The brain is the most mysterious, complex, and intriguing system in the biological world. Questions like how knowledge is encoded in the brain, how the information is processed, how we remember, and how all of these aspects affect human behavior, has always sparked the curiosity of scientists.
Besides thorough observations and comprehensive empirical research, the ability to discern the wonders of the mind in the vast sea of data and knowledge requires a computational approach and algorithmic capabilities. On the other hand, brain structures and cognitive processes enrich the world of data science and computerization with new approaches and creative models.
In recent years, with the rise of machine learning and artificial intelligence, researchers find great similarities between artificial networks and deep neural networks. Today, neuroscientists try to understand the mysteries of the brain by using up-to-date methods of machine learning. They also try to understand biological processes by comparing them to artificial networks processes. Neuroscientists and developers of man and machine interfaces are required to understand and know the biological, cognitive, and computational aspects of machine learning and mathematical models. Accordingly, it is crucial to have an extensive and multidisciplinary qualification during undergraduate studies.
In order to prepare the students who are interested to be part of this compelling field, the undergraduate program of Computer Science with a cluster in Cognition and Brain research will be launched for the first time in the academic year of 2023. This program is provided via cooperation between the Efi Arazi School of Computer Science and the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology. The program is designed for students who are interested in computational and behavioral approaches to cognitive science while integrating brain research, neural computation, and machine-brain interfaces. Beyond mandatory courses in computer science, the student of this track will study, within the framework of the Psychology School, different topics of language acquisition, memory and learning, attention and consciousness, perception, creative thinking, and the brain infrastructure of these abilities. Students that will complete this track will be able to expand their studies to a B.A. in Psychology, after the completion of additional courses.
