- Course URL: http://prof.msoltys.com/?page_id=6827
- Canvas Page: https://cilearn.csuci.edu/courses/26107
- Course Material
- CI Catalogue URL
- Instructor: Michael Soltys <michael.soltys@csuci.edu>
- Course Outline: This course is an introduction to the theory of computation, from the point of view of languages over finite alphabets. We are going to start with Regular Languages, and the equivalence of several definitions: Finite Automata (deterministic and non-deterministic) and Regular Expressions (and applications to text search). The Pumping Lemma, and other approaches to showing that languages are not regular. We will continue with Context-free languages, and again the equivalence of several definitions: Context-free grammars and Push-Down Automata. We will finish with a version of the Pumping Lemma for Context-free languages. The final topic will be the Church-Turing thesis, and decidability.
- Lectures: W 7:00-8:00 online
- Textbook: Introduction to the Analysis of Algorithms (Chapter 8), by Michael Soltys
- Grading: 10 quizzes, worth 5% each, and 4 assignments, worth 5% each, and two midterms and a final exam worth 10% each.
- How to avoid plagiarism: Verbal discussions of problems among students are allowed, but you should not show written notes, and you should not leave such discussions with written notes.
- Attendance: Students are encouraged but not required to attend the lectures. All quizzes, midterms and the final will be written online.
- Some useful links:
- DFA designer: https://www.madebyevan.com/fsm/
Course outline
| – Course Introduction | Aug 23 | |
| – DFA | 8.3.1 | Aug 30 |
| – NFA – Quiz 1 (Properties of DFAs) | 8.3.2 | Sep 6 |
| – Regular Expressions – Quiz 2 (Properties of NFAs) | 8.3.3 | Sep 13 |
| – Properties of Regular Languages – Quiz 3 (Regular Expressions) – Assignment 1 (DFA) | 8.3.4-5 | Sep 20 |
| – CFG – Quiz 4 (Properties of Regular Languages) | 8.4.1 | Sep 27 |
| Midterm 1 – Regular Languages | Oct 4 | |
| – PDA – Quiz 5 (Context Free Grammars) – Assignment 2 (NFA) | 8.4.2 | Oct 11 |
| – CFG and PDA – Quiz 6 (Push Down Automata PDAs) | 8.4.2 | Oct 18 |
| – Turing Machines – Quiz 7 (PDAs and CFGs) – Assignment 3 (NFAe) | 8.5.1 | Oct 25 |
| Midterm 2 – Context Free Languages | Nov 1 | |
| – Decidable Languages – Quiz 8 (Turing Machines) | 8.5.2-3 | Nov 8 |
| – Undecidable Languages – Quiz 9 (Decidable Languages) | 8.5.4-5 | Nov 15 |
| – Course Review – Quiz 10 (Undecidable Languages) – Assignment 4 (PDA) | Nov 22 | |
| Final Exam | Nov 29 |
Students with disabilities: Cal State Channel Islands is committed to equal educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The mission of Disability Accommodation Services is to assist students with disabilities to realize their academic and personal potential. Students with physical, learning, or other disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Accommodation Services office at (805) 437-8510 for personal assistance and accommodations. Please discuss your arrangements with the instructor as soon as possible.