Life Sciences

Intelligence in Animals and Machines

Module code: C1118L6
Level 6
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework, Computer based exam

On this module, you’ll develop your 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.

You’ll consider diverse aspects of intelligence, including:

• navigation and motor control
• tool-use, language, memory and social skills.

You’ll explore 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.