FRS 002D — Sec. 001 — (2 units) — CRN 65522 — R 1:10-3:00pm — 203 Wellman
Algorithmic Science: Exploring Wolfram’s New Kind of Science

Instructor: Brian Higgins, Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, College of Engineering

Description: Mathematical models have become a valuable research tool for supplementing scientific discovery in science and engineering. In his recent book "A New Kind of Science", Stephen Wolfram suggests that algorithms in the form of computer programs are more suited for studying complex behavior in nature than the traditional models based on mathematical equations. The goal of this seminar is to provoke critical thinking about the use of algorithms in scientific discovery, and to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of Wolfram's approach. Students will also use computer experiments to explore how algorithms based on simple rules can produce complex behavior.

Format: The seminar will meet once a week for 2 hours during the quarter. The time will be divided between informal lecture presentations, computer demonstrations, and student presentations. The assigned readings will be taken from Chapters 1-8 of Stephen Wolfram's "A New Kind of Science", Wolfram Media 2002. Students will be shown how to program cellular automata algorithms using Mathematica. Each week Professor Higgins will give a brief presentation and demonstrate a particular cellular automata algorithm. Students will be expected to complete the assigned reading and computer experiment before class and to participate actively in class discussions. Grading: Grading will be based on class participation and oral presentations (40%), and a term paper (1500 words) (60%).

About the Instructor: Professor Higgins is a member of the faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science. His research interests include the fluid mechanics of thin film coating, nonlinear dynamics, and the use of Mathematica in the chemical engineering curriculum. He currently teaches a graduate course in applied mathematics, and a junior course in material balances for chemical engineers.