Introduction to the Theory of Computation

Students will learn about formal models of computation and how these are used as the basis for the design of all computer systems and programming languages. Students will gain practical hands-on knowledge of computation theory as it applies to programming language translation (compilers and interpreters). To help comprehend virus protection programs and computer security, the creation of self-replicating programs (the basis of most viruses) will be explored. Students will learn how computational problems are classified as solvable, unsolvable, tractable, and intractable. The material covered ties together the theory of computer base computation and the application of this theory to problem solving and programming.