B.A. in Computer Science and Psychology

The joint major in Computer Science and Psychology is intended for students interested in integrating work in these two fields.⁶Each area provides tools and theories that can be applied to problems in the other. Examples of this interaction include cognitive science, artificial intelligence, neural modes of computation, and biological perception.

The only formal prerequisite for the major is

• Psychology 110a or b Introduction to Psychology.

Beyond the prerequisite the major requires fourteen term courses as well as a senior project.

Eight of the fourteen courses must be in computer science, including the core of the computer science major

• Computer Science 201a or b Introduction to Computer Science

• Computer Science 202a Mathematical Tools for Computer Science

• Computer Science 223b Data Structures and Programming Techniques

• Computer Science 323a Introduction to Systems Programming and Computer Organization

• Computer Science 365b Design and Analysis of Algorithms;

and three advanced courses in artificial intelligence or neural computing. Neither Computer Science 480a or b Directed Reading nor Computer Science 490a or b Special Projects may be used as electives.

The remaining six courses must be in psychology, including

• Psychology 200a Statistics

at least one course on data collection (Psychology 210-299); at least two courses from the social science point of view

List A:

• Psychology 125a, 126a, 127a, 128b, 140a, 150b, 165b, 180b, 194a, 312a, 315b, 317a, 330b, 343b;

and at least one course in cognitive psychology or cognitive science listed under Psychology, e.g.,

List C:

• Psychology 120a Brain and Thought: An Introduction to the Human Brain

• Psychology 130a Introduction to Cognitive Science

• Psychology 140a Developmental Psychology

• Psychology 171b Sex, Evolution, and Human Nature

• Psychology 331a or b Neurolinguistics

• Psychology 407b Cognitive Science of Causality

• Psychology 454b Sensory Information Processing

• Psychology 488b Learning Theory

A second course in cognitive psychology or cognitive science may substitute for one of the courses in artificial intelligence or neural computing. An additional course in psychology may substitute for Psychology 200a for students with sufficient background in statistics to pass a placement examination.

The senior requirement is a project that is acceptable to both departments. Students must submit a written report (including an electronic abstract and web page(s)) to the Computer Science department. If taken for course credit as Computer Science 490a or b or Psychology 490a or 491b, the senior project course is in addition to the fourteen required courses.

The entire program of a student majoring in Computer Science and Psychology must be approved by the directors of undergraduate studies⁷in both departments.

Beginning with the Class of 2010, no courses in Computer Science and at most one course in Psychology may be taken on a Credit/D/Fail basis and count for the major.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisite: PSYC 110a or b

Number of courses: Fourteen term courses beyond prerequisite taken for a letter grade (not including the senior project; one PSYC course may be taken Cr/D/F)

Specific courses required: CPSC 201a or b, 202a, 223b, 323a, 365b, PSYC 200a

Distribution of courses: Eight courses in computer science, with three advanced courses in AI or neural computing; six courses in psychology, with at least one from PSYC 210-299, at least two from List A, and at least one from List C

Substitution permitted: One course in cognitive psychology or cognitive science for one course in AI or neural computing

Senior requirement: Senior project acceptable to Computer Science and Psychology departments