Biologically Inspired Comput= ation

CSC 516/475=

Spring 2008=

Introduction

Biologically Inspired Computation focuses on the theor= y and application of computing paradigms that operate analogously to biological systems. Topics such as machine learning, artificial neural networks, genet= ic algorithms, fuzzy systems, swarm intelligent systems, and hybrids of these systems. Attention will also be given to problem representation and emerging models of computation.

Schedule

The course is scheduled to meet Wednesday from 6:00-8:= 45 PM in CIS 1012.

Text

Leandro Nunes de Castro, <= u>Fundamentals of Natural Computing: Basic Concepts, Algorithms, and Applications, Cha= pman and Hall/CRC, Taylor and Francis Group, New York, NY, 2006, ISBN 1-58488-643-= 9.

Grading

Routine

Since this is a research-oriented course, the grading = scheme will reflect a strong emphasis on implementing biologically inspired comput= er algorithms and comparing their behaviors while seeking solutions to various difficult problems. Accordingly, grading for this course will be based upon both test performance and the conduct and reporting of research activity. Grading will depend upon performance on a mid-term examination (25%), the final examinat= ion (25%), and a detailed research report including algorithm implementation, validation, demonstration, evaluation, and presentation (50%). Thus, participation in the class will involve reporting findings as well as implementing and applying models. It is expected that students who desire a final grade of “A” will provide written reports of findings bas= ed upon personal implementation and experimentation with at least five biologically inspired models applied to some problem(s) of interest. Final grade of “B” will require similar study involving exploration a= nd application of at least four models; similarly, a “C” requires = at least analysis using at least three models, and a “D” requires a study reporting the findings using at least two models. Notice again that y= our research component is a central and sizeable portion of the grade that must= be taken very seriously.

Incomplete grades

Incomplete grade= s are given only very rarely and only when the student is

- &nb= sp; otherwise passing the course, =

- &nb= sp; able to complete the work of t= he course entirely on his/her own, and

- &nb= sp; prevented from completing the = course by verified unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the student.

The instructor M= UST be able to certify all three of these factors to the chair before assigning a grade of "I".<= /p>

Contact Information

Instructor:

Gene A. Tagliarini, PhD

Associate Professor of Computer Science

Office:

CIS 2038

Phone:

962-7572

Office Hours:

CIS 2038

T-R, 10:50-11:30 AM

M-W, 3:00-4:15 PM

Other office hours may be readily arranged by appointm= ent.

E-mail:

tagliarinig@uncw.edu

Other Administrative Matters

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and vigorous participation in class= are expected but not required. Ho= wever, if you desire the "benefit of the doubt" in any matter related to your grade in the class, you will routinely be present, ask relevant questi= ons, and cooperate with the instructor as well as the course objectives. Each student is personally respons= ible for material covered during each class meeting.

Americans with Disabilities Act

If you have a di= sability and need reasonable accommodation in this course, you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within the first week of class or as soo= n as possible. If you have not alr= eady done so, you must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westsi= de Hall (ext. 3746) and obtain a copy of your Accommodation Letter. You should then meet with your instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the recommendat= ions of the Accommodation Letter.