The University of Michigan launched a new academic program for students who want to study how the brain and mind work, The Ann Arbor News reported.

The new major, Cognitive Science, combines coursework from the school's existing departments, including linguistics and psychology.

"The cognitive science major will provide students for the first time with the opportunity to learn about this new and important interdisciplinary field of inquiry regarding the nature of the human mind and brain as well as the implications concerning our behavior in multiple domains," Sam Epstein, director of the cognitive science major, is quoted as saying by The Ann Arbor News.

The introductory course, CogSci 200, has more than 150 students enrolled, according to university officials.

Students who decide to major in the new academic program will select one of four tracks to study: language and cognition; computation and cognition; philosophy and cognition and decision and cognition. All students enrolled in the major are required to take a senior capstone course.

"It will also provide opportunities for new cross-disciplinary research and teaching collaborations between the three co-sponsoring departments as well as other departments offering courses directly relevant to cognitive science."