This module builds on the first year module Computing Fundamentals 1. It covers further theoretical aspects of computer science which are necessary to support and enhance other modules on the course. The topics include statistics, graphs, lattices, and algebras. In particular the topics covered on this module are required in software engineering, programming, cryptography, knowledge representation, and algorithms. The material is presented using languages and software that emphasise the computer science aspects of discrete mathematics. The aim of this module is to provide the student with the mathematical foundations of computer science which will enable the student to understand the theoretical basis of other modules on the course (e.g. relational databases).
Graph Theory: Definition, properties, graph representation, types, paths, cycles, isomorphism of graphs, planar graph, trees, application of graphs to computing.
· Statistics: range, mode, median, mean, standard deviation, variance, sampling and sampling distributions, probability, hypothesis testing, applications of statistics (e.g. analysis of data stored in a relational database).
· Lattice Theory: lattice notation and definition, relations, closure of relations, ordered sets, partial orders, linear orders, application of lattices to computing (e.g. Formal Concept Analysis FCA).
· Algebraic Structures and Techniques: algebras, theories, models, composition, abstract data types (ADTs), languages for algebraic specification and programming (e.g. Maude, Sage), applications to lists, strings, queues, sacks, trees, etc.
· Supporting software: The above topics will be supported by software tools such as general statistical packages, statistical extensions to SQL, lattice software functional and logic based programming languages.
The course delivery involves a combination of lectures and labs which may incorporate the use of blended learning techniques as appropriate throughout the delivery.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |