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| INFO0212-2 | Computability and complexity theory
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| Duration : | 20h Th, 20h Pr |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Michel Rigo |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| French language |
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Course contents :
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| This lecture deals with this fundamental question : what kind of problem (being admitted that it can be coded into a computer) can be solved by a computer program ?
To be able to answer this question, we first have to give a formal definition of the notions of algorithm and of computable function. This is done through the use of Turing machine. The main topics are : primitive recursive functions, recursive functions, computable functions, Turing machines, universal Turing machine, Church-Turing's thesis, decidable problem, the halting problem, decidable and acceptable languages, Cook's theorem, complexity theory, NP-completeness, ...
The lecture ends with the presentation of some well-known NP-complete problems (in optimization or graph theory for instance) like the travel salesman problem. |
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| At the end of this course, the student will master fundamental notions arising in computability and complexity theory as well as the corresponding proofs. In particular, the student will integrate the concepts of computable functions and decision problem. He/she will be able to explain, using convenient reductions, that some problems do not have any algorithmic solution. Also he/she will be able to build some Turing machines and prove NP-completeness of classical problems. |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| No specific programming skill is needed. |
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| Lectures are dedicated to theoretical aspects of Turing machines and complexity theory. Pratical sessions are devoted to solve exercises and to enlighten the concepts presented during the lecture. Detailed schedule will be given at the beginning of the academic year. |
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Recommended or required readings :
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| Lecture notes are available (in french). |
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| The final examination is an oral one devoted to the theory (mainly proofs of theorems) but also direct applications of the theory (student may be asked to solve a small exercise on the blackboard or on a sheet of paper). |
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Organizational remarks :
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| Some useful informations (in particular lecture notes) are given on
http://www.discmath.ulg.ac.be/ |
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Contacts :
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| M. Rigo
Institute of Mathematics (B37) - Grande Traverse 12 - Sart Tilman, 4000 Liège
Tél. : (04) 366.94.87 - E-mail : M.Rigo@ulg.ac.be |
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| Items online : |
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| Lecture notes |
| syllabus (theory) |
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