Games, Puzzles and Strategies

Cod y Modiwl: MA15110
Teitl y Modiwl: Games, Puzzles and Strategies
Blwyddyn Academaidd: 2026/2027
Semester: Semester 1
Cyd-gysylltydd y Modiwl: Dr Robert Douglas
Rhestr Ddarllen: Gweld ar Aspire
Staff Eraill sy'n Cyfrannu: Dr Alexander Pitchford; Professor Simon Cox; Dr Adam Vellender; Dr Robert Douglas

Dulliau Asesu

Math o Asesiad	Manylion Asesiad	Cyfran
Asesiad Semester	Presentation (peer assessed): (i) Demonstration	30%
Asesiad Semester	Written Coursework: (ii) Poster (A3)	35%
Asesiad Semester	Written Coursework: (iii) Pamphlet (short report of 2000 words)	35%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Demonstration: (i) Presentation (staff assessed) - Resubmit failed components.	30%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Written Coursework: (ii) Poster (A3) - Resubmit failed components.	35%
Asesiad Ailsefyll	Written Coursework: (iii) Pamphlet (short report of 2000 words) - Resubmit failed components.	35%

Canlyniadau Dysgu

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

Lead a group demonstration session of a game/puzzle.
Analyse a game/puzzle and present key features via a poster.
Identify key information about a game/puzzle and communicate this via a pamphlet.

Disgrifiad cryno

There is an increasing demand in the workplace for graduates skilled in problem solving, and who are then able to communicate their findings. This module consists of analysing various games and puzzles, by both logical reasoning and experimentation in play, and then disseminating the information through presentations, posters, and pamphlets. Students will work in groups. For each puzzle, students will complete exactly one of the assessments.

Nod

Many (board, card, dice) games and puzzles contain tactical and planning elements. Winning strategies often depend on analysing the problem, solving by restructuring as a connected set of easier problems. For well-known games and puzzles, such a noughts and crosses, blackjack, regular sudoku, and the Tower of Hanoi, optimal strategies have been formulated. The purpose of this module is to take lesser known problems of similar complexity, such as those described in the IMA Maths Arcade. (https://ima.org.uk/865/maths-aracade-selected-games-and-resources/), and develop writing formulas. (Problems will be selecetd on teh interests and availability of staff, and are likley to change each year.) Key elements of the module are experimentation during practical sessions, and teh ability to communicate the outcomes both verbally and in written form.

Cynnwys

1. INTRODUCTION. Analysing games/puzzles by logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and experimentation. Simple examples such as noughts and crosses. Determining winning/successful strategies. Leading demonstrations of play.

2. THREE GIVEN PUZZLES/GAMES. Outline. Experimentation. Analysis of game/puzzle. Student led demonstration session. Reflection on outcomes.

3. POSTERS. Selecting content. Approrpiate balance of text and pictures

4. PAMPHLETS. Writing concise and informative summaries. Outling rules and strategies.

Sgiliau Modiwl

Math o Sgiliau	Manylion Sgiliau
Cyfathrebu	Verbal instructions should clarify understanding; written documents must be clear and well-structured; presentations should be informative and easy to comprehend.
Datblygu personol a chynllunio gyrfa	Ability to analyse a problem, and develop optimal strategies.
Datrys Problemau	Fundamental part of the module
Gwaith Tim	Students will be working in teams throughout the module.
Gwella dysgu a pherfformiad ei hun	Students are expected to develop their own approaches to time-management regarding the completion of tasks on time.
Rhifedd	Present throughout the module.
Sgiliau pwnc penodol	Develops logical thinking and systematic approaches.
Sgiliau ymchwil	Students will be encouraged to independently find and assimilate useful resources
Technoleg Gwybodaeth	Word processing skills required for report writing.

Nodau

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 4