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COMP10070

Academic Year 2024/2025

Formal Foundations (COMP10070)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Mr John Dunnion
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

In addition to becoming skilled in Programming and Problem Solving, Computer Scientists need to be aware of the limitations of particular techniques and be able to test for correctness of programs they produce. This course introduces students to the logical fundamentals underlying proof of correctness (propositional and predicate logic, proof techniques) and to the concept of a finite state machine, a restricted computational model used in many application domains. This course is very practical in nature and students will be required to apply the techniques they have learned to a particular set of problems.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. apply the rules of logic;
2. understand the basis of propositional logic and predicate logic;
3. carry out transformational proofs;
4. carry out deductive proofs, using conditional proof and indirect proof techniques;
5. understand the basis of mathematical induction;
6. carry out proofs using mathematical induction;
7. understand the basis and theory of finite state automata; and
8. develop simple finite state models.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

82
Lectures

24
Tutorial

24
Total

130

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures presenting theoretical material and problems with worked solutions;
Tutorials with reinforcement of theoretical material and problems;
Assessment Exercises based on theory and practical problems.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Weekly Tutorial Sheets.
Most will be completed during the weekly Tutorial sessions. Some will be take-home homework sheets.		 Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No
20
 No
Exam (Online): Assessment Exercises 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Held in class during the Semester.		 Week 5, Week 8, Week 10, Week 12 Graded No
56
 No
Exam (Online): Assessment Exercise 5.
Held in-person during the end of Semester Examination period.		 End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
24
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students will receive feedback on completed Tutorial Sheets.

Name Role
Mr Zheng Ju Tutor
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