512-390 Cognitive Science 3

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

512-224 (or equivalent).

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject comprises completing a compulsory unit, Introducing Cognitive Science, and one of three optional units:

Introducing Cognitive Science

Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary field whose goal is to produce a more complete understanding of the nature of the mind. The aim of this unit is to provide an introduction to some basic issues in cognitive science. The unit will consider different explanations of mind and consider what aspects a theory of mind would need to consider.

Adult Language Processing

Covers a range of issues in the psychology of language. Topics will include lexical access, syntactic processing, sentence comprehension, discourse strategies, production of utterances and individual differences in reading ability.

Behavioural Modelling and Simulation

Predominantly treats the application of neural network techniques to psychological processes. This unit uses BRAINWAVE, a graphic user interface-based software package, which presumes no special mathematical background. After examining how neural networks work, using Hopfield and self-organising nets, and backpropagation, students will look at their effectiveness in modelling.

Speech, Hearing and Music

Covers topics in the psychology of speech and hearing, including acoustical properties of speech sounds, models of speech perception and speech production, and the role of prosody. The unit will also survey significant directions in the psychology of music.

Assessment

A combination of laboratory reports and examinations, with the reports being weighted at least 40% of the total assessment.