Example Track Themes for the B.S.

Artificial Intelligence/Computation Track

The track in Artificial Intelligence and Computation focuses on the design of computer simulations that mimic how people create and manipulate mental and neural representations. A variety of topics can be explored within the context of this track, including the use of mental and neural representations for the purposes of sensory perception, motor action, linguistic communication, and reasoning and decision making. To support these topics of interest, allied field electives typically are chosen from computer science and mathematics. This track is particularly suitable for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in cognitive science, computational neuroscience, or artificial intelligence.

Language Track

The track in Language focuses on how people produce and understand spoken and signed languages and how children learn language. A variety of topics can be explored within the context of this track, including the perception and production of speech, the development of language in children, natural language processing, the formal structure of language and computer models of language. To support these topics of interest, allied field electives typically are chosen from linguistics, computer science and philosophy. This track is particularly suitable for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in cognitive science, psycholinguistics, linguistics and computational linguistics, or in more applied fields such as speech sciences and communication disorders.

Neurobiology Track

The track in Neurobiology focuses on the biology of the nervous system with special emphasis on biological mechanisms of cognitive behavior. A variety of topics can be explored within the context of this track, including the physiological foundations of sensory perception and motor behavior, relationships between brain dysfunction and cognitive/behavioral deficits, and the cellular and molecular processes that influence the development of brain and behavior. To support these topics of interest, allied field electives typically are chosen from biology or chemistry. This track is particularly suitable for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in neuroscience, neuropsychology, or medicine.

Perception and Action Track

The track in Perception and Action focuses on sensory systems and how humans and animals use sensory information to perceive the world and guide actions. Topics that can be studied in this track include: how our eyes, ears and other sensory organs work, how the brain interprets information from the senses for perception and action, and how to construct artificial sensory and robotic systems. To support these topics of interest, allied field electives typically are chosen from biology, physics, mathematics and computer science. This track is well suited for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees in cognitive science, neuroscience or artificial intelligence or more applied degrees in fields such as physical therapy, optometry or audiology.

top

© 2013, University of Rochester, The College, Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Last modified: 09/13/2011
questions and comments about this site