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Theory of Computing

Code 14343
Year 3
Semester S1
ECTS Credits 6
Workload PL(30H)/T(30H)
Scientific area Informatics
Entry requirements --
Mode of delivery face-to-face
Work placements Not applicable.
Learning outcomes There are limits to the ability of problem solving by a computer.
In order to explore these limits in this unit the student shall formally define the concept of computing power of the machines and study their theoretical limit and thus be able to define formally what is and what isn't a program, an algorithm.
To understand the concepts underlying programming languages in thus unit we shall study formally the constructs that determine the expression (or computing power) of programming languages, as well as the behavior of the programs.
Syllabus A. Introduction and Basic Concepts
B. Finite-state Automata
C. Theory of Formal Languages
D. Pushdown Automata
E. Turing Machines
F. Non-computability and Undecidability
G. Others Models of Computation
H. Computational Complexity
I. Programming in Computer Models (practical-laboratory classes)
Main Bibliography J.B. Almeida, M.J. Frade, J.S. Pinto, and S. ?Melo ?de Sousa. Rigorous Software Development, An Introduction to Program Verification, volume 103 of Undergraduate Topics in Computer Science. Springer-Verlag, 2011.
A. ?Arnold, I. ?Guessarian. Mathematics for Computer Science. Prentice-Hall, 1996.
Chris Hankin. Lambda Calculi: A Guide for Computer Scientists, volume ?3 of Graduate Texts in Computer Science. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1994.
J.E. Hopcroft, R. ?Motwani, and J.D. Ullman. Introduction to automata theory, languages, and computation. Pearson education, third edition, 2006.
Dexter Kozen. Automata and Computability. Springer-Verlag, New York, 1997.
Dexter Kozen. Theory of Computation. Springer, New York, 2006.
H. R. Lewis, Christos Papadimitriou lements of the Theory of Computation. Prentice Hal, NJ, USA, 1997.
P. ?Linz. An introduction to formal languages and automata. Jones and Bartlett Publisher, 2006.
M. ?Sipser. Introducton to the Theory of Computation. PWS Publishing, 2006.
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria In order for the student to acquire the required skills, the student is provided for:
- 2h/week of theoretical classes (ET) for oral exposure of theoretical concepts, methods and algorithms, also using writing on the board, discussing ideas with students, and projection of slides;
- 2h/week of practical-laboratory classes (PL), in which the student will apply and test the concepts, methods and algorithms presented in the theoretical classes, through the resolution of exercises that are included in forms created for this purpose;
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2024-01-16

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