Since we’re taking students from varied and heterogeneous backgrounds and it’s an advanced degree, I’d have a list of required topics, with the students being able to place out of the area of their undergraduate study (if their undergrad major covered one of the topics).
Core areas would include:
Probability/statistics
Mathematics (at least through basic calc and linear algebra)
Computer science (at least basic programming, algorithms, and software
architecture)
Natural science (chemistry OR biology OR physics)
Research experience in a natural science or engineering lab of choice
Psychology (emphasis on cognitive biases and memory)
Anthropology
Philosophy (overview course on historical perspectives)
Also, added seminar courses with mini-units to tie subjects together and place them in context.
Electives would be open-ended, pending an essay to justify their selection.
Anyone have thoughts on whether a business or economics course should be included? I considered that, but I have not taken a formal course in those topics myself, and so don’t have a good estimate of their actual utility.
Why programming or other computer science? It is important to be able to know how to use a computer, but beyond that, what’s the benefit (unless the student is going to be a professional programmer)? Perhaps it trains the mind in a useful way?
Since we’re taking students from varied and heterogeneous backgrounds and it’s an advanced degree, I’d have a list of required topics, with the students being able to place out of the area of their undergraduate study (if their undergrad major covered one of the topics).
Core areas would include:
Probability/statistics
Mathematics (at least through basic calc and linear algebra)
Computer science (at least basic programming, algorithms, and software architecture)
Natural science (chemistry OR biology OR physics)
Research experience in a natural science or engineering lab of choice
Psychology (emphasis on cognitive biases and memory)
Anthropology
Philosophy (overview course on historical perspectives)
Also, added seminar courses with mini-units to tie subjects together and place them in context.
Electives would be open-ended, pending an essay to justify their selection.
Anyone have thoughts on whether a business or economics course should be included? I considered that, but I have not taken a formal course in those topics myself, and so don’t have a good estimate of their actual utility.
Why programming or other computer science? It is important to be able to know how to use a computer, but beyond that, what’s the benefit (unless the student is going to be a professional programmer)? Perhaps it trains the mind in a useful way?
Exactly that. Being able to think in explicit algorithms is extremely useful for decoding your own thoughts and being able to actually change your mind.