Cognitive ScienceOn this page: Introduction | Programs | See also: Faculty Members | Course Descriptions | Course Winter Timetable | Introduction |
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Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of intelligence in humans and machines. It encompasses work done in computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology. Drawing on the concepts, theories, and methodologies of these disciplines, cognitive scientists seek an understanding of such mental phenomena as perception, language, learning, and reasoning in information-processing terms, and they aim to integrate this understanding with a neurophysiological account of how the human brain implements these information-processing phenomena. With its origins in the mid-20th century birth of computers and subsequent computationalist revolution in linguistics and psychology, as well as a now decades-long history of discovery, cognitive science is one of the most exciting areas of contemporary research into the nature of mind. Since cognitive science is an interdisciplinary field, cognitive science programs appeal to many different students. Those pursuing studies in computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology who wish to explore connections between these areas and broader questions about human and machine intelligence will all find a natural home in Cognitive Science. The revised program aims to appeal to such students by offering an academically rigorous curriculum comprising a blend of intelligence-related courses in Computer Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology, as well as special intelligence-dedicated Cognitive Science courses (COG250Y1 Introduction to Cognitive Science and COG401H/402H Cognitive Science Seminar). But precisely because the students drawn to cognitive science have such diverse academic interests and backgrounds, the revised program offers students a choice of course stream after the second year. The arts major has a “Perception and Attention” stream, a “Language and Cognition” stream, and a “Thinking and Reasoning” stream; the science major has a “Computational Cognition” stream and a “Cognition and the Brain” stream. Thus, the new Cognitive Science program will equip all participating students, regardless of background, with the knowledge and skills necessary for an understanding of cognitive science while also allowing them freedom to tailor their course selection to meet their own intellectual and career interests. Cognitive Science ProgramsCognitive Science (Arts Program)Major Program (8 FCE) Where noted below, please consult the Faculty of Arts & Science Course Calendar on prerequisites. First Year: Second Year: Second Year and Higher:
Fourth Year: COG401H Cognitive Science (Science Program) Major Program (8 FCE) Note that some Computer Science courses included below under Streams 1 and 2 have unlisted co- or prerequisites. Please consult the Faculty of Arts and Science Course Calendar. Those interested in the Science Major are advised to consider also registering for a Computer Science Artificial Intelligence Specialist (for Stream 1) or a Human Biology Neuroscience Specialist or Major (for Stream 2). First Year: Second Year: Second Year and Higher:
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