The University of New South Wales

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Undergraduate Handbook

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Computers, Brains and Minds - HPSC2610
The Red Centre promenade

 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
 
 
Equivalent: HPST2004
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Introduction to contemporary discussions of the mind, thought, intelligence and consciousness. Focuses on the issues which arise in connection with the so-called 'cognitive sciences' - the disciplines which include such fields as neuro-science, psychology, linguistics, the philosophy of mind, and 'artificial intelligence'. Can computers think? Is the brain a machine?


Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will:
  • Have gained an understanding, and also an ability to apply and think critically about key concepts and controversies in the philosophy of mind a cognitive science (These include the problem of defining and identifying intelligence in artificial systems; innateness, intentionality and meaning; creativity and heuristics; neural nets, distributed processing and identity; and mental representations).

Assessment

  • Two in-class tests - 40% (20% each)
  • Major essay (2000-3000 words) - 30%
  • Two tutorial presentations and write-ups - 20% (10% each)
  • Participation - 10%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.