Cognitive Science is the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence, embracing psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, anthropology, computer science, and engineering. The study of the mind is exciting for theoretical reasons, since the attempt to investigate the nature of thinking is as challenging as anything attempted by science.
It is also exciting for practical reasons, since knowing how the mind works is important for improving education, treating mental illness, improving design of computers and other artifacts, and developing expert systems. The study of the mind is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring the diverse insights and methodologies of psychologists, philosophers, computer scientists, linguists, neuroscientists, anthropologists, and other thinkers. The University of Waterloo Cognitive Science Option invites students to join these investigations.
Admission
Applications may be submitted to the Director at any time, and should include a transcript of grades and a brief (one page) statement of the student's interest in cognitive science. Students applying should have at least a 70% average, and should have taken at least one of the required courses.
Requirements
The Cognitive Science Option gives three- and four-year general and honours students in traditional disciplines an opportunity to pursue the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence. To receive the Cognitive Science Option designation on the graduation diploma, students must successfully complete 3.5 academic course units (seven courses), with a minimum cumulative average of 70%, including:
- Required courses (four):
- PHIL/PSYCH 256 Introduction to Cognitive Science
- PSYCH 207 Cognitive Processes
- One of:
ENGL 306A Introduction to Linguistics
FR 303 Introduction to Linguistics - One of:
CS 486 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
ECE 457 Applied Artificial Intelligence
PHIL 446/PSYCH 446 Cognitive Modelling
SYDE 422 Machine Intelligence
- Elective courses (three):
- three electives to be chosen, with no more than two in the same discipline, from:
CS 488 Introduction to Computer Graphics
ECE 486 Robot Dynamics and Control
ENGL 309A Rhetoric: Principles and Practice 1
PHIL 255 Philosophy of Mind
PHIL 363 Philosophy of Language
PSYCH 261 Physiological Psychology
PSYCH 304 Thinking and Deciding
PSYCH 306 Perception
PSYCH 307 Human Neuropsychology
PSYCH 314 Cognitive Development
SYDE 348 User Centred Design Methods
SYDE 543 Cognitive Ergonomics
SYDE 558 Fuzzy Logic and Neural Networks
Relevant advanced seminars and topics courses in the participating departments, approved by the Director of the Cognitive Science Advisory Board or the Philosophy Department Undergraduate Officer.
Note
Course selection must be approved by the Director of the Cognitive Science Option or by the Philosophy Department Undergraduate Officer.
Further Information
For further information, please go to the Cognitive Science website: www.arts.uwaterloo.ca/InterDis/cogsci/index.htm.