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Lecturers: Takashi Sakai (TMU), Robert Sinclair (OIST)
Organizing committee: Martin Guest (Tokyo Metropolitan University),
Takashi Sakai (Tokyo Metropolitan University)
AIM: A brief introduction to mathematical computations using
Java, focusing on ordinary differential equations and the visualization of their
solutions. The tutorial is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, and
anyone who wishes to learn how to use Java in mathematics. The Java programming
software Eclipse will be used. No prior experience with Java is necessary. Computers
with Eclipse will be provided for registered participants, if necessary.
HOW TO REGISTER: Please send a message to Martin Guest (martin at tmu.ac.jp) or Takashi Sakai (sakai-t at tmu.ac.jp) stating
(1) your name, university, and position (non-students) or year of study (students)
(2) whether you have any prior experience with Java or Eclipse
(3) whether you will bring your own laptop
(4) whether you wish to apply for travel expenses
SCHEDULE:
10:30-12:00 Tutorial: Java programmimg for beginners (Takashi Sakai)
13:00-16:00 Tutorial: Numerical computations and their visualization (Takashi Sakai)
17:00-18:00 Lecture: Natural Computation (Robert Sinclair)
Abstract: It is tempting to believe that computer programming, as we humans know it, is strongly related to information processing in living systems, and yet this is not always the case. From an engineering point of view, one would like to know what the differences are, and whether natural computation offers us any new approach to constructing powerful and reliable artificial systems. From a scientific (biological) point of view, we can regard computer programming languages as an "outgroup", meaning that we can better compare and understand differences between living information processing systems if we have some examples of non-living ones to serve as a reference point. I will take Java as a concrete example of a computer programming language, and discuss differences with living information processing systems. Many of the differences can be understood by considering the different purposes or goals of information processing in living and artificial systems. The talk will necessarily begin with a brief discussion of what the words "purpose" and "goal" may mean in the context of evolution.
INFORMATION ON ECLIPSE:
Eclipse is a Java programming environment. It can be downloaded here This software runs on most types of personal computer.