Arts Academic Plans

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 artefacts, 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)
  • one of PSYCH 207, PSYCH 261
  • one of ENGL 306A, FR 303
  • one of COGSCI 300/PHIL 356; CS 486; ECE 457A; PSYCH 420; SYDE 522, SYDE 552, SYDE 556
• four electives to be chosen, with no more than two in the same discipline, from:
  • ANTH 204
  • BIOL 377
  • CS 349, CS 449, CS 484, CS 485 
  • ECE 457B, ECE 486
  • ENGL 309A, ENGL 392B, ENGL 409A
  • INTEG 220, INTEG 251
  • KIN 354, KIN 356
  • MSCI 343, MSCI 452
  • PHIL 255, PHIL 363
  • PSYCH 101, PSYCH 306, PSYCH 307, PSYCH 314, PSYCH 320, PSYCH 335, PSYCH 353 
  • SYDE 348, SYDE 372, SYDE 533, SYDE 543
  • 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

1. Course selection must be approved by the director of the Cognitive Science Minor or by the Philosophy Department undergraduate officer.
2. Courses in the "three of" category above can also be counted as electives if they are not counted toward the "three of" requirement.