MATH 335 Computational Design

5 credits

Computational Design studies the use of computational technology in the design process. The course focuses on algorithmic thinking and the use of modern software tools to generate, explore, iterate, refine, and solve specific design problems. Specific skills include parametric design, programming concepts and environments, computational grammars and L-systems, and genetic algorithms.

This course meets the Quantitative Reasoning general education distribution requirement.

Prerequisites: MATH& 107 or any college-level math course with intermediate algebra as a prerequisite

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Describe and apply the basic principles and techniques of software design
Apply algorithmic and constraint-based thinking to the design process
Use software to guide the design process
Specify the parametric properties that define and encode design intentions
Apply software algorithms to automate repetitive tasks and to generate design options
Interpret and employ the structure of computational grammars, L-systems, and genetic algorithms
Interact dynamically with software supported and generated designs
Embody movement and temporal evolution into designs
Apply physical simulation to designs
Use the algorithmic skills of problem solving, pattern recognition, substitution, following structural rules, and quantitative modeling to solve design problems

General Education Distribution Area Outcomes
Students who successfully complete courses in the Quantitative Reasoning distribution area will be able to:

Gather, organize, and interpret data using multiple approaches
Develop and use mathematical models to describe and evaluate physical situations
Communicate problem-solving strategies and mathematically justify solutions
Select and utilize appropriate technology to analyze mathematical problems

Total Hours: 50 Theory (Lecture) Hours: 50