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Cognitive Science Course Descriptions

CGS 2301 Cognitive Science (3 semester hours) An introduction to the study of the brain and behavior from the point of view of cognitive science, including approaches from psychology, philosophy, neuropsychology, and computational modeling. Includes phenomena involving sensory systems, memory, decision making, language, and communication. (3-0) Y
CGS 3325 Historical Perspectives on Psychology: Mind and Machines since 1600 (3 semester hours) Basic frames of reference in 20th-century psychology and their historical development in Western thought since 1600 with an emphasis on issues involved with minds, brains, and machines. Includes behaviorism, learning theory, artificial intelligence, gestalt, structural and cognitive approaches. Prerequisite: PSY 2301 or CGS 2301. (Same as PSY 3360) (3-0) Y
CGS 3340 Empirical Methods in Cognitive Science (3 semester hours) Laboratory experience in designing and conducting empirical investigations in cognitive science, with a major emphasis on writing research reports. (This course fulfills the advanced writing requirement for Cognitive Science majors and 3 hours of the Communication component of the Core Curriculum). (Same as PSY 3393). Prerequisite: PSY 3490. (3-0) R
CGS 3342 Cognitive and Neural Modeling Laboratory (3 semester hours) Auto-associative, associative, competitive learning, recurrent, and back-propagation artificial neural network algorithms in a "hands-on" micro-computer laboratory environment using special simulation software. Applications to perceptual, cognitive, computational, and neuroscience problems. Linear Algebra (MATH 2419) and Computer Programming experience are recommended but not required. (3-0) T
CGS 3361 Cognitive Psychology (3 semester hours) Theory and research on perception, learning, thinking, psycholinguistics, and memory. (Offered in the spring semester.) Prerequisite: PSY 2301 or CGS 2301. (Same as PSY 3361) (3-0) Y
CGS 4312 Computational Models of Language Understanding (3 semester hours) Probabilistic-based methods for natural language understanding using the MATLAB programming language. (3-0) T
CGS 4313 Neural Net Mathematics (3 semester hours) Vector calculus and vector calculus-based probability theory with artificial neural network modeling applications. Intended to provide mathematics preparation for CGS 4314 and CGS 4315. Prerequisites:Either (1) Linear algebra, multivariable calculus, STAT 4351 or EE 3341, CGS 3342, or (2) consent of instructor. (3-0) T
CGS 4314 Intelligent Systems Analysis (3 semester hours) Mathematical tools for investigating the asymptotic behavior of both deterministic and stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems for the purposes of building computational models in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence. Topics include: artificial neural network architectures, Lyapunov stability theory, nonlinear optimization theory, stochastic approximation theory, and the Gibbs sampler. Prerequisite: CGS 4313 or equivalent or consent of instructor. (Same as CS 4314) (3-0) T
CGS 4315 Intelligent Systems Design (3 semester hours) Mathematical tools for the design and evaluation of artificially intelligent deterministic and stochastic nonlinear dynamical systems for the purposes of building computational models in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and artifical intelligence. Topics include: (1) Markov Random Fields probability representations, and (2) asymptotic statistical theory for: parameter estimation, model selection, and hypothesis testing. Prerequisite: CGS 4314 or consent of instructor. (Same as CS 4315) (3-0) T
CGS 4352 Human Computer Interactions I (3 semester hours) Methods and principles of human-computer interaction (HCI), user-centered design (UCD), and usability evaluation. Provides broad overview of HCI and how HCI informs UCD processes throughout product development lifecycle. (Same as CS 4352) (3-0) T
CGS 4353 Human Computer Interactions II (3 semester hours) Detailed exploration of human-computer interaction (HCI) through readings in journal articles and research reports. Practical experience in methodology typically used in the design of usable systems. Prerequisite: CGS 4352 or consent of the instructor. (Same as CS 4353) (3-0) T
CGS 4355 Human Computer Interactions Lab (3 semester hours) Provides students with resources to learn and perform hands-on lab-based techniques such as usability testing and cognitive walkthroughs. Pre- or corequisite: CGS 4352 or CGS 4353, or consent of instructor. (3-0) T
CGS 4362 Perception (3 semester hours) Considers the processes by which the individual gathers information from the external world, the physiological basis of those processes, and how they develop throughout the life span of the individual. Pre- or corequisite: CGS 4361. (3-0) Y
CGS 4364 Attention and Memory (3 semester hours) Factors influencing the capacity to pick up, organize, and remember complex information. Prerequisite: CGS 3361, or consent of instructor. (3-0) T
CGS 4368 Computational Neuroscience (3 semester hours) Introduction to state-of-the-art computer methods for simulation of biologically realistic neuronal dynamics. (Same as NSC 4368) (3-0) R
CGS 4375 Honors Seminar (3 semester hours) A course for students who conduct undergraduate thesis research in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences. The seminar explores the different types of thesis research, current research opportunities in the school, and appropriate techniques for writing the thesis proposal and final thesis report. Broader issues of professional development are also explored. Permission of Associate Dean required. This course is required for all students seeking School Honors (minimum GPA of 3.4 & 30 hours at UTD). Taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. (Same as CLDP 4375, PSY 4375, NSC 4375, and SPAU 4375) (3-0) Y

Special Topics

Topics under the following course number vary from semester to semester. The class schedule for the current semester will list the special topic that will be offered.

CGS 4V90 Special Topics in Cognitive Science (1-6 semester hours) May be repeated for credit (9 hours maximum). (Same as CLDP 4V90, NSC 4V90, PSY 4V90, and SPAU 4V90) (3-0) R

Independent Study

The following independent study courses are advanced individualized projects to be arranged with a supervising professor. Open only to qualified students by consent of instructor. Students must contact professor and design a contract for study prior to enrollment. Permission forms are available in the Associate Dean's office. Student may enroll in no more than a total of 6 semester credit hours of independent study courses during one semester and may take as Independent Study a maximum of 20 percent of the total hours of coursework undertaken at U.T. Dallas or 12 semester credit hours, whichever is smaller.

CGS 4394 Internship in Cognitive Science (3 semester hours) Students earn course credit for field experience in an applied setting. Requires working at least 8 hours per week at an approved community agency or business of the student's choice. Students keep daily job diaries, attend one class meeting per month, and write brief papers relevant to their experiences. Open to all students in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.50 who have reached junior or senior standing (more than 53 hours). Apply for placements on the BBS website . Credit/No Credit. (Same as CLDP 4394, PSY 4394, NSC 4394 and SPAU 43964) (3-0) S
CGS 4395 Co-op Fieldwork (3 semester hours) Students earn course credit for field experience in an approved business or government setting. Requires working at least 8 hours per week. Students will keep a journal of their workplace experience, maintain contact with the instructor, and prepare a written report that focuses on the accomplishments and insights gained through their co-op experience. Credit will not be awarded retroactively. Apply for placements through the Career Center office. May repeat for up to six hours. Credit/No Credit. (3-0) T
CGS 4397 Honors Thesis (3 semester hours) An independent study in which the student writes an honors thesis under faculty supervision. Permission of instructor and Associate Dean required. (3-0) S
CGS 4V96 Teaching Internship (1-3 semester hours) Students work individually with faculty member in preparing and presenting course materials and tutoring students. Must have completed the relevant course with a grade of at least B and have a U.T. Dallas GPA of at least 3.00. Permission of instructor and Associate Dean required. Credit/No Credit. Can be repeated for a total of 6 semester hours. ([1-3]-0) S
CGS 4V98 Directed Research (1-3 semester hours) Student assists faculty with research projects or conducts a research project under weekly faculty supervision. Taken on a Credit/No Credit basis. May be repeated for credit. ([1-3]-0) S
CGS 4V99 Individual Study (1-3 semester hours) Student studies advanced topics under weekly faculty direction and writes a paper. Credit/No Credit. May be repeated for credit. ([1-3]-0) S

The University of Texas at Dallas 2006-2008 Undergraduate Catalog
Volume 31, Number 1
Copyright © The University of Texas at Dallas

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