SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
Introduction to Cognitive Science

A multidisciplinary approach to the study of the mind combining approaches from philosophy, psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, anthropology, and artificial intelligence. Logic, rules, concepts, and other mental represenations used to generate thought and behaviour. Implementation of computational and cognitive models of mental processes.
Please note: This course is typically offered in the summer term
Learning Outcomes
- identify cognitive science as an interdisciplinary paradigm of study of cross-cutting areas such as Philosophy, Psychology, Neuroscience, Linguistics, Anthropology, and Artificial Intelligence;
- explain various processes of the mind such as memory and attention, as well as representational and modeling techniques that are used to build computational models of mental processes;
- illustrate the use of cognitive models such as IAM and modeling techniques such as logic programs and neural networks in natural language processing applications (such as ALICE and ELIZA);
- design simple automata and develop logical deductions for problem-solving that serve as the foundation of computer programs and neural networks implementations; and
- collaborate, communicate and negotiate with peers in a team-based environment to produce a joint outcome.
Description
Introduction to Cognitive Science presents students with an interdisciplinary approach and theories involving the study of the human mind. Students will learn about the challenges and complexity of the study of mind and how theories from philosophy, psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, anthropology, and artificial intelligence can help us gain a better understanding of human cognition. You will also learn about some of the processes of mind and the computational methods used to model these processes based on the 3-way analogy between the mind, brain and computers and Marr's tri-level hypothesis.
Terms
Evaluation
0% Interactive Content Slides (Formative)
30% Online Quizzes (x6) (Summative)
12% Problem Solving group activity (Summative and formative elements)
18% Weekly Challenge (x6) (Summative and formative elements)
5% Mind map and Building Questions (Summative with formative elements)
5% Review activity II Building MC questions (Summative with formative elements)
30% Proctored Final Exam (Summative)
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Live Sessions
This course has optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities).
Final Examination
Students must write their exam on the day and time scheduled by the University. The start time may vary slightly depending on the off-campus exam centre. Do not schedule vacations, appointments, etc., during the exam period.
Instructor
Textbooks and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
Cognitive Science an Introduction to the Study of the Mind third edition, by Jay Friedenberg and Gordon Silverman.(available at the bookstore) (also available as e-text at https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/cognitive-science/book242501).
Optional:
2. Mind: Introduction to Cognitive Science by Paul Thagard MIT Press, 2005 second edition. (available at the book store)
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 18-20 hours a week (120 hours per term) in study / practice and online activity for (course name).
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
Letter Grade | Grade Point |
A+ | 4.30 |
A | 4.00 |
A- | 3.70 |
B+ | 3.30 |
B | 3.00 |
B- | 2.70 |
C+ | 2.30 |
C | 2.00 |
C- | 1.70 |
D+ | 1.30 |
D | 1.00 |
D- | 0.70 |
F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.