Puzzles for Computing

Catalog description

In this course, students will explore puzzle solving and creation as a way of exploring human-inspired algorithm development and the synergy of humans and computers to develop programmatic solutions. Many different types of puzzles will be explored, including logical puzzles, mazes, optimization puzzles, and word puzzles. For each type of puzzle, students will develop and implement both optimal solving algorithms and algorithms that mimic human solving processes. They will also write programs that construct certain types of puzzles with human solvers in mind. Finally, they will discuss and solve puzzle hunts, which include puzzles without any instruction and apparent ambiguity, yet are still uniquely solvable for humans.