Course details

Modern Theoretical Computer Science

TID Acad. year 2023/2024 Winter semester

Current academic year

This course discusses advanced topics of theoretical computer science. It concentrates on the very recent research in the area of automata, formal languages, formal models, computability, complexity, and translation. The relation between theoretical computer science and mathematics is explained in detail. Philosophical aspects of theoretical computer science are discussed as well.

Topics for the state doctoral exam (SDZ):

  1. Normal Forms for General Grammars.
  2. Regulated Grammars.
  3. Matrix Grammars.
  4. Programmed Rewriting.
  5. Random Context Grammars.
  6. CD Grammar Systems.
  7. PC Grammar Systems.
  8. L Systems.
  9. Scattered Context Grammars.
  10. Transducers.

Guarantor

Course coordinator

Language of instruction

Czech, English

Completion

Examination (oral)

Time span

  • 39 hrs lectures
  • 13 hrs projects

Assessment points

  • 60 pts final exam
  • 40 pts projects

Department

Lecturer

Instructor

Course Web Pages

Public course pages (in Czech, materials are in English)

Learning objectives

To give an in-depth overview of modern theoretical computer science. Most importantly, to present the latest research in the area of automata, formal languages, formal models, computability, complexity, and translation.
Thorough grasp of concepts and results achieved in modern theoretical computer science.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Formal languages.

Study literature

  • Kopie přednášek
  • MEDUNA Alexander: Automata and Languages. London, Springer, 2000
  • mnoho nejnovějších článků, vědeckých zpráv a knih

Syllabus of lectures

  1. Introduction.
  2. Regulated formal models: principles.
  3. Matrix grammars.
  4. Parallel grammars.
  5. Random-context grammars.
  6. Left versions of regulated grammars.
  7. Hierarchy of Language Families Resulting from Regulated Grammars.
  8. CD Grammar Systems.
  9. PC Grammar Systems.
  10. L systems.
  11. Semi-parallel formal models; multi-grammars.
  12. Scattered context grammars.
  13. New versions of classical automata.
  14. Current trends; summary.

Syllabus - others, projects and individual work of students

Two essays based on selected scientific studies dealing with the teoretical computer science area.

Progress assessment

1. Write a paper during the semester:

  • Assessment: 40 points, where 30 for the paper itself and 10 for oral presentation (in English).
  • The topic should be related to the topic of your dissertation and the theoretical computer science. It has to be approved by guarantee (prof. Meduna).
  • The paper has to be electronically submitted a week before its oral presentation by email to meduna@fit.vut.cz, with a subject "TID-paper". Attention! If the paper is sent after the deadline, you lose approx. 10 points for each day of the delay.
  • After the presentation, the paper can be improved and re-submitted.

2. Oral exam consists of two questions, 30 points each.

Course inclusion in study plans

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