An optimum design course supported by a genetic algorithm for undergraduate students

An optimum design course is being taught to undergraduate students as a basic discipline in engineering and technology education. The course primarily seeks to find the best possible combination of solutions, which can be termed as design parameters, in order to maximise or minimise an optimisation problem. The development of conventional approaches of optimum go design has dramatically influenced modern teaching technologies. In this paper, the authors propose a useful genetic algorithm for an optimum design course. A genetic algorithm has supported the material for this intensive course on optimum design for undergraduate students. Some features of the course are described here and teaching experiences are evaluated. The new feature of the course is interactivity in learning, which is supported by appropriate course materials. Besides conventional materials, a new conception for the combined use of a genetic algorithm is also introduced. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to explain basic concepts and technologies associated with genetic algorithms, and explain the basic steps of genetic algorithms. Finally, students should also be able to utilise software based on genetic algorithms to solve optimum design problem.