Computational Intelligence and Robotics

Vandaag ontving ik eindelijk het verlossende bericht. Ik ben toegelaten voor de opleiding MSc Computational Intelligence and Robotics in Leicester. Een opleiding waar ik me volledig voor zal moeten inzetten, want in 1 jaar een master opleiding doen is buitengewoon snel (er zitten dan ook 3 semesters in een jaar). Maar ik heb er zin in, ik ben al sinds 2000 aan het studeren, en in Nederland zag het er naar uit dat het nog wel 3 jaar zou duren naar de Master AI, dus heb ik gekozen voor deze eenjarige master in Engeland. En natuurlijk niet alleen om die reden, de opleiding spreekt mij ook erg aan. Dus nu het één en ander regelen, lopende webdesign projecten zoveel mogelijk afronden, abonnementen beëindigen, huisvesting kiezen, etc.

De opleiding CIR, lijkt op zich wel wat op Kunstmatige Intelligentie (AI), maar verschilt er vooral in dat het in veel hogere mate gericht is op technische toepasbaarheid en technische ontwikkelingen. De opleiding KI daarentegen is enorm breed en richt zich ook op psychologie-gerelateerde zaken. De opleding CIR bestaat uit de volgende onderdelen (van de website, lees meer):

Semester One (September to January)
During Semester One students study four modules:

• Computational Intelligence Research Methods
• Artificial Intelligence Programming
• Mobile Robots
• Fuzzy Logic.

Semester Two (February to May)

• Intelligent Mobile Robots
• Artificial Neural Networks
  Evolutionary Computing
• Applied Computational Intelligence.

Semester Three (June to September)
During the final semester students will complete a project equivalent to four modules.

Programme

Duration: 1 year full-time

Computational Intelligence (CI) encompasses those techniques and methods that can be used to tackle problems that are not solved well by more traditional mathematical and statistical techniques. There are a large number of topics that could be considered but the four areas of fuzzy logic, neural networks, evolutionary computing and knowledge based systems provide the student with an array of tools and paradigms that encompass much of what is considered to be CI. Mobile robotics and CI techniques go hand in hand and the ability to get mobile robots to react intelligently to their environment is a highly developed research field that is being tackled within the Centre of CI. The aim of the course is to give students knowledge of the various paradigms in CI, skills in the computational techniques used, an insight into their theoretical basis and the ability to apply these techniques to a wide variety of problems including mobile robots.

The modular nature of the course means that a number of qualifications are available depending on the number of modules taken and passed. Successful completion of four modules leads to the award of a PG Certificate and a PG Diploma can be obtained from completion of a further four modules or the project. Alternatively, completion of all eight modules and the project earns the full MSc.

Current modules are as follows:

• Induction Unit: This two week course introduces students to a range of skills and facilities that underpin their future studies
• This essential foundation ensures that students from a range of academic and industrial backgrounds can maximise their chances of success on the course
• Applied Computational Intelligence: Considers historical, philosophical, and future implications of AI
• Artificial Intelligence Programming: Presents a logical programming approach for problem solving in industry
• Artificial Neural Networks: Appraises neural networks computing and use of networks for cognitive modelling
• Computational Intelligence Research Methods: Details quantitative and qualitative approaches including laboratory evaluation, surveys, case studies and action research
• Evolutionary Computing: Specifies theoretical issues of evolutionary computing (genetic algorithms, evolutionary systems, data representation and genetic operators)
• Fuzzy Logic: Considers fuzzy paradigms which have become established as computational tools
• Intelligent Mobile Robots: Covers the sensing, representing and modeling of the environment, and the adaptive and social behaviour of robots
• Mobile Robots: Discusses hardware and software architectures used to build mobile robot systems  

The course lasts for a full year. The eight modules are taught over two
semesters (four in each) and the project occupies the three month period over summer. Assessment is by coursework, examination and project.

Careers

Following this programme would allow graduates with skills in computational intelligence to typically follow careers in the following areas - research, programming (AI, C++ etc.), software engineering, games development, control systems, robotics. A number of past graduates are now studying for PhDs.

Candidate Requirements

• Applicants should normally have at least a second class Honours degree from a British University or a recognised equivalent in any of the following subject areas: Computing, Engineering, Maths, Science, Psychology/Cognitive Science
• Most modules require some mathematics ability and computer programming
• Competency in English is essential
• Applications are also welcomed from candidates with industrial experience sufficient to earn accreditation prior learning