Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module COMP1021: FORMAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE

COMP1021: FORMAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Type	Open	Level	1	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2005/06	Module Cap	None.	Location	Durham

Prerequisites

Ideally, A Level Maths (Grade A-E) or equivalent OR Foundations of Computer Science (COMP1041) in parallel or in previous years.

Corequisites

Introduction to Programming (COMP1011) OR Programming and Data Structures (COMP1082).

Excluded Combination of Modules

None.

Aims

To introduce students both to Mathematical Reasoning and to the formal analysis of algorithms and to encourage the use of these as an integral part of computer programming.
As part of the module the fundamental ideas of Discrete Mathematics (on which modern Computer Science is based) are introduced.

Content

Sets and logic notation.
Relations.
Algebra.
Proof and logic.
Functions.
Logical proofs.
Analysis of algorithms.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Identify the fundamental principles of discrete mathematics.
Know the relevancy and necessity for specific branches of mathematics within Computer Science.

Subject-specific Skills:

Apply the skills that they have learned in the course to computer programming exercises.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
Problem classes through practicals provide assessment (both formative and summative) to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills.
The end of year examinations assess the knowledge acquired and the ability to use this knowledge to solve problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	36	2 per week	1 Hour	36
Practicals	18	1 per week	2 Hours	36
Preparation and Reading				128
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 66.66%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination	2 hours	100%
Component: Practical		Component Weighting: 33.34%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Practical		100%

Formative Assessment:

Collection

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University