Week 0

The lecture overview will be available in week 1. 

For week 0, consider that the course requires a modest mathematical background, at the level of undergraduate informatics, particularly linear algebra, calculus and statistics. Here (t.b.u.) is a document which can help you to revise some of the maths and stats concepts that are relevant for a comprehensive  understanding of the course material.

Some programming in python will be required. You will be provided with a few sample programs which can be adapted in order to solve the self-study questions and to work on the main  coursework.

It is not required but strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated to have some idea on natural evolution, individual and social development, cognitive systems, problem solving in nature, physics, biology, chemistry, economics, and any kind of heuristics in any field. As the course focuses on algorithms for optimisation, many of the fascinating general background cannot be covered, so that prior knowledge will be useful for a deeper understanding and for an enhanced creativity on  the course and on any further use of the material taught in the course.