Please note:
To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Cognitive Science Major
Cognitive science is the study of the mind and its processes, including consciousness, language, learning, information processing, and decision making. At SFU this study is explored at the intersection of Linguistics, Psychology, Computing Science, and Philosophy. Through a variety of scientific and philosophical approaches, this interdisciplinary approach seeks a broader and deeper understanding of cognition.
Students in our program customize their individual programs within a set of required and recommended courses according to their developing interests. Faculty associated with our program and the Cognitive Science community at SFU contribute individually and collaboratively to a wide range of research areas.
Declaration Requirements
To be declared into the program, students must complete:
This course provides a basic integrative overview of how cognitive science aspires to integrate the empirical findings, theories, and methods of psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computing science and philosophy. Prerequisite: Open to all students. Students with credit for COGS 200 may not take COGS 100 for further credit. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
B900 |
Margaret Grant |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D100 |
Zara Anwarzai |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D200 |
Shawn Tan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Program Requirements
Within the minimum 120 units needed for the BA, students complete the required courses in the sections below.
Lower Division Requirements
Students complete all of
An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language, e.g. Python. The students will be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode; data types and control structures; fundamental algorithms; recursion; reading and writing files; measuring performance of algorithms; debugging tools; basic terminal navigation using shell commands. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 or equivalent is recommended. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 128, 130 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129, 130 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Diana Cukierman |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D200 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
D201 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D202 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D203 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D204 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D205 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D206 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D207 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D208 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
This course provides a basic integrative overview of how cognitive science aspires to integrate the empirical findings, theories, and methods of psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computing science and philosophy. Prerequisite: Open to all students. Students with credit for COGS 200 may not take COGS 100 for further credit. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
B900 |
Margaret Grant |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D100 |
Zara Anwarzai |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D200 |
Shawn Tan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
An introduction to major empirical methods and theoretical frameworks for exploring the mind that examines some of the foundational debates that have fueled investigations over the past fifty years. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the course illustrates how a convergence of ideas from psychology, philosophy, linguistics, and computer science has led to deep explanations of a range of cognitive science topics. Prerequisite: COGS 100.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
John Alderete |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Explores how language works. Introduces students to the systematic nature of language by exploring the patterns of sounds, words, sentences and meanings in English and other languages. Develops problem-solving and critical thinking skills through hands-on training in pattern recognition and language data analysis. Open to all students. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
John Alderete |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
John Alderete |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
An introduction to some of the central problems of philosophy. Topics to be discussed include the different theories of reality; the nature and sources of knowledge, truth, evidence, and reason; the justification of belief and knowledge about the universe. These topics and problems will be considered as they arise in the context of issues such as: relativism versus absolutism; the existence of God; personal identity; the nature of the mind and its relation to the body; free will and determinism; the possibility of moral knowledge. Open to all students. Students with credit for PHIL 100 or PHIL 300 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Gregory Lauro |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D112 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D115 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D117 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D118 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D900 |
Lydia du Bois |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Acquaints the student with the major issues in contemporary psychology and considers the historical antecedents. Special attention is given to questions of methodology and research design in psychology. Topics in physiological psychology, perception, learning and motivation are considered. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Peter Leavitt |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D900 |
Peter Leavitt |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
and one of
Introduction to graph theory, trees, induction, automata theory, formal reasoning, modular arithmetic. Prerequisite: BC Math 12 (or equivalent), or any of MATH 100, 150, 151, 154, 157. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Brad Bart Amirhossein Mozafari Khameneh |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D200 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D201 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D202 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D203 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D204 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D205 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D206 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D207 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D208 |
Andrei Bulatov |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D300 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m. |
Surrey Surrey |
D301 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D302 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D303 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D304 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D305 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D306 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D307 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D308 |
Victor Cheung |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 5:30–6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
An introduction to the theory of deductive reasoning. We consider deductive arguments in philosophy, in everyday life, and in mathematical proofs, and discuss what distinguishes valid inferences from fallacies. The course will cover propositional logic and first-order logic. Open to all students. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Thomas Donaldson |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Students must additionally complete the courses listed in three of the four disciplines below (three to six units each depending on the discipline).
Linguistics
Develops skills in language analysis by focusing on reading and writing of linguistic argumentation. Explores the foundations of such argumentation in the core areas of linguistics. Students read and discuss primary literature in linguistics in order to understand how to formulate hypotheses and evaluate them. They also learn how to use writing to construct their own solutions to challenging linguistic problems. Prerequisite: LING 220. Writing/Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
A100 | TBD | ||
A200 | TBD | ||
A320 | TBD | ||
B100 |
Panayiotis Pappas |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
B101 |
Panayiotis Pappas |
TBD |
Philosophy
One of
A critical overview of recent accounts of the nature and scope of human knowledge and of justified or rational belief, and of philosophical issues that these accounts are intended to address. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 100, 100W, 120, 120W, 121, 144, 150, 151, 300, or COGS 100. Students who have taken PHIL 301 cannot take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Gregory Lauro |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Computing Science
Both of
A rigorous introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students who already have some background in computing science and programming. Intended for students who will major in computing science or a related program. Topics include: memory management; fundamental algorithms; formally analyzing the running time of algorithms; abstract data types and elementary data structures; object-oriented programming and software design; specification and program correctness; reading and writing files; debugging tools; shell commands. Prerequisite: CMPT 120 or CMPT 130, with a minimum grade of C-. Students with credit for CMPT 126, 129, 135 or CMPT 200 or higher may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D102 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D103 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D104 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D105 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D106 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D107 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D108 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D200 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D201 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D202 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D203 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D204 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D205 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D206 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D207 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D208 |
Janice Regan |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Introduction to a variety of practical and important data structures and methods for implementation and for experimental and analytical evaluation. Topics include: stacks, queues and lists; search trees; hash tables and algorithms; efficient sorting; object-oriented programming; time and space efficiency analysis; and experimental evaluation. Prerequisite: (MACM 101 and (CMPT 125, CMPT 129 or CMPT 135)) or (ENSC 251 and ENSC 252), all with a minimum grade of C-. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D101 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D102 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D103 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D104 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D105 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D106 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
D107 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D108 |
David Mitchell |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D200 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
D201 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D202 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D203 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D204 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 3:30–4:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D205 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D206 |
John Edgar |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
Psychology
An introduction to the procedures used in psychological research, and to the logic underlying them. Topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to research, the formulation of testable questions, the control of extraneous influences, the measurement of effects, and the drawing of valid conclusions from empirical evidence. Provides a background for senior psychology courses since it offers a basis for the critical evaluation and conduct of research. Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or 102. Students with credit for PSYC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Richard Hohn |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D101 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D105 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D106 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D107 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D108 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D109 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D110 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D111 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D112 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D113 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D114 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D900 |
Peter Leavitt |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
D901 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D902 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D903 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30–11:20 a.m.
|
Surrey |
|
D904 |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–3:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
and one of
Introduction to the study of cognitive and perceptual processes. Topics include memory, perception, attention, language, mental imagery, creativity, judgment and decision-making, and an introduction to cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, dyslexia, aphasia and attention-deficit disorder. Prerequisite: PSYC 100.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Tom Spalek |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Surveys the major areas in biological psychology. Topics include the basics of neuroanatomy and nerve cell function, the behavioural and physiological effects of drugs and hormones in the nervous system, evolutionary perspectives on the brain and behaviour, and the biopsychology of vision, the chemical senses, hearing, movement, biological rhythms, sex, and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 100. Recommended: BISC 101. Breadth-Science.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Evan Caldbick |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Upper Division Requirements
Students complete at least 33 upper division units, including:
An interdisciplinary exploration of recent work on some special topic in cognitive science (such as vision, reasoning, connectionism, etc.). Prerequisite: 60 credits.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Mark Blair |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Explores the topic of consciousness, often called "the last great mystery of science," focusing on current scientific theories and empirical investigations from philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Prerequisite: COGS 100 and 200 (or permission of the instructor).
A survey of formal methods used in philosophy, cognitive science, linguistics and related disciplines. Topics will include some of the following: prepositional logic, predicate logic, formal syntax, formal semantics, the probability calculus, decision theory, game theory and formal causal modeling. Prerequisite: One of: PHIL 110, 210, 310, 314, MACM 101, BUEC 232 or STAT 270. Students with credit for PHIL 315 may not take this course for further credit.
and at least 27 upper division units from the disciplines below, including at least one course from three of the four disciplines. (Note: COGS 310 or COGS 315 may be counted toward upper division units if the student takes both.)
Computing Science
A survey of modern approaches for artificial intelligence (AI). Provides an introduction to a variety of AI topics and prepares students for upper-level courses. Topics include: problem solving with search; adversarial game playing; probability and Bayesian networks; machine learning; and applications such as robotics, visual computing and natural language. Prerequisite: CMPT 225 and (MACM 101 or (ENSC 251 and ENSC 252)), all with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Hang Ma |
Jan 6 – Feb 28, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
Mar 1 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D200 |
Ahmadreza Nezami |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Fri, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
This course provides a comprehensive study of user interface design. Topics include: goals and principles of UI design (systems engineering and human factors), historical perspective, current paradigms (widget-based, mental model, graphic design, ergonomics, metaphor, constructivist/iterative approach, and visual languages) and their evaluation, existing tools and packages (dialogue models, event-based systems, prototyping), future paradigms, and the social impact of UI. Prerequisite: CMPT 225 and CMPT 263, both with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Parmit Kaur Chilana |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–3:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Multimedia systems design, multimedia hardware and software, issues in effectively representing, processing, and retrieving multimedia data such as text, graphics, sound and music, image and video. Prerequisite: CMPT 225 with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
E100 |
David Chou |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 4:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Various concepts and principles underlying the design and use of modern programming languages are considered in the context of procedural, object-oriented, functional and logic programming languages. Topics include data and control structuring constructs, facilities for modularity and data abstraction, polymorphism, syntax, and formal semantics. Prerequisite: CMPT 225 and (MACM 101 or (ENSC 251 and ENSC 252)), all with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Yuepeng Wang |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
This course considers modelling and programming techniques appropriate for symbolic data domains such as mathematical expressions, logical formulas, grammars and programming languages. Topics include recursive and functional programming style, grammar-based data abstraction, simplification and reduction transformations, conversions to canonical form, environment data structures and interpreters, metaprogramming, pattern matching and theorem proving. Prerequisite: CMPT 225 and (MACM 101 or (ENSC 251 and ENSC 252)), all with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Anders Miltner |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Formal and foundational issues dealing with the representation of knowledge in artificial intelligence systems are covered. Questions of semantics, incompleteness, non-monotonicity and others will be examined. As well, particular approaches, such as procedural or semantic network, may be discussed. Prerequisite: Completion of nine units in Computing Science upper division courses or, in exceptional cases, permission of the instructor.
Computational approaches to image and video understanding in relation to theories, the operation of the human visual system, and practical application areas such as robotics. Topics include image classification, object detection, image segmentation based mostly on deep neural network and to some extent classical techniques, and 3D reconstruction. Also covers state-of-the-art deep neural architectures for computer vision applications, such as metric learning, generative adversarial networks, and recurrent neural networks. Prerequisite: CMPT 361 and MATH 152, both with a minimum grade of C-.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Andrea Tagliasacchi |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
This course examines the theoretical and applied problems of constructing and modelling systems, which aim to extract and represent the meaning of natural language sentences or of whole discourses, but drawing on contributions from the fields of linguistics, cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence and computing science. Prerequisite: Completion of nine units in Computing Science upper division courses or, in exceptional cases, permission of the instructor.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Angel Chang |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, Wed, 3:30–4:50 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Intelligent Systems using modern constraint programming and heuristic search methods. A survey of this rapidly advancing technology as applied to scheduling, planning, design and configuration. An introduction to constraint programming, heuristic search, constructive (backtrack) search, iterative improvement (local) search, mixed-initiative systems and combinatorial optimization. Prerequisite: CMPT 225 with a minimum grade of C-.
Current topics in artificial intelligence depending on faculty and student interest.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
BLS1 |
Ghassan Hamarneh |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
D100 |
Angelica Lim |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 10:30–11:20 a.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D200 |
Nicholas Vincent |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
D300 |
Martin Ester |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–5:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 3:30–5:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
E300 |
Linyi Li |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 4:30–6:20 p.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 5:30–6:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Linguistics
Explores how language works in human cognition. Investigates how people produce and understand language (whether written, spoken or signed). Uses evidence from the production and comprehension of speech sounds, words, and sentences to introduce psychological and cognitive systems for human language. Prerequisite: LING 220.
An overview of theoretical principles in phonology. Prerequisite: LING 282W.
Introduces theories of sentence structure. Prerequisite: LING 282W.
Basic formal aspects of meaning (e.g. compositional semantics, truth conditional semantics and quantification in natural language) and how they are distinguished from pragmatic aspects of meaning. Prerequisite: LING 282W. Quantitative.
Introduction to the study of language acquisition from the point of view of linguistic structure. Prerequisite: LING 282W.
Formal systems and their relation to linguistic methods and theory. Topics include the mathematical properties of natural languages, and rigorously defined frameworks for linguistic analysis and their formal properties. Prerequisite: LING 322. Recommended: PHIL 210. Quantitative.
Explores language as a system of the human brain, including specific topics such as the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of language; language production, perception and processing; bilingualism, language learning and brain plasticity; and aphasia, dyslexia, deafness and sign languages. Prerequisite: 12 units of upper division linguistic courses.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
B100 |
Yue Wang |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
B101 |
Yue Wang |
TBD |
Investigation of a selected area of linguistic research. This course may be repeated once for credit if the topic is different. Prerequisite: Requirements will vary according to the topic offered.
Investigation of a selected area of linguistic research. This course may be repeated once for credit if the subject is different. Prerequisite: Requirements will vary according to the topic offered.
Philosophy
An exploration of philosophical issues concerning, e.g.: causation, time, modality, or the self; the realism/nominalism or realism/idealism debate; relativism; the concept of truth; naturalized epistemology; global epistemological skepticism or perhaps a 'local' form of skepticism such as skepticism about induction or about sensory belief. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PHIL 201 or 203.
An advanced introduction to the logical techniques and concepts required for the construction of proofs, including the fundamental principles of set theory and concepts such as set, relation, function, sequence, orderings and others. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 110, 210, 314, 315, or MACM 101; or a minimum of 12 units in MATH. Quantitative.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Nicolas Fillion |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
An examination of one or more topics such as: alethic modal logic, applied modal logic, classical metatheory, and non-classical logic. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: One of PHIL 110, 210, 310, 315, or MACM 101, or with the approval of the instructor or department.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Yuting Kino Zhao |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
A study of the nature of scientific enquiry, classificatory systems, laws and theories, the role of observation in science, the demarcation between science and non-science, causality, the status of theoretical constructs, and teleological explanation. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
An introduction to the major philosophic theories of language. Topics to be considered include the relationship between language and mind, language and the world, language and society. Students may repeat this course for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: Either one of: PHIL 201 or 203; or both of PHIL 100, 100W, or 300, and COGS 200.
A highly focused, advanced examination of a selection of topics in metaphysics or epistemology. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units. It is strongly recommended that students in PHIL 455W have taken prior courses in metaphysics and epistemology. Writing.
An advanced, in-depth seminar on a contemporary or historical philosophical topic. Required for all students in a philosophy major, philosophy honours, or joint major program. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 15 upper division PHIL units or permission from the instructor. Students not in a philosophy major, philosophy honours, or joint major program can take PHIL 467W only with special permission from the instructor. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Bruno Guindon |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Psychology
An introduction to the study of perceptual processes with an emphasis on seeing and hearing. Topics include the perception of features, objects, motion, depth, time, visual illusions, and individual differences in perceptual ability. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 221 (or 335).
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Tom Spalek |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Explores the leading theories and underlying neurobiology of learning and memory, with a focus on behavioural neuroscience and neuroimaging research. Connects experimental insights to the human experience and clinical disorders that affect memory. Prerequisite: PSYC 201W and PSYC 280.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
B100 |
Brianne Kent |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Survey the different aspects of paying attention. Topics include the effects of selective and divided attention on perceptual and cognitive function; the role of attention in human performance; attentional dysfunction and attention-deficit disorder; and the development of attentional capacity across the life span from newborns to the elderly. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 221.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Richard Wright |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines the ways in which hormones influence the nervous system, regulating essential behaviours such as eating, drinking, sex, parenting, sleep, emotional behaviour and cognitive processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 280.
Examines the neurophysiological bases of cognitive and perceptual phenomena such as memory, attention, language, thinking, imagery, vision, audition, and sensory processes. The study of human cognitive performance with measurement techniques such as ERP, PET, and MRI is also discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 201, 221, and 280.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
D100 |
Evan Caldbick |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A survey of how psychoactive drugs affect brain function to alter consciousness and behaviour. Topics will include cellular effects of drugs that affect the central nervous system and discussions of the psychological and social effects of those drug-induced changes in the brain. Research on drug abuse and addictions and means of treating them will be covered. Historical, social and legal aspects of non-medical drug use will be discussed, as will the use of medications for the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, dementias and other psychological disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 280.
Topics such as altruism, parental care, mate choice, sex differences in behaviour, aggression, dominance and territoriality are considered from an evolutionary perspective. The role of heredity and environment in the development of these behaviours is also discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 201W.
Behaviour and physiology are regulated by biological clocks, which function to synchronize the organism optimally with its environment. In this course we examine the adaptive role of clocks in animal behaviour, the neural and endocrine mechanisms of daily, monthly and yearly rhythms, and the relevance of clocks, rhythms and sleep to human performance and psychopathology. We will also consider the mechanisms and functions of sleep states. Prerequisite: PSYC 201 and 280.
* Students seeking to have these courses satisfy program requirements must seek approval from the Undergraduate Advisor based on the particular topic of the course.
Directed Studies Courses
Additional upper division electives to complete the minimum 45 upper division units requirement for the BA degree can include:
Independent readings in a selected field of cognitive science study culminating in a written report. To register, a student must (i) have prior written agreement from a Cognitive Science Program Faculty Member or Associate Member who will act as a research supervisor, and (ii) permission of the Director. Prerequisite: COGS 200, 60 units, and permission of the Director.
Directed study aimed at gaining knowledge and practical experience in designing, conducting, analyzing, and documenting cognitive science research. To register, a student must (i) have prior written agreement from a Cognitive Science Program Faculty Member or Associate Member who will act as a research supervisor; and (ii) permission of the Director. Prerequisite: COGS 200, 60 units, and permission of the Director.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Simon Fraser University
- at least 60 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division overall CGPA of at least 2.0, and program CGPA and upper division program CGPA of at least 2.0 on the course work used to satisfy the minimum program requirements. FASS departments may define additional GPA requirements for their respective programs.
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Simon Fraser University beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Simon Fraser University within the student's major subject; two courses (minimum three units each) |
|
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division; two courses (total six units or more) | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth |
Must be outside the student's major subject, and may be lower or upper division: Two courses (total six units or more) Social Sciences: B-Soc |
6 |
Additional Breadth |
Two courses (total six units or more) outside the student's major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements). Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |
Grade Requirements
In addition to the BA requirement that a student's cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division grade point average (UD GPA) be 2.0 or highter for graduation, cognitive science grade point averages (cognitive science GPA and cognitive science upper division GPA) are calculated based on all the courses selected to satisfy the graduation requirements for a major, minor or honours. Cognitive science program GPAs (COGS CGPA and COGS UD GPA) of 2.0 or higher are required for program continuation.
Residency Requirements and Transfer Credit
- At least half of the program's total units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
- At least two thirds of the program's total upper division units must be earned through Simon Fraser University study.
Elective Courses
In addition to the courses listed above, students should consult an academic advisor to plan the remaining required elective courses.
Languages Other Than English
Those contemplating graduate work are advised to acquire a reading knowledge of at least one language other than English.