PHIL 2030 - Cognitive Science: Minds, Brains & Computers
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code PHIL 2030 Course Cognitive Science: Minds, Brains & Computers Coordinating Unit Philosophy Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 3 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Prerequisites 12 units level 1 Arts courses including 3 units in Philosophy; or 12 units Psychology, Computer Science, and/or Mathematics Incompatible PHIL 2013 or PHIL 3013 Assessment 2 x 2500 word essays Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Honorary Professor Gerard O'Brien
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
This course aims to:
1. introduce students to the central topics and problems in the philosophy of cognitive science; and
2. Develop an understanding of related topics in philosophy, cogntiive psychology, computer science and neuroscience.
After successfully completing this course, students should:
3. Be aware of the main philosophical positions in cognitive science;
4. Have experience in analyzing and critiquing written arguments;
5. Show improvement in problem solving and critical reasoning skills; and
6. Be able to discuss and debate philosophical issues in a group setting.
University Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-6 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-6 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1-6 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1-6 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1-6 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-6 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-6 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
Lecture notes will be made available on MyUni each week, and the lectures will
be recorded.
Tutorial readings and reading lists will be made available on MyUni.
To prepare for tutorials, students are required to answer a set
of tutorial questions. These will be made available on MyUni in the week
preceding the tutorial.Online Learning
Lecture notes will be made available on MyUni each week, and the
lectures will be recorded. To prepare for tutorials, you are required to
answer a set of tutorial questions. These will be made available on
MyUni in the week preceding the tutorial. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
No information currently available.
Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The information below is a guide to the average number of hours per week you should spend on this course.
The total is (12 weeks x12 hours per week) = 144 hours over the whole semester.
1 x 2 hour lecture per week
1 hour tutorial per week
3 hours revision per week
3 hours tutorial preparation per week
3 hours assessment work (essay and exam preparation)
Total per week 12 hours
Learning Activities Summary
Topics will include:
1. The computational model of the mind (2 lectures);
2. Classical (digital) and connectionist (analog) approaches to cognition (6 lectures);
3. Embodied cognition, Bayesian models of cognition, and dynamical systems theory (4 lectures).Small Group Discovery Experience
Small group discovery experience will take place in tutorials. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
Essay 1 Summative 20%Essay 2 Summative 40%
Essay 3 Summative 40%
Tutorials Formative UnweightedAssessment Detail
The assessment will involve one short essay, and two longer essays.
Essay 1 (1000 words). Choose one question, to be provided, on Topic 1.
Essay 2 (2000 words). Choose one question, to be provided, on Topic 2.
Essay 3 (2000 words). Choose one question, to be provided, on Topic 3.Submission
The essays will be submitted electronically via MyUni. Details of the submission process will be provided with the essay questions.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
