Module 06-19341 (2011)
Introduction to Natural Computation
Level 2/I
| Xin Yao | Semester 1 | 10 credits |
Co-ordinator: Xin Yao
Reviewer: Jeremy Wyatt
The Module Description is a strict subset of this Syllabus Page.
Aims
The aims of this module are to:
- introduce the field of natural computation
- explore common themes and principles underlying different natural computation systems
- provide a foundation for the further study of some specific techniques
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student should be able to:
- explain and illustrate the key concepts of: de-centralisation, interaction, self-organisation, emergence
- describe the common principles underlying a range of natural computation techniques
- compare and contrast natural systems with their computational counterparts
- show how natural computation techniques can be adapted to solving learning and optimisation problems
- analyse the behaviour of natural computation systems
Teaching methods
2 hours of lectures per week
Assessment
- Sessional: 1.5 hour examination (70%), continuous assessment (30%).
- Supplementary: 1.5 hour examination (100%).
Detailed Syllabus
- Simple interaction models.
- Cellular automata, flocking.
- Interactions, games, co-operation.
- Diffusion models.
- Social behaviour (insects, humans).
- Networks of interaction.
- Evolution by Natural Selection.
- Genetic algorithms.
- Gene regulation and cell signaling.
- Neuronal interactions.
- Perceptrons.
- Other neural models.