It is typically team-taught. Although computational modeling is a major component of the course, it does not require an extensive programming background on the part of the student. The course is targetted at students in their second year and above. This on-going seminar alternates weekly between a colloquium series and a brown bag series . Colloquia are typically presented by leading researchers in the field from all over the world, and include specific time for a student meeting with the speaker.
Brown bags are informal discussions led by our own faculty and students.
These usually focus on in-progress research and new directions. All Cognitive Science students are required to enroll in this seminar on an on-going basis, unless they are excused by the education coordinator due to an unavoidable conflict. In addition, one brown bag presentation of the student's research is required, and additional presentations are encouraged. Students from the various disciplines that comprise Cognitive Science but who are not specifically aiming for the Cognitive Science certificate are also encouraged to attend and participate. The choice of course must be appropriate to the student's educational program, and must be approved by the student's advisor and the education coordinator.