Final Project

Please create a novel computational artifact based on one or more biological principles. The conception and development of this artifact should be informed by current research in biology and computing.

Stage 1: Proposal

Generate a bibliography of at least 10 articles, at least two prior to 1970 and two after 2002, approximately half on biology and half on computational implementations. Read closely 3 or more articles from that bibliography, at least one prior to 1970 and at least one after 2002. Write a one page proposal of your final project. Email the proposal and the bibliography to wmt@uci.edu by Monday, Feb. 16, 5:00pm. Present the proposal in class on Tuesday, Feb. 17. You will each have 10-15 minutes to present plus 5-10 minutes for discussion. Your presentation should include:

a description of the project
a description of relevant areas of biology and computing, informed by the papers you read
a timeline for the entire project
any problems you can foresee.

Stage 2: Prototype

Implement a working, if rough, version of your final project. In addition, please read at least one additional paper that becomes relevant during your implementation (may or may not be from your original bibliography). Bring your prototype to class on March 2, and describe it to the class. (Make sure to test that it runs in CS189.) Your presentation should be 10-15 minutes long plus 5-10 minutes for discussion, and should include:

a demonstration of the prototype
a description of the additional paper(s) you read, and why they were relevant
a timeline for the remaining two weeks
any problems you are currently having
any problems you can foresee.

Stage 3: Final

Deliver your completed project to class on March 16. Your presentation should be 15 minutes long, with 5 minutes for Q&A, and should:

demonstrate the completed project
offer thoughts on parts of the project that went smoothly or not-so-smoothly
discuss potential future work.

Also, please create a web site presenting the project, including the proposal, bibliography and a text description of the final version. Images, diagrams, audio and video on the web site are encouraged. Email the URL to wmt@uci.edu by March 19 at 5:00pm.

Good luck, and please email wmt@uci.edu with any questions!