Unconventional Computing

CalArts CSCM351 (3 Credits)
Spring 2025 | Wednesdays, 1:00–4:00 PM
Location: Butler Building, Room 4G

Course Overview

Unconventional Computing is a hands-on exploration of alternative computing paradigms that extend beyond traditional electronics. Students engage with three major projects—mechanical computation, analog encoding/decoding, and biological problem-solving—to investigate how physical and biological systems can perform computational tasks. Through creative experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration, this course connects fundamental computing concepts with their real-world implementations in unexpected mediums.

Key Learning Goals

  • Explore Diverse Computing Paradigms: Understand unconventional systems in biology, physics, and engineering.
  • Implement Physical Boolean Logic: Design circuits using physical components to demonstrate foundational computing principles.
  • Apply Interdisciplinary Theories: Build unconventional computing systems informed by theories from physics, biology, and engineering.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will:

  1. Understand the principles and historical context of unconventional computing.
  2. Design and build mechanical, analog, and biological computing systems.
  3. Encode, decode, and transmit information through unconventional mediums.
  4. Solve computational problems collaboratively using physical and biological systems.
  5. Reflect on the challenges and outcomes of their projects through presentations.

Projects & Activities

  1. Cellular Automata & Conway’s Game of Life

    • Explore computational patterns through hands-on activities like stop-motion animations of Game of Life oscillators.

  2. Paper Computers

    • Build paper-based computers like the WDR paper computer, Napier's (binary) location arithmetic, slide rules.

  3. Analog Encode/Decode (Project 01)

    • Design an encoding/decoding system using unconventional mediums (e.g., sound waves or physical objects).
    • Explore error correction techniques and refine transmission methods.

  4. Computation on Encoded Messages (Project 02)

    • Modify encoding systems to perform computations such as filtering or frequency modulation.

  5. Biological Computing with Slime Molds (Project 03)

    • Use slime molds (Physarum polycephalum) to solve complex problems like network optimization or pathfinding.

Assessment Breakdown

  • Cellular Automaton Worksheet: 5%
  • Paper Computers: 5%
  • Analog Encode/Decode Project: 25%
  • Computation on Encoded Messages Project: 15%
  • Biological Computing Project: 20%
  • Participation & Reflections: 10%

Why This Course Matters

This course challenges students to rethink computation by exploring its physical and biological manifestations. By engaging with unconventional media—ranging from mechanical systems to slime molds—students gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between computation, creativity, and the natural world.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on experimentation, Unconventional Computing fosters critical thinking about the boundaries of technology while equipping students with skills that bridge art, science, and engineering.