Cognitive Science

Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of the structures and functions of the human mind. Cognitive science investigates such topics as our sensory/perceptual apparatus, including vision, audition, olfaction; internal mental processes such as language, thinking, reasoning and problem solving; motor control and the organization of skilled behavior such as speech and musical performance; memory; consciousness; attention; and many other aspects of the human mind. Cognitive science requires a multi-disciplinary approach and includes such fields as psychology, biology, neuroscience, philosophy, anthropology, linguistics, sociology and computer science.

The cognitive science major is offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree only.

The Cognitive Science Major

Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the major must be no less than 2.00 with no course grade below C- (1.70).

12 units, including

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychological Science
PSYC 200 Methods and Analyses
PSYC 331 Neuroscience
PSYC 333 Cognitive Science
PSYC 341 Cognitive Neuroscience
Two additional foundation courses chosen from BIOL 201 Genetics MLC 350 Linguistics CMSC 101 Minds and Machines CMSC 150 Introduction to Computing or CMSC 155 Introduction to Scientific PHIL 370 Philosophy of Mind
One advanced senior-level course chosen from BIOL 391 Senior Seminar CMSC 395 Artificial Intelligence PHIL 380 Topics Seminar (subject to approval of cognitive science coordinator) PSYC 449 Advanced Seminar
Four electives chosen from ANTH 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology BIOL 343 Neurobiology BIOL 350 Independent Research CMSC 221 Data Structures CMSC 301 Computer Organizations CMSC 340 Independent Research PHIL 251 Symbolic Logic PHIL 390 Independent Research PSYC 361 Independent Research PSYC 449 Advanced Seminar

Students are expected to fulfill all prerequisites necessary for courses within the major. Prerequisites do not count toward the major unless otherwise noted.