General Information
Instructor: Graci
Text : None
Office : 114 Snygg Hall
Telephone: (315) 341-2690
Course Description
Cognitive Science is a contemporary approach to the study of the mind. This course will paint a picture of Cognitive Science which features computational models of cognitive processes. More specifically, this course is an introduction to the computational study of human and machine intelligence. Discussion of symbolic computation, neural networking, and genetic computation. Examination of research in language, vision, perception, memory, learning, reasoning, planning, and information processing. Programming in LISP (CLOS) is a featured part of this course. An introduction to the language is integrated into tightly specified programming projects which, upon completion, constitute tools for investigating aspects of cognition from the symbolic, neural, and genetic perspectives.
Main Course Objectives
- To become acquainted with the nature of the field, its fundamental goals and methodologies.
- To understand the computational, representational, and interdisciplinary assumptions underlying the field.
- To understand aspects of cognition, computation, neuroscience, and evolution which possess a high degree of relevance to Cognitve Science.
- To examine the nature of symbol systems and engage in symbolic computation.
- To become well-versed in the fundamental knowledge-representations of Artificial Intelligence which have become central to Cognitve Science.
- To understand the components, architectures, and algorithms associated with artificial neural networks. To appreciate the possible contributions of artificial neural networks to cognitive science.
- To explore the significance of such issues as embedded cognition and emergent phenomena.
- To understand the basic concepts associated with "Alife" and the essentials of genetic algorithms.
- To explore memetics, the application of evolutionary biological ideas to the study of the mind.
- To examine research in machine learning and problem solving as it pertains to the investigation of these processes in humans.
- To discuss issues of knowledge acquisition, representation, and deployment within the realms of language, vision and music.
- To engage in modest researches of various cognitive scientific sorts.
Grading
- 3 exams (100 points each)
- 1 final exam (150 points)
- A course web site or course notebook (200 points)
- A number of assignments (100 points)
Other Things
- All assignments must be handed in, to me, immediately after class, in the room where this class regularly meets. All assignments must be presented in the form of an 8.5 x 11 inch document, bound on the left by three staples. Each must begin with a title page which includes your name, the number of the assignment, and a brief description of the assighment.
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