11320IPHD500100. Mathematics# Physics# and Interdisciplinary Connections, March 2025.

Instructors: Ray-Kuang Lee (NTHU) and Chi-Kwong Li (W&M)

Meeting time and places.

• March 1, 8, 15, 22. 10:00 - noon; 13:00-15:00
• NTHU General Building II Room 205.

Course description:

This course invites students to explore the deep connections between mathematics, physics, and diverse fields such as data science, quantum information science, artificial intelligence, neural networks, arts, and music.

Course Goals:

By the end of the course, students will gain experience in investigating new topics and identifying interdisciplinary connections. Students will learn to leverage a wealth of online resources effectively, honing skills in synthesizing relevant information and developing independent insights. The course aims to cultivate a mindset that is inquisitive, resourceful, and ready to bridge scientific principles with creative and practical applications across various domains.

Format:

Instructors and participants will take turn to present topics related to mathematics, physics, and other subjects.
The presentations could include the following elements.

• Kick-off with Short, Engaging Videos: Start each session with a short video that introduces the topic or presents a compelling application in a different field. Look for videos that are visually engaging and conceptually rich but accessible, as this can set a collaborative and inquisitive tone for the session.
• Guided Discussion Questions: After the video, use guided questions to prompt discussion, such as: "What were some surprising or new insights you gained from the video?" "How do you think the concepts presented could apply to fields like AI, music, or art?" "What other real-world applications come to mind?" Hands-On Exploration: Consider integrating a quick, related demonstration or simulation to help students get a hands-on sense of the topic. For example, if discussing quantum phenomena, you might show an interactive quantum simulation tool.
• Breakout Activities: If possible, break students into small groups for 10-15 minutes to discuss specific questions or brainstorm cross-disciplinary applications of the topic. Each group could then present a summary of their discussion to the class, highlighting any unique connections they identified.
• Online Discussion Extension: After each class, post links to the videos and any supplementary materials on your course's online platform. Encourage students to continue discussing these ideas, sharing additional resources they find, or commenting on each other's summaries.
• Guest Speakers (Optional): If feasible, invite guest speakers from fields like AI, arts, or data science to provide their perspectives on how they use or interpret mathematical and physical concepts. This could add a dynamic layer to the sessions and give students insights from professionals.

Grading:

Grades will be based on attendance, participation in both in-class and online discussions, and the quality of written summaries on each topic. Tentative distribution.

 
(1) Attandence                   30%
(2) Discussion                   30%
(3) Presentation                 20%
(4) Writing assignment           20%
 

Schedule:

• March 1. Presentations by Ray-Kuang Lee and Chi-Kwong Li
  Mid-Journey: An AI tools for painting.
  Amidakuji: From a recreational game to advanced research.
  
• March 8. Presentations by instructors.
  Mathematics and Mahjong
  AI and Mahjong: A New Frontier in Game Intelligence
  Quantum Mahjong
  AI Arts, Music, and Deepfakes Arts and Music in the Age of AI and Quantum Systems
  - Mathematics, Physics, and the Challenge of Deepfakes
• March 15
  10:00-11:00 Wisarud Yongbanjerd, Smart Energy: The Role of AI in Revolutionizing Thailand’s Renewable Power Landscape in a Rapidly Changing World
  11:00-noon Jeff Huang, The Role of Quantum Random Number Generators in Machine Learning and I Ching Decision-Making
  noon-1:00 Lunch
  1:00-2:00 Robert Shiao, How AI reformat the daily life in transportation
  2:00-3:00 P.Y. Wu, The New-Made God: AI and the Displacement of Faith and Art
  
• March 22
  10:00-11:00 Anderson Wu, Aromatherapy
  11:00-noon Bowei Lee, Digitalization and AI in an Industrial Setting
  noon-1:00 Lunch
  1:00-3:00 Tour of Professor Ray-Kuang's quantum optics lab.