Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - COGS 110 D100

Learning in Everyday Life: The Art and Science of Hacking your Brain (3)

Class Number: 1662

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to learning and decision-making in everyday life. Projects in this course piggyback on each student's other coursework or outside interests and so are directly relevant to their personal circumstances. This course gives students the knowledge necessary to make any learning situation easier and more fun. Breadth-Hum/Social Sci/Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

The study of the mind is called Cognitive Science. It is interdisciplinary and involves techniques and perspectives from Psychology, Computing Science, Philosophy, Linguistics and related disciplines. This course focuses on the cognitive science of learning and decision-making, from the low-level properties of the brain’s neural networks to the high-level cultural factors that shape our view of expert performers. A variety of topics related to learning will be covered, including motivation, the procrastination, memory, and expertise. The focus is always on concrete applications: how to overcome the learning challenges we face in daily life. Overall, the goal of Cogs 110 Learning to Learn is to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to make any learning situation easier and more fun.

Grading

  • Learning Logs: 10%
  • Two Cumulative Tests: 30%
  • Six Mastery Tests (pass-fail; multiple attempts): 60%
  • No Final Exam
  • Course grades are not curved, and an A is achievable by all students.

NOTES:

The course provides a team-like learning environment. Students are expected to learn 100% of material, and to follow detailed study guides.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html