Evolutionary Computation &

MODULE TITLE Optimisation

CREDIT VALUE 15

Prof Edward Keedwell

MODULE CODE ECMM423 MODULE CONVENER (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 11 0

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 30

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Evolutionary computation is the study of computational systems that use ideas and derive their inspiration from natural evolution. Its techniques can be applied to
optimisation, learning and design. The main focus of this module is on optimisation problems. Example topics covered in this module include natural and artificial
evolution, chromosome representations and search operators for continuous and combinatorial optimisation, co-evolution, techniques for constrained optimisation, multi-
objective optimisation, dynamic optimisation, evolution of neural networks, genetic programming and theoretical foundations. This is a research-led module appropriate
for students with an interest and a background in bio-inspired problem-solving techniques and optimisation who have adequate programming and mathematical
experience.

Prerequisite module: ECM3412 or ECMM409 or equivalent and ECM1400 or equivalent

AIMS - intentions of the module
The aims of this module are to:

Introduce the main and advanced concepts and techniques in the field of evolutionary computation and their application to optimisation problems;

Provide students with practical experience on the development and implementation of evolutionary techniques, and their appropriate usage.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1. Demonstrate a clear and deep understanding of the main flavours of evolutionary algorithms and of types of optimisation problems;
2. Design new evolutionary operators, representations and fitness functions for specific applications (e.g., combinatorial/real, multi-objective, constrained);
3. Implement evolutionary algorithms and determine appropriate parameter settings to make them work well;
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
4. Describe the role of evolutionary computation in the context of computer science, artificial intelligence, and optimisation;
5. Demonstrate familiarity with the main trends in evolutionary computation research;
6. Implement software for addressing real-world optimisation problems;
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
7. Read and digest research papers from conferences and journals;
8. Relate theoretical knowledge to practical concerns;
9. Conduct a research project including sound statistical analysis of experimental results, and contrast the results found with those expected given previously
published material;
10.Communicate succinctly information from publications to individuals unfamiliar with the material.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Indicative list of topics:
Summary of traditional optimisation techniques
History of evolutionary computation and biological background
Basic structure of an evolutionary algorithm
Genetic representation, search operators, selection schemes and selection pressure
Optimisation problems, fitness landscapes and multi-modality
Multi-population methods, co-evolution
Niching and speciation
Multi-objective evolutionary optimisation
Dynamic optimisation
Robust and noisy optimisation
Genetic programming
Evolving learning-machines, e.g. neural networks
Theoretical analysis of evolutionary algorithms
Experimental design

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 34.00 Guided Independent Study 116.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 24 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10 Workshop/tutorials
Guided independent study 50 Project and Coursework
Guided independent study 66 Wider reading

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
 Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

% of Size of Assessment (e.g. ILOs
Form of Assessment Feedback Method
Credit duration/length) Assessed
Comments directly on report and on individual
Coursework – paper presentation & panel questions 40 20 hours 1,4,5,7,8,10
feedback sheet
Coursework – project design, implementation & 1, 2, 3, 5, 6,
60 40 hours preparation Individual feedback sheet
experimentation 8, 9

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

ILOs Re- Time Scale for Re-
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment
assessed assessment
Coursework - paper presentation & panel questions Coursework – paper presentation & panel questions 1,4,5,7,8,10 August Ref/Def period
Coursework – project design, implementation & Coursework – project design, implementation &
experimentation experimentation 1,2,3,5,6,8,9 August Ref/Def period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Reassessment will be by coursework in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 50%. For deferred candidates,
the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:
Articles in journals and conference proceedings
Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search

Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization and Machine
Set Goldberg, D Addison Wesley 1989 [Library]
Learning
Banzhaf W, Nordin P, Keller R E and Morgan 978-
Set Genetic Programming: an introduction 1998 [Library]
Francone F D Kaufmann 1558605107
Set T. Baeck, D. B. Fogel, and Z. Michalewicz Handbook on Evolutionary Computation 1997 [Library]
Genetic Algorithms + Data Structures = Evolution
Set Z Michalewicz 3rd Springer 1996 [Library]
Programs
Set Kalyanmoy Deb -Objective Optimization Using Evolutionary Algorithms 2001 [Library]
Set James C. Spall Introduction to Stochastic Search and Optimization 2003 [Library]

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES ECM3412, ECMM409

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No

ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10 July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 05 May 2022

KEY WORDS SEARCH Evolutionary Computation; Optimisation