Cognitive scientists play an important role in this regard. They bring to bear specialised knowledge of what constitutes intelligent behaviour and how it might be mediated biologically and artificially. Cognitive Science is the multidisciplinary study of the nature of mental processes and the functioning of intelligent machines and communications systems. This three year course looks at the nature of intelligence and intelligent actions in both humans and machines, leading to careers developing intelligent systems for use in industry and medicine, biotechnology and defence. The program consists of topics from the disciplines of Psychology, Computer Science, Mathematics, Speech Pathology, Neuroscience and Philosophy.
Students study computing, mathematics, psychology and neuroscience in first year.
Later years build on this foundation so that knowledge from the composite disciplines can help solve problems in cognitive science. The first two years of the program are prescribed. In third years students may stream into psychology, computer science or neuroscience, in preparation for honours programs in these areas. The psychology stream is accredited by the Australian Psychological Society. See the Bachelor of Science section for general information about the structure of the degree and admission requirements.