McGill Cognitive Science
Introduction
Cognitive science is a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of cognitive phenomena. Research in cognitive science disciplines addresses a large variety of classical problems in the nature of mind and cognition, including acquisition, competence, representation, sensation, perception, consciousness, modeling and theory construction, and truth and belief. While cognitive scientists typically pursue research within their own disciplines, all recognize that the tools, insights, data, hypotheses, and concepts of their particular domains of expertise may be inadequate to fully understand and develop theories of particular cognitive phenomena. This often leads to active cooperation with those doing related research in other departments.
McGill offers several opportunities to students interested in interdisciplinary study in cognitive science.
At the undergraduate level: 1) Students in the BA&Sc program may register for the cognitive science faculty program option. For program information, see: here. For courses, see here. The 2006 list of departments and courses appears below. An honours option is in preparation. 2) Arts students are encouraged to take combinations of major and minor programs within various cognitive science disciplines. Some combinations can give a student a good preparation for further work in cognitive science. For advice, see advisors in the relevant departments or contact the director of the cognitive science program, James McGilvray [email]. 3) Arts and science students can pursue a minor program in cognitive science. 4) In special circumstances, students can apply to their faculties to pursue ad hoc major or minor programs. Please note that with the institution of the BA&Sc cognitive science program in 2004, this option is not encouraged.
At the graduate level, various departments in cognitive science fields offer graduate programs that encourage interdisciplinary research. Please contact graduate directors and/or advisors in the relevant departments. The undergraduate list below mentions participating departments and suggests possible cognate ones.
McGill Cognitive Science operates as an official University group reporting to the Associate Vice-Principal, Research. It is governed by a four-person organizing committee, currently consisting of Joelle Pineau (Computer Science), Heather Goad (Linguistics), James McGilvray (Philosophy), and Thomas Shultz (Psychology).
Last Updated 1/5/2007