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 Minor 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
Students enrolled in any degree program may pursue a minor designation in Cognitive Science. This Minor will be of particular interest to students who wish to pursue the interdisciplinary study of mind and intelligence.
The Cognitive Science Minor requires successful completion of a minimum of four academic course units (eight courses) with a minimum cumulative average of 65%, including:
- PHIL 256/PSYCH 256
- three of
- PHIL 447/PSYCH 447 (strongly recommended)
- four electives to be chosen, with no more than two in the same discipline, from:
- ANTH 260, 403
- CS 349, 484, 485
- COGSCI 600
- ECE 457B, 486
- ENGL 309A
- KIN 356
- PHIL 255, 363
- PSYCH 101, 304, 306, 307, 314, 320, 353
- SYDE 348, 372, 543, 558
- 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.
Notes:
- Course selection must be approved by the Director of the Cognitive Science Minor or by the Philosophy Department Undergraduate Officer.
- If students have taken more than the minimum number of required courses from the "three of" category, the extras may in some cases be counted as electives.
Further Information
For further information, please go to the Cognitive Science website.