AVÊÓƵ

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Intelligence in Animals and Machines (C1118)

Intelligence in Animals and Machines

Module C1118

Module details for 2021/22.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 6

Module Outline

The module will develop understanding of what it means for an animal or a machine to behave intelligently, and how brain and behavioural systems are adapted to enable an animal to cope effectively within its environment. We consider diverse aspects of intelligence including navigation and motor control, tool-use, language, memory and social skills. We ask how these are related to one another and how they are matched to the particular needs of animals and machines.

Module learning outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the meanings of the term intelligence, and an ability to critically evaluate experimental data and theoretical concepts in the field.

Synthesise research in animal cognition and the engineering of artificial intelligence and argue how these disciplines might inform one another

Present written accounts of specific aspects of the module subject matter based on independent reading of the primary scientific and engineering literature.

Independently evaluate descriptions of animal behaviour in terms of necessary intelligence and plausible evolutionary antecedents.

TypeTimingWeighting
Computer Based ExamSemester 1 Assessment70.00%
Coursework30.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
EssayT1 Week 9 100.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111
Autumn SemesterSeminar2 hours10000001000

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Paul Graham

Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/91528

Prof Andy Philippides

Assess convenor
/profiles/23611

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

School Office:
School of Engineering and Informatics, AVÊÓƵ, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ
ei@sussex.ac.uk
T 01273 (67) 8195

School Office opening hours: School Office open Monday – Friday 09:00-15:00, phone lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00
School Office location [PDF 1.74MB]