Course Descriptions
Lower Division
COGS 2100 Introduction to Cognitive Studies (3 units)
Introduction to issues and methods relevant to the study of natural and artificial cognitive processes. Includes a survey of key developments fueling the Cognitive Revolution along with the major models influencing research on artificial intelligence, nonlinear dynamics (chaos theory), the brain/mind relationship, and their applications to human behavior and information processing. Satisfies G.E. area D2.
COGS 2300 Scientific Methods, Models, and Simulations (3 units)
(Formerly Cognitive Simulations) Introduction to methods used in scientific research, with emphasis on theories, models, and simulations. Focus on quantitative/mathematical tools and techniques for design and analysis of experiments, with particular attention to interdisciplinary approaches useful in cognitive science. Prerequisite: MATH 0105 or passing score on the ELM test, or equivalent.
Upper Division
COGS 3100 Communication Networks (3 units)
The emergence of telecommunications networks is creating new environments for human interactions that are rapidly altering occupational and social dynamics. This course introduces students to the diversity of network technologies and provides them with sufficient hands-on skills to work in this field. Topics include resource sharing, resource access, and communication. Satisfies G.E. area F3. Corequisite: COGS 3102. Prerequisite: Computer background or experience equivalent to CS 1000. (Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours)
COGS 3150 Nonlinear Systems and Chaos (3 units)
(Same as CS 3150) This course addresses theoretical and quantitative methods useful for work with nonlinear systems from many fields. Together with its laboratory, the course provides experience with phase space maps, Poincare sections, basins of attraction, strange attractors, and fractals and fractal dimensionality. It emphasizes systems best described by discrete math. Examples are drawn from physics, biology, cognitive science, economics, and other areas. Corequisite: COGS 3152. Prerequisite: COGS 2300 or consent of instructor. (Lecture, 2 hours; laboratory, 2 hours)
COGS 3300 Cognition and Verbal Behavior (3 units)
Cognitive factors affecting the development and complexity of verbal behaviors are examined within the context of brain function and language environments. Prerequisites: COGS 2100 and 2300.
COGS 4100 Philosophical Aspects of Cognitive Science (3 units)
Intensive examination of the conceptual foundations of Cognitive Science, with an emphasis on the philosophical aspects of current theoretical issues. Analysis will focus on behaviorism and functionalism as models for understanding human cognition. Constructive criticism of the representational model of mind; discussion of the significance of recent developments in neuroscience, and of the connectionist movement in artificial intelligence. Satisfies G.E. area F3. Prerequisite: COGS 2100 or consent of instructor.
COGS 4350 The Information of Meaning (3 units)
Focuses on the contemporary theory of information and will include applications to biology/genetics, language/ linguistics, cognitive/artificial intelligence, philosophy, and the arts. Satisfies G.E. areas F3 and G. One of two paired courses in the G.E. Summit Program (Humans in the Information Age). Prerequisites: Upper-division standing, completion of lower-division general education, BIOL 4350, and consent of Summit Program Coordinator.
COGS 4440 Psychology of Workplace Performance (3 units)
(Formerly COGS 3200 Human Factors; same as PSYC 4440) Workplace designs that ignore the psychological abilities of workers reduce productivity, increase turnover, and in extreme cases trigger injuries or fatalities. This course uses real-world examples to demonstrate these problems and how they can be avoided by applying current theories of human performance.
COGS 4680 Neural Nets and Intelligent Machines (4 units)
This course, with its associated laboratory, deals with the current designs of cognitive machines that exploit the kind of adaptive parallel processing and self-organizing networks used by brains for learning, memory, visual imaging, and pattern recognition. The laboratory will emphasize the exploration of cognitive models using computer simulation. Corequisite: COGS 4682. Prerequisite: COGS 2300 or consent of instructor. (Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours)
COGS 4700 Intelligence (3 units)
(Same as PSYC 4700) The origins and assessment of intelligence and its role in cognitive functions are examined within the psychometric and neuroscientific frameworks.
COGS 4950 Selected Topics in Cognitive Studies (1-5 units)
Development of a selected branch of cognitive studies. Topics vary each term, thus different topics may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
COGS 4960 Seminar in Cognitive Science (3 units)
Seminar will focus on current developments in the neurosciences and cognitive psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
COGS 4965 Senior Project (1-4 units)
A senior project developed in an area of Cognitive Studies under the direction of a specific faculty member. Can be taken for a maximum of 6 units total of which 3 units may count toward the major. Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of instructor.
COGS 4980 Individual Study (1-4 units)
For students capable of independent work who need advanced or specialized study. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and coordinator of the Cognitive Studies program.
