Lecture 28: Random Numbers - Richard Buckland UNSW (2008)

Extension lecture introducing randomness. What is a random process? How can a deterministic process on a deterministic computer generate random output? Why is randomness useful? What are problems we face when generating random numbers? The lecture introduces Von Neumann's simple algorithm (which we later analyse in labs), and Knuth's Art of Computer Programming. We briefly revisit the triangle problem. Richard amazes and astounds with magic tricks. Some mention of Shaun of the Dead.

Extension lectures are for first year computing students at UNSW. The topics covered are non-examinable, students attend only if they are interested. Richard generally raises more questions than he answers.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• random
• numbers
• richard
• buckland
• unsw
• computer
• science
• comp1917
• university
• extension
• lecture

[MrJixies]

Cool Teacher!!!

[royb673]

perhaps narrow mindedness is to rely on 'common sense' and intuition, instead of cumulative objective evidence.

there are many examples of counter-intuitve facts

...including the established principles of quantum mechanics.

chaos is the nature of reality

[loveuala]

his teaching is also as cool as hot as honeymoon.

[4Got10Shadow]

@ladovina100

very good point... thats why we need to seed the time in out system to srand() to provide somewhat random number.

[jhamien920]

This is just what I was looking for. Thanks for the upload.

[rumidom]

Richard's security lectures will ever be available? it would be awesome

[treweof]

14:40 von Neumann is Hungarian!

[ladovina100]

@b1naryd1g1t5 i disagree with u,i will just tell you one thing and that is if something look random that doesn't mean it's random it just mean that we are not able to see the pattern...think about that

[b1naryd1g1t5]

For all you people that say randomness doesn't exist, tell it to the Nobel prize winning physicists that have done work on quantum mechanics for the last century. Read some of Feynman's lectures about quantum electrodynamics. Google the "double slit" experiment. Randomness *is* inherent in the universe (at least at the quantum level). Einstein said God doesn't play dice, but Einstein was wrong for once.

[doh1959]

@Hax0rPr0n wrong it always comes out so the randomness reduces

[doglin82]

@ericcartman888 how good is god?