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.