Computational Models of Cognitive Processes
Instructor:
Prof. Daniel R. Schlegel, 464 Shineman Center, daniel.schlegel@oswego.edu
Office/Lab hours: Monday 1:45pm-2:45pm, Tuesday 9:00am-10:00am, Wednesday 3:00pm-4:00pm, and by appointment.
Section 800: MWF 12:40pm-1:35pm, Shineman 130
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the computational study of human and machine intelligence. We will discuss the methodology behind development of computational models and algorithms which exhibit intelligent behavior. Examples will be drawn from the areas of neural processing, vision, memory, learning, reasoning, and information processing.
Course Objectives:
Students who complete this course will be able to:
- Construct a heuristic problem solving program in a symbolic language.
- Analyze heuristics in a heuristic problem solver in terms of applicability and (theories of) human executability
- Design and implement a simple “natural language” interface to a question answering system based on elementary generative grammar theory.
- Define, describe, and discuss the deployment of classic knowledge representations in the service of cognitive processing.
- Compare and contrast approaches to problems of high-level perception.
Prerequisites:
The course has CSC241 as a prerequisite.
Textbooks:
None. Various readings will be posted on Brightspace when the time comes.
Useful Resources:
Attendance and Participation:
As per college policy, attendance in all sessions is obligatory. If you cannot attend a class meeting due to religious, athletic, health related circumstance, or circumstance of particular hardship, please notify me in advance via email. Please be ready to present proof, if necessary. It is expected that each person actively engage in each class session.
This course includes significant discussion and demonstration components. Participation will be factored into the final grade.
Classroom Etiquette:
A positive learning environment relies upon creating an atmosphere where all students feel welcome. Classroom discussion is meant to allow us to hear a variety of viewpoints. This can only happen if we respect each other and our differences. Hostility and disrespectful behavior is not acceptable.
The current university policy will decide the class policy on masks and social distancing. Regardless of class policy, you can do more! If you wish to wear a mask, please do so! If you are sick with a potentially communicable disease, you should wear a mask and seriously consider staying home to prevent the spread of disease.
Grading Summary:
Grades will be comprised of participation, small assignments, a large project, and a final exam. A point-based system will be used, where each graded artifact will be assigned a point value and you can simply sum the points to determine your grade.
| Assessment | Points |
|---|---|
| Participation | 110 |
| Assignments (4) | 220 |
| Final Project | 360 |
| Final Exam | 300 |
| Total | 1000 |
The default grading for the course will be along the university’s standard grading curve:
| Letter: Points | Letter: Points |
|---|---|
| A: 930-1000 | C+: 770-790 |
| A-: 900-920 | C: 730-760 |
| B+: 870-890 | C-: 700-720 |
| B: 830-860 | D+: 670-690 |
| B-: 800-820 | D: 600-660 |
| E: 0-590 |
Final Projects:
You will complete a final project in a small group of two or three students wherein you will explore a human cognitive process and develop a computational model for it. The project will be completed in several stages and will involve a paper presenting your research and findings. Further details about the project will be provided when the time is right.
Assignments:
Assignments will give you a chance to experiment with the techniques and technologies explored in class, as well as to reflect upon readings. You will post your solutions on a web site which you will maintain for this course. Creating the website will, itself, be one of the early assignments.
At some points during the semester the work from your site may be shown to the class by you or me.
Final Exam:
You may bring your notes to the final exam but may not use any electronic aides.
Each exam question will be assigned a point value, questionPoints, where the following general scheme will be used in grading it:
0 – Did not attempt / No serious attempt / Completely incorrect
1/3 * questionPoints – Mostly incorrect solution
2/3 * questionPoints – Somewhat incorrect solution
3/3 * questionPoints – Perfect solution
Intermediate scores will be given as appropriate. The total points received on all questions will then be summed.
Schedule/Outline:
The course will be divided into several units, during which we will talk about modeling techniques, reasoning, belief, Prolog and CSNePS, acting and planning, and other topics!
This syllabus and the course schedule are subject to change by the instructor. All changes and related justifications will be announced in class, and updates will be reflected in this web version.
| Week | Day | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monday | 8/22 | First day of class Syllabus and Overview |
| Wednesday | 8/24 | Physical Symbol System Readings: See Week 1 Readings folder on Brightspace |
|
| Friday | 8/26 | Prolog Introduction | |
| 2 | Monday | 8/29 | More Prolog! |
| Wednesday | 8/31 | Two Logic Problems | |
| Friday | 9/2 | The 'It's a Tie' Logic Problem Prolog Challenge 1 due 9/14 on Brightspace |
|
| 3 | Monday | 9/5 | Labor Day - No Class |
| Wednesday | 9/7 | Prolog Lists | |
| Friday | 9/9 | No Class - Dan Sick | |
| 4 | Monday | 9/12 | Reference and Misinformation |
| Wednesday | 9/14 | No Class - Dan Sick | |
| Friday | 9/16 | Finishing our Knights and Knaves Problem | |
| 5 | Monday | 9/19 | Maze Solving with Prolog Prolog Challenge 2 due Monday 9/26 |
| Wednesday | 9/21 | Prolog and Natural Language | |
| Friday | 9/23 | Introduction to Blocks World | |
| 6 | Monday | 9/26 | Blocks World Implementation |
| Wednesday | 9/28 | Reference Resolution in the Blocks World Prolog Challenge 3 due 10/7 |
|
| Friday | 9/30 | In-Class Work Day | |
| 7 | Monday | 10/3 | Blocks World Parsing and Reference Resolution |
| Wednesday | 10/5 | Work Day | |
| Friday | 10/7 | Challenge 3 Discussion | |
| 8 | Monday | 10/10 | More Blocks World Preparing for a Last Prolog Challenge |
| Wednesday | 10/12 | Belief Prolog Challenge 4 due 10/28. |
|
| Friday | 10/14 | Fall Break - No Class | |
| 9 | Monday | 10/17 | No Class - Dan Sick |
| Wednesday | 10/19 | Project Discussion Begins! Project Description Reading: Reasoning from Inconsistency to Consistency |
|
| Friday | 10/21 | Work Day | |
| 10 | Monday | 10/24 | Topics Presentations Student Folders |
| Wednesday | 10/26 | Work Day | |
| Friday | 10/28 | Work Day | |
| 11 | Monday | 10/31 | Group Presentations |
| Wednesday | 11/2 | Mental Models | |
| Friday | 11/4 | Work Day | |
| 12 | Monday | 11/7 | Group Presentations |
| Wednesday | 11/9 | Work Day | |
| Friday | 11/11 | Work Day | |
| 13 | Monday | 11/14 | Dan Sick |
| Wednesday | 11/16 | Group Presentations | |
| Friday | 11/18 | Work Day | |
| 14 | Monday | 11/21 | Thanksgiving Recess - No Class |
| Wednesday | 11/23 | Thanksgiving Recess - No Class | |
| Friday | 11/25 | Thanksgiving Recess - No Class | |
| 15 | Monday | 11/28 | CSNePS |
| Wednesday | 11/30 | Final Presentations! Genetic Algorithms |
|
| Friday | 12/2 | Last day of class Final Presentations! |
|
| Finals Week | Finals Week | Finals Week | Take-Home Final Exam due Friday 12/9, 12:30pm on Brightspace |
Mental Health:
Stress is a normal and important part of our human experience. However, there are times when your stress will exceed your coping skills and resources. The changes that we have experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted us all in various ways and are expected to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. Your health and well-being are critical components in your ability to learn. If you find that you are struggling to engage and function, please reach out. Resources are available, including Counseling Services, oswego.edu/csc, which provides brief and confidential counseling support to enrolled students (covered by your student health fee.) After-hours crisis coverage is available by calling Counseling Services at 315.312.4416 and listening to the available options. The CrisisTextLine can be accessed by texting GOT5U to 741741. Lastly, the Oz Concern Navigator, oswego.concerncenter.com, is now available to point you to additional resources to help you address your concerns.
Academic Integrity:
SUNY Oswego is committed to Intellectual Integrity. Any form of intellectual dishonesty is a serious concern and therefore prohibited. You can find the full policy online. While it is acceptable to discuss general approaches with your fellow students, the work you turn in must be your own. You may not turn in code or text found on the internet. If you have any problems doing the assignments, consult the instructor. See my page on plagiarism for an explanation of what I consider cheating.
Accessibility:
If you have a disabling condition which may interfere with your ability to successfully complete this course, please contact Accessibility Resources located at 155 Marano Campus Center, phone 315.312.3358, access@oswego.edu
Clery Act/Title IX Reporting:
SUNY Oswego is committed to enhancing the safety and security of the campus for all its members. In support of this, faculty may be required to report their knowledge of certain crimes or harassment. Reportable incidents include harassment on the basis of sex or gender prohibited by Title IX and crimes covered by the Clery Act. For more information about Title IX protections, go to https://www.oswego.edu/title-