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COMP_SCI 396, 496: Artificial Life


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Description

This course introduces students to the growing field of Artificial Life: the study of “life as it could be” rather than as it happened to unfold on Earth. We will address fundamental questions about what distinguishes life from matter; the conditions in which complex adaptive systems may arise and how they may be shaped to suit our needs; as well as whether or not there can even be a science of the artificial. Answers to these questions are of interest as a basic intellectual pursuit, but they may also lead to useful computational, mechanical, chemical and biological technologies.

Learning Objectives:

In this course, students will explore software, hardware, and wetware approaches to Artificial Life. Through weekly readings and the use of bio/physical computer simulations, students will learn how to model, predict, design, manufacture, and control artificial living systems such as virtual creatures, physical robots, and biological machines.

Prerequisites: Instructor permission required

  • This course fulfills the CS Technical Elective requirement.
  • Cross-listed with Chem_Eng 395 & Mech_Eng 495.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: None
REFERENCE TEXTBOOKS: None

COURSE COORDINATORS: Sam Kriegman

COURSE INSTRUCTOR: Sam Kriegman