I485: Biologically Inspired Computing

Lab 1: Python review with a simple example

Measuring uncertainty/information
- Quick review of information: Hartley's and Shannon's measures
- Measuring information in a simple example: the word guessing game
- Comparing different measures
- Interpreting the different measurements
Doing it in Python
- Platform? Installation?
- Features - user interfacing, file handling, graphics, plotting
- Packages - pygame, numpy, scipy and matplotlib
- Some useful links
  - Get python. If you are using a Mac, download python from python.org. Don't use Apple provided python. Use version 2.6.7, preferably.
  - Get pygame . If you are using Mac Snow Leopard, refer to the appropriate compiling instructions. If you run into issues, which you will, consult me.
  - Get numpy, scipy, and matplotlib.
Going forward
- Becoming comfortable with python: Lab Slides.
- Playing with examples: Python Review.
- Preparing for assignments.
- Getting help.