SYLLABUS                                                                                               August 27, 2002

Instructor:      Jeffrey Horn,  email:     jhorn@nmu.edu
                        office:   New Science Building 1119
                        phone:  227-1607

Office Hours:   

Textbook (required):  Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization, and Machine Learning,   by David E. Goldberg

Classroom:   New Science Building, Room 1209
Meeting Times:  3:00 - 4:40 pm    Tu,Th
Prerequisites:   CS 122 or equivalent (one year) of programming experience, and  MA 240, or permission of instructor.
Our web page:   http://cs.nmu.edu/~jeffhorn/Classes/EC/Fall2002

 (I will use the web page EXTENSIVELY, posting everything I can up there as soon as possible.  This includes all electronic forms of handouts, assignments, solutions, sample tests, etc.  Also I will post announcements, links to interesting, topic-related sites, etc.  So please check our page regularly!  At the very least, twice a week.  We will also have a WebCT page for posting grades, etc.)

OVERVIEW

• BLACK-BOX OPTIMIZATION

  Hill-Cilmber

  The Simple Genetic Algorithm

• THEORY OF COMPUTATION

Abstract Models of Computation (Turing Machines, RAM model, etc.)

Complexity Hierarchy

Undecidability

NP-Hardness, NP-Completeness

• ADVANCED DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS

Heaps and Priority Queues

Advanced Sorting

Advanced Trees

GRADING:
50% Written Homeworks and Programs
20% Quizes
10% Exams in-class and take-home
10% Final exam, comprehensive.
10% Instructor's discretion

Late Policy:  For programs and homeworks, 5% off for each day late (counting only days that the university is open; e.g., not weekends or snowdays).   But of course I cannot accept them after solutions are handed out!  As for exams, those cannot be made up except under the most severe and extenuating emergencies!  Don't take a chance if you don't have to!  (If we have "enough" assignments and/or quizes, I will drop the lowest grade in that category.)

 COMPUTING FACILITIES:      

Your NMU ThinkPad.  And perhaps, optionally, the Parallel Computing Lab and the Linux Lab.

NOTE:  If you have a need for disability-related accommodations or services, please inform the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Disability  Services Office at 1104 University Center (227-1737;  TTY 227-1543)  Reasonable and effective  accommodations and services will be provided to students if requests are  made in a timely manner, with appropriate documentation, in accordance with  federal, state, and University guidelines.