Cognitive Science, B.S.

Requirements for The B.S. in Cognitive Science (COGS)

In addition to adhering to the UC Merced and School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts requirements, students in the Cognitive Science major, B.S., must complete 60-65 units (some of which simultaneously meet general education requirements). Compared to the B.A., the B.S. requires three additional lower division courses, one each in math, science and computing. In addition, B.S. students are encouraged to pursue upper division courses in Biology or Computer Science and Engineering. Courses in the major must be taken for a letter grade, and may not be taken on a pass/no pass basis unless the course is only offered on a pass/no pass basis. Required courses include:

Transfer Students

Transfer students planning to major in Cognitive Science, B.S. should complete the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) at their community college. Transfer students may not be admitted to the Cognitive Science major without specific major preparation. Please contact the Office of Admissions for current information.

Cognitive Science Program Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, students majoring in Cognitive Science will be able to:

1. Explain and apply knowledge of landmark findings and theories in cognitive science, and use that knowledge as context for understanding the current state of affairs. Evidence will be collected in the form of embedded test questions in COGS 001 .
2. Students should have the following abilities:
   1. Ability to interpret / evaluate / synthesize information in research papers
   2. Ability to design a cognitive science research project
   3. Ability to write clearly and scientifically
3. Interpret and appreciate formal and computational approaches in cognitive science.
4. Take theoretical positions in cognitive science and argue for them or against them. Evidence will be collected in the form of an essay from one of the writing-intensive cognitive science courses.
5. Be able to use a cognitive science education outside of the undergraduate classroom, particularly in terms of employment and career development. Evidence will be collected in the form of student surveys.