CS349-15 Principles of Programming Languages
Introductory description
The module introduces students to fundamental concepts underpinning programming languages and to reasoning about program behaviour.
Module aims
Understanding the foundations for formal descriptions of programming languages. Relating abstract concepts in the design of programming languages with real languages in use and pragmatic considerations. Exposure to a variety of languages through presentations by peers and evidence from literature surveys.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Scope and binding, untyped programming, type systems, type inference, evaluation relations, higher-order types, references, control operators, subtyping, recursive types, polymorphism.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Understand a variety of concepts underpinning modern programming languages.
- Distinguish type disciplines in various programming languages.
- Use formal semantics to reason about program behaviour.
- Implement program interpreters and type inference algorithms.
Indicative reading list
Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Research element
Literature review and critical analysis of a language of choice, and presenting both subjective and objective conclusions on the position of the language within the wider programming language landscape.
Subject specific skills
Putting formal logic systems into practice.
Understanding practical implementations of type systems.
Understanding issues in dynamic and static binding.
Survey of modern programming languages.
Transferable skills
Presentation skills,
Library/ Literature Review skills
Technical Writing Skills
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (13%) |
| Seminars | 8 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Tutorials | 8 sessions of 1 hour (5%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 4 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Private study | 110 hours (73%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Revision of the foundations and semantics off programming languages from recommended textbooks.
Library research: examining language landscape to choose language and papers to be used as subject of assignment.
Preparation of essays and presentation.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Students can register for this module without taking any assessment.
Assessment group D3
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written essay on programming language | 30% | No | |
|
Up to 5 pages, on a programming language chosen by the student, supported by referencing two publications focused on the chosen language. This assignment is worth more than 3 CATS and is not, therefore, eligible for self-certification. |
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| In-person Examination | 70% | No | |
|
CS349 Exam
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Assessment group R2
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person Examination - Resit | 100% | No | |
|
CS349 resit examination
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on assignments.
Courses
This module is Optional for:
- Year 3 of UCSA-G4G1 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics
- Year 3 of UCSA-G4G3 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics
- Year 4 of UCSA-G4G4 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of UCSA-G4G2 Undergraduate Discrete Mathematics with Intercalated Year
- Year 4 of UMAA-G105 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics (with Intercalated Year)
This module is Option list A for:
- Year 4 of UCSA-G504 MEng Computer Science (with intercalated year)
- Year 3 of UCSA-G500 Undergraduate Computer Science
- Year 4 of UCSA-G502 Undergraduate Computer Science (with Intercalated Year)
-
UCSA-G503 Undergraduate Computer Science MEng
- Year 3 of G500 Computer Science
- Year 3 of G503 Computer Science MEng
This module is Option list B for:
- Year 3 of UCSA-G406 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 3 of UCSA-G408 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering
- Year 4 of UCSA-G407 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of UCSA-G409 Undergraduate Computer Systems Engineering (with Intercalated Year)
-
UMAA-G105 Undergraduate Master of Mathematics (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 4 of G105 Mathematics (MMath) with Intercalated Year
- Year 5 of G105 Mathematics (MMath) with Intercalated Year
- Year 3 of UMAA-G100 Undergraduate Mathematics (BSc)
-
UMAA-G103 Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath)
- Year 3 of G100 Mathematics
- Year 3 of G103 Mathematics (MMath)
- Year 4 of G103 Mathematics (MMath)
-
UMAA-G106 Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe
- Year 3 of G106 Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe
- Year 4 of G106 Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe
- Year 4 of UMAA-G101 Undergraduate Mathematics with Intercalated Year