Computer Science 401 - Theoretical Foundations of Computer Science

Theoretical Foundations

Fall
2026
01
4.00
John Rager

M/W/F | 1:30 PM - 2:20 PM

Amherst College
COSC-401-01-2627F
jerager@amherst.edu

This course covers basic mathematical concepts that are essential in computer science and then uses them to teach the theory of formal languages and machine models of languages. The notion of computability will be introduced in order to discuss undecidable problems. The topics covered include: regular, context-free and context-sensitive languages, finite state automata, Turing machines, decidability, and computational complexity. Offered in alternate years.

Requisite: None, although analytical aptitude is essential. Fall semester: Professor Rager.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: (none specified)

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.