Course philosophy: The MSc in Cognitive Computing has been specifically developed to take graduates from a wide range of backgrounds and critically introduce them to classical computational models of cognition and artificial intelligence in the context of a broad exploration of radical new theoretical approaches, characterised by their emphasis on embodiment, enactivism and European phenomenology.
The notions of computation and classical computational theories of mind are central to the study of cognitive computing and this one-year full-time programme of study emphasises the links between them. It aims to equip students with a rigorous grounding in advanced object orientated computing skills and artificial intelligence, sufficient for students to exploit the technical potential of computers in any future career, while at the same time equipping students with a strong critical background to both classical [computational] and more recent [embodied, embedded, enactive] theories of mind.
Programme Aims: The aim of this programme is to produce graduates who have a deep conceptual understanding of cognition and the mind. On completion of the programme our graduates should have solid understanding of:
(1) The computing machine: both at a conceptual level (including knowledge of what such machines are and what they fundamentally can and cannot do) and at a practical level (by developing programming skills to solve complex tasks, using modern object orientated programming methodologies).
(2) Artificial intelligence and neural networks; developing skills at applying these 'technologies of thought' to solve complex tasks that would otherwise require human-like 'intelligence' to complete.
(3) Classical theories of mind - from dualism to functionalism & connectionism - and understanding the representational (and computational) foundations of this theory; understanding criticisms of computational and representational theories; the modern embodied, embedded, enactive vision of cognition; the expression of cognition via interplay of agent and environment interaction.
(4) Advanced skills in critical thinking and analysis; academic writing and presentation skills.
Course description: Curriculum Map
Terms 1 and 2
The programme will consist of four compulsory 15-credit half-modules in 'Cognitive Science'; one compulsory 30-credit module in 'Computing'; and two 15-credit elective half-modules in 'The technology of thought and knowing':
Core half-modules in 'Cognitive science' (4x15)
Students take four core half-modules in cognitive science:
(1) The computer and the mind (15) AND
(2) Consciousness and computations (15) AND
(3) Embodiment and enactivism (15) AND
(4) Advanced topics in cognitive computing (15)
Core module in 'Computing (1x30)
Contingent on experience, students choose one core 30-credit module in computing:
(1) Introduction to object orientated programming (30) OR
(2) Creative coding (30) OR
(3) Advanced programming (30)
Electives half-modules in 'The technologies of thought, knowledge and knowing'
Students select a further two 15-credit half-modules from subjects such as:
(1) Artificial Intelligence (15)
(2) Neural networks (15)
(3) Data mining (15)
(4) Natural language processing (15)
(5) Artificial Intelligence for games & special effects (15)
(6) Physical computing (15)
Term 3
In the third term qualifying students undertake a substantial research project/dissertation. An Exam Board meets early in term 3 to decide which students are qualified to proceed to dissertation. To proceed to dissertation students must pass all taught modules (i.e. achieve more than 50% in each module). Students are permitted to re-take any failed modules (without penalty), which they must do at the first opportunity.
Language support: Any student requiring help with academic writing,
presentation skills etc, may wish to use the Goldsmiths College 'language
support centre' which operates a 'drop-in' service Monday-Thursday 4-5pm).
Full details of language support services can be found at:
Goldsmiths' Language Studies Centre
Course information: The degree is organised by the
Department of Computing at Goldsmiths College, University of London. The programme aims
to stimulate interest, research and debate in the broad area of
cognition and computation. Other Information on the Cognitive Computing MSc,
(inc. admissions criteria, current tuition fees etc.), is available from:
www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/pg/msc-cognitive-computing.php. If you are interested
in applying to study for a postgraduate degree the application form is available
for download from the web at:
http://www.goldsmiths.ac.uk/study-options/goldsmiths-postgrad-taught-pack.pdf
Course convenor:
Dr. Mark Bishop, room (2), 29 St. James, New Cross, SE14 6NW.
Telephone / fax: +44 (0) 207 078 5048; email m.bishop@gold.ac.uk.
All students must take the compulsory courses: 'The Computer and the Mind', 'Embodiment and Enactivism', 'Consciousness and Computations', 'Advanced Topics in Cognitive Computing' and then, contingent upon their on-entry programming knowledge, follow courses either in 'Introduction to Programming'; 'Creative Coding' or 'Advanced Programming' (entry to the later via exam only). The course is completed by an extended project of applied work under the aegis of Cognitive Computing.
Links to Cognitive Computing modules are listed below.
All MSC students are also expected to attend the Goldsmiths College
Whitehead lecture series. To be added to the Whitehead lecture
series seminar mailing list, please contact Mark Bishop by email:
m.bishop@gold.ac.uk.
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