Mar 28, 2024  
Catalogue 2019-2020 
    
Catalogue 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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COGS 319 - Modeling Minds, Brains, and Behavior

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)
In this course students learn to apply computational methods to the study of minds, brains, and behavior. The course covers several frameworks for modeling, including symbolic, neural network, Bayesian, and agent-based perspectives. A major focus of the course is to appreciate that each of these approaches has merits and that, depending on the phenomenon of interest, different modeling tools might be needed.  The course also deals with foundational questions in modeling such as what distinguishes good models from poor models, how do we choose between competing models, and what is the goal of modeling. Hands-on experience with modeling experimental data and computer programming are essential parts of the course, but no prior programming experience is required. Students complete a semester-long modeling project in an area of interest to them. In addition to the importance of these approaches for students in Cognitive Science, the techniques explored are also of value to students in Neuroscience and Behavior as well as other behavioral sciences.  Josh de Leeuw.

Prerequisite(s): At least one 200-level course in Cognitive Science or a related discipline; or permission of the instructor.



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