University of Birmingham School of Computer Science
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Programme Specification for the MSc in Natural Computation

NOTE: This is a formal specification for the degree programme. If you are not yet a student in the School, you will find more appropriate information on the Taught Postgraduate Admissions pages.

Final Award MSc
Interim Awards PGDip/PGCert
Programme Title Natural Computation
School/Department School of Computer Science
Banner Code 4586
Mode(s) of Study Full-time (Part-time allowed)
Length of Programme 1 year
Total Credits 180
UCAS Code N/A
Awarding Institution The University of Birmingham
Teaching Institution The University of Birmingham
Designed for accreditation by -
QAA Benchmarking Groups Computing
Completed by Dr P Coxhead
Date 8 November 2000
Educational Aims of Programme

Natural computation is the study of computational systems that use ideas and gain inspiration from natural systems, including biological, ecological and physical systems. It is an emerging interdisciplinary area in which appropriate techniques and methods are studied for dealing with large, complex, and dynamic problems. The aims of this programme are to:

  1. Meet the increasing need from industry for graduates equipped with a knowledge of natural computation techniques.
  2. Provide a solid foundation in natural computation for graduates to pursue a research and development career in industry or to pursue further studies (e.g. PhD).
  3. Give up-to-date coverage of current topics in natural computation (such as evolutionary algorithms, co-evolution, evolutionary design, nature-inspired optimisation techniques, evolutionary games, novel learning algorithms, artificial neural networks, the theory of natural computation, molecular computation and quantum computation).
Reference Points used to inform Programme Outcomes
As this is a very specialised Masters programme, the Computing benchmarking statement was not directly relevant. The programme has been designed to conform to HE5 Masters as set out in the July 2000 Draft National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The programme arises from a successful Masters Training Package (MTP) proposal to EPSRC. The prime reference points are the research activities of the proposers of the MTP and the expressed requirements of those companies formally involved in the proposal.
Special features of the Programme
None.

 

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge & Understanding
Ref A. Students are expected to have knowledge and understanding of... Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 The ideas and concepts underlying a variety of natural computation techniques. Lectures, seminars and project work, both mini-projects and the final project Formal examinations; presentations, demonstrations and reports
2 The strength and weakness of natural computation techniques and the similarities and differences between these techniques and other existing techniques. Lectures, seminars and project work, both mini-projects and the final project Formal examinations; presentations, demonstrations and reports
3 Applications of these techniques to solve large and complex problems in industry. Project work, particularly the final project Presentation/demonstration of project and final dissertation

Skills & Other Attributes
Ref B. Students are expected to have attained the following skills and other attributes: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 Given a real-world problem, identify whether natural computation techniques are likely to provide a good solution and then select appropriate techniques from those available. Lectures, seminars and project work, both mini-projects and the final project Formal examinations, presentations of project work, project reports
2 Derive efficient solutions to appropriate non-trivial problems using natural computation techniques alone or in combination with other techniques amd implement these solutions using both 'off the shelf' software and software they themselves write. Lectures, seminars and project work, both mini-projects and the final project Formal examinations, presentations/demonstrations of project work, project reports
3 By the end of the programme, carry out original research and development (e.g. in industry or for a subsequent PhD) with limited supervision, both in the field of natural computation and in allied fields. Mainly project work, both mini-projects and the final project Presentations/demonstrations of project work, final dissertation
(transferable skills)
4 Use appropriate methods for literature searching and information retrieval. Mainly project work, both mini-projects and the final project Presentations/demonstrations of project work, final dissertation
5 Know and apply a variety of research methods, including experimental design and the analysis of data. Mainly project work, both mini-projects and the final project Presentations/demonstrations of project work, final dissertation

Footnotes

  1. The Learning & Teaching and Assessment Methods above are not intended to be exclusive, but to indicate the main methods in use. Module Descriptions contain more detail.
  2. The Outcomes in the original specification of 8 November 2000 have been reformatted and re-worded slightly to fit the revised programme specification form now current.

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