Undergraduate Studies in A-Life Programming

Associates of Science in Artificial Life Programming

Artificial Life, or A-Life, is an interdisciplinary major that applies the principles of living systems to achieve novel solutions to complex real-world problems. Students study the scientific, engineering, philosophical and social issues involved in the ability to synthesize life-like behaviors in computers. They will learn how simple, low-level rules of Darwinian evolution can lead to emergent properties and high-level, life-like behavior. Topics will include studies of the origin of life, self-assembly, growth and development, evolutionary and ecological dynamics, animal and robot behavior, social organization, and cultural evolution. Students will be able to create self-organizing systems that behave like living organisms. Students will be versed in aspects of evolutionary algorithms, genetic algorithms and artificial intelligence.

Artificial Life Programming Objectives (Associate of Science degree with a major in A-Life)

• Explore examples of how A-Life programming is used in game and system security application.
• Understand and develop programs modeling real life organisms and situations.
• Research and discuss ways in which creating biological processes through programming can change our environment.
• Develop test cases and strategies to demonstrate correct algorithm performance.

A complete list of courses recommended for the A-Life Programming major for the Associate's degree.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements

Students within all of UAT's colleges take a common University core - a set of courses that provide a foundational knowledge base associated with fundamental proficiency in professional technology practice as well as lifelong learning skills. The University Core is comprised of foundational courses for both the Arts program and the Sciences programs hosted by the University and each class prepares students for the pursuit of any arts or sciences major offered by the University. Regardless of their selected major, all students within the University are required to complete the core curricula in order to earn their degree from the University.

Associate University Core Objectives

• Demonstrate the application of strategies useful in information research.
• Successfully apply technology knowledge in a real world environment.
• Apply an understanding of the components of a personal computer in order to diagnose, upgrade or repair.
• Produce a portfolio of complete, complex works representative of the technology discipline being studied.
• Develop life-long learning skills.
• Practice responsible digital citizenship.
• Develop and practice varied thinking skills.

Associate University Core Courses

Course Code Course Name

AND choose a minimum of 3 credits from the following:

Associate of Science in Software Engineering Program Requirements

Associate of Science in Software Engineering Graduation Requirements

• Successful completion of requirements in an approved Program of Study.
• Completion of Portfolio requirement. Portfolio requirements include the submission and review of primarily digital artifacts to demonstrate the student's capabilities within the discipline being studied.
• Successful completion of an internship.
• Upon successfully completing the above requirements and meeting all University graduation requirements put forth in the graduation policy, a Associate of Science in Software Engineering degree will be awarded.