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MODULE TITLE	Computer Languages and Representations	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ECM2418	MODULE CONVENER	Diego Marmsoler (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	78

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In this module you will be introduced to some approaches to computation that are in various ways radically different from the imperative and object-oriented approaches you will be familiar with from working with languages such as Python and Java. We will introduce you to two distinct programming language paradigms: Functional Programming (represented by the language Haskell) and Logic Programming (represented by Prolog). You will learn the principles of programming in these styles, and by the end of the module should be able to write simple programs in those languages. In addition, you will also be introduced to the theoretical study of computation, via the theory of formal languages and automata.

A prerequisite for this module is ECM1415 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science (specifically the part on set theory and logic) and ECM1400 Programming.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to broaden your appreciation of the computational landscape by introducing you to some practical and theoretical approaches to computation that differ markedly from what you have studied up to now. By following this module you will gain both new practical programming skills and also an understanding of some important theoretical ideas underlying the general nature of computation.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of functional programming and read and write simple programs in a functional programming language;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of logic programming and read and write simple programs in a logic programming language;

3. Explain the hierarchy of formal languages and automata

4. Construct a finite-state automaton to recognise a given finite-state language and determine the language recognised by a given finite automaton.

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

5. Use mathematical and logical-based formalisms in theoretical computer science.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

6. critically analyse a problem;

7. systematically break down a problem into its components.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1. Functional programming (e.g., Haskell) 

2. Logic Programming (e.g., Prolog)

3. Formal languages and finite-state machines

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	42.00	Guided Independent Study	108.00	Placement / Study Abroad	0.00

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching	22	Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching	4	Tutorials
Scheduled learning and teaching	16	Practicals (Programming)
Guided independent study	40	Individual assessed work
Guided independent study	68	Private Study

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
None

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	40	Written Exams	60	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Functional and Logic programming assignment	40	40 hours	1, 2, 6, 7	Individual marksheet
Examination	60	2 hours - January Exam	3, 4, 5, 6,7	On request

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Written Exam	Examination (2 hours)	1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8	August Ref/Def Period
Functional and Logic programming assignment	Functional and Logic programming assignment	1, 2, 6, 7	August Ref/Def Period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by coursework and/or written exam in the failed or deferred element only. For referred candidates, the module mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and Electronic Resources:

Other Resources:

Module notes given by lecturer(s).

Reading list for this module:

Type	Author	Title	Edition	Publisher	Year	ISBN	Search
Set	Bramer M	Logic Programming with Prolog		Springer	2005		[Library]
Set	Hopcroft, J. E.; Motwani, R. and Ullman, J. D.	Introduction to Automata Theory, Languages, and Computation	3	Addison-Wesley	2007	978-0321476173	[Library]
Set	Hutton G	Programming in Haskell		Cambridge University Press	2007		[Library]

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE	7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	ECM1415, ECM1400
CO-REQUISITE MODULES

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	5	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Tuesday 10 July 2018	LAST REVISION DATE	Wednesday 08 February 2023

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Formal language, formal specification, RISC, assembly language, logic programming, functional programming

ECM2418 - Computer Languages and Representations (2023)