NDAA09026U Topics in Programming Languages (TiPL)

Volume 2016/2017
Content

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to state-of-the-art research and applications within an area of programming languages involving theory, design, implementation and/or application of programming languages. It acquaints students with performing independent research and its communication in seminar and project form.

The course consists of a particular set of topics reflecting state-of-the-art research and applications within theory, design, implementation and/or application of programming languages. This may include the construction, analysis or manipulation of programs with predictable properties and/or for a certain purpose.  The particular topic(s) change from year to year.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

  • Aspects of the dual nature of programs as software (to be executed) and as data (to be analyzed, transformed)
  • The role of a precise (mathematical) semantics for a programming language in connection with manipulating programs
  • Principles of programming language design and how they are applied (or not) in connection with the topics under study

 

Skills

  • Discuss properties such as correctness, performance and define what they mean precisely in the given area of studies. 
  • Specify ideas and concepts as rigorous definitions and make falsifiable (or provable) statements about them.
  • Read, assess and commmunicate research papers.
  • Apply central results  in the given area of studies.
  • Prepare and give seminar talk.

 

Competences

  • Develop a given project proposal into a project plan, execute it, and present the results.

 

Research articles and excerpts from books, distributed electronically. See Absalon when the course is set up.

Following the courses in the Programming Languages and Systems track of the MSc programme is recommended.

Students not following the PLS track are asked to contact the course-responsible teacher if they have questions.
The course progresses from teaching (lecture) to seminar and finally project form:

Lecture phase: lectures and exercises, formation of seminar/project groups
Seminar phase: student seminar presentations
Project phase: project work
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Guidance
  • 6
  • Lectures
  • 18
  • Practical exercises
  • 24
  • Preparation
  • 12
  • Project work
  • 145
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 45 minutes
Individual oral presentation of group report followed by individual examination in the whole scope of the course (see topics and learning objectives), though with special emphasis on the subject of the written report the student has co-authored.
Exam registration requirements

Submission of group report

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

If student is not qualified then qualification can be achieved by submission/resubmission of an individual project report equivalent to the group report.

Individual oral examination (45 minutes) based on submitted report and full syllabus.

Criteria for exam assesment

See learning outcome.