Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Cognitive Science: Math & Computer Science Concentration, B.S.


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Cognitive Science Program


Cognitive Science ​is a multidisciplinary field that brings together researchers and scholars with the goal of understanding the nature of the human mind. Avila Cognitive Science majors learn to how to ask questions, critically examine evidence, and make decisions through the lenses of diverse disciplines. They are well-prepared for a wide variety of careers and graduate programs.

In addition to foundational and related requirements of the major, students must complete a concentration (or approved minor/second major), and may complete two concentrations with approval. Avila offers four areas of concentration:

Students who complete the Research concentration will be eligible to receive an Honors degree in Cognitive Science. Students must apply for acceptance into the Research Concentration after completing CG 262. Minimal requirements include: (a) completion of six hours of coursework at Avila, (b) a 3.25 cumulative grade point average, (c) a “B” grade or better in CG 261 and CG 262, and (d) recommendation of their advisor.

The concentration requirement for Cognitive Science can be met by completing one of the following minors:

Other majors/minors may meet the concentration requirement for the Cognitive Science major with approval from a student’s Cognitive Science advisor.

Note: ALL required major courses including concentration(s) and related requirements - must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Core Requirements


All students must complete the Avila University Core Curriculum as a part of their degree programs. The Core consists of a minimum of 39 credit hours that meet the requirements listed below. Please go to Core Curriculum  for more information and to view all Core classes.

Skills Level (7 credit hours)


Develops fundamental skills key for both academic and professional success.

  • Composition (3)
  • Communication (3)
  • First Year Seminar (1) - waived for transfer students

Liberal Arts Level (25 credit hours)


Provides diverse disciplinary lenses through which to examine the world. Concepts learned and viewpoints experiences at this level promote critical thinking and ethical decision-making with reference to real-life situations across the humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and arts.

  • Arts (3)
  • History (3)
  • Literature/Rhetoric (3)
  • Mathematics (3)
  • Natural Science (4) - must include a lab
  • Philosophy (3)
  • Religious Studies (3)
  • Social Sciences (3)

Core Component Designations (6-12 credit hours)


Focuses on seeing beyond the self, immediate community, or chosen discipline. Designations include Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies, and Community Engagement, all of which call for application of learning across boundaries.

  • Interdisciplinary Studies (6)
  • Global Studies or Community Engagement (6)

Major Requirements


The Cognitive Science major “core” consists of the following courses:

Math & Computer Science Concentration


Courses that meet the concentration requirement will not meet Cognitive Science elective requirements

Technology Requirement


Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of the following course:

Outcomes


Outcome 1: Students should understand the historical, multi-disciplinary foundations of cognitive science. ​

Outcome 2: Students should demonstrate an understanding of the questions that unite multiple disciplines in cognitive science. ​

Outcome 3: Students should demonstrate competence in writing and oral communication skills.

Outcome 4: Students should demonstrate a breadth of knowledge related to major concepts and theories in cognitive science. ​

Outcome 5: Students should demonstrate an understanding of multiple methodological approaches to the study of the mind and cognition. ​

Outcome 6: Students should demonstrate an understanding of multiple disciplinary or theoretical approaches to the study of the mind and cognition. ​

Outcome 7: Students should demonstrate a depth of knowledge in at least one concentration area in the cognitive science major. ​

Assessment


The outcomes for the Cognitive Science major are assessed through a combination of: (1) written and performance examinations and assignments as specified in the course syllabi; (2) self, instructor, and Cognitive Science faculty evaluations; and (3) completed projects assigned throughout the program.

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