ME 539

Fall 2008
ME 539: Learning Based Control

M-W 2:00-3:15 -- Rogers 440

Prof. Kagan Tumer
E-mail: kagan.tumer@oregonstate.edu
Office: Rogers 426
Phone: (541) 737-9899
Fax: (541) 737-2600
Office hours: MW: 3:15-4:00 or by appointment

Syllabus
Announcements
Schedule/Lectures

Course overview: This course provides an introduction to learning systems and their application to the control of nonlinear systems. Covered topics include neural networks, reinforcement learning, and evolutionary algorithms. This course will emphasize communication skills and will require students to (i) discuss the papers they read; (ii) write a technical paper; and (iii) give a conference style presentation.

Prerequisites:

Knowledge of at least one programming language (C/C++ or Java).

Textbook: Biomimicry for Optimization, Control and Automation, Kevin M. Passino, Springer, 2005.

Additional Books:

Stable Adaptive Control and Estimation for Nonlinear Systems, J.T. Spooner, M. Maggiore, R. Ordonez and K. M. Passino, Wiley, 2002.
Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, S. Russell and P. Norvig, Prentice Hall, 2003.
Reinforcement Learning, R. S. Sutton and A. G. Barto, MIT Press 1998.

Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course students will be able to:

Use neural networks to control nonlinear systems
Use reinforcement learning to control nonlinear systems
Read and assess technical papers in learning based control
Produce a research paper on learning based control

Grading :

Class Participation 10%

Homework 20%

Midterm 30%

Research Project 40%

Students with Disabilities: Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty and Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations approved through SSD are responsible for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 737-4098.

Academic Dishonesty: You are permitted, and to a great extent encouraged, to work with others on homework sets. However, there is an obvious difference between constructive discussion of a particular problem and copying. Acts of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be handled according to university policy. (See http://oregonstate.edu/admin/stucon/achon.htm for details.)

Class Participation	10%
Homework	20%
Midterm	30%
Research Project	40%

Fall 2008 ME 539: Learning Based Control

M-W 2:00-3:15 -- Rogers 440

Fall 2008
ME 539: Learning Based Control