The Cognition domain emphasis introduces students to fundamental scientific questions about how the human mind works. It gives them the opportunity to pursue one or more disciplinary approaches, including psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics, and to consider computational models of mind.

From the lists shown below, students will select one course from the lower-division, and two courses from the upper-division. The lower division course is a required element of the Domain Emphasis.

Courses in this domain emphasis are often restricted by major to enroll, and several have extensive prerequisites. It may be difficult to complete this emphasis given these restrictions. Students are advised to make appropriate alternate plans.

 Prerequisites are shown within square brackets.

Lower Division (select one)

  • COG SCI 1. Introduction to Cognitive Science (4 units)
  • COG SCI 1B or N1. Introduction to Cognitive Science (3 units)
  • PSYCH C61. Brain, Mind, and Behavior (3 units)
  • PSYCH C64. Exploring the Brain: Introduction to Neuroscience (3 units) [only offered in summer]

Upper Division (select two)

  • COG SCI C100 / PSYCH C120. Basic Issues in Cognition (3 units)
  • COG SCI C101 / LINGUIS C105. Cognitive Linguistics (4 units)
  • COG SCI / PSYCH C126. Perception (3 units) [Prerequisite: PSYCH 101 recommended]
  • COG SCI / PSYCH C127. Cognitive Neuroscience (3 units) [Prerequisite: MCELLBI C61]
  • COG SCI (C)131 / PSYCH C123. Computational Models of Cognition (4 units) [Prerequisites: calculus, discrete math, COGSCI 1, COMPSCI 61A]
  • COG SCI 132. Rhythms of the Brain: from Neuronal Communication to Function (4 units) [Prerequisites: programming, cognitive science, calculus, discrete math)
  • COG SCI 150. Sensemaking and Organizing (3 units) [offered as Cog Sci 190 prior to Fall 2020]
  • COG SCI 180. Mind, Brain, and Identity (3 units)
  • COG SCI 190. Data Science and Cognition (3 units) [only when offered with this topic - Fall 2017]
  • COMPSCI 188. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (4 units) [Prerequisites: COMPSCI 61B, COMPSCI 70]
  • MUSIC 108 or 108M. Music Perception and Cognition (4 units)
  • PSYCH 114. Biology of Learning (3 units)
  • PSYCH 117. Human Neuropsychology (3 units) [Prerequisite: MCELLBI/PSYCH C61 or PSYCH 110 recommended]
  • PSYCH 131. Developmental Psychopathology (3 units) [Prerequisite: PSYCH 130 recommended]
  • PSYCH C143 / LINGUIS C146. Language Acquisition (3 units)

Unit values and prerequisites are subject to change. Please refer to guide.berkeley.edu for the most up-to-date course information.

Formerly approved classes that are no longer offered:
PSYCH 122. Introduction to Human Learning and Memory (3 units) [Prerequisite: PSYCH 101]  ended Spring 2021