UW Cognitive Science is  full-time 2-year master’s programme which combines areas such as psychology, computer science, philosophy and neurobiology. The studies are conducted by the Faculty of Psychology UW in cooperation with the Faculty of Philosophy UW.

 

In the academic year 2019/20 and 2020/21 Cognitive Science is organized as part of the University’s integrated development programme and financed from European Funds.

More information on www.zip.uw.edu.pl.

WE INVITE:

  • graduates of the bachelor programme in the field of Cognitive Science
  • graduates of other fields of studies (eg. mathematics, informatics, philosophy), interested in deepening their knowledge and gaining practical skills to use modern research methods used in cognitive science and related sciences.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Increased competences for the international labour market

Because the entire programme is conducted in English, gaining knowledge, experience and competence in this language will allow our graduates to participate in the development of this still fresh field of science and increase their competitiveness on the international labour market.

  • Two specific thematic paths

The second-cycle Cognitive Science program is significantly more advanced than the first-cycle program, as well as more specific, focusing on two areas (in the form of two „thematic paths”) of empirical research in cognitive science and related sciences. The studies will prepare you primarily for research in science, the R&D sector, in companies from the field of new technologies.The studies will prepare you primarily for research in science, the R&D sector, in companies from the field of new technologies.

 

The neurocognitive path – you will gain in-depth theoretical and methodological knowledge of the cerebral basis (and broader – biological) of cognitive processes, the use of modern techniques for studying brain activity as well as planning and analyzing research while using them.

 

The computational path – you will gain in-depth knowledge and skills in computational modelling of natural language as well as cognitive and social processes. Emphasis is placed on the human behaviour and its products as well as on the cultural and environmental factors determining it.

 

  • Possibility of shaping your own course of study

Obligatory introductory courses and the choice of one of two paths ensure the necessary minimum level of skills that a modern cognitive scientist should be equipped with. At the same time, students have  a high level of flexibility and freedom in shaping their own course of study which also allows them to complete courses from both paths.

  • Practical experience in conducting research

Regardless of the path chosen, an important component of the study programme is organized around students’ work in research labs and in internships in cooperating companies. Thus the students participate in the work of selected teams and external companies gaining practical experience in conducting research, applying adequate research methods and techniques and using cognitive knowledge.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge

The student of the Cognitive Science program acquires or deepens knowledge in the field of:

  • the position and significance of cognitive science in the system of sciences, its particularities and methodology, and its links to related scientific disciplines (philosophy, psychology, biology, mathematics, medicine, linguistics, computer science, sciences dealing with artificial intelligence and information management);
  • human cognitive processes, their neurobiological foundations and socio-cultural conditions;
  • specialist terminology used in cognitive science;
  • artificial intelligence and machine learning;
  • modelling of cognitive and social processes as well as brain activity;
  • modern research methods, with understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of individual techniques;
  • principles of operating research equipment used in cognitive science and related sciences (biomedical engineering, biocybernetics);
  • at least one programming language used in research in cognitive science and related sciences;
  • advanced statistical methods and tools used in research in cognitive science;
  • knowledge of professions, where one can use knowledge from the field of cognitive science;
  • ethical principles and recognized procedures for conducting scientific research.
Skills

The student of Cognitive Science can:

  • use advanced theoretical knowledge in the field of cognitive science and related disciplines (philosophy, psychology, biology, mathematics, medicine, linguistics, computer science, sciences dealing with artificial intelligence and information management) to analyze and interpret complex issues related to the mind and cognitive processes;
  • present their own ideas, doubts and suggestions, referring to advanced concepts, constructs and theoretical models, combine methods and ideas from various areas of cognitive science and can base on the results of research in cognitive science and related disciplines;
  • present precisely (in speech and in writing) selected issues in the field of cognitive science, using specialist terminology in English; can with ease participate in discussions on topics in this area with specialists in various fields;
  • apply the acquired knowledge and skills in selected areas of practical activity, such as education and development support, diagnosis and rehabilitation with the use of modern neurocognitive methods, information management or development of information systems;
  • find the necessary information in professional literature, as well as databases and other sources, reproduce the course of reasoning or the course of the experiment described in the literature, and broaden knowledge on this basis;
  • independently and in cooperation with others, can design and conduct a study in the field of cognitive science (formulate the research problem, construct questions or hypotheses, operationalise and verify them using appropriate methods);
  • select appropriate statistical and mathematical methods to conduct advanced statistical analysis and interpret its results;
  • present the results of tests (experimental or computational) in the form of a written report with the appropriate editorial standards and oral presentation with adequate use of audiovisual aids;
  • use selected computer programs used in research in the field of cognitive science and related sciences.
Social competences

The student of Cognitive Science:

  • understands the need to learn throughout life through systematic reading of publications in scientific and popular science journals in the field of various disciplines, searches for new methods and sources to supplement their knowledge and improve their professional skills;
  • independently determines the directions of their own development and training;
  • is able to interact and work in group taking on different roles in it;
  • is able to initiate, plan, organize and manage the work of a research team (also an interdisciplinary team);
  • is sensitive to intellectual honesty in their own and other people’s activities;
  • is aware of the diversity of goals and values recognized by people and is able to respect this diversity; respectfully refers to people regardless of gender, sexual orientation, level of education, social group, religion and culture;
  • can think and act in an entrepreneurial way;
  • can communicate effectively in written and oral form.