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Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of the mind and mental processing. It involves a number of different perspectives, including psychology, computer science, artificial intelligence, philosophy, linguistics, neuroscience, and other disciplines. The goal is to further our understanding of information processing: memory and knowledge structures; consciousness; the use of language; and other cognitive processes. The research methodologies used are as diverse as the areas that contribute to cognitive science.

Where to go from here?
A degree in cognitive science from Mount Allison University can lead to careers in:

  • Graduate studies in cognitive science;
  • Graduate studies in psychology or computer science;
  • Artificial intelligence or robotics;
  • Human-computer interface;
  • Cognitive neuroscience;
  • Speech pathology, occupational therapy;
  • Research and development.

Our Program
A Bachelor of Science major in Cognitive Science is offered at Mount Allison University. This multi-disciplinary program has been designed to provide our students with a breadth of knowledge of the disciplines that contribute to cognitive science, while still allowing students to focus their programs on their own interests. A number of specific courses in psychology, computer science, physics, philosophy, and chemistry form the core of the program. Students may then select from a number of optional courses to focus their individual program on aspects of psychology, computer science, philosophy, neuroscience, or linguistics. The Cognitive Science Program at Mount Allison University is a unique program within Atlantic Canada.

Faculty Research
Faculty members involved with the Cognitive Science Program come from a number of disciplines and are active in research in their own areas of specialization. These faculty members receive funding from a number of sources, including Science and Engineering Research Canada (NSERC) - Discovery and Equipment Grants, The Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Facilities
There are a number of research facilities available to cognitive science students. Within the Mathematics/Computer Science Department there are many computing facilities, including a high-performance parallel computing cluster. The Psychology Department facilities and resources include computers for professional database searches and statistical data analysis, and laboratories for demonstration and research with humans and animals.

Undergraduate Research
Students have the opportunity to become involved in real research projects in a number of disciplines. Students can participate either through independent summer research projects with faculty members, directed studies projects, or by contributing to faculty research projects. Through these research opportunities students gain valuable skills and experience. Cognitive science students have the opportunity to work with faculty members from a variety of Departments. Recent student projects in the Math/Computer Science and Psychology Departments include investigations of the creation of false memories, the study of the semantic fields of emotion words, cryptanalysis of block ciphers, and a graphical interface for design of discrete events systems.

Department Website

Academic Calendar: Cognitive Science