Requirements

1. Complete University requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree (51 units minimum).

2. Complete the prerequisites to the major (15 units).

3. Complete the major of 32 units, as approved by the major adviser.

The Major (32 units)

1. Required Courses (17 units).

2. Electives (15 units minimum).

Degree Minor

Requirements (18 units)

The Cognitive Studies Minor is designed to accommodate students who desire a breadth of exposure to exciting empirical and theoretical developments in the study of cognitive processing.

1. Required Courses (6 units).

2. Upper Division Electives (12 units minimum).

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1. Complete University requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree (51 units minimum).

2. Complete the following prerequisites to the major (15 units):

a. Cognitive Studies (6 units):

b. Background Issues (9 units):

3. Complete the major of 32 units, as approved by the major adviser.

The Major (32 units)

1. Required Courses (17 units):

2. Electives (15 units minimum):

a. Cognitive Science (3 units minimum):

b. Consciousness and Creativity (3 units minimum):

c. Language and Meaning (3 units minimum):

Degree Minor

Requirements (18 units)

The Cognitive Studies Minor is designed to accommodate students who desire a breadth of exposure to exciting empirical and theoretical developments in the study of cognitive processing.

1. Required Courses (6 units):

2. Upper Division Electives (12 units minimum):

a. Cognitive Science (3 units minimum):

b. Consciousness and Creativity (3 units minimum):

c. Language and Meaning (3 units minimum):

Course Descriptions

Lower Division

COGS 2100 Introduction to Cognitive Studies (3 units). Introduction to issues and methods relevant to the study of natural and artificial cognitive processes. Includes a survey of key developments fueling the Cognitive Revolution along with the major models influencing research on artificial intelligence, nonlinear dynamics (chaos theory), the brain/mind relationship, and their applications to human behavior and information processing.(go top)

COGS 2300 Cognitive Simulations (3 units). Introduction to empirical modeling of natural and artificial cognitive processing, utilizing simulation of such systems as Turing machines, neural networks, nonlinear systems and parallel processing modes of problem solving. Analysis of the theories and assumptions of artificial intelligence research. Applications of new computer technologies designed to replicate natural cognitive processing techniques.(go top)

Upper Division

COGS 3100 Communication Networks (3 units). (Same as CS 3000) The emergence of telecommunications networks is creating new environments for human interactions that are rapidly altering occupational and social dynamics. This course introduces students to the diversity of network technologies and provides them with sufficient hands-on skills to work in this field. Topics include resource sharing, resource access, and communication. Co-requisite: COGS 3102. (go top)

COGS 3150 Nonlinear Systems and Chaos (4 units). This course deals with the quantitative methods needed for work with nonlinear systems from many fields. Together with its laboratory, the course provides experience with phase space maps, Poincare sections, basins of attraction, and strange attractors, and with fractals and fractal dimensionality. It emphasizes systems best described by discrete mathematics. Prerequisite: COGS 2300 or consent of instructor.(go top)

COGS 3200 Human Factors (3 units). The human/machine interface provides the domain for human factors research and applications. The interaction between individual cognitive abilities and machines is a critical concern in the design and development of new technologies. This course provides the basic skills needed to optimize human performance.(go top)

COGS 3300 Cognition and Verbal Behavior (3 units). Cognitive factors affecting the development and complexity of verbal behaviors are examined within the context of brain function and language environments. Prerequisite: COGS 2100 and 2300.(go top)

COGS 4100 Philosophical Aspects of Cognitive Science (3 units). Intensive examination of the conceptual foundations of Cognitive Science, with an emphasis on the philosophical aspects of current theoretical issues. Analysis will focus on behaviorism and functionalism as models for understanding human cognition. Constructive criticism of the representational model of mind; discussion of the significance of recent developments in neuroscience, and of the connectionist movement in artificial intelligence. Prerequisite: COGS 2100 or consent of instructor.(go top)

COGS 4200 Colloquium on Science, Technology, and Human Values (3 units). This seminar explores the impact of science and technology on human behavior and values. Students will study the origins and principles of human valuation, the cross-cultural and individual differences in human values, how science and technology have influenced and altered human values in the past, and how current developments pose new challenges to humanity. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.(go top)

COGS 4680 Neural Nets and Intelligent Machines (4 units). This course with its associated laboratory deals with the current designs of cognitive machines that exploit the kind of adaptive parallel processing and self-organizing networks used by brains for learning, memory, visual imaging, and pattern recognition. The laboratory will emphasize the exploration of cognitive models using computer simulation. Prerequisite: COGS 2300 or consent of instructor.(go top)

COGS 4700 Intelligence (3 units). The origins and assessment of intelligence and its role in cognitive functions are examined within the psychometric and neuroscientific frameworks.(go top)

COGS 4950 Selected Topics in Cognitive Studies (1-5 units). Development of a selected branch of cognitive studies. Topics vary each term, thus different topics may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.(go top)

COGS 4960 Seminar in Cognitive Science (3 units). Seminar will focus on current developments in the neurosciences and cognitive psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.(go top)

COGS 4965 Senior Project (1-4 units). A senior project developed in an area of Cognitive Studies under the direction of a specific faculty member. Can be taken for a maximum of 6 units total, 3 of which may count toward the major. Prerequisites: Senior standing, consent of instructor.(go top)