Artificial Life (819G5JN)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

This module introduces the field of Artificial Life (ALife). It has two main aims. One is to take inspiration from biology for engineering and for AI. The other is to use computational tools to test ideas in biology. In this module, you’ll explore both of these roles.

Topics include:

  • evolutionary computation

  • ALife models of biological systems

  • dynamical systems analysis of complex systems

  • non‑symbolic approaches to cognition

  • artificial chemistries.

Teaching

63%: Lecture
11%: Practical (Laboratory)
26%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Coursework (Project)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 35 hours of contact time and about 115 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.