This document provides an overview of genetic algorithms. It begins with the history and motivation for genetic algorithms, explaining how they mimic natural evolution. It then covers the basics of genetics, how genetic algorithms simulate natural evolution, and provides mathematical examples. The document discusses coding solutions as chromosomes, selecting parents for reproduction, crossover and mutation operations, and running a genetic algorithm in MATLAB. It provides examples of applying genetic algorithms to optimization problems in electromagnetism and comparisons to other optimization tools. In summary, the document introduces genetic algorithms, explains how they work by simulating natural evolution, and provides examples of implementing genetic algorithms in MATLAB for optimization problems.