PSY385 INTRODUCTION TO COGNITIVE SCIENCE

Course Code:2330385
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:7.5
Department:Psychology
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course students will be able to

  • appreciate the need for an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mind,
  • understand different approaches to understanding the mind form different disciplines,
  • apply basic knowledge of mind  to real life situations,
  • appreciate the application of cognitive science to psychology, language, computer science and neuroscience.

Course Content

The course is intended to provide an introduction to the multidisciplinary study of the human mind for diverse groups of students. Students will be exposed to the basics of how cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, neuroscience, and philosophy approach mental phenomena. The final portion of the course will present integrated approaches to some core topics of cognitive science such as language and vision.


Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course students will

  • understand different approaches to study the mind,
  • write critical reflections on readings on cognitive science,
  • actively participate in in-class discussions on approaches to cognitive science,
  • present a certain topic on cognitive science in class and lead the discussions.

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Solid background in basic theories and approaches in psychology.
2Skills to obtain and interpret new information in the light of acquired theoretical knowledge.
3Skills to follow both national and international publications and developments in the discipline.
4Basic applied skills and knowledge of the various disciplines of psychology that do not require specialization.
5Awareness of the value of continuing educational practices such as in-service training, seminars, and conferences to keep career-relevant knowledge and skills up-to-date.
6Skills to conduct research based on basic knowledge related to testing and measurement, research methods, and statistics. That is, skills related to forming research hypotheses, designing the research, collecting data, applying basic statistical analysis, and reporting.
7Knowledge and skills about conducting research and practice by adhering to ethical guidelines.
8Skills in oral and written communication both in Turkish and English.
9Skills to work in teams that involve disciplinary and interdisciplinary projects.
10Critical thinking skills in following the psychological literature together with the psychology-related information appearing in popular media.
11Skills to generate practical and culture-sensitive solutions to problems.
12Awareness of societal, environmental, and economic factors in professional practice and research.
13Skills to lead and pioneer in the profession of psychology, either in academia or professional practice.
14Skills in independent and team work.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution