From: vassilis@sun.pcl.ac.uk (Vassilis Konstantinou)
Newsgroups: comp.ai.shells
Subject: M.Sc./Diploma in Knowledge Engineering
Date: 8 Sep 92 12:52:51 GMT
Organization: University of Westminster



                MSc/Diploma in Knowledge Engineering

	Artificial Intelligence Division - School of Computer Science
		     The University of Westminster

* A new advanced course starting in September 1992

* Full-time (1 year) or Part-time (one day per week - 2 years minimum)


Knowledge Engineering
=====================

Knowledge Engineering is the part of computer science concerned
with designing intelligent computer systems, which exhibit the
characteristics we usually associate with intelligence in human
behaviour.

Knowledge Engineering addresses issues involving solutions to
real-life manufacturing, management, and industrial problems
which are too complex to be solved through conventional
approaches. These problems require the simulation of intelligent
thought processes, heuristics, applications of knowledge and
distributed and parallel processing. The integration of these
multiple approaches in the creation of knowledge based systems
which solve complex problems is of particular importance.


Course structure
================

To obtain the MSc the student must study six taught modules, one
coursework based module and complete a project. This course is
modularised and supports the credit system. Each module is worth
15 credits at level M which are transferable to other
institutions of higher education that use the credit system.

During the first week, students attend an introductory course
covering First Order Logic and short presentations introducing
the modules in the course will be given.

The academic year is divided into two semesters. Full-time
students take three modules in each semester. Part-time students
may take up to four modules per year. In addition, all students
are required to follow 'Knowledge based Systems Design' for two
semesters.

The final component of the course is a project dissertation. The
project is expected to be equal to three months full-time work
and is equivalent to two modules. Full-time students undertake
the project between July and September. It is recommended that
part-time students undertake the project between July and
December at the end of the second year, although a part-time
student may take up to 4 years to complete the MSc course
provided the minimum annual credit requirement, according the
polytechnic regulations, is met.


Modules and aims
================

1) Knowledge Based Systems Design
A unifying module exploring the industrial production of
knowledge based systems. This is a seminar-based unit. All seminars
are presented by invited speakers from companies actively involved
in the design of KB Systems and or researchers/research groups
from other academic institutions. The main aim of this unit is
to present an overview of real-life projects and also stimulate
ideas for the final project.  

2) Languages for Artificial Intelligence
Introduces the 2 major AI programming languages used in industry:
Prolog and Lisp.

3) Logic for Knowledge Representation
Introduces alternative logics and extends classical logic,
offering a theoretical base for the solution of many practical
issues in knowledge engineering.

4) Neural Computation
Introduces the main neural computing architectures and
applications.

5) Computer Vision
Presents computational techniques used in the interpretation of
images and their relation to currently known mechanisms of
biological vision.

6) Machine Learning
The implementation of machine learning techniques enabling a
computer to improve its own performance.

7) Distributed Artificial Intelligence
The architectures and languages used for achieving co-operative
problem solving in a distributed environment will be described.

8) Natural Language Understanding
Presents and discusses the principles of Natural Language
Understanding and Generation.

9) Uncertain Reasoning Mechanisms
Examines approaches to the handling of uncertain and incomplete
information by knowledge based systems.



Who should apply
================

The course is open to graduates, from Computer Science and other
technical disciplines, with a first or second class honours
degree from a British Polytechnic or University or equivalent
qualification.

Each applicant will be considered on his or her own merits. A
flexible attitude will be taken towards entry requirements and it
will be possible to relax the formal educational requirements for
those employed in an industrial context that is related to
Knowledge Engineering.



Course fees for full and part-time courses 1992/3
==================================================

				Home/EC		Overseas
Full-time mode (1 yr):		2,510		6,900
Part-time mode (3 yrs):		1,305	 	n/a

All new students will be required to pay a Registration Fee of 25 pounds.


Information
===========

For further information please contact:
Vassillis Konstantinou or Katerina Cristophylaki
Artificial Intelligence Division
School of Computer Science
University of Westminster
115 New Cavendish Street
London WIM 8JS
UK

Telephone: +44 -(0)71 911 5000          Ext. 3599 or 3598
FAX:	   +44 -(0)71 911 5089
Email:	   vassilis@sun.pcl.ac.uk 
	   vassilis@uk.ac.pcl.sun (JANET)

-- 
--
V. Konstantinou
Head of A.I. Research Group
School of Computer Science, The Polytechnic of Central London