ES.268 | Spring 2010 | Undergraduate

The Mathematics in Toys and Games

Syllabus

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 1 session / week, 2 hours / session

Objectives

Students will learn to apply mathematical strategies to both play and implement their own games. This year the course will try to focus on some open problems in the field of combinatorial game theory. Most of all, we will have fun while playing games and learning math concepts at the same time!

Materials

There is no textbook for this class, but students are expected to read weekly course notes. Occasional outside readings will be assigned.

Readings are not necessary to understand the topics in class, but offer a chance to further explore the games we encounter.

Berlekamp, Elwyn R., John H. Conway, and Richard K. Guy. Winning Ways for your Mathematical Plays. Vol 1. Natick, MA: AK Peters, Ltd., 2001. ISBN: 9781568811307.

Conway, John H. On Numbers and Games. Natick, MA: AK Peters, Ltd., 2000. ISBN: 9781568811277.

Grading/Expectations

The course is graded on a pass/fail basis. The project will be either in the form of a paper or a coding project.

ACTIVITIES PERCENTAGES
Attendance and participation 30%
Final project 70%

Final project grade determined as follows:

ACTIVITIES PERCENTAGES
Checkpoint I 10%
Checkpoint II 10%
Turned in on time 20%
Creativity/depth 20%
Writing quality (paper)/implementation (coding or game creation) 20%
Presentation 20%

Course Info

As Taught In
Spring 2010
Learning Resource Types
Lecture Notes
Projects with Examples
Written Assignments
Design Assignments
Activity Assignments