The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K), announced that they will be introducing the Department of Cognitive Science. This department will move away from conventional knowledge and will focus more on building knowledge of the human mind with the help of new-age technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). 

Cognitive sciences help in understanding issues of learning impairments, mental disorders by using psychology, linguistics and computer modelling and developing methods for effective remediation and development of better user interfaces for software companies.

Bishakh Bhattacharya, professor of Department of Mechanical Engineering and current head of the interdisciplinary programme (IDP) in Cognitive Science, IIT Kanpur, tells Education Times, “As we are becoming more dependent on machines, it is crucial to gather a better understanding of the human mind as none of the human-centric innovations are possible through hardcore technical subjects.”

The department will build a multi-faceted curriculum for students that would be fit for future careers. The department will offer knowledge from diverse fields such as AI, business, data analysis, government intelligence, healthcare, human performance, information processing, law, marketing, product design, and software design.

“Since understanding the human mind will help us know more about cognitive deficits and mental health issues, we will focus on developing tools and products to help those who suffer from such problems. The department’s work will benefit the domains of medical technology and teaching-learning system the most,” Bhattacharya adds.

At commencement, the department will focus only on seven subject areas –Consciousness Studies, Perception and Action, Decision Making and Reasoning, Language Processing, Social Cognition, Applied Cognitive Sciences and Robotics.

The department will also offer MS and PhD programmes in Cognitive Science. These programmes will present a chance to work closely with the Computer Science and Engineering department to develop new artificially intelligent and machine-learning interfaces. “If the programmes receive ample interest at the undergraduate level, then we may also launch an integrated BTech-MTech programme, which will allow early entry students into interdisciplinary studies and research,” Bhattacharya says.