Admission requirements
Not applicable.
Description
How can we use AI to build brains and minds?
Cognitive models define the algorithms underlying behavioral capacities such as learning and decision-making. For instance, reinforcement learning algorithms describe the adaptive process through which agents learn to predict the consequences of their behavior, through interactions with the environment.
Cognitive models are widely used in cognitive science, computer science and artificial intelligence to better understand the cognitive processes that give rise to intelligent behavior. Their components have been linked to specific processes in the brain, bridging from computation to functioning of the nervous system.
The principles of cognitive models have also been used as building blocks for various cognitive architectures, which aim to create a comprehensive computer program that can perform certain tasks (and explain human behavior).
This course will discuss and compare different approaches to cognitive modelling and cognitive architectures. Students will gain hands-on experience in implementing these models, and fitting them to data, through tutorials and assignments.
Course objectives
Students can summarize the key paradigms and models currently employed in the field of cognitive modelling (based on a theoretical overview provided by the lectures);
Students can describe different cognitive architectures, their respective differences, and strengths and weaknesses;
Students can critically discuss current issues and future perspectives related to the cognitive modelling literature;
Students can program computational models, and fit them to experimental data;
When programming a computational model, student can describe the rationale for their choices and the relevance of the resulting program/code.
Timetable
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
The course consists of 14 lectures (including Q&A sessions and journal clubs) and 14 hands-on tutorials.
Assessment method
The grade is an average of:
in-class mini-quizzes (3 x 5% = 15%)
lab reports (3 x 10 % = 30%)
final programming assignment and report (55%)
Note that a maximum of 1 lab report can be failed (< 5.5) to pass the course. There will be no resit for lab reports. A resit will be offered for the final assignment.
Reading list
Models of the mind by Grace Lindsay (available online through the university library: link.
Articles provided on Brightspace
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Contact
Onderwijscoördinator Informatica, Education coordinator LIACS bachelors
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.