Introduction to the Cognitive Sciences

Undergraduate course

ECTS credits: 10
Teaching semesters: Autumn
Course code: KOGVIT101
Number of semesters: 1
Teaching language: English
Resources: Schedule; Reading list

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Objectives and Content

The purpose of this course is to give students at the bachelor's program in cognitive science a broad understanding of the field of cognitive science from an interdisciplinary perspective. The course discusses models of cognition that are based on empirical studies of human behaviour and computer models of artificial intelligence. We will look at different theories of knowledge representation, reasoning, learning and comprehension, and explore how natural language, perception, and consciousness relate to thinking. Furthermore, we look at how cognitive science has its roots in various subjects such as computer science, mathematics, information science, linguistics, psychology and philosophy, and explore the relationship between formal- and psychological models of explanation.

Learning Outcomes

A student who has completed the course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

has an overview of how knowledge from computing, mathematics, linguistics, psychology and philosophy can combine to give us an understanding of thinking.
understands how the other courses in the program contribute to cognitive science, and has a basis for specialization in the master degree.

Skills

The student

can reflect critically on issues that are central to cognitive science.

Level of Study

Bachelor level

Semester of Instruction

Autumn

Required Previous Knowledge

None.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

None.

Access to the Course

Open to all students at the University of Bergen and to international exchange students.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, seminars, tutoring. (Normally two hours of lectures and two hours of group instruction per week for 10 weeks.)

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Mandatory participation: Students must participate in class exercises. Attendance in seminar lab groups is mandatory (at least 80%).

Approved compulsory requirements are valid for the two following semesters.

Forms of Assessment

3 hour written examination (50%)
Semester assignment, individual (50%)

The exam assignment will be given in the language of instruction in the course.

The exam answer must be submitted in the same language as the exam assignment.

Grading Scale

The grading system has a descending scale from A to E for passes and F for fail.

Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester.

Retake exam

School exam:

A retake exam is arranged for students with valid absence according to UiBs study regulations § 5-5.If there is a retake exam for students valid absence, students with the following results/absences can register for the exam:

Interruption during the exam
Fail/failed

Students can register themselves in Studentweb after January 15/August 1

Individual assignments:

Students with valid absence as defined in the UiB regulations § 5-5 can apply for an extended submission deadline to eksamen.infomedia@uib.no. The application must be submitted before the deadline for submission has expired.

Course Evaluation

All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.

Examination Support Material

Written exam: Dictionary preapproved by the Faculty

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