Formal Languages and Automata Theory (CS 302)

2019 Fall
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences
Computer Sci.& Eng.(CS)
3
6
Kemal İnan inan@sabanciuniv.edu,
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English
Undergraduate
--
Formal lecture,Interactive lecture
Interactive,Learner centered,Communicative
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CONTENT

Introduction to languages, grammars and computation, Chomsky hierarchy, Regular languages and regular expressions, finite state automata and nondeterminism, automata determinization and minimization, pumping lemma and closure properties for regular languages, context free languages and grammars, push- down automata, pumping lemma for context-free languages, closure properties of context-free languages.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce finite state machines , contex free grammars and Turing Machines (only on an introductory level) and their properties as the basis for the formal expressivity of computer languages and present algorithms and their computational complexity for solving linguistic decision problems .

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Construct deterministic and nondeterministic finite state automata (DFA and NFA) for solving simple decision problems and perform conversions from nondeterministic to deterministic finite automata as well as between regular expressions and finite state automata.
  • Evaluate the computational complexity of algorithms involved in the decision problems of finite state automata, use the pumping lemma to demonstrate the non-regularity of languages
  • Compute the minimal state machine corresponding to a DFA,
  • Understand and construct context-free grammars (CFG) for formal definitions involving recursion such as regular expressions ; in particular understand the fundamental role played by CFG in designing formal computer languages with simple examples
  • Construct (infinite state) push down automata as acceptors of context free languages ; in particular compute from CFGs the corresponding push down automaton and vice versa
  • Use the CFG version of the pumping lemma to prove languages that are not context free
  • Evaluate the computational complexity of algorithms involved in the decision problems of context free grammars and push down automaton, classify and simplify grammars into their useful canonical forms
  • Use deterministic push down automata to parse formal language strings (computer programs) by using (i) top down or (ii) bottom up techniques
  • Formulate simple language manipulation techniques using Turing Machines
  • In general ,learn and master the use mathematical induction techniques in proving statements on formal language and automata theory

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES


1. Understand the world, their country, their society, as well as themselves and have awareness of ethical problems, social rights, values and responsibility to the self and to others. 1

2. Understand different disciplines from natural and social sciences to mathematics and art, and develop interdisciplinary approaches in thinking and practice. 1

3. Think critically, follow innovations and developments in science and technology, demonstrate personal and organizational entrepreneurship and engage in life-long learning in various subjects; have the ability to continue to educate him/herself. 1

4. Communicate effectively in Turkish and English by oral, written, graphical and technological means. 3

5. Take individual and team responsibility, function effectively and respectively as an individual and a member or a leader of a team; and have the skills to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams. 1


1. Possess sufficient knowledge of mathematics, science and program-specific engineering topics; use theoretical and applied knowledge of these areas in complex engineering problems. 4

2. Identify, define, formulate and solve complex engineering problems; choose and apply suitable analysis and modeling methods for this purpose. 4

3. Develop, choose and use modern techniques and tools that are needed for analysis and solution of complex problems faced in engineering applications; possess knowledge of standards used in engineering applications; use information technologies effectively. 3

4. Have the ability to design a complex system, process, instrument or a product under realistic constraints and conditions, with the goal of fulfilling specified needs; apply modern design techniques for this purpose. 2

5. Design and conduct experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret the results to investigate complex engineering problems or program-specific research areas. 2

6. Possess knowledge of business practices such as project management, risk management and change management; awareness on innovation; knowledge of sustainable development. 3

7. Possess knowledge of impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, health and societal context; knowledge of contemporary issues; awareness on legal outcomes of engineering solutions; knowledge of behavior according to ethical principles, understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. 2

8. Have the ability to write effective reports and comprehend written reports, prepare design and production reports, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear and intelligible instructions. 2


1. Design, implement, test, and evaluate a computer system, component, or algorithm to meet desired needs and to solve a computational problem. 5

2. Demonstrate knowledge of discrete mathematics and data structures. 5

3. Demonstrate knowledge of probability and statistics, including applications appropriate to computer science and engineering. 2


1. Use mathematics (including derivative and integral calculations, probability and statistics, differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and discrete mathematics), basic sciences, computer and programming, and electronics engineering knowledge to (a) Design and analyze complex electronic circuits, instruments, software and electronics systems with hardware/software or (b) Design and analyze communication networks and systems, signal processing algorithms or software 4


1. Applying fundamental and advanced knowledge of natural sciences as well as engineering principles to develop and design new materials and establish the relation between internal structure and physical properties using experimental, computational and theoretical tools. 1

2. Merging the existing knowledge on physical properties, design limits and fabrication methods in materials selection for a particular application or to resolve material performance related problems. 1

3. Predicting and understanding the behavior of a material under use in a specific environment knowing the internal structure or vice versa. 1


1. Familiarity with concepts in statistics and optimization, knowledge in basic differential and integral calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, complex variables, multi-variable calculus, as well as physics and computer science, and ability to use this knowledge in modeling, design and analysis of complex dynamical systems containing hardware and software components. 4

2. Ability to work in design, implementation and integration of engineering applications, such as electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, control and computer systems that contain software and hardware components, including sensors, actuators and controllers. 3

ASSESSMENT METHODS and CRITERIA

  Percentage (%)
Final 35
Midterm 20
Quiz 35
Assignment 10

RECOMENDED or REQUIRED READINGS

Textbook

MAIN TEXT: Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages and Computation , Hopcroft, Motwani & Ullman, Pearson (Addison Wesley) 2006 , 3rd edition

Readings

AUXILIARY TEXT : Elements of the Theory of Computation, Lewis & Papadimitrious, Prentice Hall 1998 (out of print and discontinued)