Week 1 : Problem Solving Heuristic
Heuristic Algorithm
a generalised approach that has been shown to a defined series of repeatable steps that results in
likely result in the desired outcome. the same outcome every time.
- reasonable e.g., programming a robot to perform a task
- tested over time
- likely path to success
e.g., guidelines for raising children to be functional
adult members of society7 !
PSH steps Know: summary of what we know
Find: what are we trying to solve
~
for
Diagram: detailed sketch - Schematic of the system
- Use symbolic notation
- Pertinent information
- include a system boundary
Analysis: formulate & solve the problem - state the method/ strategy to
solve the problem
- State any assumptions required
- Develop a model & solution
Comment/check: summary of the problem & the solution
- Did you find what you're looking for?
- Does the solution seem reasonable?
- are the assumptions valid?
- check units!
System Boundaries
The 'system' is the space/object that we The 'system boundary' separates the system
want to analyse from everything else (surroundings)
interouter soundle
ene
->
water out
Types of system: Open system: A system where mass can cross the system boundary
Closed system: A system where mass can't cross the system boundary
Steady-state system: A system where the system's properties don't
change in time
Heuristic Algorithm
a generalised approach that has been shown to a defined series of repeatable steps that results in
likely result in the desired outcome. the same outcome every time.
- reasonable e.g., programming a robot to perform a task
- tested over time
- likely path to success
e.g., guidelines for raising children to be functional
adult members of society7 !
PSH steps Know: summary of what we know
Find: what are we trying to solve
~
for
Diagram: detailed sketch - Schematic of the system
- Use symbolic notation
- Pertinent information
- include a system boundary
Analysis: formulate & solve the problem - state the method/ strategy to
solve the problem
- State any assumptions required
- Develop a model & solution
Comment/check: summary of the problem & the solution
- Did you find what you're looking for?
- Does the solution seem reasonable?
- are the assumptions valid?
- check units!
System Boundaries
The 'system' is the space/object that we The 'system boundary' separates the system
want to analyse from everything else (surroundings)
interouter soundle
ene
->
water out
Types of system: Open system: A system where mass can cross the system boundary
Closed system: A system where mass can't cross the system boundary
Steady-state system: A system where the system's properties don't
change in time
