Introductory description

This module uses formal techniques to explore the specification, design and implementation of computer systems. It will cover more advanced features of specification and introduce data and functional refinement, considering how a system design may be modified in a variety of practical ways. Refining the specification to code is an important step in the software life-cycle. This module presents both the theoretical basis for this and practical means of refinement from system specification to program code.

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.

Revision of sets, relations, functions and sequences.
Revision of basic specification skills.
Introduction to development tool:

• Basic syntax;
• Introduction to the AMN approach;
• Examples and use of tool;
  Case studies;
  Data refinement:
• Refinement;
• Relations and nondeterminism;
• Simulations.
  Functional Refinement;
  Review of refinement concepts using the Guarded Command Language;
  Implementation through refinement;
  Throughout the course there will be an emphasis on tool support;
  We would also hope to include a speaker/s from industry in the course teaching (perhaps for the case studies).

Learning outcomes

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

• Write formal specifications in one or more chosen notations.
• Understand the principles of formal verification and weakest precondition and the rules for specification consistency.
• Work with online tools to develop specifications; to generate and prove obligations for machines consistency and correctness of refinements; to refine specifications and develop code.
• Understand the principles of refinement and the formal rules that apply. Be able to find loop variants and invariants and to verify loops.

Indicative reading list

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

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Logical reasoning;
• Problem solving;
• Task analysis and decomposition;

Transferable skills

• Problem solving;
• Team work;
• Communication;
• Logical reasoning;
• Time management;
• Self-directed learning;