Course Number: CMPT 418
Course Title: Computational Cognitive Architecture
Credit Hours: 3 Vector: 3-0-0
Course Description
Computationally-oriented theories of human cognitive architecture are explored, beginning with neurologically inspired (neural network) models of "low-level" brain processes, and progressing upwards to higher-level symbolic processing, of the kind that occurs in rule-following and problem solving. Arguments concerning the need for modular processing and combinatorially adequate forms of mental representation are examined at length.
Prerequisite: CMPT 201
Recommended: CMPT 310.
Corequisite: None.
Special Instructions: None.
Course(s) to be dropped if this course is approved: None.
This course has twice been offered, successfully, as a Special Topics course in Artificial Intelligence. There are appreciable numbers of students who, in the past, have requested a course that devotes considerable time to the topic of neural networks, and there are highly respected departments of Computer Science which do offer such a course. This proposed course does fill a demonstrated demand. The course would fit usefully into a Joint Major program with the Philosophy Department, and such a joint program is presently under development. It will also be available to students in the Computing Science major program, listed under Table II - Intensive Application Courses.
Will this be a required or elective course in the curriculum; probable enrolment when offered?
Indicate Semester and Year this course would be first offered and planned frequency of offering thereafter.
Which of your present CFL faculty have the expertise to offer this course? Will the course be taught by sessional or limited term faculty?
Robert Hadley; Oliver Schulte. NOT taught by sessional or limited term faculty.
Are there any proposed student fees associated with this course other than tuition fees?
Is this course considered a `duplicate' of any current or prior course under the University's duplicate course policy? Specify, as appropriate.
Note: Senate has approved (S.93-11) that no new course should be approved by Senate until funding has been committed for necessary library materials. Each new course proposal must be accompanied by a library report and, if appropriate, confirmation that funding arrangements have been addressed.
Provide details on how existing instructional resources will be redistributed to accommodate this new course. For instance, will another course be eliminated or will the frequency of offering of other courses be reduced; are there changes in pedagogical style or class sizes that allow for this additional course offering.
This course will be accommodated within the new resources made available through DTO expansion.
Does the course require specialized space or equipment not readily available in the department or university, and if so, how will these resources be provided?
No.
Does this course require computing resources (e.g. hardware, software, network wiring, use of computer laboratory space) and if so, describe how they will be provided.
Computing Resources: Students will require computer accounts in the instructional laboratories operated by the School of Computing Science. These resources will be of the same kind as used in other 400 level courses in Artificial Intelligence within our School.
Approximately one to three weeks each will be spent on the following topics.