Bachelor of Cognitive Science Carleton University Undergraduate

Cognitive science involves the study of cognition, perception, and emotion from a wide range of perspectives. Despite the many different methodologies they use, cognitive scientists are united in their interest in the mind—and the brain.

Researchers in our program (students and faculty members) study the mind by combining the methods and theories of five disciplines: psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach allows unique insights into human understanding, thought, perception, language, and emotion.

The Bachelor of Cognitive Science is offered as an Honors program with either a thesis or coursework option and as a three-year degree.

The Carleton advantage

At Carleton, the Cognitive Science program is offered by an independent, fully functioning academic unit: the Institute of Cognitive Science. At other universities, cognitive science is usually offered through one of the related disciplines. We offer more dedicated cognitive science courses than most universities and we have a core group of faculty members who were hired as ‘cognitive scientists.’ The Institute also offers Master’s and Ph.D. degrees and has a thriving academic agenda with presentations by leading cognitive scientists from across North America. Finally, your degree will be a Bachelor of Cognitive Science (BCogSc) rather than a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. This unique degree designation will highlight your interdisciplinary training and expertise that covers science, humanities, and social sciences.

You can also take advantage of a variety of on-campus research facilities including those associated with the Visualization and Simulation Centre (VSIM), the Language, Logic, and Information Lab (LLI), the Science of Imagination Lab (SOIL), the Language and Brain Lab, the Centre for Applied Cognitive Research (CACR) or the Children’s Representational Development Lab (CRDL).

The capital advantage

Cognitive Science at Carleton has forged strong links to resources in and around Ottawa, the nation’s capital. You will benefit from access to facilities such as the National Research Council Canada, government research laboratories and Ottawa’s large high tech community.

Co-op opportunities

The co-op option in Cognitive Science enables you to apply your skills in a variety of settings. For example, you may find work in software interface design, improving websites, developing efficient procedures for querying databases, designing and analyzing surveys, or developing novel ways to visualize data.

The program

Carleton’s Bachelor of Cognitive Science (Honors) program, offered through the Institute of Cognitive Science, is designed to be completed in four years of full-time study. A three-year General degree is also available. The Honors program consists of three elements: a core of courses from Cognitive Science and associated disciplines, an area of specialization chosen from the five possible areas, and optional courses you select according to your interests.

Researchers in our program (students and faculty members) study the mind by combining the methods and theories of five disciplines: psychology, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, and computer science. This interdisciplinary approach allows unique insights into human understanding, thought, perception, language, and emotion—using a diverse range of methods including the study of abstract concepts; computer models of cognition; empirical research into language, problem-solving, imagination, complex thinking, and children’s learning; and applied research on the interface between humans and machines.

In the first year, you will take introductory courses in cognitive science, linguistics, psychology, philosophy and computer science. You will either take a first-year introduction to cognitive science or one of the first-year seminars that focus on cognitive science.

By your second or third year of study, you will begin to develop your expertise in one of the following five areas of specialization:

• The Biological Foundations of Cognition
  This specialization studies how cognitive activities are implemented in the brain. Your specialization coursework will be in neuroscience and psychology.
• Cognition and Computation
  This specialization focuses on the use of computers to study cognition. Your specialization courses will be in computer science.
• Cognition and Psychology
  This specialization focuses on behavioral processes that reflect cognition such as learning, problem solving, emotions, and perception. Your specialization courses will be in cognitive psychology.
• Language and Linguistics
  This specialization focuses on the cognitive underpinnings of language, including phonetics, syntax, and semantics. Your specialization courses will be in linguistics.
• Philosophical and Conceptual Issues
  This specialization is based on the philosophy and focuses on the concepts used in cognitive science such as understanding the brain, mind, and consciousness. Your specialization courses will be in philosophy.

Honors research project

As a senior student, you can choose to complete a year-long research project on a topic in cognitive science. The Honors Thesis project allows you to work closely with a faculty supervisor on a specific topic within your area of specialization.

Other research opportunities

As a senior student, you may find yourself assisting in areas of research such as natural language processing, speech perception, cognitive engineering, formal properties of grammars, modeling and simulation of games, human attention and performance, philosophy of mind, development of children’s thinking, semantics or genetic algorithms.

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Cognitive Science

The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma (PBD or “post-bac”) program in Cognitive Science is designed for students who are interested in graduate work in Cognitive Science at the Master’s level, but whose undergraduate degree did not include any research experience or who may not have a high enough GPA to enter the M.Cog.Sc program directly. The PBD is also suitable for those who already have an undergraduate degree but want to learn about cognitive science and gain research experience in the field.

The PBD can be completed in one academic year (Fall-Winter), or students may opt to spread the coursework over two or more years.

The workplace

As a graduate of Carleton’s Cognitive Science program, you will be well-equipped with the analytical, communication and research skills necessary for a wide range of career paths. The Bachelor of Cognitive Science provides ideal preparation for careers in cognitive research in universities; government research facilities or private companies; mind/machine interface research; website usability design; language processing research; or, with further study, speech pathology, audiology, or occupational therapy.

Graduate studies

Graduates of our program have gone on to graduate studies in a variety of fields related to their area of specialization. If you think that you may wish to pursue an advanced degree, you are encouraged to investigate graduate programs early in order to ensure that your program is suited to meet the relevant graduate-level requirements.

Professional programs

Many professional programs, such as teaching, medicine, and journalism, are interested in attracting well-rounded applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Cognitive Science provides a strong foundation for such programs.

Careers

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Mental Health Work
• Occupational Therapy
• Research
• Speech Therapy