Readings in the Cognitive and Information Sciences (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Tutorial study in specialized topics of the cognitive and information sciences. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in X490 and Q498.
  • COGS-X 497 Research in the Cognitive and Information Sciences (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Active participation in research under faculty supervision. May be repeated for credit.
  • COGS-X 498 Project in the Cognitive and Information Sciences (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Students will conduct a research project in the cognitive and information sciences by designing, conducting, and analyzing an independent experiment; by developing and testing a computer simulation of some aspect of cognition; or by otherwise engaging in a program of original research. Projects must be approved in advance and supervised by the instructor. May be repeated for credit.
  • COGS-Q 499 Honors Research Project in the Cognitive and Information Sciences (3 cr.) P: An Honors Committee approved by the Cognitive Science Program. Methods of research in cognitive science are analyzed. Students present their projects for discussion and analysis. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours.