Why study this course at Birkbeck? - Draws on academics from many disciplines, including internationally renowned researchers in psychology, computational modelling and neuroscience. - Good foundation for a research career in the cognitive sciences. - Develops an understanding of core theoretical principles of human thought and an expertise in computer simulation. - Designed for graduates of either the computational sciences or the psychological sciences. This programme studies the cognitive processes and representations underlying human thought, knowledge and behaviour. It integrates a wide range of disciplines and methodologies with the core assumption that human cognition is a computational process, implemented in neural hardware. Key topics include: the nature of computational explanation general principles of cognition methodology of computational modelling theories of the cognitive architecture symbol systems connectionism neural computation and case studies in computational cognitive modelling. The programme involves intensive training in experimental design and methodology, building computational models, and carrying out a substantial piece of original research. Study resources: The Department of Psychological Sciences has an outstanding research tradition, having achieved a top five ranking at the last UK research assessment exercises, with an outstanding international reputation in all aspects of cognitive neuroscience, and especially developmental cognitive neuroscience. You will have the opportunity to interact with world-class researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive neuropsychology, and attend research seminars organised by the department and a number of other local research centres and institutes. Module details: The course is made up of seven taught modules and either a research project (for MSc students) or an extended critical literature review (for MA students). There are six core modules, which will provide you with a firm basis in both the theory and practice of cognitive science and computational modelling, and one specialist module that you select from a list of options. The options and research projectliterature review will allow you to pursue your own specific interests, and in the case of the MSc complete a significant piece of research work. Core modules: Generic Research Skills Advanced Quantitative Methods Fundamental Debates in Cognitive Science Computational Models of Mind Case studies in Computational Modelling Core Topics in Psychology OR MatLab Programming. Option modules: * Cognitive, Social and Affective Neuroscience * Sensorimotor Processes and Attention. Students with a background in computing will normally complete Core Topics in Psychology. Students with a psychology background will normally complete MatLab Programming. Programme Funding: ESRC funding is available in conjunction with PhD study Student Destinations: The course is suitable for students who wish to pursue a research career in cognitive modelling, cognitive science, cognitive engineering, and cognitive robotics. Graduates may also go on to careers in psychology, visual sciences, and other disciplines where computer simulation is used. Closing Date for Applications: 3 May 2011 Administrative contact and how to apply: Contact our course team: Jane Emralino, Course Administrator Department of Psychological Sciences tel: 020 7631 6083 email: j.emralino@bbk.ac.uk You must complete a supplementary application form in addition to the postgraduate application form.
Why study this course at Birkbeck? - Draws on academics from many disciplines, including internationally renowned researchers in psychology, computational modelling and neuroscience. - Good foundation for a research career in the cognitive sciences. - Develops an understanding of core theoretical principles of human thought and an expertise in computer simulation. - Designed for graduates of either the computational sciences or the psychological sciences. This programme studies the cogniti...
