The aim of this course is to get you to think about programming as an intellectual activity. To this end we study three things,

1. Some logic for reasoning about programs,
2. Models of program execution, and
3. Practices that make for sound programs.

Some of the material in the course may appear somewhat abstract but you will see that is has quite concrete application.

Books:

There are two required books for this course:

• The Science of Programming. David Gries. Springer-Verlag.
• A Practical Introduction to Denotational Semantics. Lloyd Allison. Cambridge University Press.

Other books that are of interest are listed in the web pages under the bibliography.

Evaluation procedures.

There will be five homeworks, a mid term and a final. The grades will be weighed as follows:

Homeworks	10% each
Midterm	20%
Final	30%

All programs must be carefully documented, and correct. Credit for programs will weigh these two criteria most heavily. Documentation standards will be covered in class.

Academic Honesty.

Each assignment should be substantially your own work. Any help received must be specifically acknowledged. Failure to do so will be treated as a violation of the honor code. A violation of the honor code on a homework or examination will result in a zero. A second violation will result in an F for the course.

Return to Program Verification Home Page

Last Changed: 15 May 1997