CSCE 355 Foundations of Computation
General Information
Description:
Basic theoretical principles of computing as modeled by formal languages, grammars, automata,
and Turing machines; fundamental limits of computation.
Prerequisites:
CSCE 211, 212, 350
Instructor
Main text
-
"Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and Computation"
3rd edition
by Hopcroft, Motwani, and Ullman
2007.
Time and Location
MTWThF 10:30-12:30 SWGN 2A05
Course Outcomes
The goal for this course is for you to understand
various models of omputation and the fundamental limits of computation.
In particular you should be able to demonstrate mastery of:
- Mathematical prerequisites: functions, relations, properties of relations, posets.
- Proof Techniques:
- Finite automata: regular languages, regular expressions, DFAs, NFAs, equivalences.
- Limitations: pumping lemma
- Context free languages: grammars, push-down automata
- Turing machines: undecidability, the halting problem
- Intractability: NP, NP-Completeness
Important Dates
| Date |
Significance |
| June 8 | Test 1 |
| June 15 | Test 2 |
| June 22 | Test 3 |
| June 26 | Final Exam |
Policies
Homework:
The homework is due before the start of class.
No late homework or projects will be accepted.
If you cannot make it to class due to other commitments,
you can hand in your homework the day before it is due.
Grading policy:
The final grade will be based on two midterms, assignments
and the final exam, according to the following weights:
- Homework and Assignments: 10%
- Three Tests: 20% each
- Final: 30%
Academic Integrity
The homework and programs
you submit for this class must be entirely your own.
If this policy is not absolutely clear, then please contact me.
Any other collaboration of any type on any assignment is not permitted.
It is also your responsibility to protect your work
from unauthorized access.
You are reminded that you are expected to know and follow the academic
code of responsibility that appears in
at
Carolina Community: Student
Handbook & Policy Guide,
(Link to actual section)
In particular all work submitted
for this course must be your own. Violations of this code can result in
actions varying from a failing grade to expulsion from the university.
Solutions to midterms will be distributed when the exams are returned,
usually within one week of the exam.
Questions about grading of midterms and assignments must be presented
to the instructor within one week after the tests or assignments have been
returned.
URL:
http://www.cse.sc.edu/~matthews/Courses/355/index.html
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