CS 6/76120 - Spring 2015
Evolutionary Computation
DESCRIPTION
This is a graduate level course on evolutionary computation (EC), also referred to as evolutionary algorithms (EAs). The course offers a broad yet rigorous n introduction to EC, and focuses on a wide variety of application areas such modeling, optimization, and data classification. Students will have the opportunity to build and experiment with several different types of EAs through-out the semester and will present a final project on a topic chosen from a list to be provided by the instructor.
COURSE GOAL
To develop a deep enough understanding of the issues involved in developing and analyzing evolutionary algorithms so as to be able to contribute to new research in the field, and to develop a deeper understanding of at least one specific area of evolutionary computation through an individual research project.
OBJECTIVES
- To be able to formulate and assess problems in evolutionary computation.
- To be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of several approaches to evolutionary computation.
- To be able to assess and understand the key commonalities and differences in various evolutionary computation models.
- To be able to apply techniques in evolutionary computation to problems such as optimization, automatic programming, control systems, and biological modeling.
PREREQUISITES
- Solid programming skills
- General knowledge of Unix/Linux
TEXTBOOK AND ADDITIONAL READING MATERIALS
In addition to the textbook we will be reading research papers ranging from classis papers on EA's to the most recent papers from the major conferences and journals on EA's. A detailed tentative schedule of topics and their related papers will be posted each week
CLASS WORK AND EVALUATION
For each class meeting, assignments, project, and homework due dates will be posted on the course home page at http://classes.cs.kent.edu/CS66120/S14
There will be 5-8 homework assignments, an EA project, and one midterm exam. Assignments and the project will require programming, but documenting design, clear writing, critical thinking, and appropriate analysis will also be a predominant factor for grading. Homework assignments and project deliverables due dates will be posted on the class Web site. No late assignment will be accepted, you may however turn in unfinished assignments for partial credit.PROJECT WORK
Final projects should be selected from the list provided by the instuctor. You have the option to present a proposal for a project of your own choosing but your proposal must be presented to the instructor for approval and must include a detailed description of the work to be undertaken along with a statement of personal motivation for the proposed work.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
I encourage, and will reward, individual efforts to become active learners. Efforts to participate in class will count for 10% of your course grade. The efforts towards this goal, that I will monitor, are:
- Active and constructive participation in class.
- Providing your results from homework experiments for class discussion.
GRADING
- Participation: 10%
- Homework Assignments: 30%
- Midterm Exam: 30%
- Project Design and Experimental Write-up: 20%
- Project Presentation: 10%
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
- The schedule and procedures for this course are subject to change. Changes will be announced in class and posted on the course website, it is the student's responsibility to learn and adjust to changes.
- The assignments, and exams need to be done individually. Copying of another student's work or code, even if changes are subsequently made, is inappropriate, and such work or code will not be accepted. Violation of the plagiarism and cheating policy is likely to result in failure for the assignment , exam and/or course. In addition, all cases will be reported to the student conduct officer. Please see Computer Science Policy on Academic Dishonesty
- Special accommodations are available for students with disabilities: In accordance with the University policy, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities should verify their eligibility through the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS) in Michael Schwartz Student Services Center (672-3391).