The goal of this course is to introduce students to algorithms inspired by naturally appearing phenomena and their application in solving problems in optimization, design and learning. The focus will be on algorithms abstraction from the observed phenomena, analysis and comparison of their results. Within the course special attention will be given to specific applications to the aforementioned algorithms. Upon completion students should acquire the following: - Knowledge of naturally occurring phenomena that are the inspiration for the learned algorithms - Understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of learned algorithms - Ability to identify the appropriateness of learned algorithms and their application to problems of optimization, design and learning