Overview
Computational intelligence (CI) is a relatively new area in computer science that is becoming more important in society today and in the future, especially due to the growing possibilities of gathering data and the need for intelligent systems. CI deals with nature-inspired computational methodologies and approaches to solve complex problems for real-world challenges in which traditional methodologies and approaches are ineffective or infeasible. As such, CI methodologies and approaches aim at creating intelligent systems by using innovative and nature-inspired algorithms.
Computer Science 658: Computational Intelligence is designed for students interested in learning more about how intelligent systems work and their potential to solve complex real-world problems through the use of innovative and nature-inspired algorithms. The course focuses on the main CI approaches and methodologies, namely artificial neural networks, genetic algorithms, swarm optimization, and fuzzy systems. This research-based course will lead you in investigating the current state of research in CI areas and in gaining comprehensive theoretical knowledge from scientific research about the basic concepts and features of CI methodologies and approaches.
COMP 658 is practical and hands-on, as it focuses on demonstrating real-world applications of CI approaches and guiding you in using your theoretical knowledge to design and build CI algorithms for solving practical problems. The course will encourage you to think critically and reflect on the concepts and algorithms you learn, and it emphasizes discussions among students on CI-related topics.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the design, implementation, and analysis of CI approaches, algorithms, and methods.
- explain, critically review, and discuss research papers in areas of CI.
- independently analyze research papers in areas of CI and write literature review papers on topics in CI.
- discuss and argue about current topics in CI.
- design and build CI algorithms and approaches to real-life problems, analyze and improve these algorithms and approaches, and justify and discuss decisions made during the development processes.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 658, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least B– (70 percent), an average grade of at least 50 percent on the assignments, and a grade of at least 50 percent for participation. The weighting of the course composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Literature Review Paper | 25% |
| Assignment 2: Programming Exercise 1 | 20% |
| Assignment 3: Presentation of Literature Review Paper and Discussion | 20% |
| Assignment 4: Programming Exercise 2 | 20% |
| Participation: Discussion in Unit Forums | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
All course materials are found online.