Students
COGS3220 – Advanced topics in Cognitive Science: Exploring Human-Technology Interactions
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
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convener
Emily Cross
Unit Convener
Nathan Caruana
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
130cp including (COGS2000 or COGS202) and ((COGS2010 or COGS210) or COGS2020 or COGS2030 or COGS2040 or COGS2050)
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit is one of the Advanced Topics in Cognitive Science units. This unit provides an overview of the fundamentals and latest research developments, challenges and opportunities of social robotics, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence, with a strong focus on the use of psychological and neuroscientific techniques. In particular, research discussed in this unit describes how these types of technology can be used as tools for advancing our understanding of human neurocognitive function. Topics include but are not limited to an introduction to artificial intelligence, history of social robotics, psychological methods for examining human-technology interaction, neuroscientific methods for examining human-technology interaction, developmental robotics, cross-cultural issues related to human-technology interactions, and the future of human-technology interactions. Tutorials will focus on reading and discussing 2 popular press books (one fiction, one non-fiction) concerning humans’ relationship with technology, and will also feature students presenting an overview of the research they plan to propose in the final research proposal (the focus of the final exam assignment) and receive peer feedback and discussion on these ideas. |
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 current concepts, theories, methods, and findings in the cognitive and brain sciences that relate to human-technology interactions.
- ULO2: Identify strengths and limitations of recent research associated with using virtual reality, robotics, and AI in the cognitive and brain sciences.
- ULO3: Discuss points of integration and conflict between technology and human cognitive and brain sciences.
- ULO4: Critically evaluate issues and controversies in the cognitive and brain sciences with intellectual independence.
- ULO5: Synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to formulate scientific arguments and ideas for new research directions.
General Assessment Information
Late Policy
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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical reflection | 15% | No | From Week 2. Complete both by Sunday 17th October (11.59 PM) |
| Group discussion lead | 15% | No | Weeks 3-12 (in tutorial) |
| Proposal presentation | 20% | No | Weeks 8-9 (in tutorial) |
| Research project proposal | 50% | No | Sunday 31st October (11.59 PM) |
Critical reflection
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: From Week 2. Complete both by Sunday 17th October (11.59 PM)
Weighting: 15%
At two points during the session, students will post a critical reflection on big questions, ideas or controversies that were introduced in class or inspired by class material. Students will also comment on a post written by one of their classmates.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings in the cognitive and brain sciences that relate to human-technology interactions.
- Discuss points of integration and conflict between technology and human cognitive and brain sciences.
- Synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to formulate scientific arguments and ideas for new research directions.
Group discussion lead
Assessment Type 1: Facilitation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Weeks 3-12 (in tutorial)
Weighting: 15%
Lead tutorial book discussion and submit a prepared set of questions and related issues to fuel class discussion.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify strengths and limitations of recent research associated with using virtual reality, robotics, and AI in the cognitive and brain sciences.
- Discuss points of integration and conflict between technology and human cognitive and brain sciences.
- Critically evaluate issues and controversies in the cognitive and brain sciences with intellectual independence.
Proposal presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Weeks 8-9 (in tutorial)
Weighting: 20%
Pitch of research proposal idea for the final research project proposal, including submission of presentation materials used. Students will give feedback on each other's presentations.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify strengths and limitations of recent research associated with using virtual reality, robotics, and AI in the cognitive and brain sciences.
- Critically evaluate issues and controversies in the cognitive and brain sciences with intellectual independence.
Research project proposal
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Sunday 31st October (11.59 PM)
Weighting: 50%
Research project proposal for new research study.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Explain current concepts, theories, methods, and findings in the cognitive and brain sciences that relate to human-technology interactions.
- Identify strengths and limitations of recent research associated with using virtual reality, robotics, and AI in the cognitive and brain sciences.
- Discuss points of integration and conflict between technology and human cognitive and brain sciences.
- Critically evaluate issues and controversies in the cognitive and brain sciences with intellectual independence.
- Synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to formulate scientific arguments and ideas for new research directions.
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
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.
Required Reading for Unit (these two books will form part of our book club tutorial sessions for weeks 3 & 4 and weeks 11 & 12)
The Vestigial Heart : A Novel of the Robot Age by Carme Torres (translated by Josephine Swarbrick). Published by MIT Press, 2018. ISBN: 9780262037778
Artificial Intimacy : Virtual friends, digital lovers and algorithmic matchmakers by Rob Brooks. Published by NewSouth Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 1742236855
Individual readings related to each week's lecture will be posted, when relevant, to the relevant week's content on iLearn.
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