I am interested in learning how our brain works, especially how we think, memorize, feel, and etc, and also fascinated in how we can simulate our brain by machines. So I would like to study cognitive science in the stream of Artificial Intelligence as well as some topics in Neuroscience in the college.
However, as I am living in Hong Kong where no college offers a first major in Cognitive Science, but only second major or minor. Therefore, I wish to study in the states by going to a community college and try my best to get into an university with cognitive science program like the one in UCSD (http://www.cogsci.ucsd.edu/undergraduate-study/major/mlnc/).
Alternatively, I am also considering to study a science degree in Mathematics specific in Computational Mathematics and minor in cognitive science in The University of Hong Kong (HKU). If studying in local, it could save my parents around US$120k which is the primary concern for me.
The followings show the programs to be studied in the Maths major and the CogSci minor in HKU:
Courses studied in Computational Mathematics and Operations Research stream (major):
Introductory level courses (48 credits)
MATH1013 University Mathematics II (6)
MATH2012 Fundamental Concepts of Mathematics (6)
MATH2211 Multivariable Calculus (6)
MATH2101 Linear Algebra I (6)
MATH2102 Linear Algebra II (6)
MATH2201 Introduction to Mathematical Analysis (6)
SCNC1111 Scientific Method and Reasoning (6)
SCNC1112 Fundamentals of Modern Science (6)
Advanced level courses (48 credits)
MATH3301 Algebra I (6)
MATH3401 Analysis I (6)
MATH3403 Functions of a complex variable (6)
other recommended courses:
MATH3303 Matrix Theory and Its Applications (6)
MATH3600 Discrete Mathematics
(6)
MATH3601 Numerical Analysis
MATH3603 Probability Theory (6)
MATH3901 Operations Research I (6)
I
MATH3904 Introduction to Optimization (6)
MATH3905 Queuing Theory and Simulation (6)
MATH4602 Scientific Computing (6)
MATH3902 Operations Research II
(6)
MATH3943 Network Models in Operations Research (6)
MATH6502 Topics in Applied Discrete Mathematics
(6)
MATH6503 Topics in mathematical Programming and optimization
(6)
BUSI1003 Introduction to Management Information System
(6)
CSIS1119 Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms (6)
ECON0701 Introductory Econometrics
(6)
STAT3301 Time-series Analysis (6)
For details, pleas check: http://www.math.hku.hk
Courses studied in Cognitive Science (minor):
Introductory courses (12 credits)
COMP1117. Computer programming (6)
LING1000. Introduction to language (6)
PHIL1012. Mind and knowledge: An introduction to philosophy (6
)
PSYC1001. Introduction to psychology (6)
Advanced courses (24 credits)
PSYC2066 Foundations of cognitive science (6)
Artificial Intelligence and Computational Modelling
COMP3270. Artificial Intelligence (6)
COMP3314. Machine Learning (6)
COMP3407. Scientific Computing (6)
PSYC3061/PSYC0061. Advanced issues in perception (6)
Brain and Cognition
LING2053. Language and the brain (6)
LING2057. Language evolution (6)
PSYC2007/PSYC0007. Cognitive psychology (6)
PSYC2022/PSYC0022. Biological psychology (6)
PSYC2032/PSYC0032. Engineering psychology (6)
PSYC2051/PSYC0051. Perception (6)
PSYC3054/PSYC0054. Human neuropsychology (6)
PSYC3068/PSYC0008. Advanced cognitive psychology (6)
For details, please check: http://www.psychology.hku.hk/uploads/documents/Cognitive_Science_Major_Minor.pdf
Does the route of getting a math degree with CogSci minor could lead me to a research career in Cognitive Science or AI? Or I had better study CogSci degree in the states? Please give me some advice. Thanks!