Software Agents

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

433-255 Logic and Computation and 433-341 Software Engineering Process and Practice (or equivalent). Prior or concurrent enrolment in 433-303 Artificial Intelligence is desirable.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject introduces the concept of software agent. It covers agent architectures with particular emphasis on BDI architectures, agent programming languages such as JACK, and agent communication languages such as KQML. Methodologies for agent-oriented software development are presented, including ROADMAP, Gaia and Prometheus. Other special agent topics may be discussed, including applications of agent technology.

• explain the nature of agents and their role in a distributed open environment;
• design a simple agent-based system;
• be able to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
• have a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning; and
• have a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.

Two assignments, one for an agent design and one for an agent implementation, approximately 1750 words each (30% each); a 15 minute in class oral presentation (10%); and a 2-hour end-of-semester written open-book examination (30%). One of the assignments can be replaced by a paper review by agreement with the lecturer.

Information Not Available

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion, students should:

• have an understanding of the concept of agents;
• be able to build a simple agent design;
• be able to perform a literature search on agent topics; and
• be able to present material about agents.

Credit may not be gained for both 433-482 Software Agents and 433-682 Software Agents.