Aims and Fit of Module

1. To introduce the student to the concept of an agent and multi-agent systems, and the main applications for which they are appropriate;
2. To introduce the main issues surrounding the design of intelligent agents;
3. To introduce the main issues surrounding the design of a multi-agent society
4. To introduce a contemporary platform for implementing agents and multi-agent systems

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students are expected to:
1. Understand the notion of an agent, how agents are distinct from other software paradigms (eg objects) and understand the characteristics of applications that lend themselves to an agent-oriented solution;
2. Understand the key issues associated with constructing agents capable of intelligent autonomous action, and the main approaches taken to developing such agents;
3. Understand the key issues in designing societies of agents that can effectively cooperate in order to solve problems, including an understanding of the key types of multi-agent interactions possible in such systems
4. Understand the main application areas of agent-based solutions, and be able to develop a meaningful agent-based system using a contemporary agent development platform.

Method of teaching and learning

Formal lectures:
Students will be expected to attend two hours of formal lectures in a typical week.
Private study:In a typical week, students will be expected to devote a further seven or eight hours of unsupervised time to private study. The time allowed for private study each week will typically include four hours of time for reflection and consideration of lecture material, and three to four hours of background reading