Welcome to the course TIES451 Selected Topics in Soft Computing! TIES451 Selected Topics in Soft Computing course has emphasis on learning and implementing metaheuristics to solve optimization problems. The course introduces various optimization methods and theoretical foundations as well as different real applications. Evolutionary computation is an essential component of soft computing. These algorithms draw inspiration from nature's problem-solving tools and evolution in specific. In this course, we shall take a journey through different aspects of evolutionary computation and explore different important algorithms proposed by various researchers worldwide. Evolutionary computation is widely used for both search and optimization. In particular, it is utilized to solve optimization problems (single and multi-objective) when no explicit gradient information is available. This course lays the foundation for more advanced study in evolutionary computation and its applications in optimization of large-scale industrial optimization problems, designing AI for games, robotics, etc. The Multi-objective Optimization Group responsible for the course is world-renown in the field. Upon completion of the course, students will have a grasp of the basics of evolutionary algorithms. They can identify areas where the evolutionary algorithms can be applied and successfully use them to solve problems arising in industry and research. The prerequisites: proficiency in programming in any language and some very basic mathematics. The first lecture is on Monday, October 25, 2021 starting at 12.15. In the first lecture, general information related to the course is discussed, including details of how to pass the course. The course will be given in English. It includes lectures, discussion sessions, and programming assignments. Attendance of lectures and discussion sessions is required. Zoom link: https://jyufi.zoom.us/j/69635628215 <https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjyufi.zoom.us%2Fj%2F69635628215&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cd0d519b83ab24b530fd708d98f565033%7Ce9662d58caa44bc1b138c8b1acab5a11%7C1%7C0%7C637698423132666134%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=NjkLp947ny9Q9%2FmLmMw1ajZyxvTYURdSUyGBvpj9KFg%3D&reserved=0> Course in Sisu: Sisu Selected Topics in Soft Computing <https://sisu.jyu.fi/student/courseunit/otm-25b61f76-3073-4989-828a-4014a884bb57/completion-methods> ? please, register by the end of next week! Also, don't forget to complete the pre-course assignment before the first lecture. It will be very useful for you to start getting involved in the topic! Welcome! Post-doctoral researcher Giomara Lárraga Maldonado ( giomara.g.larraga-maldonado at jyu.fi) Multiobjective Optimization Group (http://www.mit.jyu.fi/optgroup/) Faculty of Information Technology -- Giovanni Misitano Doctoral student Multiobjective Optimization Group Faculty of Information Technology University of Jyväskylä, Finland Room: C426.2 Mobile: +358 45 87 063 06 Email: giovanni.a.misitano at jyu.fi Links Multiobjective optimization group: http://www.mit.jyu.fi/optgroup/ DESDEO framework: https://desdeo.it.jyu.fi/ Uni. of Jyväskylä: https://www.jyu.fi/it/en/frontpage The symphony orchestra of the Uni. of Jyväskylä: https://www.sinfis.net