2023-24 Catalog

Cognitive Science

Website:  http://cogsci.cas.lehigh.edu/


The mission of the Cognitive Science Program is to advance the study of minds and brains, real or artificial, in all their aspects, through research and teaching. This interdisciplinary field, encompassing the fields of psychology, linguistics, computer science, philosophy, anthropology, and neuroscience, provides excellent preparation for life in the age of information.  The program aims to instill in students a solid grasp of the intellectual problems, frameworks, and methodologies currently available; to provide experience exploring these through guided research; and to foster the desire to create and disseminate new knowledge. With this foundation, students are well prepared for a wide variety of careers at the interfaces of technology, minds, brains, and behavior, and for graduate study in Cognitive Science or any of the contributing disciplines.

We offer undergraduate B.A. and B.S. degrees in Cognitive Science, an undergraduate minor, and a graduate certificate. A Cognitive Science major is easy to combine with a second major in the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, or computer science.

B.A. in Cognitive Science

The B.A. in Cognitive Science requires a minimum of 14 courses. All majors take COGS 007, an introduction to cognitive science, plus core courses in cognitive psychology, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and cognitive neuroscience, and collaterals in computer science.  They also complete a course in research methods or tools.  Students then pursue their individual interests by completing at least five electives from across three tracks.  A capstone integration occurs in the required two-semester senior project (COGS 301 and COGS 302, or, for Honors, COGS 391 and COGS 392), in which students focus on a topic of their choice spanning at least two cognitive science sub-disciplines.

Additional coursework in affiliated disciplines is recommended, to be selected in consultation with the major adviser and dependent upon anticipated career path. These courses may fulfill college distribution requirements.  Note: A number of major courses have pre-requisites. Students considering this major should check pre-requisites and plan accordingly. A preliminary meeting with the program director may be useful.  

Collateral Requirements
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Programming, Part A
and Introduction to Programming, Part B
One course in research methods and tools from the following: PSYC 201 Research Methods and Data Analysis I; PSYC 202 Research Methods and Data Analysis II; ECO 045 Statistical Methods; SOAN 111 Research Methods and Data Analysis; CSE 160 Introduction to Data Science; BIOS 130 Biostatistics
Introductory Course4
Introduction to Cognitive Science
Disciplinary Core Courses15
Cognitive Psychology
Survey of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence Theory and Practice
Cognitive Neuroscience
Philosophy of Mind
Philosophical Foundations of Cognitive Science
Major Electives15-20
Select a minimum of five electives, with at least one course from each of the three tracks.
Senior Project6-8
Senior Project in Cognitive Science: Proposal
and Senior Project in Cognitive Science: Execution Credits may be split between two advisers but must total 3 per semester.
or
Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Proposal
and Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Project Execution and Thesis Credits may be split between two advisers but must total 4 per semester.
Total Credits40-47

B.S. IN COGNITIVE SCIENCE

The B.S.in Cognitive Science entails additional courses beyond those in the B.A. to provide both additional breadth and depth. It requires a minimum of 20 courses. All majors take COGS 007, an introduction to cognitive science, plus core courses in cognitive psychology, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and cognitive neuroscience, and collaterals in computer science, math, and social science.  They also complete two courses in research methods or tools and at least one semester of supervised research.  Students then pursue their individual interests by choosing a concentration area from among three tracks and completing at least six electives with a minimum of four in the concentration area. A capstone integration occurs in the required two-semester senior project (COGS 301 and COGS 302, or, for Honors, COGS 391 and COGS 392), in which students focus on a topic of their choice spanning at least two cognitive science sub-disciplines.

Additional coursework in affiliated disciplines is recommended, to be selected in consultation with the major adviser and dependent upon anticipated career path. These courses may fulfill college distribution requirements.  Note: A number of major courses have pre-requisites. Students considering this major should check pre-requisites and plan accordingly. A preliminary meeting with the program director may be useful.  

Collateral Requirements 1
Calculus I
Survey of Calculus I
Calculus I, Part A
and Calculus I, Part B
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Programming, Part A
and Introduction to Programming, Part B
Foundations of Discrete Structures and Algorithms 6
Introduction to Data Science
Introduction to Psychology
Principles of Economics
Cultural Diversity and Human Nature
Two courses in research methods and tools.
For Artificial Intelligence and Formal Models Concentration:
Foundations of Discrete Structures and Algorithms
and Probability and Statistics
Statistical Methods
For all other concentrations:
Research Methods and Data Analysis I
and Research Methods and Data Analysis II
Introductory Course4
Introduction to Cognitive Science
Disciplinary Core Course16
Cognitive Psychology
Survey of Artificial Intelligence 7
Artificial Intelligence Theory and Practice
Cognitive Neuroscience
Philosophy of Mind
Philosophical Foundations of Cognitive Science
Cognitive Psychology Recitation
Cognitive Neuroscience Recitation
Concentrations18-24
Choose six electives from the concentration lists, at least four of them from within the same concentration. The lists are the same for the B.A. and the B.S. Requirements specific to each concentration for the B.S. are as follows:
Artificial Intelligence and Formal Models
Programming and Data Structures
Cognition, Culture, and Meaning
Introduction to Linguistics
Cognitive Neuroscience
Introduction to Integrative and Comparative Biology 2
Research Experience 32-4
Supervised Research 4
Senior Project6-8
Senior Project in Cognitive Science: Proposal
and Senior Project in Cognitive Science: Execution 5
Or
Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Proposal
and Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Project Execution and Thesis 5
Total Credits46-56
1

Collateral courses may count toward CAS distribution requirements where applicable.

2

BIOS 044 pre-reqs: any CHM course that fulfills the pre-requisite for BIOS 041, plus BIOS 041 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology and BIOS 042 Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory.  These are not part of the major but can count toward CAS Natural Science distribution.

3

Students are encouraged to take the required research credits beginning in the second year or even earlier.  At least two semesters of relevant research experience (minimum 4 credits) are required for B.S. students prior to enrolling in  COGS 391 Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Proposal and COGS 392 Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Project Execution and Thesis  for their senior project.

4

May be repeated for credit.

5

Credits may be split between two advisers but must total 3 per semester (301,302) or 4 per semester (391, 392).

6

Not available in the Artificial Intelligence concentration.

7

This option is not available in the Artificial Intelligence concentration.

MAJOR ELECTIVES

Artificial Intelligence and Formal Models
Programming and Data Structures
Game Design
Foundations of Discrete Structures and Algorithms
Programming Languages
Introduction to the Theory of Computation
Fundamentals of Machine Learning
User Interface Systems and Techniques
Topics on Intelligent Decision Support Systems
Reinforcement Learning
Data Mining
AI Game Programming
Introduction to Mobile Robotics
Semantic Web Topics
Intelligent Agents
Symbolic Logic
Metalogic
Topics in Philosophical Logic
Philosophy of Mathematics
Cognition, Culture, and Meaning
Introduction to Linguistics
Computers, the Internet, and Society
Educational Linguistics
Human Communication
Philosophy Of Science
Modern Philosophy
Contemporary Philosophy
Epistemology
Philosophy of Specific Sciences
Philosophy of Language
Higher Order Cognition
Person Perception
Social Cognition
Health Care Reasoning and Decision Making
Children's Thinking
Psychology of Environmental Issues
Cognition in Practice & Policy
Human Development in Cross-Cultural Perspective
Child Language and Social Inequality
Self and Identity
Sociology of Culture
Computational Text Analysis
Cognitive Neuroscience
Intro to Archaeology and Human Origins
Introduction to Integrative and Comparative Biology
Human Evolution
Central Nervous System and Behavior
Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory
Behavioral Neuroanatomy
Neurobiology of Sensory Systems
Diseases of the Nervous System
Endocrinology of Behavior
Synapses, Plasticity and Learning
Genes and the Brain
Introduction to Human Neuroscience
The Talking World: Psychology and Neuroscience of Speaking
Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory
Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience
Attention and Attentional Failures
Cognitive Neuroscience Techniques

Minor in Cognitive Science

The undergraduate minor in Cognitive Science requires five courses:

COGS 007Introduction to Cognitive Science4
Four additional courses selected from among the major's core courses and major electives, with at least two of these being Disciplinary Core Courses12-16
Total Credits16-20

Program Honors

Majors seeking to graduate with honors in cognitive science must have a 3.30 GPA in the major, a 3.30 GPA overall, and complete a high quality senior thesis with enrollment in COGS 391 Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Proposal and COGS 392 Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Project Execution and Thesis. Theses submitted for honors will be evaluated by a committee of at least three cognitive science faculty. 

Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Science

The graduate certificate provides the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary perspective on human and machine intelligence. It is available to both enrolled and external students.

Students in Lehigh University graduate degree programs such as computer science, psychology, and instructional technology are encouraged to participate with the approval of an adviser in their major program. Non-degree, post-baccalaureate individuals with sufficient background to complete the coursework are also welcome to undertake the certificate. The certificate may be especially relevant to those working in technology-related fields. Interested individuals should contact the Director of the Cognitive Science Program. External candidates will also need to apply to the College of Arts and Sciences for non-degree graduate status.

The certificate will appear on the student’s transcript after submission of a signed completion form by the program director.

The Graduate Certificate requires four courses from the list below.  At least two of the courses must be at the 400-level, and the four courses must be spread over at least two departments.  For Lehigh degree candidates, at least three of the four courses must be outside the home department.  The certificate will entail 12-16 credits.

ELECTIVES

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence Theory and Practice
User Interface Systems and Techniques
Topics on Intelligent Decision Support Systems
AI Game Programming
Theory of Computation
Fundamentals of Machine Learning
Semantic Web Topics
Intelligent Agents
Topics on Intelligent Decision Support Systems
Reinforcement Learning and Markov Decision Precesses
Data Mining
Mobile Robotics
Psychology
Higher Order Cognition
Person Perception
Social Cognition
The Talking World: Psychology and Neuroscience of Speaking
PSYC 320
Health Care Reasoning and Decision Making
Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory
Children's Thinking
Seminar in Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYC 358
Cognition in Practice & Policy
Attention and Attentional Failures
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Social Cognition
Cognitive Neuroscience Techniques
Seminar in Psychology of Language
PSYC 464
Seminar In Cognition
Ontological Psychology
Seminar in Cognitive Development
Philosophy 1
Philosophy of Mind
Philosophy of Language
Sociology and Anthropology
Total Credits0
1

Note: These particular 200-level courses may be taken by graduate students.

Courses

COGS 007 Introduction to Cognitive Science 4 Credits

What is a mind? How is the mind related to the brain? Could we make an artificial mind? Issues concerning knowledge representation and intelligence in minds and computers as investigated by psychologists, philosophers, linguists, neuroscientists, and researchers in artificial intelligence.

COGS 091 Special Topics 1-4 Credits

Intensive study of a topic of special interest not covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, SS

COGS 098 1-4 Credits

Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.

COGS 117 (PSYC 117) Cognitive Psychology 4 Credits

The architecture and dynamics of the human mind: How we acquire knowledge through perception, represent and activate it in memory, and use it to communicate, make decisions, solve problems, and reason creatively. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites: PSYC 001 or COGS 007
Attribute/Distribution: SS

COGS 127 (CSE 127) Survey of Artificial Intelligence 3 Credits

An introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) intended for non-majors. AI concepts, systems, and history. Credit will not be given for both CSE/COGS 127 and CSE/COGS 327.
Prerequisites: CSE 002 or CSE 004 or CSE 007

COGS 140 (ANTH 140, MLL 140) Introduction to Linguistics 4 Credits

Relationship between language and mind; formal properties of language; language and society; how languages change over time. May not be taken pass/fail.
Attribute/Distribution: SS

COGS 161 Supervised Research 1-3 Credits

Research under the direct supervision of a faculty member in the cognitive science program. Students must arrange the particular project with a faculty member before enrolling. Consent of program director required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: ND

COGS 176 (PSYC 176) Cognitive Neuroscience 4 Credits

Perception and cognitive neuroscience as the link between mental processes and their biological bases. Visual and auditory perception; the control of action; neuropsychological syndromes of perception, language, memory, and thought; neural network (connectionist) models of mental processes. May not be taken pass/fail.
Prerequisites: PSYC 001 or COGS 007
Attribute/Distribution: NS

COGS 183 (PSYC 183) Cognitive Psychology Recitation 1 Credit

Research, discussion, and analysis of topics in cognitive psychology.
Prerequisites: PSYC 117 or COGS 117
Can be taken Concurrently: PSYC 117, COGS 117

COGS 184 (PSYC 184) Cognitive Neuroscience Recitation 1 Credit

Research, discussion, and analysis of topics in cognitive neuroscience.
Prerequisites: PSYC 176 or COGS 176
Can be taken Concurrently: PSYC 176, COGS 176

COGS 191 Special Topics 1-4 Credits

Intensive study of a topic of special interest not covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, SS

COGS 250 (PHIL 250) Philosophy of Mind 4 Credits

An exploration of the mind-body problem. Are the body and mind distinct substances (dualism); or is there only body (materialism); or only mind (idealism)? Other views to be considered include behaviorism (the view that behavior can be explained without recourse to mental states), and the view that the mind is a complex computer. Student must have completed at least one Philosophy course at the 100-level.
Attribute/Distribution: HU

COGS 251 (PHIL 251) Philosophical Foundations of Cognitive Science 4 Credits

Cognitive Science is the study of aspects of natural and artificial minds: perception, cognition, reasoning, action, and language. Several fields intersect here: artificial intelligence, linguistics, cognitive psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience. Central issues include: the nature of representation, the boundaries of cognitive science, and consciousness. We will survey the foundational philosophical aspects of these issues within Cognitive Science. Student must have completed at least one Philosophy course at the 100-level, or major in Cognitive Science.
Attribute/Distribution: HU

COGS 291 Special Topics 1-4 Credits

Intensive study of a topic of special interest not covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HU, SS

COGS 300 Apprentice Teaching 1-4 Credits

COGS 301 Senior Project in Cognitive Science: Proposal 1-3 Credits

For students not intending to apply for program Honors. Background reading and preparation of a short written proposal are conducted in the first semester in consultation with a faculty adviser. Students must enroll for a total of three credits which may be split between the sections of a primary and secondary adviser. Consent of program director and project adviser required.

COGS 302 Senior Project in Cognitive Science: Execution 1-3 Credits

For students not intending to apply for program Honors. Execution of the project is conducted in the second semester in consultation with a faculty adviser. A presentation will be given at the end of the semester. Students must enroll for a total of three credits which may be split between the sections of a primary and secondary adviser. Consent of program director and project adviser required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: COGS 301

COGS 327 (CSE 327) Artificial Intelligence Theory and Practice 3 Credits

Detailed analysis of a broad range of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and systems. Problem solving, knowledge representation, reasoning, planning, uncertainty and machine learning. Applications of AI to areas such as natural language processing, vision, and robotics. Credit will not be given for both CSE/COGS 127 and CSE/COGS 327.
Prerequisites: CSE 017 and CSE 140

COGS 361 Independent Research 2-4 Credits

Independent research in cognitive science with a faculty advisor. Students must arrange the particular project with a faculty advisor before enrolling. Consent of program director required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: ND

COGS 391 Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Proposal 1-4 Credits

For students with 3.3 or higher major and overall GPA by the spring of the junior year, who want to undertake a project with the potential for program Honors. Literature review and preparation of a written proposal are conducted in the first semester in consultation with a faculty adviser. An oral presentation will be given at end of the semester. Students must enroll for four credits which may be split between co-advisers. Consent of program director and project adviser required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.

COGS 392 Honors Thesis in Cognitive Science: Project Execution and Thesis 1-4 Credits

For students with 3.3 or higher major and overall GPA by the spring of the junior year. Project execution and preparation of the written report is conducted in the second semester. An oral presentation will be given at the end of the semester. Theses will be evaluated for Honors by three cognitive science faculty. Students must enroll for a total of four credits which may be split between co-advisers. Consent of program director and project adviser required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: COGS 391

COGS 394 Special Topics in Cognitive Science 3-4 Credits

Topics vary from semester to semester. Topics are presented at an advanced level.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.

COGS 405 Individual Study in Cognitive Science 1-6 Credits

Study of a topic not covered in regular course offerings. By arrangement with a consulting faculty member. Consent of program director required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.

COGS 423 (PSYC 423) Foundations of Cognitive Science 3 Credits

Survey of fundamental theory and methodologies from artificial intelligence, linguistics, cognitive psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience, as well as salient research problems such as knowledge acquisition and representation, natural language processing, skill acquisition, perception and action, and the philosophical question of intentionality.

COGS 478 (PSYC 478) Ontological Psychology 3 Credits

Principles and constraints for modeling psychological phenomena. Representation; perception; memory; knowing; learning; emotions; consciousness; language; rationality.

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