Fiches de cours 2017-2018

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Theory of computation

CS-251

Enseignant(s) :

Vishnoi Nisheeth

Langue:

English

Summary

This course constitutes an introduction to theory of computation. It discusses the basic theoretical models of computing (finite automata, Turing machine), as well as, provides a solid and mathematically precise understanding of their fundamental capabilities and limitations.

Content

• Basic models of computation (finite automata, Turing machine)
• Elements of computability theory (undecidability, reducibility)
• Introduction to time complexity theory (P, NP and theory of NP-completeness)

Keywords

theory of computation, Turing machines, P vs. NP problem, complexity theory, computability theory, finite automata, NP-completeness

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

CS-101 Advanced information, computation, communication I

CS-250 Algorithms

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Perform a rigorous study of performance of an algorithm or a protocol
• Classify computational difficulty of a decision problem
• Define the notion of NP-completeness
• Analyze various computation models
• Design a reduction between two computational problems
• Characterize different complexity classes
• Explain P vs. NP problem

Transversal skills

• Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
• Continue to work through difficulties or initial failure to find optimal solutions.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra with exercises

Assessment methods

Written exam and continuous control