| Unit name | Evolutionary Computing |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM0302 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Burgess |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
EMAT31600 |
| School/department | Department of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
This unit describes the basic theory, mechanisms and techniques of evolutionary computing. It covers genetic algorithms, genetic programming and artificial life, with an emphasis on the use of such techniques in machine learning. Practical, hands-on experiments are conducted by the students. This unit is aimed at MSc students following the Machine Learning and Data Mining theme.
Aims:
The aim of this unit is to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply evolutionary computing techniques to the solution of complex optimisation and machine learning problems. The unit describes the basic theory, mechanisms and techniques of evolutionary computing. It covers genetic algorithms, genetic programming and other evolutionary computing techniques. The unit is aimed at MSc students following the Machine Learning and Data Mining theme, and fourth year undergraduates.
Assessment is by coursework (50%) and exam (50%)
GA: Genetic Algorithm coursework - 30% - submission deadline 5th December 2008
GP: Genetic Programming coursework - 20% - submission deadline 12th December 2008
Exam: Theory exam - 50% - January 2009
Lecture notes are provided during the course, but the following are also excellent references.
An errata sheet (https://www.cs.bris.ac.uk/Teaching/Resources/COMSM0302/GaTheoryErrata.pdf) for Reeves and Rowe is available.
Reeves, C. R. and Rowe, J. E. Genetic Algorithms - Principles and Perspectives: A Guide to GA Theory. 2003. Kluwer Academic Publishers. ISBN: 1402072406 Price: £88.50 Recommended
Goldberg, D. E. Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization and Machine Learning. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company. 1989. ISBN: 0201157675 Price: £56.99 Background
Mitchell, M. An Introduction to Genetic Algorithms 1998. MIT Press ISBN: 0262631857 Price: £21.95 Background
