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Cognitive Science Program

Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science

Students on Summer 2020, Fall 2020, or Spring 2021 requirements COGSBS

The Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science stresses hands-on, active learning, where students work with concrete examples in the classroom and labs, joining into research as soon as they enter the degree program. The Cognitive Science Program is structured to give students fundamental skills, applicable in a wide variety of information-related careers: psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, media, information processing, medical analysis, data representation and information retrieval, education, scientific research, human-computer interaction, multimedia, knowledge management, and information policy. The skills also have wide applicability to technical and expository writing, mathematical analysis, experimental techniques, and computer programming.

Cognitive Science explores the nature of intelligent systems, focusing on formal theories of mind and information and seeks a better understanding of mind, learning and teaching, cognitive skills, and the development of intelligent systems designed to augment human capacities in constructive ways. Cognitive Science is inherently interdisciplinary, with contributions from computer science, psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, linguistics, biology, anthropology, and other fields. Both natural intelligence (in humans and in animals) and artificial intelligence fall within the scope of inquiry. The field deals with aspects of complex cognition, computational models of thought processing, knowledge representation, dynamics of real-world engagement, and emergent behavior of large-scale interacting systems.

Requirements

The major requires at least 50 credit hours (56 with the Addenda requirements), including the requirements listed below.
  1. Core.
    1. Philosophical Foundations. One (1) course:
      • COGS-Q 240 Philosophical Foundations of the Cognitive and Information Sciences
    2. Programming for the Cognitive and Information Sciences. One (1) course:
      • COGS-Q 260 Programming for the Cognitive and Information Sciences
    3. Computation in the Cognitive and Information Sciences. One (1) course:
      • COGS-Q 320 Computation in the Cognitive and Information Sciences
    4. Mathematics and Logic for the Cognitive and Information Sciences. One (1) course:
      • COGS-Q 350 Mathematics and Logic for the Cognitive and Information Sciences
    5. Experiments and Models in Cognition. One (1) course:
      • COGS-Q 370 Experiments and Models in Cognition
  2. Focal Area.
    1. Focal Area Courses. One (1) of the following options:
      • Cognition. Three (3) courses:
        • COGS-Q 330 Perception/Action
        • COGS-Q 345 Animal Cognition
        • COGS-Q 355 Neural Networks and the Brain
        • HON-H 241 Scientific Uncertainty and Discovery (Approved topics: "ANIMAL THINKING" (TPC 4))
        • PSY-P 325 Psychology of Learning
        • PSY-P 329 Sensation and Perception
        • PSY-P 330 Perception/Action
        • PSY-P 335 Cognitive Psychology
        • PSY-P 350 Human Factors/Ergonomics
        • PSY-P 424 Laboratory in Sensation and Perception
        • PSY-P 435 Laboratory in Human Learning and Cognition
        • PSY-P 438 Language and Cognition
        • PSY-P 440 Topics in Cognitive Psychology
        • PSY-P 441 Neuropsychology of Language
        • PSY-P 443 Cognitive Development
        • PSY-P 448 Social Judgment and Person Perception
        • PSY-P 457 Topics in Psychology (Approved topics: "METACOGNITION" (TPC 177); "THE SCIENCE OF CHOICE: APPLICATIONS" (TPC 181)) when taken Summer 2024 or later
        • SLHS-S 307 Cognitive and Communicative Aspects of Aging
      • Computation. Three (3) courses:
        • COGS-Q 351 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Computer Simulation
        • COGS-Q 355 Neural Networks and the Brain
        • COGS-Q 360 Autonomous Robotics
        • CSCI-A 321 COMPUTING TOOLS FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
        • CSCI-B 351 INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
        • CSCI-B 455 Principles of Machine Learning
        • One (1) of the following:
          • CSCI-C 200 Introduction to Computers and Programming
          • CSCI-C 211 Introduction to Computer Science
        • CSCI-C 212 Introduction to Software Systems
        • CSCI-C 241 Discrete Structures for Computer Science
        • CSCI-C 311 Programming Languages
        • CSCI-C 335 Computer Structures
        • CSCI-C 343 Data Structures
      • Informatics. Three (3) courses:
        • One (1) of the following:
          • CSCI-A 201 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING I
          • INFO-I 210 INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE I
        • One (1) of the following:
          • CSCI-A 202 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING II
          • CSCI-C 212 Introduction to Software Systems
          • INFO-I 211 INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE II
        • CSCI-A 346 USER-INTERFACE PROGRAMMING
        • INFO-I 300 HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING
        • INFO-I 320 DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS AND COLLABORATIVE COMPUTING
      • Language. Three (3) courses:
        • LING-L 203 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
        • LING-L 306 Phonetics
        • LING-L 307 Phonology
        • LING-L 308 Morphology
        • LING-L 310 Syntax
        • LING-L 325 Semantics
        • LING-L 430 Language Change and Variation
        • LING-L 490 Linguistic Structures
        • PHIL-P 320 Philosophy of Language
        • PSY-P 438 Language and Cognition
        • PSY-P 441 Neuropsychology of Language
        • SLHS-S 201 Speech Anatomy and Physiology
        • SLHS-S 307 Cognitive and Communicative Aspects of Aging
        • SLHS-S 333 Childhood Language
      • Logic. Three (3) courses:
        • MATH-M 384 Logic
        • MATH-M 385 Mathematics from Language
        • PHIL-P 250 Introductory Symbolic Logic
        • PHIL-P 251 Intermediate Symbolic Logic
        • PHIL-P 350 Logic of Sets
        • PHIL-P 352 Logic and Philosophy
        • CSCI-B 401 Fundamentals of Computing Theory
        • CSCI-P 415 Introduction to Verification
      • Neuroscience. Three (3) courses:
        • COGS-Q 301 Brain and Cognition
        • PHYS-P 317 Signals and Information Processing in Living Systems
        • PSY-P 326 Behavioral Neuroscience
        • PSY-P 337 Clinical Neuroscience
        • PSY-P 346 Neuroscience
        • PSY-P 407 Drugs and the Nervous System
        • PSY-P 410 Development of the Brain and Behavior
        • PSY-P 411 Neural Bases of Learning and Memory
        • PSY-P 423 Human Neuropsychology
        • PSY-P 426 Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
        • PSY-P 441 Neuropsychology of Language
        • PSY-P 457 Topics in Psychology (Approved topics: "NEUROBIOLOGY OF COGNITION" (TPC 168)) when taken Summer 2024 or later
        • PSY-Y 403 when taken Summer 2024 or later
        • PSY-Y 414 when taken Summer 2024 or later
      • Individualized focal area approved by the cognitive science undergraduate curriculum committee.
    2. 300–499 Level Requirement. At least two (2) Focal Area courses must at the 300–499 level.
  3. Cognitive Science. One (1) course:
    • COGS-Q 301 Brain and Cognition
  4. Computation Elective. One (1) additional course:
    • COGS-Q 351 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Computer Simulation
    • CSCI-A 201 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING I
    • CSCI-A 202 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING II
    • CSCI-A 304 INTRODUCTORY C++ PROGRAMMING
    • CSCI-A 306 OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING IN C++
    • CSCI-A 321 COMPUTING TOOLS FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    • CSCI-A 346 USER-INTERFACE PROGRAMMING
    • CSCI-B 351 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    • CSCI-B 351 INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
    • CSCI-B 355 Autonomous Robotics
    • CSCI-B 355 AUTONOMOUS ROBOTICS
    • CSCI-B 401 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTING THEORY
    • CSCI-B 401 Fundamentals of Computing Theory
    • CSCI-C 212 Introduction to Software Systems
    • CSCI-C 212 INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
    • CSCI-C 241 Discrete Structures for Computer Science
    • CSCI-C 241 DISCRETE STRUCTURES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE
    • CSCI-C 311 Programming Languages
    • CSCI-C 311 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
    • CSCI-C 335 COMPUTER STRUCTURES
    • CSCI-C 335 Computer Structures
    • CSCI-C 343 DATA STRUCTURES
    • CSCI-C 343 Data Structures
    • CSCI-H 211 Introduction to Computer Science, Honors
    • CSCI-H 211 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE-HONORS
    • CSCI-H 212 Introduction to Software Systems, Honors
    • CSCI-H 212 INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, HONORS
    • CSCI-H 241 Discrete Structures for Computer Science, Honors
    • CSCI-H 241 DISCRETE STRUCTURES FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE, HONORS
    • CSCI-H 311 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES HONORS
    • CSCI-H 311 Programming Languages, Honors
    • CSCI-H 335 Computer Structures, Honors
    • CSCI-H 335 COMPUTER STRUCTURES HONORS
    • CSCI-H 343 Data Structures, Honors
    • CSCI-H 343 DATA STRUCTURES, HONORS
    • CSCI-P 415 Introduction to Verification
    • CSCI-P 415 INTRODUCTION TO VERIFICATION
    • PSY-P 457 Topics in Psychology (Approved topics: "INTRO TO MATLAB CODING FOR PSYCH BRAIN SCIENCES" (TPC 154)) when taken Summer 2024 or later
  5. Breadth. Three (3) additional courses from at least two (2) different departments and not from the selected Focal Area list:
    • COGS-Q 345 Animal Cognition
    • ANTH-A 107 Becoming Human: Evolving Genes, Bodies, Behaviors, Ideas
    • ANTH-B 111 Introduction to Chimpanzee Behavior and Cognition
    • ANTH-B 200 Bioanthropology
    • ANTH-B 368 The Evolution of Primate Social Behavior
    • HON-H 241 Scientific Uncertainty and Discovery (approved topic: "Animal Thinking")
    • LING-L 103 Introduction to the Study of Language
    • LING-L 203 Introduction to Linguistic Analysis
    • LING-L 210 Topics in Language and Society
    • LING-L 306 Phonetics
    • LING-L 307 Phonology
    • LING-L 308 Morphology
    • LING-L 310 Syntax
    • LING-L 325 Semantics
    • LING-L 430 Language Change and Variation
    • LING-L 431 Field Methods
    • LING-L 432 Advanced Field Methods
    • LING-L 490 Linguistic Structures
    • MATH-M 384 Logic
    • MATH-M 385 Mathematics from Language
    • PHIL-P 105 Critical Thinking
    • PHIL-P 106 Introduction to Problems of Philosophy
    • PHIL-P 250 Introductory Symbolic Logic
    • PHIL-P 251 Intermediate Symbolic Logic
    • PHIL-P 310 Topics in Metaphysics
    • PHIL-P 312 Topics in the Theory of Knowledge
    • PHIL-P 320 Philosophy of Language
    • PHIL-P 350 Logic of Sets
    • PHIL-P 352 Logic and Philosophy
    • PHIL-P 360 Philosophy of Mind
    • PHIL-P 366 Philosophy of Action
    • PHYS-P 317 Signals and Information Processing in Living Systems
    • PSY-P 101 Introductory Psychology I
    • PSY-P 155 Introduction to Psychological and Brain Sciences
    • PSY-P 211 Methods of Experimental Psychology
    • PSY-P 325 Psychology of Learning
    • PSY-P 326 Behavioral Neuroscience
    • PSY-P 329 Sensation and Perception
    • PSY-P 330 Perception/Action
    • PSY-P 335 Cognitive Psychology
    • PSY-P 337 Clinical Neuroscience
    • PSY-P 346 Neuroscience
    • PSY-P 349 Cognitive Neuroscience
    • PSY-P 350 Human Factors/Ergonomics
    • PSY-P 405 Elementary Mathematical Psychology
    • PSY-P 407 Drugs and the Nervous System
    • PSY-P 410 Development of the Brain and Behavior
    • PSY-P 411 Neural Bases of Learning and Memory
    • PSY-P 417 Animal Behavior
    • PSY-P 423 Human Neuropsychology
    • PSY-P 424 Laboratory in Sensation and Perception
    • PSY-P 426 Laboratory in Behavioral Neuroscience
    • PSY-P 429 Laboratory in Developmental Psychology
    • PSY-P 433 Laboratory in Neuroimaging Methods
    • PSY-P 435 Laboratory in Human Learning and Cognition
    • PSY-P 438 Language and Cognition
    • PSY-P 440 Topics in Cognitive Psychology
    • PSY-P 441 Neuropsychology of Language
    • PSY-P 443 Cognitive Development
    • PSY-P 444 Scientific Writing in the Psychological and Brain Sciences
    • PSY-P 448 Social Judgment and Person Perception
    • SLHS-S 201 Speech Anatomy and Physiology
    • SLHS-S 307 Cognitive and Communicative Aspects of Aging
    • CSCI-A 201 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING I
    • CSCI-A 202 INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING II
    • CSCI-A 304 INTRODUCTORY C++ PROGRAMMING
    • CSCI-A 306 OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING IN C++
    • CSCI-A 321 COMPUTING TOOLS FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
    • CSCI-A 346 USER-INTERFACE PROGRAMMING
    • CSCI-B 351 INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
    • CSCI-B 355 Autonomous Robotics
    • CSCI-B 401 Fundamentals of Computing Theory
    • CSCI-C 212 Introduction to Software Systems
    • CSCI-C 241 Discrete Structures for Computer Science
    • CSCI-C 311 Programming Languages
    • CSCI-C 335 Computer Structures
    • CSCI-C 343 Data Structures
    • CSCI-H 211 Introduction to Computer Science, Honors
    • CSCI-H 212 Introduction to Software Systems, Honors
    • CSCI-H 241 Discrete Structures for Computer Science, Honors
    • CSCI-H 311 Programming Languages, Honors
    • CSCI-H 335 Computer Structures, Honors
    • CSCI-H 343 Data Structures, Honors
    • CSCI-P 415 Introduction to Verification
    • INFO-I 101 INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATICS
    • INFO-I 210 INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE I
    • INFO-I 211 INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE II
    • INFO-I 300 HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION DESIGN AND PROGRAMMING
    • INFO-I 320 DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS AND COLLABORATIVE COMPUTING
  6. Senior Seminar. One (1) course:
    • COGS-Q 400 Senior Seminar in Cognitive and Information Sciences
  7. Research. Six (6) credit hours:
    • COGS-X 497 Research in the Cognitive and Information Sciences
    • COGS-X 498 Project in the Cognitive and Information Sciences
    • COGS-Q 499 Honors Research Project in the Cognitive and Information Sciences
  8. Addenda Requirements*.
    1. Calculus. One (1) course:
      • MATH-M 211 Calculus I
      • MATH-S 211 Honors Calculus I
    2. 200–499 Level Mathematics. One (1) course:
      • MATH-M 211 Calculus I
      • MATH-M 212 Calculus II
      • MATH-M 247 Mathematical Contest in Modeling Preparation
      • MATH-M 298 Careers in Mathematics
      • MATH-M 301 Linear Algebra and Applications
      • MATH-M 303 Linear Algebra for Undergraduates
      • MATH-M 311 Calculus III
      • MATH-M 312 Calculus IV
      • MATH-M 321 Intuitive Topology
      • MATH-M 330 Exploring Mathematical Ideas
      • MATH-M 343 Introduction to Differential Equations with Applications I
      • MATH-M 344 Introduction to Differential Equations with Applications II
      • MATH-M 348 Discrete Mathematical Models
      • MATH-M 353 Discrete Mathematics
      • MATH-M 365 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • MATH-M 371 Elementary Computational Methods
      • MATH-M 380 History of Mathematics
      • MATH-M 384 Logic
      • MATH-M 385 Mathematics from Language
      • MATH-M 391 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
      • MATH-M 403 Introduction to Modern Algebra I
      • MATH-M 404 Introduction to Modern Algebra II
      • MATH-M 405 Number Theory
      • MATH-M 409 Linear Transformations
      • MATH-M 413 Introduction to Analysis I
      • MATH-M 414 Introduction to Analysis II
      • MATH-M 415 Elementary Complex Variables with Applications
      • MATH-M 420 Metric Space Topology
      • MATH-M 435 Introduction to Differential Geometry
      • MATH-M 436 Introduction to Geometries
      • MATH-M 441 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Applications I
      • MATH-M 442 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Applications II
      • MATH-M 447 Mathematical Models and Applications I
      • MATH-M 451 The Mathematics of Finance
      • MATH-M 453 Cryptography
      • MATH-M 463 Introduction to Probability Theory I
      • MATH-M 464 Introduction to Probability Theory II
      • MATH-M 466 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
      • MATH-M 471 Numerical Analysis I
      • MATH-M 472 Numerical Analysis II
      • MATH-M 482 Modal Logic
      • MATH-M 490 Problem Seminar
      • MATH-M 491 Putnam Exam Seminar
      • MATH-S 211 Honors Calculus I
      • MATH-S 212 Honors Calculus II
      • MATH-S 299 Honors Reading and Research
      • MATH-S 303 Honors Course in Linear Algebra
      • MATH-S 311 Honors Course in Calculus III
      • MATH-S 312 Honors Course in Calculus IV
      • MATH-S 343 Honors Course in Differential Equations
      • MATH-S 344 Honors Course in Differential Equations II
      • MATH-S 403 Honors Course in Modern Algebra I
      • MATH-S 404 Honors Course in Modern Algebra II
      • MATH-S 413 Honors Course in Analysis I
      • MATH-S 414 Honors Course in Analysis II
      • MATH-S 415 Honors Elementary Complex Variables
      • MATH-S 463 Honors Course in Probability Theory I
      • MATH-S 499 Reading for Honors
    3. 300–499 Level Mathematics. One (1) course:
      • MATH-M 301 Linear Algebra and Applications
      • MATH-M 303 Linear Algebra for Undergraduates
      • MATH-M 311 Calculus III
      • MATH-M 312 Calculus IV
      • MATH-M 321 Intuitive Topology
      • MATH-M 330 Exploring Mathematical Ideas
      • MATH-M 343 Introduction to Differential Equations with Applications I
      • MATH-M 344 Introduction to Differential Equations with Applications II
      • MATH-M 348 Discrete Mathematical Models
      • MATH-M 353 Discrete Mathematics
      • MATH-M 365 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
      • MATH-M 371 Elementary Computational Methods
      • MATH-M 380 History of Mathematics
      • MATH-M 384 Logic
      • MATH-M 385 Mathematics from Language
      • MATH-M 391 Introduction to Mathematical Reasoning
      • MATH-M 403 Introduction to Modern Algebra I
      • MATH-M 404 Introduction to Modern Algebra II
      • MATH-M 405 Number Theory
      • MATH-M 409 Linear Transformations
      • MATH-M 413 Introduction to Analysis I
      • MATH-M 414 Introduction to Analysis II
      • MATH-M 415 Elementary Complex Variables with Applications
      • MATH-M 420 Metric Space Topology
      • MATH-M 435 Introduction to Differential Geometry
      • MATH-M 436 Introduction to Geometries
      • MATH-M 441 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Applications I
      • MATH-M 442 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations with Applications II
      • MATH-M 447 Mathematical Models and Applications I
      • MATH-M 451 The Mathematics of Finance
      • MATH-M 453 Cryptography
      • MATH-M 463 Introduction to Probability Theory I
      • MATH-M 464 Introduction to Probability Theory II
      • MATH-M 466 Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
      • MATH-M 471 Numerical Analysis I
      • MATH-M 472 Numerical Analysis II
      • MATH-M 482 Modal Logic
      • MATH-M 490 Problem Seminar
      • MATH-M 491 Putnam Exam Seminar
      • MATH-S 303 Honors Course in Linear Algebra
      • MATH-S 311 Honors Course in Calculus III
      • MATH-S 312 Honors Course in Calculus IV
      • MATH-S 343 Honors Course in Differential Equations
      • MATH-S 344 Honors Course in Differential Equations II
      • MATH-S 403 Honors Course in Modern Algebra I
      • MATH-S 404 Honors Course in Modern Algebra II
      • MATH-S 413 Honors Course in Analysis I
      • MATH-S 414 Honors Course in Analysis II
      • MATH-S 415 Honors Elementary Complex Variables
      • MATH-S 463 Honors Course in Probability Theory I
      • MATH-S 499 Reading for Honors
      • One of the following:
        • ANTH-A 306 Anthropological Statistics
        • CJUS-K 300 Techniques of Data Analysis
        • ECON-E 370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics
        • ECON-S 370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics: Honors
        • POLS-Y 395 Quantitative Political Analysis
        • PSY-K 300 Statistical Techniques
        • PSY-K 310 Statistical Techniques
        • SOC-S 371 Statistics in Sociology
        • STAT-K 310 Statistical Techniques
        • STAT-S 300 Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
        • STAT-S 301 Applied Statistical Methods for Business
        • STAT-S 303 Applied Statistical Methods for the Life Sciences
        • SPEA-K 300 STATISTICAL TECHNIQUES
  9. Major GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
    1. Major GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the major—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
    2. Major Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.
    3. Major Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
    4. Major Residency. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.

Major Area Courses

Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:

  • Any course at the 100–499 level with the COGS subject area prefix—as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent
  • Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
  • Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
Exclusions

The following courses cannot be applied toward major requirements:

  • COGS-X 373 Internship in Professional Practice

This program of study cannot be combined with the following:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science (COGSBA)
  • Minor in Cognitive Science (COGSMIN)

Exceptions to and substitutions for major requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.