Cleveland State University

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

 

EEC 693 / 793

Special Topics: Genetic Algorithms

 

A Genetic Algorithm (GA) is a model of machine learning which is based on the theory of biological evolution. This is done by creating (within a computer) a population of individuals represented by chromosomes. Each chromosome is a set of character strings that is analogous to the chromosomes that we see in biological DNA. The individuals in the population then go through a process of simulated evolution. Genetic algorithms are used in a number of different application areas. One example is multidimensional optimization problems in which the character string of the chromosome can be used to encode the values for the different parameters being optimized. In practice we can implement this genetic model of computation by using arrays of bits or characters to represent the chromosomes. Simple bit manipulation operations allow the implementation of mating, crossover, mutation, and other biologically inspired operations. When the genetic algorithm is implemented it is usually done in a manner that involves the following cycle:

  • Evaluate the fitness of all of the individuals in the population.
  • Create a new population by performing operations such as crossover, reproduction, and mutation, on the population.
  • Discard the old population.
  • Repeat the previous steps using the new population. Each sequence of steps is called a generation.

 

You can view the syllabus for the course on-line.  This course relies on the use of MATLAB, which is a general purpose computing environment for engineering. You can find more information about MATLAB at the link below.

 

Use concepts from statistics to determine if an independent variable has an effect on the outcome of an experiment:

·        Alexei Sharov’s statistical tables

 

Genetic programming Powerpoint presentation:

·        GP.ppt (940 KB)

 

Homework assignments:

·        Chapter 2

·        Chapter 3

·        Chapter 4

 

Test solutions:

·        Quiz 1

·        Quiz 2

·        Quiz 3

·        Exam

 

Professor Simon's Home Page

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Cleveland State University

Last Revised: August 11, 2004