Cluster 5
Computers in Biophysics & Robotics
- Instructors: Richard Scalettar, Ali Dad-del & Rajiv Singh
- Prerequesites: None
- Typical Field Trips: Schilling Robotics, Center for Active Visualization of the Earth Sciences
Core Coursew (4 Weeks Each)
Random Walks From Physics to Biology
We know that everything, living or nonliving, is made out of molecules. Molecules are random walkers with very little memory that keep bumping into each other and changing their trajectory, shape and even their chemical identity. Their behavior is subject to the most fundamental law of nature known as the `Second Law of Thermodynamics', which precludes them from having the magical ability to move in one special direction as opposed to another. How, then, does a collection of such random walkers assemble into incredibly organized and precise molecular machines that make a living system function? In this course we will learn how to describe random walkers. We will learn how their behavior can be influenced by other structures, such as obstacles or mountains and valleys. We will learn how a large collection of random walkers can collectively act in deterministic ways and accomplish precise tasks. We will introduce basic ideas of probability theory and computer programming to set up the concepts and apply them to problems from cell biology.
Computer Science - Intro to Robotics
This course is an informal introduction to computer science using Lego Mindstorm™ robots. The course teaches the basics of a first semester college computer science course, using NQC, a variant of the C programming language, developed for the Lego robots by Dave Baum. Standard programming concepts covered include: variables, loops, arithmetic functions, function calls, data/file manipulation, and random number generation. In addition, mechanical aspects of the robot such as the building bumpers and feelers, playing sounds, locomotion, gears, pulleys, and communication will be covered. Since programs for the robot are written on a personal computer (and then downloaded to the robot via an infra-red port), students will also learn the basics of the Unix operating system (either Linux or OS X) running on the personal computers. Each student in the course will be assigned their own robot for the duration of the course. This course will focus on the basics of designing, building, and programming the robots.
Modified 2009-01-29T20:00:00Z