Cognitive Sciences
114 courses · UC Irvine · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
COGS 7A Introduction to Psychology
- Units
- 4
Introduction to field of psychology, addressing the application of scientific methods to the study of human development, learning, memory, problem solving, perception, biological mechanisms, emotions and motivation, personality, psychopathology, and effects of diverse social and cultural contexts on human behavior.
COGS 9A Psychology Fundamentals
- Units
- 4
Part of a two-course series that provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology. Required for students majoring in Cognitive Sciences or Psychology. Topics include the science of psychology, research methods, biology and behavior, consciousness, sensation, and perception.
COGS 9B Psychology Fundamentals
- Units
- 4
Part of a two-course series that provides a comprehensive introduction to psychology. Required for students majoring in Cognitive Sciences or Psychology. Topics include learning and memory, thinking, language and intelligence, human development, emotion, and motivation.
COGS 10A Exploratory Data Analysis
- Units
- 4
Learn multiple ways of visualizing data, of transforming data, looking for consistencies and patterns in data, and interpreting these patterns to reach conclusions. Serves as first introduction to computer programming using the R language.
COGS 10B Probability and Inference
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 10A with a minimum grade of C-
An introduction to probability and statistics. Emphasis on thorough understanding of the probabilistic and logical basis of formal statistical inference, and the concept of statistical evidence. Applications in R.
COGS 10C Statistical Models
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 10A with a minimum grade of C-
Students learn about standard procedures in statistics for the social sciences, with a focus on linear models for discovering the underlying structure in data. Applications in R.
COGS 14M MATLAB Programming
- Units
- 4
MATLAB is a mathematical software package for solving quantitative problems often encountered in experimental psychology. Topics include rudiments of programming, statistical analysis of data, matrix algebra, signal processing, graphic visualization, and simulated models of cognitive and perceptual processes.
COGS 14P Scientific Python for Research
- Units
- 4
Introduces Python for data analysis and modeling encountered in cognitive science and neuroscience. Topics include data structures, execution control, graphic visualization, and interaction with sound and display interfaces. Application in statistical analysis, model simulation, and stimulus presentation and experimental control.
COGS 21A Adolescent Psychology
- Units
- 4
Focuses on psychosocial dynamics of today's adolescents in America emphasizing the quest for identity, independence, values, and sexual orientation. The influence of society, family, school, and peers is analyzed. Strategies for helping troubled adolescents are discussed.
COGS 56L Acquisition of Language
- Units
- 4
What children say, what they mean, and what they understand. Theories about the learning of language by one-, two-, and three-year-olds. Comparison of kinds of data on which these theories are based.
COGS 60N Neurobiology of Cognition
- Units
- 4
Introduces the neurobiological components of human cognition. Topics include discussion of the cortical structures and functions that underlie these behaviors. Emphasis placed on the development and organization of the healthy brain.
COGS 78A Self-Identity and Society
- Units
- 4
Studies sociological contributions to theory and research in social psychology, with focus on the social influences on personality, attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; socialization, human groups, and social interaction.
COGS 89 Special Topics in Lower-Division Cognitive Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Prerequisites vary
Studies in selected areas of cognitive science at the lower-division level. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
COGS H101A Honors Seminar in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences I
- Units
- 4
Focuses on the research activities and honors thesis research projects of each student and the research of various Cognitive Sciences faculty. Students discuss their research interests in the early and later stages of their projects. Research projects and write-ups required.
COGS H101B Honors Seminar in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences II
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS H101A with a minimum grade of C-
Focuses on the research activities and honors thesis research projects of each student and the research of various Cognitive Sciences faculty. Students discuss their research interests in the early and later stages of their projects. Research projects and write-ups required.
COGS H101C Honors Seminar in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences III
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS H101B with a minimum grade of C-
Focuses on the research activities and honors thesis research projects of each student and the research of various Cognitive Sciences faculty. Students discuss their research interests in the early and later stages of their projects. Research projects and write-ups required.
COGS 105 Introduction to Statistical Learning
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 14P or I&C SCI 31 or MATH 9 and ((COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-) or STATS 110) and MATH 2B
Introduction to statistical learning as a tool for scientific research. Topics include linear regression, logistic regression, model selection, cross-validation, ridge and Lasso regularization, classification trees, ensemble methods, random forests, unsupervised learning, PCA, k-means clustering, Gaussian mixture models, and PLS regression.
COGS 106 Computational Lab Skills
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 14M or COGS 14P or I&C SCI 31 and ((COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-) or STATS 110)
Teaches programming tools, skills, and conventions for collaborative work in computational cognitive science. Topics covered include program structure, version control, random number generation, plotting, basic model fitting, and numerical optimization methods.
COGS 107 Cognitive Modeling
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 14M or COGS 14P or I&C SCI 31 and ((COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-) or STATS 110)
Cognitive process models analyzed using computational Bayesian methods. Formal statistical specification of models, parameter estimation, model evaluation, and research applications. Covers multinomial process trees, signal detection theory, Thurstone ranking models, item-response theory, decision models, and reaction time models.
COGS 108 Neural Analytics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 14M or COGS 14P or I&C SCI 31 and ((COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-) or STATS 110)
Introduces the theoretical foundations and practical applications of neural data analysis. Topics include models of neural signals, neural time series analysis, and machine learning applications in cognitive neuroscience.
COGS 109W Cognitive Sciences Research Seminar
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 10A with a minimum grade of C-. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
Read and discuss examples of the primary research leading to the concepts covered in Psychology Fundamentals. Focuses on how this research is conducted and how inferences from it are drawn.
COGS 112A Experimental Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LA
Emphasis on design of experiments and analysis of results. Experiments are conducted in laboratory sections.
COGS 112BW Advanced Experimental Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 112A and COGS 112LA. Satisfactory completion of the Lower-Division Writing requirement
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LB
Design and analysis of multivalent, factorial, and correlational studies. Students prepare proposals for independent research.
COGS 112C Research in Experimental Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 112BW and COGS 112LB
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LC
Each student conducts a research project in experimental psychology. The projects are discussed in a seminar format. Written reports on each project are submitted at the end of the quarter.
COGS 112D Research Design
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C- and (COGS 14P with a minimum grade of C- or I&C SCI 31 with a minimum grade of C-)
An examination of design of studies through the lens of validity of scientific claims. You already know how to perform statistical inference. Here we ask a different, broader question: When is an inference worth believing?
COGS 112E Learning and Memory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LE
Theories in learning and memory research and the methodological tools used to test them. Experimental design, statistical data analysis, and interpretation using hands-on lab exercises and the R programming language.
COGS 112LA Experimental Psychology Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- COGS 112A
Required laboratory section and co-requisite for COGS 112A.
COGS 112LB Advanced Experimental Psychology Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- COGS 112BW
Required laboratory section for COGS 112BW.
COGS 112LC Research in Experimental Psychology
- Units
- 0
- Corequisite
- COGS 112C
Required laboratory section and co-requisite for COGS 112C.
COGS 112LE Learning and Memory Lab
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- COGS 112E
Required laboratory section and corequisite for COGS 112E.
COGS 112LM Research Methods in Psychology Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- COGS 112M
Required laboratory section and co-requisite for COGS 112M.
COGS 112LN fMRI Research Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- COGS 112N
Required laboratory section and corequisite for COGS 112N.
COGS 112LP Research in Perception and Psychophysics Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- COGS 112P
Required laboratory section and corequisite for COGS 112P.
COGS 112LR Cognitive Robotics Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Corequisite
- COGS 112R
Required laboratory section and corequisite for COGS 112R.
COGS 112M Research Methods in Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LM
Research methods in psychology for majors who wish to fulfill this requirement separately from upper-division writing. Covers both experimental and descriptive research methods, analysis of results, and reading the psychological literature. Research experience is provided in laboratory sections.
COGS 112N Introduction to fMRI Research
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LN
Introduction to functional magnetic resonance imaging as a tool in cognitive neuroscience. Covers inferences about brain activity using MRI, evaluates experimental design considerations, and univariate and multivariate statistical analysis approaches.
COGS 112O Computational Modeling of Behavior
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C- and (COGS 14P with a minimum grade of C- or I&C SCI 31 with a minimum grade of C-)
Learn how computational models can be used as theoretical tools to predict, evaluate, and interpret psychological data in a number of domains in psychology, such as perception, learning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Focuses on skill development through coding.
COGS 112P Research in Perception and Psychophysics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LP
Introduction to design and practice of experiments: students perform auditory, visual, tactile, or other experiments. Emphasis on methodology, finding and reading previous research, generating research ideas, statistical analysis.
COGS 112R Cognitive Robotics
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B and COGS 10B with a minimum grade of C- and COGS 10C with a minimum grade of C-
- Corequisite
- COGS 112LR
Introduces concepts on experimental design, embodiment, robot construction, and computer programming. Concepts of embodied intelligence and case studies of cognitive robotics are covered in lecture. Simple robots are constructed and programmed to carry out different behavioral experiments in lab.
COGS 119 Special Topics in Research Methodologies
- Units
- 1-4
- Prerequisite
- Prerequisites vary
Studies in selected areas of research methodologies. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
COGS 120A Abnormal Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
Introduction to psychopathology and behavioral deviations, and the concepts of theories regarding these conditions.
COGS 120D Developmental Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
A general introduction to the study of the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development of the child from birth to adulthood.
COGS 120H History of Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4) or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B)
A history of the development of various schools and systems of psychological thought.
COGS 120P Personality Theories
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
A survey of the evolution of personality theory during this century. An overview of major perspectives in the field, with special attention to Freud, Jung, and Adler.
COGS 121S Psychology of Sleep and Consciousness
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
Covers the physiology, neurochemistry, and neuroanatomy associated with sleep, contemporary sleep theory, REM and NREM, phenomenology, sleep disorders, examination of differences between conscious and unconscious cognitive function, the history of sleep and dream theories from ancient time to present day.
COGS 122C Clinical Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
Provides overview of the clinical psychology field including theories and techniques used in counseling and testing.
COGS 122I Organizational/Industrial Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A or COGS 9B
Introduction to applied psychology in organizations, including personnel testing, selection, training and evaluation, job and classification analysis, job satisfaction and motivation, organizational development, leadership, market research, and consumer psychology. Potential ethical problems are discussed.
COGS 122J Advanced Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4) or COGS 9A or COGS 9B
Covers advanced topics in industrial-organizational psychology focused on organizational behavior and development; integrates cognitive psychology and business; emphasizes culture, personality, leadership, and motivation in optimizing systems and managing change and conflict.
COGS 123C Creativity
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B)
Introduction to creativity, addressing creativity with respect to cognition, development, neuroscience, education, personality, motivation, and social aspects of creativity.
COGS 123M Psychology of Music
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B)
Introduction to the psychology of music, addressing music with respect to the workings of the ear and brain, the perception and cognition of musical elements like rhythm and melody, and the development of musical skills.
COGS 124S Sports Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
Discusses the field of sports psychology with an emphasis on clinical practice including motivation, goal setting, performance skills, and mental skills. Discusses and utilizes a wide range of techniques designed to enhance performance and manage problems among athletes.
COGS 124V Psychology of Violence
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
Discusses the psychology of violence and aggression with an emphasis on understanding the psychological, social, and physiological roots of violent and aggressive behavior. Psychological treatment techniques and strategies for prevention of aggressive and violent behavior are also discussed.
COGS 126M Moral Psychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9B
Survey course studying moral psychology and philosophy. Empirical research from psychology is supplemented with texts from philosophy for better grounding in philosophical theory.
COGS 127P Personality Disorders
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Recommended: PSY 22 or COGS 9C
The history of personality disorder classification; defining characteristics of each disorder; the causes, courses, and outcomes of personality disorders; and information regarding assessment, prevention, and treatments of these disorders.
COGS 130A Perception and Sensory Processes
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
A general introduction to the scientific study of sensory processes and perceptual phonomena, with special emphasis in the visual systems.
COGS 130N Neuroscience of Perception
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
Introduces the principles that human perception is determined by the properties of brain circuitry and that these brain circuits evolved to interpret the properties of the physical environment to explore human perception from peripheral sensory organs to cortical processing.
COGS 131A Vision
- Units
- 4
Visual perception and the anatomy and physiology of the visual system. Topics include the retina and the visual pathway; visual sensitivity; color vision; spatial vision; motion perception; and the development of the visual system.
COGS 131B Hearing
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B
Auditory perception, the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system, and the physics of sound. Topics include neural transduction of sound, sensitivity, sound localization, complex sound perception, and hearing loss.
COGS 140J Judgment and Decision Making
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 9A and COGS 9B
The psychology of human decision making. Theories, models, experiments, and data that inform how people make choices, judgments, and other decisions. Topics include optimality and bias, mental simulation, learning and feedback, expertise, emotional effects, and group decision making.
COGS 140L Learning and Decision Making
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9A
The psychological and neural bases of learning about and interacting with the world. Topics include shaping of behavior by rewards and punishments, abstraction of relational information, goal-directed versus habitual decision strategies, social knowledge transmission, and behavioral and substance addictions.
COGS 140M Human Memory
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9B
Developments in the area of memory; history of memory research; theories of the nature of memory. Visual memory, recognition memory, high-speed scanning, free recall, short-term memory, mnemonics, retrieval, relationship of memory to thinking. Selected theoretical formulations for memory.
COGS 143P Human Problem Solving
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or COGS 9B
Modern developments in the psychology of human problem solving. Topics include concept identification, arithmetic, sets, logic puzzles, story problems, group problem solving, and theorem proving.
COGS 150 Psychology of Language
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- LSCI 3 and (LSCI 51 or COGS 56L)
Examines language using the tools of experimental psychology. From sounds to words to spoken and written sentences, explores how language is used in real time, and how its use reveals how it is represented in the mind.
COGS 153 African American Psychology
- Units
- 4
Historical overview of the development of black psychology and the African American frame of reference. Topics include personality development, psychological assessment, issues in education, black mental health, and the role of the African American psychologist in the community.
COGS 157M Computational Methods for Language Research
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 150 or LSCI 155 or COGS 156A or LSCI 151
Focuses on computational methods useful for language research. Students become familiar with software and programming languages used for extracting information from electronic datasets and for creating basic simulations of linguistic cognition. No prior programming experience assumed.
COGS 160A Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B)
Introduction to the neural basis of human perceptual, motor, and cognitive abilities. Topics include sensory perception, motor control, memory, language, attention, emotion, frontal lobe function, functional brain imaging, and neuropsychological disorders.
COGS 160D Brain Disorders and Behavior
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B) or BIO SCI 35 or BIO SCI N110 or BIO SCI N115A
Examines the localization of human brain functions and the effects of neurological disorders on psychological functions such as perception, motor control, language, memory, and decision-making.
COGS 161 Language and the Brain
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (COGS 7A or PSCI 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4) or (COGS 9A or PSCI 11A) and (COGS 9B or PSCI 11B) or BIO SCI 35 or BIO SCI N110 or BIO SCI N115A
Research analysis on biological bases of human linguistic capacity. Development, focusing on hemispheric specialization, plasticity; localization of specific linguistic functions in adults, with emphasis on study of aphasias; relation of linguistic capacity to general cognitive capacity, considering research on retardation.
COGS 161H Hearing and the Brain
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 160A or BIO SCI 93 or BIO SCI H93
An overview of brain mechanisms of hearing, including perception of simple sounds, speech, and music. Begins with sound itself, and looks at processing by the ear, auditory pathways, auditory cortex, and beyond. Also auditory development, learning, and clinical issues.
COGS 161M Evolution of Language and Music
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B) or LSCI 3
Focuses on the biological evolution of two rather unique human traits: language and music. No other species is capable of “doing” language or music with the complexity that humans can.
COGS 162N Human Neuropsychology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- BIO SCI N110 or BIO SCI N115A or COGS 9A
A survey of human brain disorders using a clinical case study approach to illustrate fundamental issues in studying brain and behavior. Topics include sensory deficits, attentional neglect, amnesia, cortical organization, clinical psychopathology, and more.
COGS 163A Metacognition
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B)
Critical analysis of primary literature targeting metacognition in perception and memory, including neural correlates. Coverage includes behavioral experimental design, computational models, psychophysics, noninvasive neuroimaging, and neural stimulation approaches.
COGS 173A Psychological Anthropology
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- ANTHRO 2A or COGS 7A or PSY 9 or AP Psychology Exam with a minimum score of 4 or (COGS 9A and COGS 9B)
Cultural differences and similarities in personality and behavior. Child-rearing practices and consequent adult personality characteristics, biocultural aspects of child development and attachment, culture and behavior evolutionary models, politically linked personality, cognitive anthropology, psychology of narrative forms, comparative national character studies.
COGS 174H Chicano/Latino Families
- Units
- 4
Introduction to the research, literature, and issues surrounding the topic of Chicano/Latino families including cultural history, contemporary issues, organization of family, traditions, lifestyles, values, beliefs, generational differences, gender issues, ethnic identity, evolution of demographic patterns, current economic and political standings.
COGS 176A Political Psychology
- Units
- 4
Examination of how psychological theory and research may be used to better understand political thought and behavior. Drawing on theories of learning, cognition, and personality, discusses such topics as the formation of political attitudes, and the process of political decision-making.
COGS 177D Deviance
- Units
- 4
Perspectives on deviance and criminality in behavior, institution, community, and myth. The suitability of contemporary theories of deviant behavior.
COGS 177F Forensic Psychology: Advanced Seminar
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- (PSY 9 or COGS 7A or COGS 9C) and PSY 102C and (PSY 161C or CRM/LAW C160). Interview required
Focuses on the psychology of criminal offending, particularly violent behavior. Examines violence, sexual offending, and mental disorder related to crime with regard to clinical assessment and treatment; mental health services within forensic institutions.
COGS 178N Social Psychology of Networks
- Units
- 4
Review of network methods used in small group and organizational research. Discussion of social psychological literature relevant to the network of study of cognitive social structure, exchange/communication, identity negotiation, and social control. Case study of network datasets exemplifies research issues.
COGS 189 Special Topics in Upper-Division Cognitive Sciences
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Prerequisites vary
Studies in selected areas of cognitive science at the upper-division level. Topics addressed vary each quarter.
COGS 198 Directed Group Study
- Units
- 1-4
Directed study with Cognitive Sciences faculty.
COGS 199 Individual Study
- Units
- 1-4
Independent research with Cognitive Sciences faculty.
COGS 201A Cognitive Sciences Research Seminar
- Units
- 1.3
Weekly reports and colloquia by faculty, students, and visitors.
COGS 201B Cognitive Sciences Research Seminar
- Units
- 1.3
Weekly reports and colloquia by faculty, students, and visitors.
COGS 201C Cognitive Sciences Research Seminar
- Units
- 1.4
Weekly reports and colloquia by faculty, students, and visitors.
COGS 202A Proseminar in the Cognitive Sciences
- Units
- 1
Introduction to the conceptual foundations and basic research results in the cognitive sciences for first-year graduate students.
COGS 203A Statistical Models for Cognitive Sciences I
- Units
- 4
Logic and set theory are covered during the first three weeks, using an interactive computer system. The remaining seven weeks are devoted to probability theory and cover elementary concepts from samples spaces to Chebychev's Inequality and the moment generating function.
COGS 203B Statistical Models for Cognitive Sciences II
- Units
- 4
An introduction to statistical estimation and statistical inference. Topics include sufficiency and the Rao-Blackwell Theorem, completeness and the Lehmann-Scheffe Theorem. The method of maximum likelihood is explored in some detail. Inference in linear models covers regression and analysis of variance.
COGS 203C Statistical Models for Cognitive Sciences III
- Units
- 4
Discussion of the fundamentals of statistical inference and computational implementations of common statistical models.
COGS 204A Seminar in Professional Development
- Units
- 1
Development of professional skills. Focuses on grant writing and submission process, responsible conduct of research, and ethics training.
COGS 204B Seminar in Professional Development
- Units
- 1
Development of professional skills. Focus on scientific presentations and preparation.
COGS 204C Seminar in Professional Development
- Units
- 1
Development of professional skills. Focuses on career opportunities, interests and information, and community outreach.
COGS 205B Computational Lab Skills for Cognitive Scientists I
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Knowledge of Python programming
Provides an in-depth introduction to writing MATLAB programs to run auditory and visual experiments. Topics covered include program structure, stimulus generation, presentation, and data collection.
COGS 205C Introduction to Statistical Learning
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- Required: Knowledge of calculus, computer programming, and undergraduate-level statistics
Introduction to statistical learning for scientific research. Topics include linear regression, logistic regression, model selection, cross-validation, ridge and Lasso regularization, classification trees, ensemble methods, random forests, unsupervised learning, PCA, k-means clustering, Gaussian mixture models, and PLS regression.
COGS 205D Neural Networks and Machine Learning
- Units
- 4
An introduction and review of the current state of the art in neural networks and machine learning with specific emphasis of applications to behavioral and neuroscience data analysis and modeling.
COGS 210A Cognitive and Brain Sciences I: Topics in Perception
- Units
- 4
Discusses models of cognition and evidence linking cognition and the brain. Focus is on visual, auditory, and somatic perception and bottom-up mechanisms of attention.
COGS 210B Cognitive and Brain Sciences II: Topics in Cognition
- Units
- 4
Discusses models of cognition and evidence linking cognition and the brain. Focus is on emotion, top-down attention, goal-directed behavior, categorization, judgment, and decision-making.
COGS 210C Cognitive and Brain Sciences III: Topics in Learning and Development
- Units
- 4
Discusses experimental data, formal models of learning, and evidence linking learning and development to its neural substrates. Topics include Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning, language acquisition, causal reasoning, perceptual learning, category formation, and structure learning.
COGS 213 The Mind/Body Problem
- Units
- 4
Multidisciplinary, drawing on information from the fields of quantum physics, computer vision, artificial intelligence, cognition, neurophysiology, philosophy, and psychophysics.
COGS 214 Bayesian Cognitive Modeling
- Units
- 4
Considers a range of statistical methods of data analysis and simple cognitive models using the Bayesian graphical modeling framework.
COGS 218 Hearing
- Units
- 4
Examines auditory sensation and perception using psychophysical and neuroscientific perspectives. Covers physical aspects of sound; subcortical auditory processing; aspects of sensation and perception such as sensitivity, sound localization, and complex-sound recognition; neuroscientific studies of cortical function; and abnormal auditory processing.
COGS 229 Special Topics in Human Cognition
- Units
- 1.3-4
Current research in brain/ behavior relationships, human memory, and learning theory is presented.
COGS 235 Analysis of Neural Time Series
- Units
- 4
Hands-on introduction to techniques for the analysis of neural time series data, with a primary focus on the electroencephalogram (EEG). Topics may include the physiological basis of EEG, time-frequency analysis, spatial filtering, and methods of assessing connectivity.
COGS 237 Advanced Bayesian Cognitive Modeling
- Units
- 4
- Prerequisite
- COGS 214 with a minimum grade of B-
Considers a range of advanced cognitive process models including models of signal detection, memory retention, category learning, stimulus representation, and reasoning using the Bayesian graphical modeling framework.
COGS 239 Special Topics in Methodology and Models
- Units
- 1.3-4
Current research in cognitive sciences methodologies, concepts, and models is presented.
COGS 259 Special Topics in Human Performance
- Units
- 1.3-4
Current research in the human issues involved with sensation, perception, and cognition.
COGS 261N Cortical Neuroscience
- Units
- 4
Physiology of the cerebral cortex, theoretical neuroscience, and the neural basis of perception.
COGS 262 Functional Neuroanatomy
- Units
- 4
It is impossible to truly understand human behavior without some understanding of the physical structure that enables behavior. Examines recent findings in functional neuroantomy through lectures and papers discussing links between particular behaviors and specific brain structures.
COGS 265 Introduction to Functional MRI
- Units
- 4
Describes the fundamentals of imaging the human brain function using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Topics include basic fMRI physics, experimental design, and data acquisition and analysis.
COGS 268A Computational Neuroscience
- Units
- 4
Introduction to computational neuroscience. Mathematical models of single neurons, neural circuits, thalamocortical systems, and cortical mass action can stimulate single-unit, local field potential, and EEG dynamics. These models are used to investigate mechanisms of sensation, motor control, attention, and consciousness.
COGS 268R Cognitive Robotics
- Units
- 4
Introduces concepts for studying cognitive function by embedding brain models on robotic platforms. Topics include robot construction, computer programming, and the notion of embodiment. Students construct simple robots and program these robots to perform different behaviors.
COGS 269 Special Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience
- Units
- 1.3-4
Current research in cognitive neuroscience.
COGS 289 Special Topics in Sensation and Perception
- Units
- 1.3-4
Current research in the reception and processing of visual and auditory stimuli presented.
COGS 290 Dissertation Research
- Units
- 1-12
Dissertation research with Cognitive Science faculty.
COGS 299 Individual Study
- Units
- 4-12
Individual research with Cognitive Science faculty.