Students
COGS3050 – Core Problems in Cognitive Science
2021 – Session 2, Weekday attendance, North Ryde
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
Download as PDF
| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener
Genevieve McArthur
Monday 11-12
Tutor
Jasmine Spencer
Administration
Briony Mamo
Vince Polito
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp including COGS2000 or COGS202
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
The mind and the brain are said to be the final frontiers of science. These frontiers are also of great interest to industry, government, and NGOs (non-government organisations) who wish to harness the power of the mind and the brain to solve complex problems. This unit provides students with the opportunity to explore theories of how the mind and brain work, and how to apply that knowledge to solve critical issues and improve people’s lives. A strong emphasis is placed on effective scientific communication, the consolidation of acquired knowledge and skills, and the deepening of one’s understanding of cognitive science research through hands-on scientific activities. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Explain the mechanisms and processes underlying human cognitive functions.
- ULO2: Critically evaluate theories of human cognitive function.
- ULO3: Evaluate experimental designs, analyses, and empirical findings in terms of relevant theory and problems.
- ULO4: Demonstrate effective scientific communication.
- ULO5: Demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills.
General Assessment Information
Late submissions
Late submissions will receive a 5% per day penalty including weekends and public holidays. If you submit the assessment task 10 days or more beyond the due date, without an approved extension, you will be awarded a maximum of 50% of the overall assessment marks
COVID Safety
This unit involves essential on campus learning activities which will be delivered in accordance with a COVID Safe plan. You will be expected to attend relevant on campus activities unless the Public Health Order and/or University advice changes. Given the current COVID situation in NSW, all lectures for this unit will be delivered via Zoom (see iLearn for the link). It is likely that the first few tutorials will have to be transferred to online (via Zoom) also but that we will return to on-campus tutorials later in the Session. Please see the iLearn site for week-to-week information.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science communication for advanced readers | 25% | No | Week 8 |
| Science communication for functional readers | 25% | No | Week 11 |
| Science communication for non-readers | 25% | No | Exam period (Week 14) |
| Tutorial worksheets | 15% | No | Fortnightly |
| Weekly online quizzes | 10% | No | Weekly |
Science communication for advanced readers
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 28 hours
Due: Week 8
Weighting: 25%
Written piece, similar to that found in The Conversation, to communicate science to advanced readers, demonstrating critical understanding of theory and methods used in current reading research.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the mechanisms and processes underlying human cognitive functions.
- Critically evaluate theories of human cognitive function.
- Evaluate experimental designs, analyses, and empirical findings in terms of relevant theory and problems.
- Demonstrate effective scientific communication.
- Demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills.
Science communication for functional readers
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 28 hours
Due: Week 11
Weighting: 25%
Infographic to communicate science to functional readers, demonstrating critical understanding of theory and methods used in current reading research.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the mechanisms and processes underlying human cognitive functions.
- Critically evaluate theories of human cognitive function.
- Evaluate experimental designs, analyses, and empirical findings in terms of relevant theory and problems.
- Demonstrate effective scientific communication.
- Demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills.
Science communication for non-readers
Assessment Type 1: Creative work
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam period (Week 14)
Weighting: 25%
Non-written piece to communicate science to non-readers, demonstrating critical understanding of theory and methods used in current reading research.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the mechanisms and processes underlying human cognitive functions.
- Critically evaluate theories of human cognitive function.
- Evaluate experimental designs, analyses, and empirical findings in terms of relevant theory and problems.
- Demonstrate effective scientific communication.
- Demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills.
Tutorial worksheets
Assessment Type 1: Lab report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: Fortnightly
Weighting: 15%
Tutorial worksheets assessing content and activities covered during the tutorials.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the mechanisms and processes underlying human cognitive functions.
- Critically evaluate theories of human cognitive function.
- Evaluate experimental designs, analyses, and empirical findings in terms of relevant theory and problems.
Weekly online quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 13 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Weekly online quizzes on lecture content.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain the mechanisms and processes underlying human cognitive functions.
- Critically evaluate theories of human cognitive function.
- Evaluate experimental designs, analyses, and empirical findings in terms of relevant theory and problems.
- Demonstrate effective time management and organisational skills.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Weekly lectures and associated quizzes will be delivered online via iLearn, with each topic delivered by cognitive scientists who are experts in the weekly topic. Two-hour tutorials will be held on-campus fortnightly (i.e., every 2 weeks) starting in Week 2 or Week 3 (dependng on tutorial group). A weekly Q+A session will be held so that students can get to know the scientists, ask any questions about the topic and assessments, and share information. It is essential that students have adequate access to the internet as most of the course material and activities are accessed online in the form of:
- Video lectures
- Online quizzes
- Weekly zoom Q+A sessions
- Unit readings (note that there is no prescribed textbook for this unit)
Access to a reasonably fast internet connection would be ideal, given the large amount of video content. Also, please note that in order to access Resources and Activities in your online unit, you will need a browser such as Firefox or Chrome. iLearn will operate on the following browsers, it is recommended that you upgrade your browser to the most recent version:
- Firefox
- Chrome
- Safari
- Internet Explorer 8 or later
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook