Theory of computation

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

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

Resources

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/CS-251