Minor in Cognitive Science

The minor in Cognitive Science requires a total of 6 credit units, divided as follows:
ONE credit for the core course COGS 001
THREE credits in the breadth requirement, and
TWO credits in a concentration.

These categories are explained below. A grade of C- or better is required for any course counted toward the minor. At most three courses counted toward a COGS minor may be double-counted for another major or minor.

For further information on the minor in cognitive science, contact the Director of the Cognitive Science program, Prof. Rolf Noyer.

Core Course: 1 credit

All prospective minors should take the following course. Beginning in 2002, it will be offered each fall term.

Introduction to Cognitive Science (COGS 001/CIS 140/LING 105/PHIL 044/PSYC 107)

Breadth Requirement: 3 credits

Students must take one course each from three of the following areas. Advanced Placement credit will not be counted toward the minor requirements.

1. Psychology
   Introduction to Experimental Psychology (PSYC 001)
   Introduction to Cognitive Psychology (PSYC 151)
2. Computation
   Introduction to Programming (CIS 110)
   Programming Languages and Techniques I (CIS 120)
   Formal Logic I (PHIL 005)
3. Language
   Introduction to Linguistics (LING 001)
   Introduction to Formal Linguistics (LING 106)
4. Philosophy
   History of Modern Philosophy (PHIL 004)
   Introduction to Philosophy of Mind (PHIL 244)
   Philosophy of Language (PHIL 405)
   Philosophy of Psychology (PHIL 426)
5. Neuroscience
   Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience (BIBB 249/PSYC 149)
   Introduction to Brain and Behavior (BIBB 109/BIOL 219/PSYC 109)

Although these areas are patterned after those in the major, the sixth breadth area of the Cognitive Science major, Mathematics, does not apply to the minor.

Concentration: 2 credits

Finally, the minor requires two credits drawn from a single concentration, as defined for the specialized tracks of the Cognitive Science major. The concentrations are:
Cognitive Neuroscience
Computation and Cognition
Language and Mind

See the major page for lists of qualifying courses. Note that the foundational courses of the major requirements are not applicable to the minor.

For undergraduate application information, please visit Penn's Admissions Office.