Outline of the course

Evolutionary Computation is an approach to computation that emphasize on a general-purpose search algorithm that use principles inspired by population genetics to evolve solutions to problems.  Two most well-known methods are Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Genetic Programming (GP).   Genetic programming is a machine learning technique derives from genetic algorithms. GA and GP  has become increasingly popular in recent years as a method for solving complex search problems in a large number of disciplines.   This course will illustrate the basic concept of GA/GP  and their current applications. The topics include Evolutionary Strategies (ES), the method of real-value optimization, and Classifier System (CFS), one of the most advanced study in Complex Adaptive System (CAS).

The content of the course will be a mixture of mathematical material and up-to-date research materials. The lecture will be mainly the foundation of the subject.  Students are expected to do a number of self-study on to answer the questions posted weekly.  Those questions concern the subject at a deeper level.  The discussion will be held weekly for a period of about one hour.

Accessment is 50% on written report and 50% on final exam. (3 hour written exam).