Cognitive Science: Minds, Brains & Computers

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
PHIL 2014
Course ID icon
Course ID
204524
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Humanities
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Jonathan Opie
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

Cognitive Science is a multi-disciplinary enterprise that seeks to explain human intelligence and behaviour by drawing together the insights from psychology, computer science, neuroscience, and philosophy. This course is an introduction to the philosophical and theoretical foundations of this field. Topics will include the computational model of the mind, classical (digital) and connectionist (analog) approaches to cognition, embodied and extended cognition, dynamical systems theory, and predictive coding models of perception. While there will be discussion of computation and computational accounts of cognition, the course is introductory and does not assume a background in computing or mathematics.

Course learning outcomes

  • Introduce students to the central topics and problems in the philosophy of cognitive science
  • Develop an understanding of related topics in philosophy, cogntiive psychology, computer science and neuroscience.
  • Be aware of the main philosophical positions in cognitive science
  • Have experience in analyzing and critiquing written arguments
  • Show improvement in problem solving and critical reasoning skills
  • Be able to discuss and debate philosophical issues in a group setting.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 59651
Section
Section LE01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 27
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
4 Aug - 22 Sep Tuesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, G03
13 Oct - 10 Nov Tuesday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Napier, G03
Class number
Class number 52625
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 27
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
5 Aug - 23 Sep Wednesday 3:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Nexus10, UB35
14 Oct - 11 Nov Wednesday 3:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Nexus10, UB35

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • Must not have completed PHIL2030 Cognitive Science - Minds, Brains & Computers at the University of Adelaide

Fee calculator

To display course fees, please select your status and program below:

We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.

Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course