Cognitive Science Courses

COGS 100 - Exploring the Mind (3)

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.

COGS 110 - Learning in Everyday Life: The Art and Science of Hacking your Brain (3)

An introduction to learning and decision-making in everyday life. Projects in this course piggyback on each student's other coursework or outside interests and so are directly relevant to their personal circumstances. This course gives students the knowledge necessary to make any learning situation easier and more fun. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.

COGS 200 - Foundations in Cognitive Science (3)

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.

COGS 300 - Selected Topics in Cognitive Science (3)

An interdisciplinary exploration of recent work on some special topic in cognitive science (such as vision, reasoning, connectionism, etc.). Prerequisite: 60 credits.

COGS 310 - Consciousness (3)

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).

COGS 315 - Formal Methods (3)

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.

COGS 350 - Directed Readings (3)

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.

COGS 380 - Directed Research (3)

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.

COGS 490 - Honours Project I (5)

An in-depth investigation of a topic in Cognitive Science culminating in a critical literature review and the formulation of a research proposal. Prerequisite: Approval of cognitive science steering committee after completion of at least 7 upper division courses within the Cognitive Science Honours program requirements.

COGS 491 - Honours Project II (5)

The research proposed in COGS 490 is executed, culminating in the completion of a substantive piece of research. Prerequisite: Approval of Cognitive Science steering committee either when student has completed COGS 490 or when student is taking COGS 490.