Minor in Cognitive Science

The Minor in Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary investigation of mental functions and intelligent systems through the intersecting disciplines of philosophy, psychology, linguistics, biology, and Information Technology. It offers a primary specialization in one of the component disciplines and a secondary specialization in another one of the composite disciplines. It investigates key concepts and models regarding memory, decision-making, perception, action control, emotion and other mental functions and provides methods for studying both natural and artificial intelligence systems.

Program Objectives

• To provide students with knowledge of mental functions and intelligent systems, through the intersecting disciplines of philosophy, psychology, linguistics, biology, and Information Technology.
• To provide students with skills in conceptual analysis, logical argumentation, and written and verbal communication.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of some foundational concepts, theories, and methods necessary to the study of both natural and artificial intelligent systems.
• Apply key concepts and models to philosophical and scientific issues regarding the systems underlying learning, memory, decision-making, perception, action control, emotion, and other mental functions.
• Construct rational arguments to support conclusions regarding explanatory models about mental functions and intelligent systems.
• Critically appraise various conflicting perspectives and compare classical and current theories within and across the various disciplines that comprise cognitive science.
• Critically assess both quantitative and qualitative methodologies for acquiring data and developing models in the cognitive sciences.