Zhouyou Ren MSc Dissertation 2015/16

Development of a Cellular Automata-based Teaching Tool in Python

Supervised by D.Walker

Abstract

Cellular a utomata based simulation is a bio -inspired approach where dynamic real-world phenomena can be modeled by a grid of communicating cells which change state according to simple transition rules, based on their current condition and that of their neighbours . The approach is also used as a tool in exploring complexity and concepts of artificial life and intelligence. This project is about the development of a user-friendly, robust computational tool in Python that can be deployed on university machines or elsewhere and used as the basis for teaching the above concepts in an undergraduate computer laboratory class environment.