The field of cognitive science encompasses many areas of study, with the aim of providing an interdisciplinary approach to the understanding of minds and brains. The study of cognitive science integrates expertise gained from the contributing disciplines of Psychology, Computer Science, Philosophy, Linguistics and Neuroscience. Key questions include:
- What are the basic components of cognitive processes?
- Are these processes subsumed by a common mental mechanism?
- What is the relationship between the physical apparatus that produces cognition, and cognition itself?
The degree exists as part of either a BA or BSc, and can also be taken in combination with majors from other departments, or as part of a joint degree. The rules specified below apply to a single or double major within a BA. A similar selection of subjects can be taken through BSc in BACS or EPSA. The aim is to provide a flexible program that allows students to gain a broad understanding of cognitive science through introductory subjects and specialisation in the advanced subjects of at least one of the component disciplines as well as the cognitive science (IC/COGS) subjects.
The BA consists of 48 units (240#) over 3 years. The double major consists of a selection of subjects totalling 28 units (140#) from the Schedule below, subject to constraints that ensure depth and breadth in related areas. Students may take a balanced load or specialise in one or more of the contributing disciplines. Note that in the BA, credit for not more than 16 units can be given for subjects outside the Arts First Schedule.
The program director is currently Janet Wiles, School of Psychology
and School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, janetw@csee.uq.edu.au.
Single Major
#16 consisting of -
COGS1000 2 Minds & Machines: Introduction to Cognitive Science#2-4 from the introductory level courses in the Schedule below.
#2 from -
COGS2000 2 Architecture of the Mind: Natural & Artificial
COGS2010 2 Laboratory Introduction to Models in Cognitive Science#2 from -
COGS3000 2 Language, Thought & Representation
COGS3010 2 Human Reasoning & Rationality#6-8 from the advanced level courses in the Schedule below.
Double Major
#28 consisting of -
COGS1000 2 Minds & Machines: Introduction to Cognitive Science#6-8 from introductory level courses in the Schedule below.
#4 for -
COGS2000 2 Architecture of the Mind: Natural & Artificial
COGS2010 2 Laboratory Introduction to Models in Cognitive Science#2 from -
COGS3000 2 Language, Thought & Representation
COGS3010 2 Human Reasoning & Rationality#12-14 from advanced level courses in the Schedule below, including at least #8 from level 3 courses. Advanced level courses must cover at least two discipline areas.
Linguistics Philosophy
Computer Science & Mathematics Psychology
Linguistics
LING1000 2
Introduction to Linguistics: Sentence Structure and Meaning
LING1005 2
Introduction to Linguistics: Word Structure and Sound Patterns
LING2000 2
Introduction to Linguistic Semantics
LING2005 2
Speech Production & Perception
LING2010 2
Phonology
LING2040 2
Morphology: The Structure of Words
LING2045 2
Generative Syntax
LING2030 2
Cognitive Linguistics
LING3100 2
Special Linguistics Research Topic A
LING3101 2
Special Linguistics Research Topic B
Philosophy
PHIL1000 2
Introductory Philosophy
PHIL1020 2
Introduction to Logic
PHIL1110 2
Critical Reasoning
PHIL2000 2
Epistemology & Metaphysics
PHIL2010 2
Representation & Reality: The Philosophy of Language
PHIL2030 2
Thinking About Logic: An Introduction to Philosophical Issues in Logic
PHIL2050 2
Consciousness, Rationality & the Emotions: The Philosophy of Mind
PHIL2100 2
Worlds, Possible & Impossible: An Introduction to Non-Classical Logic
PHIL3610 2
Contemporary Philosophy 1
PHIL3620 2
Contemporary Philosophy 2
Computer Science & Mathematics
COMP1001 2
Information access and communications
COMP1500 2
Introduction to Software Engineering
INFS1200 2
Introduction to Information Systems
MATH1050 2
Mathematical Foundations
MATH1051 2
Calculus & Linear Algebra I
MATH1052 2
Multivariate Calculus & Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH1061 2
Discrete Mathematics
COMM2602 2
Data & Information Management
COMP2300 2
Fundamentals of Computer Engineering
COMP2500 2
Software Engineering IIA
COMP2501 2
Software Engineering IIB
COMP2502 2
Algorithms & Data Structures
COMP2600 2
Software Specifications
COMP3501 2
Human-Computer Interaction
COMP3701 2
Principles of Artificial Intelligence
COMP3801 2
Software Technology Project
COMP3802 2
Software Technology Project
INFS2100 2
Introduction to Information Science
INFS2200 2
Relational Database Systems
INFS3801 4
Information Systems Project
INFS3802 4
Information Systems Project
INFS3803 4
Information Management Project
Psychology
PSYC1020 2
Introduction to Psychology: Physiological & Cognitive Psychology
PSYC1030 2
Introduction to Psychology: Developmental, Social, & Clinical Psychology
PSYC1040 2
Psychological Research Methodology I
PSYC2010 2
Psychological Research Methodology II
PSYC2271 1
Psychology & Work
PSYC2211 1
Disorders of Development
PSYC2020 2
Neuroscience for Psychologists
PSYC2030 2
Child Development
PSYC2040 2
Social & Organisational Psychology
PSYC2050 2
Learning & Cognition
PSYC3020 2
Principles of Psychological Assessment
PSYC3010 2
Psychological Research Methodology III
PSYC3042 2
Psychological Research: Interpretation & Evaluation
PSYC3052 2
Judgment & Decision Making
PSYC3062 2
Skills & Human Factors
PSYC3092 2
Language Development
PSYC3172 2
Basic Processes in Cognition
PSYC3182 2
Reading: Development and difficulties
PSYC3192 2
Perception & Attention
PSYC3202 2
Industrial & Organisational Psychology
PSYC3222 2
Psychophysiology: Methods & Applications
PSYC3232 2
Behavioural Neuroscience: Learning & Emotion
ANAT3022 2
Functional Neuroanatomy (for Psychology)
Additional Subjects
Many other subjects are relevant to Cognitive Science. The BA rules
permit a student to choose subjects outside the Schedules for majors and
up to 16 units from outside the Arts First Schedule. The suggested course
plans focus in depth on specific areas, but other subjects can be considered,
including ones from Anatomy, Biology, Physiology, Anthropology, and Sociology.