David Jackson's Home Page

Contact Information: Dr. David Jackson Department of Computer Science Ashton Building, Ashton Street University of Liverpool Liverpool L69 3BX United Kingdom djackson@liverpool.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)151 795 4248 Fax: +44 (0)151 795 4235

Introduction

Research

My current research interest is in the area of evolutionary computing - in particular, genetic programming. Some of my recent publications in the field are listed here.

I have also served on a number of programme committees for evolutionary computing conferences; recent ones include:

IEEE CEC 2011
EuroGP 2011
IEEE CEC 2010
EuroGP 2010
IEEE CEC 2009 "Evolutionary Optimization" track
IEEE CEC 2009 "Collective Evolution and Self-Adaptation" track
IEEE CEC 2009 "BioComputing & Complex Adaptive Systems: From Theory to Practice" track
Simulated Evolution and Learning (SEAL) 2008
GECCO 2008
IEEE CEC 2008

Prior to working on evolutionary computing, I undertook research on a number of diverse topics including Visual Programming Languages, Computer-Assisted Education, and Digital Logic Simulation. In all, I have over 70 refereed publications.

Teaching

I am currently teaching:
COMP103: Computer Systems
and
COMP517: Object-Oriented Software Development

I also supervise Honours and MSc projects.

In the past, I have taught on subjects such as Systems Programming, Compiler Design, and Computer Architectures. I have also written and delivered a short course for industry on Unix Programming.

I was one of the first recipients of the Chancellor's Award for Teaching Excellence, and received further nominations for it in several subsequent years.
I was also one of the first to be awarded a two-year Teaching Fellowship.

Administration

Director of Undergraduate Studies

• dealing with student problems, withdrawals, suspension of studies and changes of registration
• dealing with matters related to the structure of programmes of study
• writing Annual Programme Monitoring Reports, including analysis of admissions and progression statistics
• updating programme specifications
• liaising with Admissions Tutor over direct entry students, transfer students, and articulation agreements with other institutions
• involvement in the preparation of documentation such as the Student Handbook and Welcome Pack material
• attendance at and input to all UG examiners meetings
• responding to external examiners' reports
• giving overview talks on Open Days and UCAS visits

Senior Tutor for the School

• overall responsibility for the planning, implementation and maintenance of the personal tutoring scheme for all students within the School
• acting as a resource to staff within the School with reference to pastoral support
• providing advice and support for all personal tutors within the School
• providing support and advice to students at progress committees at School and Faculty levels
• acting as a primary point of contact for student support services within the School

Member of Faculty Academic Quality and Standards Committee

• approval of new programmes and new modules
• approval of major changes to programmes and modules
• approval of departmental/school responses to external examiners' reports
• provision of feedback on departmental/school Annual Programme Monitoring Reports
• consideration of issues related to academic quality and standards

Member of Moderating and Mitigating Circumstances Committee

• moderation of modules and review of mitigating circumstances claims

Member of Teaching Quality Working Group

• responsible for teaching quality issues in connection with institutional audits, periodic reviews and accreditation visits

Member of Board of Studies in Computer Science

Member of Departmental Progression Committee

• interviewing failing and weak students