FULL-TIME RESEARCH STUDENTSHIP IN GENETIC ALGORITHMS

Applications are invited for a full-time research studentship at the
Open
University, tenable from 1 October 2000.

Genetic Algorithms for Robust Optimisation

Primary supervisor: Dr AJ Hirst, [log in to unmask]
Secondary supervisor: Dr AA Hopgood, [log in to unmask]

DESCRIPTION:

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) use the principles of Natural and Artificial
Selection
to find solutions to computational problems.  The aim of the project
is to determine the extent to which this novel computational method can
be
applied to parametric design problems to automatically identify
solutions with
desired sensitivity characteristics. This is of importance not only for
the
theoretical understanding of genetic algorithms, but also adds to the
'use-
value' of the process for users of the technology in industrial design
applications.
  The project will consider the use of a hybrid process that combines a
genetic algorithm with a local search procedure in a novel way.
Typically, local
search is to find the best local neighbour of an individual in some
search
space, a process akin to 'learning' in the sense of an individual
improving its
performance on some task. However, by using local search to identify the
worst
neighbour (a process akin to 'fault induction') the evolutionary process
may be
able to identify 'robust' solutions to a specified problem..
The broad aim of the project is to identify the sense in which evolution

'optimises' individuals and populations. Previous work seems to suggest
that
evolution is a 'robust optimiser' rather than a global optimiser, in the
sense
that solutions are found that are tolerant to perturbation. After
formally
clarifying the notion of evolutionary optimisation, several questions
will be
addressed:
 * if evolution is a robust optimiser, can operator sets be chosen such
that solutions with a predictable sensitivity can be automatically
located by
the evolutionary process?
 * how do learning and fault tolerance affect the sensitivity of
discovered
solutions?
 * how well does evolution compare with other optimisation methods?
 * can population dynamics be used to demonstrate a path between a
current
configuration and a desired configuration using operators based on
operations
that may be applied to a configuration in the real world?
 * to what extent are population dynamics and the dynamics of a changing

selective environment correlated?
In the first instance, the target domain will be the evolution of
parametric
designs, in particular analogue electronic circuits.
 Although there are many evolutionary algorithm code libraries publicly
available, very few of them have a well developed graphical front end.
An
initial requirement of the project will be the adoption of one of the
currently
offered code libraries and the development of a graphical interface for
its use.
This will make work easier in the long run. A secondary objective is
that the
interface is useful not only in pursuance of the experiments required by
the
project, but would also afford a front end appropriate for use by
students in an
OU course with a GA project component.
 The successful applicant will undergo a complete research-training
programme tailored specifically to their needs within a flourishing
intellectual
and research environment.

The studentship will be based in the IntelligentComputer Systems (ICS)
Research
Group (http://www-tec.open.ac.uk/tel/res/isrg/ )within Telematics
Department
(the http:///www-tec.open.ac.uk/tel).
OU FULL-TIME STUDENTSHIPS:

The Open University's full-time students are normally expected to live
in the
Milton Keynes area and use the University's research facilities. Formal
information regarding OU studentships is available from the Research
Degrees
Center webpage (http://www.open.ac.uk/research-degrees/). Further
information
about life as a full-time OU postgrad. is available from the
Postgraduate
Students' Society webpage (http://www.open.ac.uk/pgss/).

HOW TO APPLY

Informal enquiries may be directed to Tony Hirst at [log in to unmask]
or tel.
01908 652789.

Applicants should have or expect to gain in 2000 a good honours degree
or
Masters degree in a relevant subject. Experience of programming in C/C++
will be
an advantage. The studentship will be based in the Intelligent Computer
Systems
(ICS) Research Group (http://www-tec.open.ac.uk/tel/res/isrg/) within
the
Telematics Department (http:///www-tec.open.ac.uk/tel).

For a prospectus please phone +44 (0) 1908 653924 or 653355 or email
[log in to unmask] An online application form is available in
MS-word format
from http://www.open.ac.uk/research-degrees/rdegform.doc

Alternatively, write to the address below or visit the Faculty of
Technology
recruitment website at: http://www-tec.open.ac.uk/deanery/recruit.html

The closing date for applications is 31st May, 2000.

Equal Opportunity is University Policy.

Department of Telematics, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton
Keynes, MK7
6AA.


--
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Tony Hirst

mailto:[log in to unmask]

Dept. of Telematics, Faculty of Technology
Open University, Walton Hall,
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK

Tel: +44 (0)19086 52789

http://www-tec.open.ac.uk/tel/people/hirst/tony/
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