Approved Courses

All courses that will count toward course requirements for the Cognitive Science major 30 credit hours must come from approved course lists on the website.

Courses in each of the five core areas are reviewed each term by our area specialists and director to determine if they align with the study of cognitive science and contain sufficient relevant content to count for the major. New and topical courses that change each term are added to the website's approved lists each term to expand course options within the disciplines.

The course information is provided as a courtesy to aid with advising and course selection and should not replace the Student Information System (SIS), which is the official source of course information. If there are any discrepancies between the information listed on this page and that in SIS, the information in SIS should always be considered authoritative.

Fall 2025

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Psychology

EDHS 4300: Psycholinguistics and Communication

*This course can count as a psychology or linguistics course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course focuses on the psychological processes that underlie the acquisition and the use of language. There is an emphasis on the interaction between linguistic skills and other cognitive skills. Topics include learnability, microgenesis of speech, bilingualism and variation, and a psycholinguistic approach to breakdowns (i.e., language pathology).
Instructor: Filip Loncke

EDLF 5040: Education and Neuroscience

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
In this course we will cover theories, methods, and research at the intersection of education and neuroscience and the implications of this work for educational practice. Major topics include research on student development in reading and math, as well as the development of foundational skills that support student learning, including executive functions, emotion regulation, and motivation.
Instructor: Tanya Evans

EDLF 5260: Cognitive Psychology and Education

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course will include both cognitive psychology and education perspectives, focusing on what cognitive psychology can tell us about how people learn and how to apply that knowledge in education. We will focus on the ways that cognitive psychology research can be designed and evaluated to be most informative in addressing practical questions of education and learning, including research questions, populations, methods, etc.
Instructor: Jamie Jirout

PSYC 2005: Research Methods and Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
Introduces research methods and statistical analysis in psychology.
Instructor: Elise Clerkin; TBA

PSYC 2150: Introduction to Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Cognition is the activity of knowing: the acquisition, organization, and use of knowledge. Emphasizing fundamental issues, this course introduces such basic content areas in cognitive psychology as perception, memory, language, cognitive development, and philosophy of science. An optional weekly review session is offered for those who wish to attend.
Instructor: Mariana Teles Santos Golino

PSYC 3006: Research Methods and Data Analysis II

Description of course contents:
A continuation of discussion of research methods in psychology, including computer-controlled experimentation, integrated with computer-based exploratory data analysis, and elementary statistical analysis. Three lecture hours, two laboratory hours.
Instructor: Karen Schmidt; Michael Meyer

PSYC 3100: Neuroscience of Behavior

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
The course will examine historical and current theories of learning that provide the foundation for most, if not all forms of an organism's behavior. Students will be exposed to a diverse range of experimental findings that led to principles and concepts that currently explain how environmental, social and emotional factors influence the brain and body to shape human and animal behavior.
Instructor: Cedric Williams

PSYC 3160: Cognitive Neuroscience

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 2150 and/or PSYC 2200 recommended but not required.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course is intended as a survey of cognitive neuroscience, with an emphasis on breadth. Each week we will cover one sub-area or topic within cognitive neuroscience including perception, attention, memory, cognitive control and others. Readings will be chapters from the textbook with a few supplemental journal articles.
Instructor: Nicole Long

PSYC 3240: Animal Minds

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course looks at the evolutionary basis of cognition through the lens of animal behavior, with an emphasis on understanding how general mechanisms of perception and learning interact with more specialized systems for navigation, social interaction, and planning to produce the rich behavioral adaptations seen throughout the animal kingdom.
Instructor: Chad Meliza

PSYC 3310: RM: R Applications in Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
This course serves as both an introduction to the R programming language for those who haven't had any previous R background, as well as a refresher and an extension of R topics for those who have taken an intro to R course (i.e., STAT 1601 or PSYC 3006) previously or concurrently. This course is specially tailored to those who have an interest in psychology, with the purpose of preparing students to use R for their psychological research.
Instructor: Michael Meyer

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Emotion and Motivation

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year major in (psychology or cognitive science or neuroscience or behavioral neuroscience) and completed BIOL 3050 (formerly BIOL 3170) or PSYC 3200 with a grade of D- or higher
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Learning, Emotions and Motivation will be explored from animal models of clinical conditions, historical case studies in humans of brain-derived emotional disturbances, and current innovations to treat brain disorders. These important discoveries will be presented for students to understand underlying biological and neural mechanisms that mediate adaptive changes to motivate healthy behavior.
Instructor: Cedric Williams

PSYC 4260: RM: Genetic and Epigenetic Research

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
We will discuss basic concepts in genetics/epigenetics and the role these molecular modifications play in behavior and disorder. We will evaluate empirical papers and learn the molecular techniques described within them. Completion of this course should result in increased knowledge of the use of genome level data in psychology and biology.
Instructor: Jessica Connelly

PSYC 4755: Social Neuroscience

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 2200 or BIOL 3050. 4th year Psyc majors/minors or COGS majors or NESC majors Enrollment not allowed in more than one 4000-level or 5000-level PSYC class.
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
A broad perspective on the expanding field of social neuroscience. A. Topics include but are not limited to social perception, social cognition, person perception, theory of mind, attitudes, and interpersonal processes. Emphasis on understanding the reciprocal interaction between brain function and everyday social behaviors.
Instructor: Jennifer Maccormack

PSYC 5500-001: Affective Neuroscience

*This course can count as a psychology course or a neuroscience course but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cogn Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Affective neuroscience is the study of the neural bases of emotion. The main goals of this course are to provide an introduction to the theoretical, practical, methodological and inferential challenges shaping affective neuroscience as a discipline, and to acquaint students with a representative sampling of contemporary research into the functional neuroanatomical and neuoendocrinological correlates and substrates of emotion.
Instructor: James Coan

PSYC 5500-002: Advanced Topics in Cognitive Development

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cogn Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:

Instructor: Angeline Lillard

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Neuroscience

BIOL 3050: Introduction to Neurobiology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 2100 (formerly BIOL 2010) or BME 2104 and BIOL 2200 (formerly BIOL 2020) or BIOL 2040. May not take if previously completed BIOL 3170.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Analyzes the concepts of general neurobiology, including basic electrophysiology and electrochemistry, origin of bioelectric potentials, sensory, motor, integrative and developmental neurobiology, and conceptual models of simple learning.
Instructor: Ignacio Provencio; John Campbell

BIOL 4045: Neurodegenerative Diseases

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students must have completed BIOL 3000 & (BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200) and can't enroll if previously taken BIOL 4559 topic #29 Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course for advanced undergrads will focus mainly on research about Alzheimer's disease, and will meet once/week for 3 hours. The first 3 weeks will be primarily didactic, and the remainder of the course will be a "journal club" in which primary research paper discussions will be led by teams of students. Assessments will be based on how well students lead and participate in discussions, and on exams.
Instructor: George Bloom

BIOL 4270: Animal Behavior Lab

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 3250
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This laboratory course provides hands-on experiences with experimental approaches used to study animal behavior. The laboratory exercises explore visual and auditory sensory perception, biological clock, reproductive and aggressive behaviors using actively behaving animals such as hamsters, cichlid fish, crickets and electric fish. Students are given opportunities to design hypothesis-testing experiments in some laboratories.
Instructor: Masashi Kawasaki

EDLF 5040: Education and Neuroscience

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

NESC 3450: The Study of Neuroscience from Molecules to Minds

Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Must have completed PSYC 3200 or BIOL 3050 (formerly BIOL 3170).
Course Attributes: Chemical, Mathematical, and Physical Universe; Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course introduces students to fondational and modern neuroscience research techniques through laboratory investigations. Neuroscience is explored at the molecular, systems, and behavioral level. Topics covered include neuroanatomy, electrophysiology, biopotentials, development, histology, and microscopy. An emphasis is placed on structure-function relationships, experimental design, and application of techniques in research.
Instructor: TBA

NESC 4265: Developmental Neurobiology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 3050 (formerly BIOL 3170) or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
The diverse functions of the nervous system depend on precise wiring of connections between neurons. This course covers cellular and molecular processes of how neuronal connections are established during development. Diseases which result from failing to establish the circuitry will also be discussed. This course will introduce research methods and technology, and encourage students to develop logical rationale of contemporary research.
Instructor: Xiaorong Liu

PSYC 2200: Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Enrollment not allowed in PSYC 2200 if already taken or currently enrolled in BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
After an overview of brain organization and function, the course examines what we know about the physiological bases of several behaviors including sensation and perception, learning, memory, sleep development, hunger, thirst, and emotions.
Instructor: Erin Clabough

PSYC 3100: Neuroscience of Behavior

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3235: Introduction to Epigenetics

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed PSYC 3200 or BIOL 3050 (formerly BIOL 3170).
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course is a didactic, mechanistic exploration of epigenetics; we will discuss all epigenetic modifications known to date, the processes through which they are established and modified and their impact on the cell and organism.
Instructor: Jessica Connelly

PSYC 3240: Animal Minds

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Emotion and Motivation

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

PSYC 4260: RM: Genetic and Epigenetic Research

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

PSYC 4755: Social Neuroscience

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both

PSYC 5500-001: Affective Neuroscience

*This course can count as a psychology course or a neuroscience course but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cogn Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: -

PSYC 5280: Neuropsychopharmacology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year PSYC or BEH NESC or COG SCI or NEUROSCI majors or Grad A&S students and student must have completed PSYC 3200 or BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Combines the study of the synaptic circuits function for producing measurable behaviors and the principles of pharmacology. Focus on basic concepts in behavior analysis, pharmacology, and neuropharmacology, and reviews research techniques for assessing the effects of drugs on the behavior of nonhumans and humans.
Instructor: Alev Erisir

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Linguistics

ANTH 2400: Language and Culture

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Cultures & Societies of the World; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
Introduces the interrelationships of linguistic, cultural, and social phenomena with emphasis on the importance of these interrelationships in interpreting human behavior. No prior knowledge of linguistics is required.
Instructor: Nathan Wendte; Miao Jiang

ANTH 2410: Sociolinguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Cultures & Societies of the World; Social & Economic Systems

ANTH 2415: Language in Human Evolution

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Science & Society

Description of course contents:
Examines the evolution of our capacity for language along with the development of human ways of cooperating in engaged social interaction. Course integrates cognitive, cultural, social, and biological aspects of language in comparative perspective. How is the familiar shape of language today the result of evolutionary and developmental processes involving the form, function, meaning and use of signs and symbols in social ecologies?
Instructor: Mark Sicoli

ANTH 2450: Language and Environment

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
In this course, students rethink assumptions about what "language" and "environment" are. Both depend on living systems to be rendered meaningful, and together we will wrestle with how these two ideas can be brought into relation and the implications associated with different frames of understanding. There are many perspectives on the issues raised in this course, and you will receive a broad introduction to that diversity.
Instructor: Nathan Wendte

ANTH 3430: Pidgins, Creoles, and Contact

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Cultures & Societies of the World

Description of course contents:
The study of pidgins and creoles emerged as a subfield of linguistics in the latter half of the 20th century. Its ideas have been borrowed, notably by anthropologists, to analyze the increased diversity and fusion we confront in a globalizing world. Where did such ideas come from? What are their (un)intended consequences? This course will trace the epistemological development of Creole studies and consider its historical and contemporary impacts.
Instructor: Nathan Wendte

ANTH 3450: Native American Languages

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Cultures & Societies of the World; Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Introduces the native languages of North America and the methods that linguists and anthropologists use to record and analyze them. Examines the use of grammars, texts and dictionaries of individual languages and affords insight into the diversity among the languages.
Instructor: Armik Mirzayan

ASL 3450: Comparative Linguistics: ASL and English

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World

Description of course contents:
Describes spoken English and ASL (American Sign Language) on five levels: phonological, morphological, lexical, syntactic, and discourse and compares/contrasts them using real-world examples. Describes major linguistic components and processes of English and ASL. Introduces basic theories regarding ASL structure. Emphasizes ASL's status as a natural language by comparing/contrasting similarities and unique differences between the two languages.
Instructor: Bruce Sofinski

EDHS 4300: Psycholinguistics and Communication

*This course can count as a psychology or linguistics course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

EDHS 4310: Exploring Linguistic Diversity

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course uses the students' personal experience and perceptions as a starting point to interpret and understand theories. The course introduces central concepts such as language contact, language dominance, language policies, creolization, bilingualism, language diversification, language dispersal, dialect, idiolect, and sociolect. The course also includes a focus on policies that can influence linguistic variation.
Instructor: Filip Loncke

LING 2430: Languages of the World

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: One year study of a world language or permission of instructor.
Course Attributes: Historical Perspectives; Living Systems

Description of course contents:
An introduction to the study of language relationships and linguistic structures. Topics covered the basic elements of grammatical description; genetic, areal, and typological relationships among languages; a survey of the world's major language groupings and the notable structures and grammatical categories they exhibit; and the issue of language endangerment.
Instructor: Armik Mirzayan

LING 3400: Structure of English

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
Introduces students to the descriptive grammar of English and applied methods for reasoning about linguistic structure through community-engaged group research introducing linguistics to Virginia High School students. Covers units of sound and phonemic transcriptions, word building and inflection, lexical categories, basic sentence types, common phrase and clause patterns, and syntactic transformations structural analysis and use of evidence.
Instructor: Janay Crabtree

LING 5410: Phonology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
An introduction to the theory and analysis of linguistic sound systems. Covers the essential units of speech sound that lexical and grammatical elements are composed of, how those units are organized at multiple levels of representation, and the principles governing the relation between levels.
Instructor: Armik Mirzayan

LNGS 3250: Introduction to Linguistic Theory and Analysis

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
Introduces sign systems, language as a sign system, and approaches to linguistics description. Emphasizes the application of descriptive techniques to data.
Instructor: Mark Elson

SPAN 3000: The Sounds of Spanish

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required; Previously taken SPAN 2020 (may be taken simultaneously with SPAN 3010) or in student group SPLC
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
An introduction to the sound system of both Peninsular & Latin Am Spanish. Class discussions focus on how the sounds of Spanish are produced from an articulatory point of view, and how these sounds are organized & represented in the linguistic competence of their speakers. When appropriate, comparisons will be made between Spanish & English or Spanish & other (Romance & non-Romance) languages. Course seeks to improve the student's pronunciation.
Instructor: Joel Rini

SPAN 3200 Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required; Previously taken SPAN 2020 (may be taken simultaneously with SPAN 3010) or in student group SPLC
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World

Description of course contents:
This course provides an introduction to core areas of linguistic analysis using Spanish. Areas covered include sounds of Spanish (phonetics & phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structure (syntax), meaning of words, phrases, sentences, & larger chunks of discourse, also in social context (semantics & pragmatics), history of the Spanish language, regional & social variation (dialectology & sociolinguistics), & language acquisition.
Instructor: Lorena Albert Ferrando

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Philosophy

PHIL 2420: Introduction to Symbolic Logic

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
Introduces the concepts and techniques of modern formal logic, including both sentential and quantifier logic, as well as proof, interpretation, translation, and validity.
Instructor: Ross Cameron

PHIL 2820: Philosophy of Health and Healthcare

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Science & Society; Second Writing

PHIL 3330: Philosophy of Mind

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
In this class, we'll discuss philosophical theories of health and explore difficult issues in the measurement and treatment of health-related issues
Instructor: Elizabeth Barnes

PHIL 3500-001: Consciousness

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:

Instructor: Zachary Irving

PHIL 3830: Philosophy of Mental Health

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students can't enroll if previously taken PHIL 3500 topic #19 Philosophy of Mental Health
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Second Writing

Description of course contents:
This class explores philosophical issues in the nature of mental health and mental illness. Topics may include: What is the difference between a mental illness and a physical illness? How do we understand the difference between mental difference and mental dysfunction? Does our current approach to understanding mental health overly pathologize or medicalize people? What is a social contagion? What does it mean to be mentally healthy?
Instructor: Elizabeth Barnes

PHIL 4010-001: Norms of Attention in the Age of Distraction

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Permission
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents:
Creatures like us face a problem of attention. Every moment, we have a vast amount of information at our disposal; yet our attention is small. How we attend therefore matters for our ethical, epistemic, and practical success. This is true now, more than ever, as we struggle against technologies designed to place historically unprecedented demands on attention. Although philosophers dismissed the norms of attention until recently, the field has grown exponentially over the past two years. Our course will survey this emerging literature, discussing both abstract and applied accounts of the norms of attention. Some of the abstract accounts concern the value of salience structures, spontaneity, full attention, virtuous attention, and vigilance. Other accouts focus on applied social questions: how attention constitutes ideological, journalistic, and democratic perspectives, and how we can harm people by giving too much attention to their identity categories. We’ll aim to apply the philosophical lessons from these theories to a practical question: how (if at all) do digital distractions harm us? Do these technologies simply make us more distracted? Cause the wrong kind of distraction? Manipulate our attention? Fix our attention on echo chambers, moral outrage, or thin values? In terms of content, this course will expose you to a rapidly changing interdisciplinary field, teaching you how to tackle real-world problems from a philosophical point of view. In terms of skills, this course will teach you how to engage with contemporary research in a seminar-style, discussion-based course that culminates in writing a research paper of your own.
Instructor: Zachary Irving

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Computer Science

Almost all Computer Science Department (CS) courses are acceptable for the COGS major except CS 1010, CS 1020, and CS 1501 Special Topics courses. CS 1501 (and some 2501) courses are CR/NC grading which means they cannot be used to fulfill major credit hours.

Courses from other departments that also satisfy the Computer Science area are:

DS 1002: Programming for Data Science

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students can't enroll if previously taken any of the following courses: CS 1110, CS 1111, CS 1112, CS1113, CS 1120, PHYS 1655.
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Will expose student to fundamental coding languages in data science. Python and R will be the primary focus of the course. Popular packages such as pandas and tidyverse will be covered in depth. Additionally, project management skills such as Git and Github will be covered.
Instructor: Jianxin Xie

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Elective Credit Only

Elective courses can be chosen from any of the five area approved lists or any courses designated as elective-only, and have no minimum or maximum course level.

The following courses can be used for Cognitive Science elective requirement only, and cannot satisfy any area or upper level requirements:

KINE 3660: Neuroscience of Exercise

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course will address the underlying neuroanatomy associated with cognitive function in healthy individuals as well as those with neurocognitive/psychiatric pathologies and diseases. Throughout the semester, students will become consumers of cross- disciplinary research addressing the influence of physical activity and cognitive function.
Instructor: Jacob Resch

Summer 2025

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First Session

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Psychology

PSYC 2005: Research Methods and Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
Introduces research methods and statistical analysis in psychology.
Instructor: Frederick Smyth

PSYC 3006: Research Methods and Data Analysis II

PSYC 3100: Neuroscience of Behavior

*NOTE: This course can count as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*NOTE: This course can count as a psychology course or a linguistics course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year Psychology or Cognitive Science major
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Second Writing

Description of course contents:
Topics include psychological and linguistic theory; experimental and empirical studies of linguistic usage; development of language in infants and children; cross-cultural studies of linguistic usage; and the biology of language.
Instructor: Filip Loncke

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Neuroscience

PSYC 2200: Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3100: Neuroscience of Behavior

*NOTE: This course can count as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

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Linguistics

ANTH 2400: Language and Culture

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Cultures & Societies of the World; Social & Economic Systems

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*NOTE: This course can count as a psychology course or a linguistics course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year Psychology or Cognitive Science major
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Second Writing

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Computer Science

Courses commonly taken for the Computer Science area are:

CS 1110: Introduction to Programming

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students may not enroll if CS 2100 or CS 3140 has been completed
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
A first course in programming, software development, and computer science. Introduces computing fundamentals and an appreciation for computational thinking. No previous programming experience required. Note: CS 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1120 provide different approaches to teaching the same core material; students may only receive credit for one of these courses.
Instructor: Derrick Stone

CS 3120 Discrete Mathematics and Theory II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Completed CS 3100 with a grade of C- or better
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
The goal of this course is to understand the fundamental limits on what can be efficiently computed. These limits reveal properties about information, communication, and computing, as well as practical issues about how to solve problems. Introduces computation theory including grammars, automata, and Turing machines.
Instructor: TBA

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Second Session

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Psychology

PSYC 2500-001: Psychology of Misinformation

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*NOTE: This course can count as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

PSYC 4640: Psychology of Emotions

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students need to be a 3rd or 4th year PSYC, COG SCI or NESC major and can't enroll if previously taken PSYC 4500 topic #47 Psychology of Emotion
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course will survey contemporary research and theory in affective science. We will examine the origins, functions, and behavioral and social consequences of emotions, paying particular attention to cross-cultural and cross-species evidence.
Instructor: Adrienne Wood

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Neuroscience

PSYC 2200: Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Enrollment not allowed in PSYC 2200 if already taken or currently enrolled in BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*NOTE: This course can count as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

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Computer Science

Almost all Computer Science courses are acceptable for the COGS major except CS 1010, CS 1020, and CS 1501 Special Topics courses. CS 1501 (and some 2501) courses are CR/NC grading which means they cannot be used to fulfill major credit hours.

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Third Session

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Psychology

PSYC 2005: Research Methods and Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
Introduces research methods and statistical analysis in psychology.
Instructor: Frederick Smyth

PSYC 2150: Introduction to Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3006: Research Methods and Data Analysis II

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Neuroscience

PSYC 3200: Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have taken PSYC 2200 or BIOL 2100. Enrollment not allowed if already completed or currently enrolled in BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course will build on students' general knowledge of Neuroscience topics and aim to achieve a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of Neuroscience. Topics covered: (1) cell biological and electrical properties of the neuron; (2) synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity; (3) transduction of physical stimuli and processing of sensory information; and (4) development and evolution and the nervous system.
Instructor: Alev Erisir

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Computer Science

Spring 2025

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Psychology

EDLF 5040: Education and Neuroscience

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

PSYC 2005: Research Methods and Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
Introduces research methods and statistical analysis in psychology.
Instructor: Clerkin,Elise Marie

PSYC 2150: Introduction to Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3006: Research Methods and Data Analysis II

Credits: 4
Prerequisites: Must have completed PSYC 2005 and ONE of the following options, all with a C or higher grade: STAT 1601 or (STAT 1602 AND STAT 2020) or STAT 3080 or PSYC 3310
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
A continuation of discussion of research methods in psychology, including computer-controlled experimentation, integrated with computer-based exploratory data analysis, and elementary statistical analysis. Three lecture hours, two laboratory hours
Instructor: TBA

PSYC 3310: RM: R Applications in Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PSYC 3490: Infant Development

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Infancy is the time of life during which enormous changes take place- newborns are very different from the inquisitive, walking and talking 2-year-old. The following lines of development during the first two years are traced in detail: motor, perceptual, cognitive, social, and emotional development. Environmental influences, including parental behavior are considered, as well as the effect the infant has on caregivers.
Instructor: Grossmann,Tobias

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor consent required
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*This course can count for as a psychology or linguistics course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year Psychology or Cognitive Science major
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Second Writing

PSYC 4435: Psychology of Misinformation

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year PSYC or Cog Sci majors; students can't enroll if previously taken PSYC 2500 #2 Psychology of Misinformation
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course explores the psychology behind susceptibility to mis/disinformation, including cognitive biases, decision-making in uncertainty, and more. It delves into cutting-edge research and strategies for reducing susceptibility through video interventions and online games. It presents hands-on experience with lots of online materials ranging from responding to misinformation susceptibility scales, to engaging with online videos and games.
Instructor: Golino,Hudson Fernandes

PSYC 4500-003: Diversity of Sensory Perception Across Species

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cogn Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
In this class, we will explore common myths about animal sensory systems as we take a deeper look into how humans and other organisms perceive the world around them. We will build this class off the idea of the Umwelt, an ecological idea that states the perceptual world is experienced by the individual. We will examine the history of the Umwelt as a concept and how it has been applied. Then we will examine how diverse Umweltens are in our world today. Students will explore scientific articles to compare the neurobiology of sensation across multiple species. By the end of this course, students will have developed a nuanced appreciation for the concept of Umwelt and its implications for the way we perceive, interpret, and engage with the world.
Instructor: Moseley,Samantha Marie

PSYC 4660: High-Level Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year PSYC or Cog Sci majors. Must have completed PSYC 2150. Students can't enroll if previously taken PSYC 4500 topic #65 High-level Cognition.
Course Attributes: Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
This course will cover contemporary data and theory in high level cognitive processes, including reasoning, choice, problem solving, creativity, and collaborative thinking.
Instructor: Willingham,Daniel Thompson

PSYC 5270: RM: Computational Neuroscience

*This course can count for as a psychology, neuroscience, or computer science course, but students can only use it for one of these areas

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Develops skills in processing neural data and analyzing its relationship to stimulus or motor activity. Topics include information theory, receptive fields, point processes, and mixed-effects models. Emphasis is on implementing theoretical concepts with computer programs.
Instructor: Meliza,Chad Daniel

PSYC 5323: RM: R in Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required; At least 1-2 semesters of previous formal programming experience required (i.e., CS1110 or PSYC 3310).
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course is designed to introduce the statistical language R, with the purpose of preparing students to use and apply quantitative methods in their future psychology research. Topics may include handling data structures, cleaning data, visualizing and presenting data, and reviewing introductory statistics using R.
Instructor: Meyer Jr.,Michael Joseph

PSYC 5720: Fundamentals of Item Response Theory

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor consent required. Undergraduates must have taken Psyc 3005 and 3006 OR 4005 and 4006.
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course is designed to introduce you to the concepts of item response theory (IRT) models and their application to substantive psychological problems in measurement, such as test and scale design and analysis.
Instructor: Schmidt,Karen M

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Neuroscience

BIOL 3250: Introduction to Animal Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 2100 (formerly BIOL 2010) or BME 2104 and BIOL 2200 (formerly BIOL 2020)
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
An introduction to comparative studies of animal behavior from neuroethological and evolutionary prospectives. The first deals with proximate causes of behavior, with emphasis on motor, sensory and central aspects of the nervous system. The second deals with ultimate causes, with emphases on natural selection, natural history, and adaptive aspects of behavior.
Instructor: Kawasaki,Masashi

BIOL 4310: Sensory Neurobiology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This two-lectures-per-week course explores the basic principles of sensory neurobiology. The course consists of four modules. Each module represents one of the senses & consists of an introductory lecture, one or several lectures that will delve into the details of that sense, a current topic lecture on some recent finding, & finally, a guest lecture from a UVa researcher. Completion of BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200 strongly recommended.
Instructor: Provencio,Ignacio

BIOL 4330: Wiring the Brain

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed (BIOL 3000 and BIOL 3010) and one of the following: BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course focuses on how relatively simple model systems provide the clues as to how certain synaptic connections form and lead to specific behaviors. This will be followed by discussion of how this knowledge can be applied to the understanding and treatment of human neural disorders. 25% of the course is standard lectures and the rest, student-led discussion of primary literature.
Instructor: Condron,Barry G

BIOL 4559-001: Neural Injury and Disease

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BIOL 3000 (formerly BIOL 3170) or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200
Course Attributes: No cost course materials

Description of course contents:
Most likely, you know someone that has been affected by a nervous system disorder. From Traumatic Brain Injury to Alzheimer’s Disease, nervous system disorders affect millions of families and have long fascinated doctors, scientists, and the general public. In this course, we will explore what happens when things go wrong in the nervous system. Specifically, we will explore a wide variety of nervous system disorders, focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms. We will also examine the history, significance, symptoms, and treatment of these disorders and their impact on society. Additionally, we will explore the impact and importance of science communication and the process for funding scientific research. We will accomplish this through a combination of lectures, primary-literature discussions, writing exercises and assignments. This course is designed to develop your skills in reading, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data, while emphasizing practical scientific writing and presentation skills.
Instructor: Lewis,Gwendolyn Maura

EDLF 5040: Education and Neuroscience

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

NESC 3450: The Study of Neuroscience: From Molecules to Minds

Credits: 4
Prerequisites: PSYC 2200 or PSYC 4200 or BIOL 3050 or PSYC 3200; PSYC 3005 recommended.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Develops skills necessary for the study of neural bases of behavior, such as brain dissection, electrophysiology, histology, behavioral analysis, and genetic/epigenetic analyses. Emphasis is on exposure to modern techniques used in neuroscience research and effective, professional written presentation of research findings.
Instructor: Lewis,Gwendolyn Maura

PSYC 3200: Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have taken PSYC 2200 or BIOL 2100. Enrollment not allowed if already completed or currently enrolled in BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor consent required
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4500-003: Diversity of Sensory Perception Across Species

*This course can count for as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cogn Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: -

PSYC 5270: RM: Computational Neuroscience

*This course can count for as a psychology, neuroscience, or computer science course, but students can only use it for one of these areas

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor consent required
Course Attributes: -

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Linguistics

ANTH 2450: Language & Environment

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Social & Economic Systems

ANTH 2541-001: French Creole Languages

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course examines the similarities and differences in phonology, morphology, and syntax among those creole languages whose primary lexicon is derived from French. We also consider broader linguistic and anthropological issues concerning creoles. For example, while some have claimed that creoles exist as a typologically distinct class of languages, others have argued that their only commonality is their socio-histories. Familiarity with French, though not required, will be useful.
Instructor: Wendte,Nathan

ANTH 4420: Theories of Language

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
Survey of modern schools of linguistics, both American and European, discussing each approach in terms of historical and intellectual context, analytical goals, assumptions about the nature of language, and relation between theory and methodology.
Instructor: Sicoli,Mark A

ANTH 4591-002: Fakes and Fictions

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Historical Perspectives; Second Writing

Description of course contents:
The capacity for abstract representation – making one thing stand for another – is essential to human language. But this capacity also makes us vulnerable to false representations. This class explores various types of fakes and fictions across cultures and history.
Instructor: Danziger,Eve

ANTH 5541-001: Language Documentation

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

Description of course contents:
This course explores the theoretical, practical, and ethical foundations of language documentation and linguistic fieldwork, forms of research that can hardly be separated in this era of global language shift and endangerment. How do the motivations of linguistic field research differ across interested constituencies, including scholars of various personal and academic backgrounds, the public, and speech communities themselves? What kinds of considerations, both linguistic and extralinguistic, must be addressed when planning and carrying out a linguistically-focused fieldwork project? Finally, we will think deeply about the audiovisual recordings and field notes that result from linguistic fieldwork: Who owns these artifacts? How should they be stored and presented? How should access to them be regulated? What is the relationship between these forms of linguistic data and the languages that they purport to represent? And to what extent can the outcomes of linguistic field research be reduced to such artifacts apart from the social relations that enabled their production?
Instructor: Dobrin,Lise

LING 2430: Languages of the World

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Historical Perspectives; Living Systems

LING 5401: Linguistic Field Methods

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Investigates the grammatical structure of non-European language on the basis of data collected in class from a native speaker. A different language is the focus of study each year.
Instructor: Mirzayan,Armik

LING 5409: Acoustic Phonetics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: LNGS 3250 or Instructor Permission
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
In this course on phonetics, students will explore the acoustic properties of different segment types, formants, pitch, intensity, spectra, and voice pulsing, among other phenomena. The emphasis is on parameters that influence speech intelligibility, the correlates of language variation (comparison between languages, effects of dialects), as well as some aspects of phonetic pathology.
Instructor: Mirzayan,Armik

EDHS 4030: Speech and Hearing Science

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
The course examines principal concepts and procedures for the study of physiologic, perceptual and acoustic aspects of voice, speech and hearing. The course leads the student into the fascinating world of new applications in daily life, in business, and especially in education and clinical work.
Instructor: Loncke,Filip T; Bull,Glen L

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*This course can count for as a psychology or linguistics course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year Psychology or Cognitive Science major
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Second Writing

SPAN 3000: Phonetics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: SPAN 3010 (or equivalent)
Course Attributes: -

SPAN 3200: Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Previously taken SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) or in student group SPLC
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World

SPAN 4203: Structure of Spanish

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) and SPAN 3000, or SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) and 3200
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World

Description of course contents:
This is an advanced introduction to the study of fundamental aspects of the sound and grammatical systems of the Spanish language. The course will start by analyzing present-day (syllable, word and phrase) structures of the language and it will progress toward a more detailed examination of some of the linguistic processes and changes involved in the development of those structures. Prior coursework in linguistics is expected.
Instructor: Rini,Joel

SPAN 4210: History of the Spanish Language

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

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Philosophy

PHIL 1330: Virtual Worlds and Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Science & Society

Description of course contents:
This class explores the intersection of philosophy with issues concerning VR, computer simulation, AI, etc. Can traditional philosophical problems be seen through the lens of VR and AI- and do VR and AI raise new and distinctive philosophical issues? This will show how reflection on modern technologies can help with ancient philosophical questions and how philosophy can help in the development of new technologies and society's response to them.
Instructor: Cameron,Ross Paul

PHIL 2350: Minds, Machines, and Persons

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students can't enroll if previously taken PHIL 2500 topic #8 Minds, Machines, and Persons
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
This course surveys foundational issues in the philosophy of cognitive science. Part 1 asks, what is a mind? Are minds brains? Computers? Do minds extend into the body & environment? What it would take to make a machine with a mind? Part 2 turns to the problem of personal identity over time. Once you were a kid, now you're an adult, and one day you'll grow old. What (if anything) makes you the same person over your life.
Instructor: Irving,Zachary Clint

PHIL 2640: Rational Choice and Happiness

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Second Writing

Description of course contents:
In this class, we will examine philosophical puzzles about our ability to make rational choices that affect or determine our own happiness. How can we rationally decide to undergo a significant experience - such as having a child or moving to a new country - when have no way of knowing what that experience will be like? How can we rationally choose to make decisions about our future?
Instructor: Barnes,Elizabeth Jeanne

PHIL 3320: Epistemology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
The course focuses on questions in the theory of knowledge. Topics include: skepticism about knowledge of the external world, the nature of justification, foundationalism, and coherentism, the Gettier problem, internalism and externalism, a priori knowledge, the analytic/synthetic distinction, induction, and the ethics of belief.
Instructor: Langsam,Harold L

PHIL 3330: Philosophy of Mind

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
What is the nature of the mind and why do we find its nature so puzzling? We shall critically examine various theories about the nature of the mind; we shall also discuss the nature of particular kinds of mental states and events, such beliefs, desires, feelings, sensory experiences, and others. We shall be especially concerned with the relationships between the mind and body, and, more generally, between the mental and the physical. Most of the readings will be contemporary philosophers.
Instructor: Boone,Trey

PHIL 3400: Introduction to Non-Classical Logic

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed PHIL 2420
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
An introduction to systems of non-classical logic, including both extensions and revisions to classical logic.
Instructor: Cameron,Ross Paul

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Computer Science

Courses from other departments that also satisfy the Computer Science area are:

DS 1002: Programming for Data Science

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students can't enroll if previously taken any of the following: CS 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113, 1120, PSYC 1655
Course Attributes: -

PSYC 5270: RM: Computational Neuroscience

*This course can count for as a psychology, neuroscience, or computer science course, but students can only use it for one of these areas

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor consent required
Course Attributes: -

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Elective Only

ANTH 2120: The Concept of Culture

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Cultures & Societies of the World

Description of course contents:
Culture is the central concept that anthropologists use to understand the striking differences among human societies and how people organize the meaningful parts of their lives. In this course we explore this diversity, examine its basis in neuroplasticity and human development, and consider its implications for human nature, cognition, creativity, and identity. By learning about other cultures, we gain new understanding of ourselves.
Instructor: Bashkow,Ira R

KINE 3660: Neuroscience of Exercise

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

J Term 2025

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Psychology

PSYC 2150: Introduction to Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 2500-001: Psychology of Misinformation

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4500-001: Consciousness

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Instructor: Grossmann,Tobias

PSYC 5326: The Neuroscience of Social Relations

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 2005/3005; Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cognitive Science, Neurosci major; or a Grad A&S student. PSYC 2200 or BIOL 3050 recommended.
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course will provide a broad overview of neuroscientific research into social relationships. The field is relatively new, and changing quickly. After a brief review of the neuroscientific methods we are likely to encounter in this literature, the course will be oriented toward readings and discussion, with brief research proposals presented at the end.
Instructor: Coan,James A

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Neuroscience

PSYC 3210: RM: Psychobiology Lab

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 3050 (formerly BIOL 3170) or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 4200 or PSYC 3200. PSYC 3005 recommended.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Develops skills necessary for the study of neural bases of behavior, such as brain dissection, electrophysiology, histology, behavioral analysis, and genetic/epigenetic analyses. Emphasis is on mastering contemporary techniques used in neuroscience research and effective, professional written presentation of research findings.
Instructor: Clabough,Erin D

PSYC 3280: RM: Imag(e)in Neurons: Brain Function from Structure

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Imag(in)e Neurons is a practical crash course on the applications of confocal imaging in modern behavioral neuroscience. It is designed to introduce you to the basic principles of confocal imaging and sample preparation, as well as the analysis and interpretation of confocal imaging data.
Instructor: Ribic,Adema

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4350: Research Methods in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course offers a practical introduction to techniques in developmental cognitive neuroscience including electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Students will gain hands-on experience collecting and analyzing neuroscientific data and an understanding of how human neuroscience techniques may inform our understanding of the developing brain.
Instructor: Puglia,Meghan Hill

PSYC 5326: The Neuroscience of Social Relations

*This course can count as a psychology or neuroscience course, but not both.

Fall 2024

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Psychology

EDHS 4300: Psycholinguistics and Communication

*EDHS 4300 can be used as a psychology or a linguistics course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

EDLF 5260: Cognitive Psychology and Education

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

PSYC 2005: Research Methods & Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
Introduces research methods and statistical analysis in psychology. This course, with a minimum grade of "C", is a prerequisite for declaring a major or minor in Psychology. Prerequisites: None.
Instructor: Perrin,Paul Bernard

PSYC 2150: Introduction to Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3006: Research Methods and Data Analysis II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed STAT 1601 (or STAT 3080 or PSYC 3310) and PSYC 2005 (or 3005) with a C or higher grade.
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PSYC 3100: Learning and the Neuroscience of Behavior

*PSYC 3100 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3160: Cognitive Neuroscience

*PSYC 3160 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 2150 and/or PSYC 2200 recommended but not required.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

*PSYC 3160 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3310: RM: R Applications in Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*PSYC 4100 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4310: Cognitive Aging

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year PSYC or Cog Sci majors and students can't enroll if previously taken PSYC 4500 topic #49 Cognitive Aging
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
This course aims to discuss the state-of-the-art in the large field of cognitive aging and the main lifespan predictors that lead to healthy aging.
Instructor: Teles Santos Golino,Mariana

PSYC 4420: RM Brain Mapping with MRI

*PSYC 4420 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3160. Restricted to 3rd or 4th year PSYC majors or COG SCI majors or Neurosci majors. Students can't enroll if previously taken PSYC 4500 topic #50 RM: Brain Mapping with MRI.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Human neuroimaging technologies and analytics methods enable exploration of the form, function, and connectivity of the living brain. Students will gain familiarity with the origins of brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), be able to discuss the technical foundations of image reconstruction, view and process raw neuroimaging structural and time-series data, and make inferences about the brain in health and in disease.
PSYC 4200 or PSYC 5265 recommended. Some background in coding using Matlab, R or Python is recommended. Other majors with Instructor's Permission.
Instructor: Van Horn,John Darrell

PSYC 4500-001: Consciousness

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th yr PSYC, CogSci or NESC or BEH NESC majors
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Instructor: Grossmann,Tobias

PSYC 4500-004 RM: Cognitive Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th yr PSYC, CogSci or NESC or BEH NESC majors
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Over this course, you will learn the main research approaches to investigate mental processes from highly controlled experiments to isolate them to broader studies that aim to understand how cognitive processes operate in the real world. You will also develop skills to build your own experiments and design a research plan to approach specific questions in the field.
Instructor: Teles Santos Golino,Mariana

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Neuroscience

BIOL 3050: Introduction to Neurobiology

BIOL 4045: Neurodegenerative Diseases

BIOL 4190: Biological Clocks

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 3000 or BIOL 3010 or BIOL 3020
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Introduces biological timekeeping as used by organisms for controlling diverse processes, including sleep-wakefulness cycles, photoperiodic induction and regression, locomotor rhythmicity, eclosion rhythmicity, and the use of the biological clock in orientation and navigation.
Instructor: Provencio,Ignacio

BIOL 4270: Animal Behavior Laboratory

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

NESC 3559: The Study of Neuroscience From Molecules to Minds

Credits: 4
Prerequisites: PSYC 2200 or PSYC 4200 or BIOL 3050 or PSYC 3200; PSYC 3005 recommended.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Course Description:
Develops skills necessary for the study of neural bases of behavior, such as brain dissection, electrophysiology, histology, behavioral analysis, and genetic/epigenetic analyses. Emphasis is on exposure to modern techniques used in neuroscience research and effective, professional written presentation of research findings.
Instructor: TBA

NESC 4245: Neuroscience through the Nobels

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor permission; students must have completed BIOL 3050 or PSYC 3200 in order to be granted enrollment permission
Course Attributes: Science & Society

Description of course contents:
Will study Nobel prize winning discoveries that shaped our understanding of the nervous system; explore the original experimental basis for these discoveries; and learn about the Nobel laureates. This course will enable students to acquire a deeper understanding of fundamental principles in Neuroscience, to familiarize with various research techniques, and to develop a sense of history of Neuroscience research.
Instructor: Cang,Jianhua

NESC 4265: Developmental Neurobiology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 2200: A Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Enrollment not allowed in PSYC 2200 if already taken or currently enrolled in BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3100: Learning and the Neuroscience of Behavior

*PSYC 3100 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3160: Cognitive Neuroscience

*PSYC 3160 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 2150 and/or PSYC 2200 recommended but not required.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3235: Introduction to Epigenetics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed BIOL 3050 (formerly BIOL 3170) or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3240: Animal Minds

*PSYC 3240 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4100: Neuroscience of Learning, Emotions and Motivation of Functional Behavior

*PSYC 4100 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent Required
Course Attributes: Living Systems

*PSYC 4420 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Description of course contents:
Human neuroimaging technologies and analytics methods enable exploration of the form, function, and connectivity of the living brain. Students will gain familiarity with the origins of brain imaging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), be able to discuss the technical foundations of image reconstruction, view and process raw neuroimaging structural and time-series data, and make inferences about the brain in health and in disease. PSYC 4200 or PSYC 5265 recommended. Some background in coding using Matlab, R or Python is recommended. Other majors with Instructor's Permission.
Instructor: Van Horn,John Darrell

PSYC 5280: Neuropsychopharmacology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Student must have completed PSYC 4200 or BIOL 3050. Restricted to 3rd or 4th year PSYC or COG SCI or NEUROSCI majors or Grad A&S students.
Course Attributes: -

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Linguistics

ANTH 2400: Language and Culture

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Cultures and Societies of the World; Social and Economic Systems; No Cost Course Materials

ANTH 2410: Sociolinguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Social and Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
Reviews key findings in the study of language variation. Explores the use of language to express identity and social difference.
Instructor: Lefkowitz,Daniel S

ANTH 3450: Native American Languages

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Cultures & Societies of the World; Living Systems

ANTH 3490: Language and Thought

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Science & Society

Description of course contents:
There is almost always more than one way to think about any problem. But could speaking a particular language make some strategies and solutions seem more natural than others to individuals? Can we learn about alternative ways of approaching the external world by studying other languages? The classic proposal of linguistic relativity as enunciated by Benjamin Lee Whorf is examined in the light of recent cross-cultural psycholinguistic research.
Instructor: Danziger,Eve

ANTH 3541-100: Topics in Linguistics: Language Change

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Along the span of history and across the globe, the one constant of human language is change. This course introduces the study and analysis of language change over time in a variety of domains and contexts. Students will learn how to identify and decode processes and results of historical language change and apply these skills to analyze data bearing on relationships and contacts between different languages and their speakers.
Instructor: Wendte,Nathan

ANTH 5470: Language and Identity

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
In anthropology, where identity has become a central concern, language is seen as an important site for the construction of, and negotiation over social identities. In linguistics, reference to categories of social identity helps to explain language structure and change. This seminar explores the overlap between these converging trends by focusing on the notion of discourse as a nexus of cultural and linguistic processes.
Instructor: Wendte,Nathan

ANTH 5475: Multimodal Interaction

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Students build knowledge and practice of analysis of peoples' joint-engagement in embodied interactions. How does action weave together multiple sensory modalities into semiotic webs linking interactions with more durative institutions of social life? Course includes workshops on video recording, and the transcription and coding of verbal and non-verbal actions. Prior coursework in Linguistics, Anthropology or instructor permission recommended.
Instructor: Sicoli,Mark A

ASL 3450: Comparative Linguistics: ASL and English

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Cultures and Societies of the World

EDHS 4300: Psycholinguistics and Communication

*EDHS 4300 can be used as a psychology or a linguistics course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

EDHS 4310: Exploring Linguistic Diversity

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

LING 2430: Languages of the World

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: One year study of a world language or permission of instructor.
Course Attributes: Historical Perspectives; Living Systems

LING 3400: Structure of English

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Social & Economic Systems

LING 5410: Phonology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Social & Economic Systems

LNGS 2240: Southern American English

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
An examination of the structure, history, and sociolinguistics of the English spoken in the southeastern United States.
Instructor: Elson,Mark J

LNGS 3250: Introduction to Linguistic Theory and Analysis

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World; Social & Economic Systems

SPAN 3000: Phonetics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: SPAN 3010 (or equivalent)
Course Attributes: -

SPAN 3200: Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: SPAN 3010 (or equivalent)
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World

Description of course contents:
This course offers a formal description of the Spanish language from the following angles of the linguistic discipline: language variation, change and acquisition; phonetics/phonology, morphology, and syntax. Counts for major credit in Spanish and Linguistics. Conducted in Spanish.
Instructor: Rini,Joel

SPAN 4200: History of the Language

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: SPAN 3200 and 3010, or 3000 and 3010, or departmental placement.
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World; Historical Perspectives

Description of course contents:
Instructor: Rini,Joel

SPAN 4202: Hispanic Sociolinguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) and SPAN 3000; or SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) and 3200 or departmental placement
Course Attributes: Cultures & Societies of the World; Historical Perspectives

Description of course contents:
Instructor: Velazquez Mendoza,Omar

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Philosophy

PHIL 2420: Introduction to Symbolic Logic

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PHIL 2820: Philosophy of Health and Health Care

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Science & Society; Second Writing

PHIL 3010: Darwin and Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Social & Economic Systems

Description of course contents:
This course investigates the history and the scientific and philosophical implications of Darwin's revolutionary idea that the wholly unguided process of natural selection could explain the magnificent variety and adaptedness of living things and their descent from a common ancestor. One of the philosophical topics we will explore is how scientific theories are supported by evidence and how science yields knowledge
Instructor: Eaker,Erin Lovenia

PHIL 3330: Philosophy of Mind

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
Studies some basic problems of philosophical psychology.
Instructor: Langsam,Harold L

PHIL 3620: Science Fiction & Philosophy

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
Science fiction is a distinctively philosophical genre. Science fiction stories can cause us to question the bounds of what is possible, explore ethical questions that arise in alien circumstances, explore the nature of the self and the very nature of reality, and so on. This course will investigate philosophical questions via science fiction literature, and use philosophy to explore the nature of science fiction.
Instructor: Cameron,Ross Paul

PHIL 3830: Philosophy of Mental Health

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Can't enroll if previously taken PHIL 3500 Philosophy of Mental Health
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive, & Philosophical Inquiry; Second Writing

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Computer Science

Courses from other departments that also satisfy the Computer Science area are:

DS 1002: Programming for Data Science

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Can't enroll if previously taken CS 1110 or 1120
Course Attributes: -

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Elective Credit Only

*Note: The classes listed here can only be used for elective credit and cannot count for a cognitive science area.

KINE 3660
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Summer 2024

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First Session

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Psychology

PSYC 2005: Research Methods & Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PSYC 3006: Research Methods and Data Analysis II

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed STAT 1601 (or STAT 3080 or PSYC 3310) and PSYC 2005 (or 3005) with a C or higher grade.
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PSYC 3100: Learning and the Neuroscience of Behavior

*PSYC 3100 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*Note: PSYC 4110 may be used fulfill either the Psychology or Linguistics area requirement, but not both. Either PSYC 4110 or EDHS 4300 may be taken for credit, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cog Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials; Second Writing Requirement

PSYC 4280: Neural Basis of Empathy

*Note: PSYC 4280 may be used to fulfill either the Cognitive Psychology or the Neuroscience area requirement, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 4th years: Psychology Majors/Minors and Cognitive Science Majors; GSAS.

Description of course contents:
This course is designed to provide in-depth experience with the concepts, methods, and techniques used in empathy research. Students will delve into scientific articles on the biological basis of emotional empathy, perspective taking, prosocial behavior, and compassion and learn how these skills can be modulated.
Instructor: Clabough,Erin D

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Neuroscience

PSYC 3100: Learning and the Neuroscience of Behavior

*PSYC 3100 can be used as a psychology or a neuroscience course, but not both

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4280: Neural Basis of Empathy

*Note: PSYC 4280 may be used to fulfill either the Cognitive Psychology or the Neuroscience area requirement, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 4th years: Psychology Majors/Minors and Cognitive Science Majors; GSAS.
Course Attributes: ASUD:Living Systems; Science & Society

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Linguistics

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*Note: PSYC 4110 may be used fulfill either the Psychology or Linguistics area requirement, but not both. Either PSYC 4110 or EDHS 4300 may be taken for credit, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cog Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials; Second Writing Requirement

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Philosophy

PHIL 1510-004: Ethics in the Digital Age

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
Discussion groups devoted to some philosophical writing or topic. Information on the specific topic can be obtained from the philosophy department at course enrollment time. For more details on this class, please visit the department website at http://www.virginia.edu/philosophy/.
Instructor: Welchance,William

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Computer Science

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Elective Credit Only

PSYC 4410: Practical Longitudinal Sustainability Studies

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year PSYC majors and students can't enroll if previously taken PSYC 4500 topic #53 RM:Prac Longit Sustain Studies
Course Attributes: ASUQ:Quantif, Computation, Data Analysis

Description of course contents:
Longitudinal data analytical techniques will be introduced to investigate sustainability issues.
Instructor: Tong,Xin

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Second Session

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Psychology

PSYC 4310: Cognitive Aging

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Student must be a 3rd or 4th Psychology major or Interdisciplinary-Cognitive Science or Neuroscience major.

Description of course contents:
In this interdisciplinary seminar, we will discuss recent research on autism at multiple levels (biological, cognitive, social) and from multiple perspectives (autistic individuals, scientists, disability studies scholars, families, schools, community/government organizations).
Instructor: Teles Santos Golino,Mariana

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Neuroscience

PSYC 2200: A Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Enrollment not allowed in PSYC 2200 if already taken or currently enrolled in BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

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Third Session

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Psychology

PSYC 2005: Research Methods & Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PSYC 2150: Introduction to Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 2500-001: Topics in Psychology: Psychology of Misinformation

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

Description of course contents:
This course explores the psychology behind susceptibility to mis/disinformation, including cognitive biases, decision making in uncertainty, and more. It delves in to cutting edge research and strategies for reducing susceptibility through video interventions and online games. It presents hands-on experience with lots of online materials ranging from responding to misinformation susceptibility scales, to engaging with online videos and games.
Instructor: Golino,Hudson Fernandes

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Neuroscience

PSYC 2200: A Survey of the Neural Basis of Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Enrollment not allowed in PSYC 2200 if already taken or currently enrolled in BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Spring 2024

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Psychology

BME 3636: Neural Network Models of Cognition and Brain Computation

*BME 3636 may be used as a Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, or Computer Science class but not more than one

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year standing or permission of the instructor
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents:
An introductory course to neural networks research, specifically biologically-based networks that reproduce cognitive phenomena. The goal of this course is to teach the basic thinking and methodologies used in constructing and understanding neural-like networks. Cross-listed as NESC 5330.
Instructor: William Levy

EDLF 5040: Education and Neuroscience

*EDLF 5040 may be used to fulfill either the Cognitive Psychology or the Neuroscience area requirement, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: none
Course Attributes:

PSYC 2005: Research Methods & Data Analysis I

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

Description of course contents: Introduces research methods in psychology, integrating statistical analysis.
Instructor: Frederick Smyth

PSYC 2150: Introduction to Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents: Cognition is the activity of knowing: the acquisition, organization, and use of knowledge. Emphasizing fundamental issues, this course introduces such basic content areas in cognitive psychology as perception, memory, language, cognitive development, and philosophy of science.
Instructor: Mariana Golino

PSYC 3006: Research Methods & Data Analysis II

Credits: 4 (lab required)
Prerequisites: PSYC 2005 or 3005 AND STAT 1601 or 3080 or PSYC 3310 with a grade of C or higher
Class Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis

PSYC 3310: RM: R Applications in Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation & Data Analysis; No Cost Course Materials

Description of course contents: This course serves as both an introduction to the R programming language for those who haven't had any previous R background, as well as a refresher and an extension of R topics for those who have taken an intro to R course (i.e., STAT 1601 or PSYC 3006) previously or concurrently. This course is specially tailored to those who have an interest in psychology, with the purpose of preparing students to use R for their psychological research.
Instructor: M Joseph Meyer

PSYC 3490: Infant Development

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*Note: PSYC 4110 may be used fulfill either the Psychology or Linguistics area requirement, but not both. Either PSYC 4110 or EDHS 4300 may be taken for credit, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psyc, Cog Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials; Second Writing Requirement

PSYC 4250: Brain Systems Involved in Memory

*Note: PSYC 4110 may be used fulfill either the Psychology or Neuroscience area requirement, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 2200 or 3240 or 2210
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Science and Society

Description of course contents:
The historical and current experimental findings that describe the contribution of neuroanatomical structures in regulating memory formation.
Instructor: Cedric Williams

PSYC 4435: The Psychology of Misinformation

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year psyc or cogsci majors; can't enroll if previously taken PSYC 2500 Psychology of Misinformation
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 4500-004 Special Topics in Psychology: High-Level Cognition

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psychology or Cognitive science majors/double majors
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents: This course will cover contemporary data and theory in high level cognitive processes, including reasoning, choice, problem solving, creativity, and collaborative thinking.
Instructor: Daniel Willingham

PSYC 5270: RM: Computational Neuroscience

*PSYC 5270 may be used to fulfill the Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, or Computer Science area requirement, but only one.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Neuroscience majors/double majors or Arts & Science graduate students. Instructor consent required.
Course Attributes:

PSYC 5323: RM: R in Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psychology or Cognitive Science majors/double majors or Arts & Science graduate students. At least 1-2 semesters of previous formal programming experience required (eg. CS 1110 or PSYC 3310). Instructor consent required.
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

PSYC 5500-001: Current Topics in Psychology: Machine Psychology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psychology or Cognitive Science or Neuroscience majors/double majors or Arts & Science graduate students.
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents: Current topical offerings in Psychology
Instructor: Steven Boker

PSYC 5500-002: Current Topics in Psychology: RM: Electroencephalography

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year psyc, cogsci, or behavioral neurosci majors/2nd majors
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

Description of course contents:
Current topical offerings in Psychology
Instructor: Nicole Long

PSYC 5500-004: Current Topics in Psychology: Applications of Brain Mapping with MRI

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year Psychology majors/double majors or Arts and Sciences graduate students.
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents:
Current topical offerings in Psychology
Instructor: John Van Horn

PSYC 5710: Machine Learning and Data Mining

*PSYC 5710 may be used to fulfil either the Cognitive Psychology area or Computer Science area but not both

Description of course contents: Machine learning and data mining are among the topics that are very demanded nowadays. They can be used to extract knowledge from multivariate datasets, to transform unstructured data into analyzable datasets, and to make extremely accurate and stable predictions. The present course will be an introductory, hands-on course, covering a number of basic techniques and methods used in the fields of machine learning and data mining, using R.
Instructor: Hudson Golino

PSYC 5720: Fundamentals of Item Response Theory

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Undergraduates must have taken Psyc 3005 and 3006 OR 4005 and 4006. Grads must have taken Psyc 7710. Instructor consent required.
Course Attributes:

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Neuroscience

BIOL 3250: Introduction to Animal Behavior

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BIOL 2100 (formerly 2010) or BME 2104 and BIOL 2200 (formerly 2020)
Course Attributes: Living Systems

BIOL 4011: Homeostasis: the Wisdom of the Body

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BIOL 3050; cannot have previously taken BIOL 4559 Homeostasis: Wisdom of the Body
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
The human body maintains stable energy levels, hydration, and temperature despite the challenges of ever-changing external environment, a process known as homeostasis. This course explores biological models and mechanisms of homeostasis, including how survival needs are monitored and met through changes in behavior and physiology. Students will gain a state-of-the-art perspective on homeostatic biology and its research methods and technology.
Instructor: John Campbell

BIOL 4330 Wiring the Brain

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Must have completed both (BIOL 3000 and BIOL 3010) AS WELL AS one of the following: BIOL 3050 or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents: Cognition is the activity of knowing: the acquisition, organization, and use of knowledge. Emphasizing fundamental issues, this course introduces such basic content areas in cognitive psychology as perception, memory, language, cognitive development, and philosophy of science.
Instructor: Barry Condron

BIOL 4310: Sensory Neurobiology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BIOL 3050 (formerly 3170) or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200 strongly recommended
Course Attributes: Living Systems

BME 3636: Neural Network Models of Cognition and Brain Computation

*BME 3636 may be used as a Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, or Computer Science class but not more than one

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year standing or permission of the instructor
Course Attributes:

EDLF 5040: Education and Neuroscience

*Note: EDLF 5040 may be used to fulfill either the Cognitive Psychology or the Neuroscience area requirement, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: none
Course Attributes:

PSYC 3200: Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 2200 or BIOL 2100. Cannot be currently enrolled in or have previously taken BIOL 3050.
Course Attributes: Living Systems

PSYC 3210: RM: Psychobiology Laboratory

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: BIOL 3050 (formerly 3170) or PSYC 2200 or PSYC 3200 or PSYC 4200; PSYC 3005 recommended
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents:

Develops skills necessary for the study of neural bases of behavior, such as brain dissection, electrophysiology, histology, behavioral analysis, and genetic/epigenetic analyses. Emphasis is on mastering contemporary techniques used in neuroscience research and effective, professional written presentation of research findings
Instructor: Thaddeus Wiegel

PSYC 3260: Hidden Figures: Brain Science through Diversity

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Cannot have previously taken PSYC 3500 010 Hidden Figures
Course Attributes: Science and Society

Description of course contents:

This course will introduce students to basic concepts in neurobiology/neuroscience/brain science discoveries while emphasizing research by women and URMs in science.
Instructor: Adema Ribic

PSYC 4250: Brain Systems Involved in Memory

*Note: PSYC 4110 may be used fulfill either the Psychology or Neuroscience area requirement, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 2200 or 3240 or 2210
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Science and Society

PSYC 5270: RM: Computational Neuroscience

*PSYC 5270 can count as a Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, or Computer Science course but only one

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience majors/double majors or Arts and Sciences graduate students. Instructor consent required.
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents:

Develops skills in processing neural data and analyzing its relationship to stimulus or motor activity. Topics include information theory, receptive fields, point processes, and mixed-effects models. Emphasis is on implementing theoretical concepts with computer programs.
Instructor: Daniel Meliza

PSYC 5500-002: Current Topics in Psychology: RM: Electroencephalography

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year psyc, cogsci, or behavioral neurosci majors/2nd majors
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

Description of course contents:
Current topical offerings in Psychology
Instructor: Nicole Long

PSYC 5500-004: Current Topics in Psychology: Applications of Brain Mapping with MRI

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year Psychology majors/double majors or Arts and Sciences graduate students.
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents:
Current topical offerings in Psychology
Instructor: John Van Horn

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Linguistics

ANTH 2400: Language and Culture

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Non-Western Perspectives; Cultures and Societies of the World; Social and Economic Systems; No Cost Course Materials

ANTH 2415: Language in Human Evolution

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Science and Society

ANTH 2430: Languages of the World

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: One year of a foreign language or instructor permission.
Course Attributes: Living Systems; Historical Perspectives

ANTH 2450: Language and Environment

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive & Philosophical Inquiry; Social & Economic Systems

ANTH 2450: Language and Environment

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive & Philosophical Inquiry; Social & Economic Systems

ANTH 5541: Lakota Language Structures

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes:

Description of course contents:
This course involves learning about the language, culture, and history of the Otʃetʰi ʃakowĩ Oyate, a confederacy of Indigenous Nations of North America whose citizens speak three related languages (with internal dialects): Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota. We will be exploring the grammatical structures of one of the Otʃetʰi ʃakowĩ languages, specifically Lakota (as the course title indicates). We will do so primarily by studying, analyzing, and carefully interacting with sets of short stories, texts, and narratives of different genre from the language. Our exploration will involve a guided journey through archives of Lakota texts, both historical and modern. While studying these texts we will attempt to systematically analyze things like Lakota word and sentence structures while engaging with theories and models that have been used to describe these structures. We will also have a chance to explore the larger historical/typological picture of how the languages of the Otʃetʰi ʃakowĩ people fit within the larger “Siouan” language family.
Instructor: Armik Mirzayan

CLAS 3350: Language and Literature of the Early Celts

Credits: 3
Prerequisites:
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive and Philosophical Inquiry; Historical Perspectives

Description of course contents:
This introduction to the Celtic inhabitants of Gaul and Britain unites two approaches, one literary, one linguistic. First, we will compare descriptions of the Celts found in Greek and Latin authors with readings of Celtic literature in translation, notably Ireland's great prose epic, the Táin Bó Cúailnge. Second, we will explore how the Celtic languages work, focusing on the basics of Old Irish as well as touching on Middle Welsh and Gaulish.
Instructor: Coulter George

EDHS 4030: Speech and Hearing Science

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials

LING 4650 Linguistic Typology

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Students cannot enroll if previously taken LING 4559 Typology
Course Attributes: Living Systems

Description of course contents:
Linguistic typologists study the patterns of grammatical forms and relations as they vary and converge across the diversity of the world's languages. Students in this course examine and critically evaluate definitions, methods, and results of typological research, and gain practice analyzing linguistic data through typological lenses.
Instructor: Armik Mirzayan

PSYC 4110: Psycholinguistics

*Note: PSYC 4110 may be used fulfill either the Psychology or Linguistics area requirement, but not both. Either PSYC 4110 or EDHS 4300 may be taken for credit, but not both.

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Restricted to 3rd or 4th year Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Behavioral Neuroscience majors/second majors
Course Attributes: No Cost Course Materials; Second Writing Requirement.

SPAN 3000: Phonetics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Previously taken SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) or in student group SPLC
Course Attributes:

SPAN 3200: Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Previously taken SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) or in student group SPLC. Instructor Consent required.
Course Attributes: Cultures and Societies of the World.

Description of course contents:
Conducted in Spanish.
Instructor:Lorena Albert Ferrando

SPAN 3200: Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Previously taken SPAN 3010 (or equivalent) or in student group SPLC. Instructor Consent required.
Course Attributes: Cultures and Societies of the World.

Description of course contents:
Conducted in Spanish.
Instructor:Lorena Albert Ferrando

SPAN 4200: History of the Language

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: SPAN 3200 and 3010, or 3000 and 3010, or departmental placement.
Course Attributes: Cultures and Societies of the World; Historical Perspectives

Description of course contents:
Instructor: Joel Rini

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Philosophy

PHIL 2500-001: Survey on a Philosophical Topic: Philosophy of Language

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive and Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
It is easy to take for granted what humans can accomplish with language. With language use we can describe and better come to know about the world. We can express ourselves, share core values, and be better able to understand each other. Through language use we also do things and change things, including languages themselves. We define, argue, and translate from completely different languages. Accomplishments abound! In this course, we will revel in some of these accomplishments, and through close study of theories in the philosophy of language that seek to understand, analyze, and explain some of these accomplishments. Large-scale questions will include: how are we able to refer? What are the relationships between words/phrases and what they are able to mean when they are used? What roles do language users play in those relationships? More broadly, what is linguistic meaning? We will approach these and other questions with both theoretical interest and an eye to the practices we share of using language in the world.
Instructor: William Welchance

PHIL 2500-300: Survey on a Philosophical Topic: Moral Responsibility

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive and Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
In this course we will take up philosophical questions about moral responsibility and blame: what is blame and how is it related to moral responsibility? What does it take to be blameworthy for something? We will also look at questions about blamerworthiness, or what it takes to be in a position to hold another person or institution accountable.
Instructor: Dee Payton

PHIL 2640: Rational Choice and Happiness

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive and Philosophical Inquiry; Second Writing Requirement

PHIL 3330: Philosophy of Mind

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
Course Attributes: Artistic, Interpretive and Philosophical Inquiry

Description of course contents:
This course addresses philosophical issues about the mind, including the following: Does the phenomenon of consciousness pose a problem for a larger naturalistic theory of the world? How should we study consciousness? What does it mean to say that the mind is “physical”? And is it physical? How is your mind related to your body? How is it related to the “external” world? Are our minds housed within our skins, or do they extend to include external factors as well? Is the self a unitary, persisting entity? Is it merely a fiction? Most of the readings will be from contemporary sources.
Instructor: Walter Ott

PHIL 3400: Introduction to Non-Classical Logic

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PHIL 2420
Course Attributes: Quantification, Computation and Data Analysis; Low Cost Course Materials

Description of course contents:
An introduction to systems of non-classical logic, including both extensions and revisions to classical logic.
Instructor: Ross Cameron

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Computer Science

Most Computer Science courses are acceptable for the COGS major except CS 1010, CS 1020, and CS 1501 Special Topics courses. CS 1501 (and some 2501) courses are CR/NC grading which within the College of Arts and Sciences means they cannot be used to fulfill major credit hours. This is not an exhaustive list and doesn’t go beyond the 3000 level though 4000 level – 3 credit hour classes also count for COGS. Courses in other departments that also satisfy the Computer Science area are:

BME 3636: Neural Network Models of Cognition and Brain Computation

*BME 3636 may be used as a Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, or Computer Science class but not more than one

Credits: 3
Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year standing or permission of the instructor
Course Attributes:

PSYC 5270: RM: Computational Neuroscience

*PSYC 5270 may be used to fulfill the Cognitive Psychology, Neuroscience, or Computer Science area requirement, but only one.

PSYC 5710: Machine Learning and Data Mining

*PSYC 5710 may be used to fulfil either the Cognitive Psychology area or Computer Science area but not both

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Elective Credit Only

*Note: The classes listed here can only be used for elective credit and cannot count for a cognitive science area.

KINE 3660
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: -
Course Attributes: -

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record represents the official repository for academic program requirements. This publication may be found at www.virginia.edu/registrar/catalog/ugrad.html.