Module 12418 (2012)

Module Description - Nature Inspired Design

The Module Description is a strict subset of the Syllabus Page, which gives more information

Module TitleNature Inspired Design
SchoolComputer Science
Module Code06-12418
DescriptorCOMP/06-12418/LM
Member of StaffUnassigned
LevelM
Credits10
Semester2
Pre-requisitesNone
Co-requisites06-12412 (Introduction to Neural Computation) (unless 06-19341 (Introduction to Natural Computation), 06-02360 Introduction to Neural Networks or equivalent has been taken previously); 06-22753 (Introduction to Evolutionary Computation) (unless 06-02411 (Evolutionary Computation) or equivalent has been taken previously)
RestrictionsMay not be taken if 06-14410 (Nature Inspired Design (A)) has been taken previously.
Contact hours24
Delivery2 hrs lectures or tutorials per week
Description This module introduces the basic ideas of nature-inspired design techniques. Different algorithms and their applications will be presented. Similarities and differences between these techniques/algorithms and other classical techniques will be discussed whenever appropriate. The design domain ranges from architectural, engineering and graphics design to electronic circuit design and evolvable hardware. Examples of such techniques include evolution and knowledge discovery, circuit design by evolution, novel architectural design by evolution, creative design, interactive evolution, evolutionary graphics, knowledge extraction from evolution, extrinsic evolvable hardware, intrinsic evolvable hardware, on-line adaptation, and implementation issues.
Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:Assessed by:
demonstrate a good understanding of different nature-inspired design techniques and how they are applied to solve a real world problem Written Examination, Coursework
demonstrate a good understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of nature-inspired and other traditional design techniques and how they are combined and used to produce an effective solution to a real world problem Written Examination, Coursework
demonstrate an ability to research and analyse existing work in Nature Inspired Design Coursework
AssessmentSessional: 1.5 hr written examination (80%), coursework (20%)
Supplementary (where allowed): 1.5 hr written examination (80%) with the coursework mark carried forward (20%)
TextsPeter J. Bentley and David W. Corne (eds.), Creative Evolutionary Systems, 2001
Gary William Flake, The Computational Beauty of Nature, 1998
Peter J. Bentley, Evolutionary Design by Computers, 1999