CSE 9133

Biologically Inspired Computing and Principles of Autonomic Computing

INSTRUCTOR: Prof. Ioana Banicescu.

HOURS:

CLASS: Mon/Wed 2:00pm - 3:15pm, Butler 104.

OFFICE: 320 Butler Hall, Mon/Wed 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Other times by appointment only. Email: ioana@cse.msstate.edu.

325-2756.

TEXT BOOK:

Hanbook of Bioinspired Algorithms and Applications, Stephan Olariu and Albert Zomaya, Chapman and Hall, 2006.

Imitation of Life - How Biology Is Inspiring Computing, Nancy Forbes, MIT Press, 2004.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL:

Papers Indicated by Instructor.

PREREQUISITES:

Graduate status and permission of the instructor. Graduate level courses in algorithms, parallel algorithms, high performance computing and artificial intelligence are desirable.

OBJECTIVES:

The goal of this course is to introduce the students to biologically inspired computing, and to the principles, concepts, and proposed methodology of autonomic computing, an emerging area and a grand challenge for our society in the information/knowledge revolution age. The course will investigate the origins, goals, and promises of biologically inspired computing and autonomic computing. It will also oer students the opportunity to study the methodology and to evaluate the impact of the autonomic computing research area to information technology and to the life of the society at large. Students will have the opportunity to study both theoretical and experimental aspects of this research area. Analysis of biologically inspired algorithms, and various adaptive al- gorithms based on linear, nonlinear, discrete optimization and probabilistic techniques used will be included in the studies. One of the goals of this course is the development of the students' appreciation of the importance and necessity of acquiring in-depth knowledge from various areas of science and engineering fields, and of how that knowledge can harmoniously be integrated, resulting in solutions that would optimize the functionality of autonomic com- puting systems. The class requires engagement in active participation through presentations and many discussions. A variety of reading material will be given throughout the semester. Students inclined to be both theoretical and/or experimental work are expected to bring their active contribution to this class.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING:

There will be frequent reading assignments, presentations, discussions as well as some writing assignments. All of them will account for 60% of the grade. The final exam will consist of a research project and/or a research paper which will account for 40% of the grade.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

You may find the course outline in my home page at: http://www.cse.msstate.edu/~ioana/Courses/CSE9133.html . Important announcements will also be posted there. Students are responsible for checking the announcements regularly.

COURSE OUTLINE:

The course will cover material from the following topics:

Biologically inspired computing (evolutionary algorithms, cellular automata, DNA computation, amorphous computing, etc).

Algorithms and optimization (graph algorithms, combinatorial scientific computing, Monte-Carlo simulations, linear, nonlinear and discrete optimization, and others).

Autonomic attributes and the grand challenge.

Complexity in autonomic computing and its forms.

Machine learning and multiagent systems in the development of autonomic computing.

Architecture, open standards, implementation considerations, enabling technology and development tools.

State-of-the-art of present technology in autonomic computing.

Ongoing widely known projects - strengths and limitations.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

Students are expected to follow MSU as well as the CS department's policies on academic misconduct and on academic honesty with regard to homeworks, projects, exams, papers. These policies can be found on the MSU ethics in research and other scholarly activities and Computer Science and Engineering Departmental policy regarding professional conduct pages, respectively. Also, as of fall semester 2007, Mississippi State University has an approved Honor Code that applies to all students, and reads as follows: As a Mississippi State University student I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. "I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do". Upon accepting admission to Mississippi State University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, and accepts responsibility for learning and following the philosophy and rules of the Honor Code. For additional information, please see the Honor Code.
www.cse.msstate.edu/academics/gradstud/honesty.php
students.msstate.edu/honorcode/

ATTENDANCE AND ADD/DROP POLICIES:

Attendance is required. Roll will be taken, and absences will be listed on midterm and final grade reports. Attendance may i nfluence grades at border line. Makeup exams are allowed only in special circumstances where absences are certified by the Dean of Students office. At the beginning of the semester, students are encouraged to also review the Add/Drop policy.
Students who are auditing this course must attend at least 75% of the class lectures to avoid a grade of F.

[INSTRUCTOR] [HOURS] [PREREQUISITES] [OBJECTIVES] [REQUIREMENTS] [GRADING] [ANNOUNCEMENTS] [OUTLINE]

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