This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module COMP1021: FORMAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Department: Computer Science

COMP1021: FORMAL ASPECTS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	1	20	Available in 2006/2007	None.	Durham

Pre-requisites

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 Combinations

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

Formative Assessment

Collection

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.