Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Florida Atlantic University
Course Syllabus
1. Course title/number, number of credit hours
Formal Languages and Automata Theory COT 4420
3 credit hours
2. Course prerequisites, corequisites, and where the course fits in the program of study
Prerequisites: COP3530 - Data Structures
MAD2104 – Discrete Math.
or Permission of Instructor
3. Course logistics
Term: Fall 2014
This is a classroom lecture course and also available online as distance learning.
Class locations and times: FL404 at T,R:2:00 - 3:20 pm
4. Instructor contact information
Instructor’s name
Office address
Office Hours
Contact telephone number
Email address
Dr. Thomas Fernandez
Engineering East Bldg. (EE-96), Room 432
MW 11:20 am 3:20 pm
561-297-3927
thomas@cse.fau.edu
5. TA contact information
TA’s name
Office address
Office Hours
Contact telephone number
Email address
6. Course description
N/A
This course is an introduction to the theory of computation. We will cover different abstract
models of computation and their associated computing power. We will examine different
classifications and properties of languages recognized by different abstract machines. We will
explore the power of different types of computation and the theoretical limits of computers.
7. Course objectives/student learning outcomes/program outcomes
Course objectives
Student learning outcomes
& relationship to ABET
The primary objective is to understand fundamental concepts of
Computer Theory and the use of Mathematical thinking as it is applied to
Computer Science. This includes Formal Languages, DFA's, NFA's,
NPDA's, LBA’s, Turing Machines and Grammars as Mathematical models
of computation. Additional Objectives include improving the ability to
accurately solve difficult problems in Computer Science by representing
them in mathematical forms, improving the philosophical understanding
of formal thought processes, computation, algorithms and their limits,
and improving the ability to communicate concepts in Computer Theory
and Mathematics.
An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics
appropriate to the discipline.
COP 3530 Data Structures
Fall 2011
LB
Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Florida Atlantic University
Course Syllabus
objectives
8. Course evaluation method
Home works
Test #1Test #29. Course grading scale
20%
30%
50%
Grading Scale: Tests and HW’s are ranked by thirds of a standard deviation counting as one jump in the
grading scale. For example a test score that is a third of a standard deviation higher than another test
with a B grade would be a B+.
10. Policy on makeup tests, late work, and incompletes
Makeup tests are not given without prior arrangement and evidence of a medical or otherwise serious
emergency that prevented the student of participating in the exam. If a makeup exams is not feasible
then the grade on the next test may be used to also count as the grade for the missed test.
Late work is not acceptable.
Incomplete grades are not generally given unless there is solid evidence of medical or otherwise serious
emergency situation and the student’s work is satisfactory up to the point of the emergency.
11. Special course requirements
N/A
12. Classroom etiquette policy
Students are required to comply with all requirements specified in the student code of conduct and not in
any way disrupt the class or prevent other students from benefiting from the class. Students are to speak
and behave respectfully to each other and to all FAU faculty and staff.
13. Disability policy statement
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students who require special
accommodations due to a disability to properly execute coursework must register with the Office for
Students with Disabilities (OSD) located in Boca Raton campus, SU 133 (561) 297-3880 and follow all OSD
procedures.
14. Honor code policy
Students at Florida Atlantic University are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards. Academic
dishonesty is considered a serious breach of these ethical standards, because it interferes with the
university mission to provide a high quality education in which no student enjoys unfair advantage over
any other. Academic dishonesty is also destructive of the university community, which is grounded in a
system of mutual trust and place high value on personal integrity and individual responsibility. Harsh
penalties are associated with academic dishonesty. See University Regulation 4.001 at
www.fau.edu/regulations/chapter4/4.001_Code_of_Academic_Integrity.pdf
15. Required texts/reading
Formal Languages and Automata Theory version 3 or higher
COP 3530 Data Structures
Fall 2011
LB
Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Florida Atlantic University
Course Syllabus
16. Software Applications
None
17. Course topical outline, including dates for exams/quizzes, papers, completion of reading
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Overview of the class.
Review of Discrete Math.
DFA's
NFA's
NPDA's
LBA’s
Turing Machines
Grammars
Computability and Complexity (time and space)
P vs NP
Limitations of Algorithmic Thinking
The Halting Problem
Chomsky hierarchy
Philosophy of Computation
Assorted Topics in Computer Science Theory
Test # 1: Sept. 30, 2014 at the regular class time and location.
Test # 2: As announced on the University Final Exam Schedule at
http://www.fau.edu/registrar/schedule/FinalExamSchedule.php
Students are required to complete reading in book as lecture material is covered.
COP 3530 Data Structures
Fall 2011
LB