A topical course with each section investigating advanced problems and issues in cognitive science and visual intelligence. Please look at the Subtitle listed to learn the Topic and Instructor of each section and, look below for titles, requirements, and brief descriptions of some of the current sections.
**ONLY ONE (1) SECTION MAY BE TAKEN PER SEMESTER. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT THE UGD:
NOTE: This course satisfies the upper-division electives for the Perception track of the Cognitive Science major.
185:417:02 This section will be offered Spring 2025 by Professor John McGann
Requests for waiver of course prerequisite will be considered on a case by case basis.
This section of 417 is titled The Cognitive Science of Smell. Smell provides an interesting window into the mind, is surprisingly important for human health, and plays a major role in eating and social communication. But more than that, smell is an incredible venue in which to explore fundamental cognitive functions like perception, learning, attention, and decision-making, including by leveraging its unique neurobiology, linguistics, and food science to approach smell and its congnitive features from an interdisciplinary perspective. Where possible, classroom lectures and discussions will be complemented by demonstrations to add an experiential element to the content (make sure you bring your nose to class with you). Some topics have been specifically selected to emphasize take-home knowledge that will be applicable in daily life. We will also read the primary literature and include discussions of data and its interpretation every step of the way. Please check the posted syllabus for a lists of topics and demonstrations.
Sample Syllabi for course 185:417