NDAA09026U Topics in Programming Languages (TiPL)

Volume 2022/2023
Content

This course provides an introduction to state-of-the-art research and applications within an area of programming languages involving theory, design, reasoning, implementation and/or application of programming languages. It acquaints students with performing and communicating independent research in 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. The course covers a selection of topics that reflect the current state of research as well as instructor and participant backgrounds and interests. It consists of lectures and exercises on the topics selected and subsequent group (2-4 persons) mini-projects. The mini-projects may consist of theoretical investigations, software construction or a combination of these. Master's thesis projects will be offered in continuation of the course. In 2022/23, the course is about interactive theorem proving based on functional programming. The topics offered in the course include introductions to higher-order logic, the Curry-Howard isomorphism, an advanced interactive proof system such as Isabelle/HOL or Coq, proof representation and proof automation, reasoning about algebraic and inductive datatypes, proofs of termination and code synthesis from proofs.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge of

▪ Aspects of the dual nature of programs as software (to be executed) and as data (to be reasoned about, in particular
analyzed and transformed)
▪ The role of a precise (mathematical) semantics for a programming language in connection with analyzing and manipulating programs
▪ Principles of programming language design and how they are applied in connection with the topics under study


Skills to

• Discuss properties such as correctness and performance and define what they mean in the specific topics under study
• Specify ideas and concepts as rigorous definitions and make falsifiable (or provable) statements about them
• Read, assess and communicate research papers
• Apply central results in the given area of studies
• Write a research paper
• Prepare and give a research paper presentation

Competences to
▪ Develop a given project proposal into a project plan, execute it, and present the results

Literature

Research articles and excerpts from books, distributed electronically. 

See Absalon for a list of course literature.

Advanced Programming (AP) or equivalent.
Semantics and Types (SaT) is recommended, but not required.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
The course progresses from teaching (lectures with exercises) to mini-project and finally preparation for presentation/oral exam:

▪ Lecture phase: lectures and exercises, formation of project groups (4 weeks)
▪ Project phase: project work (4 weeks)
▪ Presentation and exam preparation (1 week)
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Lectures
  • 16
  • Preparation
  • 12
  • Practical exercises
  • 24
  • Project work
  • 145
  • Guidance
  • 8
  • Exam
  • 1
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Collective
Continuous feedback during the course
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)

Students receive feedback from the instructors during the course on
exercises and project status reports (draft papers). Students give each
other feedback within the mini-project groups.

Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 30 minutes
Type of assessment details
Individual oral examination without preparation.

Format: An individual presentation of select parts of group report followed by individual examination in the course topics (see topics and learning objectives) with special emphasis on the subject of the written report the student has co-authored.
Exam registration requirements

Submission of mini-project report.

Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Multiple internal evaluators.
Re-exam

If a student is not qualied for the oral exam qualication can be achieved
by submission/re-submission of an individual project report no later
than three weeks before the reexam.
Individual oral examination (30 minutes, without preparation) based on
submitted report and course topics (see topics and learning objectives).

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome.