Principles of Programming Languages

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Study at the level 3 in at least four of the following areas: artificial intelligence, computer design, database systems, graphics, interactive system design, networks and communications, operating systems, programming languages, software engineering, and theory of computation.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

We communicate with computers in a variety of ways, but sophisticated requests need powerful formalisms for their expression. Programming languages form a suprisingly varied collection of notation for the specification of computing tasts. The study of programming languages is fascinating and important, as good programming language design and implementation is the enabling technology that allows us to improve software productitivity and quality.

Topics covered include: programming language concepts: values, variables, bindings, types, execution and control, exceptions, nondeterminism, polymorphism, higher-order programming, encapsulation, abstract datatypes, modularity; programming language paradigms: object-oriented, functional and logic programming; programming language design: syntax, semantics, abstraction, binding time, memory management, efficiency.

Written essay of no more than 10 pages, due in the last third of semester (25%), oral presentation (5%), and a 2-hour end of semester written examination (70%).

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• be able to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;
• have a capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning; and
• have a profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship.

Credit may not be gained for both 433-430 Principles of Programming Languages and 433-630 Principles of Programming Languages.