Dr. Goren Gordon, PhD, PhD
Courses
Active sensing [TA]
Active sensing, Weizmann Institute of Science (Spring 2011 TA)
Open-quantum systems
In this graduate-level course, I give a formal introduction to the basic principles of quantum mechanics, with emphasis on superposition, interference and entanglement. The course is project-based, such that each student applies the principles learned on a specific research project, preferably from her own research. Beginning with formal definitions of measurement and entanglement, the course covers quantum teleportation, EPR, Bell-inequalities as well as decoherence, master equations and dynamical control.
Weizmann Institute of Science (Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2010, Fall 2008 TA)
Artificial curiosity
In this graduate-level course, I give a multi-disciplinary account of curiosity, starting from psychological definitions and research and continuing with mathematical definitions and modelling. Implementations on artificial agents, such as robots, are introduced as well as various approaches to curiosity-based system analysis and active learning protocols. The course is project based such that each student implements the principles learned on a specific project.
Optimization and Meta-Heuristics
In this undergraduate course in Industrial Engineering, I introduce non-constrained and constraint optimization techniques for single- and multi-dimensional problems. We learn the KKT technique, dynamic programming, genetic algorithms and neural-networks. Real-world problems are addressed as well as student-originated projects.
Human-Computer Interaction
In this innovation-centered course, I teach about how to develop and assess interface for HCI. The students in the course come up with their own app ideas and during the course, implement the taught principles in a real Kivy-based app their program.
Popular lectures
About curiosity of humans and robots
In this popular lecture, I start with a basic definition of curiosity and delve into the forefront of brain research about curiosity, how the brain learns and directs actions, and how all of this is connected to robotics. With examples of state-of-the-art robotics and neuroscience research from groups around the world, I bring the audience to the present of curious robots and speculate of how our future will look like. Will robots learn by themselves how to behave in the world, like children do? Will our brain integrate technology to enhance its learning and memory capabilities?
Quantum Computer Games, or Learning Quantum Physics while having fun
In these game-driven lectures, I present the most fundamental and counter-intuitive principles of the most successful physical theory to-date, Quantum Mechanics. The lectures are based on a computer game I developed called "Schoreodinger Cat and Hounds", based on Fox and Hounds with a quantum twist. The audience is slowly taken on a journey of discovering what is quantum and what is not; how to detect a quantum when you see one; what scientists have to do to say "Eureka, I've got quantum effects"; and lastly: what did happen to Schroedinger's cat? At the end of the lectures the audience not only knows the basic principles of quantum mechanics, but also get a glimpse on how quantum computers work, and why they usually don't; why we can't pass through walls like other quantum particles and; what bothered Einstein and how it was solved in the end.
Multi-disciplinary thinking
What does salad-making have to do with the definition of Life? What does standing on a table have to do with socio-dynamics? What does the internet have to do with companies' value? In this thought-provoking lecture, I try to show how different disciplines can inform on one another in a synergistic way. By giving examples from my own multi-disciplinary research, I show how science can progress by crossing the boundaries of disciplines, by combining mathematics and biology; physics and psychology; business and computer-science.
Biomimetic robotics, or how can nature teach us to build better robots
This lecture introduces in structured and entertaining way how scientists investigate the biological realm in an unending quest of learning how animals do what they do, and then implement this deeper understanding in novel robots. From a gecko robot that climbs smooth walls, through whiskered robots, to infant-like curious robots, this lecture shows state-of-the-art biological, neuroscience and robot research in a unifying way.
