Colgate University Computer Science Department

This course focuses on the strong connection between biology and computers that has been recently formed. How can our understanding of biology enhance our understanding of computing? Conversely, how can computers enhance our understanding of biology? This course will address these questions by application demonstrations, both simple and state-of-the-art. For example, a simplified model of the brain (neural networks) can be used by computers to recognize handwriting or speech. Other applications of biology to computers covered include fractals (for example, enabling computers to draw leaves and mountains quickly) and Darwinism genetics (solving a class of problems). Applications extending beyond biology into other fields such as economics (portfolio analysis) and chemistry will be mentioned. Computers can be used to model aspects of biology such as how ant colonies evolve (cellular automata). Many of these ideas will be introduced through hands-on demonstrations.

Format: Lecture

Prerequisites: None.

COSC Course Offerings for Spring 2008