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Introduction

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---
title: Introduction
categories: session
---

# Materials

In general, you are supposed to read through the reading material
and watch any videos assigned *before* class.  Since this is the first
class, it may not have been possible in this case, but please do it if
you can.

+ **Reading** Russel & Norvig, Chapter 1.
+ [Short Video Introduction to AI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61RbzGBpBIs)
+ [Longer Video Introduction](https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-034-artificial-intelligence-fall-2010/lecture-videos/lecture-1-introduction-and-scope/) with Prof. Patrick H. Winston at MIT, 2010
    - it is particularly interesting to note his take on models and
      representation
+ See also the [Reading List]()

# Briefing

See [Introductory Lecture]().

# Programming 

https://www.codingame.com/training/easy
Today, we will work on [easy puzzles at CodinGame](https://www.codingame.com/training/easy).
This is to familiarise ourselves with CodinGame, and brush
dust of our programming skills.
You may use any programming language supported by CodinGame, but
I am best placed to help you with python.

You do not have to create a user account to use CodinGame, but
if you agree to their terms and conditions, you may.

The following puzzles are recommended.

1. Onboarding
    + Description: A tutorial mission for newcomers.
      Defend the planet with a big laser cannon from the
      invading insectoid alien ships
    + Topic: Finding a minimal value

1. Power of Thor --- Episode 1
    + Description: Thor's hammer, Mjollnir has lost all of
      its powers\ldots Will you be able to guide Thor towards the light
      of power to make the hammer whole again?
    + Topic: Condition statements (if-else)

1. The Descent
    + Description: The enterprise is in danger:
      drawn towards the surface of an unknown planet, it is at risk of
      crashing against towering mountains.
      Help Kirk and Spock destroy the mountains... Save the enterprise!
    + Topic: Search in an array

1. Mars Lander --- Episode 1
    + Description:
      You have been promoted to commander of the Mars Lander mission!
      The goal of the operation is to land an exploration rover on
      martian ground.
      Your superiors at NASA expect very much of you for this mission,
      and you'll have to prove that you have what it takes to become a
      great intersideral commander.
      You will have to land the space ship on mars,
      making sure that the landing is done smoothly.
    + Topic: Speed regulation

1. Defibrillators
    + Description: Want to save lives? Good!
      So help us find the closest defibrillator from a given position
      in the city of Montpellier, France.
    + Topic: Distance calculation, big data
1. Horse-racing Duals
    + Description: To make a race between two horses interesting,
      you will to find the horses with the closest strength.
    + Topic: Sorting, finding a minimum

# Homework

1.  Read through the reading material for this class once more.
2.  Do the preparation for the next lecture, on [Rational Agents]().