Introductory description

The principal aim of this module is to introduce students to the functional programming paradigm.

Module aims

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.

• Differences between imperative and functional programming.
• Functional programming basics: expressions and reduction.
• Types, including parametric polymorphism.
• Ad-hoc polymorphism via type classes.
• Recursive and higher-order functions.
• Algebraic data types.
• Strict vs Lazy evaluation.
• Equational reasoning and inductive construction.
• Functors, Applicatives, Foldables, Traversables, and Monads.
• Type-level programming.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the differences between programming paradigms as well as their strengths and weaknesses in order to identify suitable programming languages for a particular task's needs.
• Apply key techniques of the functional programming paradigm to solve programming problems.
• Identify and exploit patterns in programs to design and implement programming abstractions.
• Apply formal reasoning techniques to prove properties about programs and calculate faster programs.
• Use different evaluation strategies to evaluate programs.

Indicative reading list

Please see Talis Aspire link for most up to date list.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

Understanding of Functional Programming as a programming paradigm, including intermediate knowledge of programming abstractions and formal reasoning. See syllabus for details.

Transferable skills

Technical skills.
Critical thinking.
Multitasking.