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Cognitive Science Program

Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science

Students on Summer 2021, Fall 2021, or Spring 2022 requirements COGSBA

The Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science 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. The field 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 30 credit hours (39 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 301 Brain and Cognition
        • 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
      • Foundations. Three (3) courses:
        • HON-H 241 Scientific Uncertainty and Discovery (approved topic: "Animal Thinking")
        • PHIL-P 310 Topics in Metaphysics
        • PHIL-P 312 Topics in the Theory of Knowledge
        • PHIL-P 320 Philosophy of Language
        • PHIL-P 360 Philosophy of Mind
        • PHIL-P 366 Philosophy of Action
      • 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. Senior Seminar. One (1) course:
    • COGS-Q 400 Senior Seminar in Cognitive and Information Sciences
  4. Addenda Requirements*.
    • 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
  5. 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.
    5. College Breadth. At least 58 credit hours must be completed in courses from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines outside of the major area.

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 or the College Breadth requirement:

  • COGS-X 373 Internship in Professional Practice

This program of study cannot be combined with the following:

  • Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science (COGSBS)
  • 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.