Spring 1998 Course Offering
CSCI 2830, Section 001
Special Topics in Computer Science:
Artificial Life
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Artificial life is a field of scientific study that attempts to reproduce,
via computer modeling, complex phenomena found in biological systems,
such as intelligence, self-replication, and adaptation. In this course, we
will construct artificial organisms on a computer that can interact with one
another in a simulated environment. Topics will include:
- evolution of behavior
- mechanisms underlying intelligent behavior
- emergent behavior (e.g., ant colonies)
- principles of adaptive behavior
- efficient use of limited resources
Although scientists in the field of Artificial Life are often
biologists, ecologists, or psychologists, in this course we will view
Artificial Life as an engineering discipline. We will attempt to understand
the mechanisms and algorithms that underlie the behavior of an organism, and
we will attempt to build organisms that achieve certain behaviors.
This course will introduce you to the discipline through hands-on team
projects, group discussions, and readings. An indirect goal of the course is
to teach you some skills valuable in computer science and engineering,
including:
- how to work in teams
- communication with team members
- using various computer software packages and operating systems
- using the Internet and libraries as resources to obtain information
- problem solving
- analytic and logical thought
Students are expected to attend every class. Class sessions will roughly
be divided between lectures, discussions, and labs.
Enrollment preference will be given to freshmen and
sophomores; upperclass students will be accepted only if space
remains.
Artificial life java demos