Cognitive Systems

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About Cognitive Systems

Cognitive Systems sits at the intersection of computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology. It is the study of the systems that enable people to think, of the systems that can help and hinder our thinking, and of the artificial systems in which something like cognition is accomplished. UBC's program provides students with a thorough grounding in the principles and techniques used by intelligent systems (both natural and artificial) to interact with the world around them. People with backgrounds in cognitive systems design intelligent computer systems, or may become psychiatrists or researchers in cognitive neuroscience. All students in the COGS program gain hands-on research experience.

Program Details

Cognitive Systems offers five degrees – two offered by the Faculty of Science. Students interested in the BSc cognition and brain stream should apply through the coordinated admissions process through UBC Science. Students interested in the computational intelligence and design stream should talk to the advisors in Computer Science. All courses in the COGS streams are largely composed of computer science, linguistics, philosophy and psychology. 

Skills

  • Application of principles and techniques used by natural and artificial intelligent systems 
  • Research, collection, synthesis, and presentation of information across diverse subjects 
  • Evaluation of the connections between computer science, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology, and relating them to real-world applications 
  • Observation of issues through diverse perspectives grounded in theories 
  • Critical thinking and ability to debate different sides of an argument while considering philosophical and ethical implications 
  • Collaboration and teamwork with individuals from different backgrounds 
  • Design of new intelligent systems or interfaces, through digital or machine touch points

Programs offered

  • Major Cognitive Systems: Cognition and Brain
  • Major Cognitive Systems: Computational Intelligence and Design

Resources

Career Options

With an undergraduate degree

  • Business systems analyst
  • Cognitive systems engineer 
  • Consultant
  • Data analyst
  • Human-computer interface designer
  • Human resources specialist
  • Information systems manager
  • Linguistics advisor
  • Mediator
  • Politician
  • Mental health worker
  • Public affairs officer
  • Software developer
  • Systems quality assurance analyst
  • Technical support analyst
  • Technical writer
  • UX or UI designer
  • Web developer

With additional study

  • Aerospace engineer 
  • Animal health technologist
  • Artificial intelligence designer
  • Biological technologist 
  • Child life specialist
  • Cognitive neuroscientist
  • Consultant
  • Crime scene examiner
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Gerontologist
  • Guidance counsellor
  • Human-computer interaction scientist 
  • Occupational therapist
  • Pharmaceutical researcher
  • Psychologist
  • Rehabilitation counsellor
  • Robotics specialist
  • Speech pathologist

UBC Science Cognitive Systems Graduates Work As

  • Cognitive Neuroscientist, ACELab University of Alberta 
  • Data Scientist, Boeing Canada 
  • Founder and CEO, PatentPal 
  • Graduate Student in Cognitive Psychology, University of Toronto 
  • Business Intelligence Consultant, Visier 
  • PhD Candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience and Human-Computer Interaction, University of Waterloo 
  • User Experience Designer, iQmetrix 
  • Software Engineer, Microsoft

Related Professional Groups

More Career Resources

Meet Our Alumni

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We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Faculty of Science

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