In the Foundations group, we study the mathematical oriented models of computing and reasoning. The keywords are: Computability, Provability and Complexity. More specifically we perform research in the following topics: Type Theory, Lambda calculus, Theorem Proving, Complexity Theory and Computer mathematics. Foundations is one of the possible themes in a Computer Science master programme at the Radboud University Nijmegen. The teaching will be done by staff from the Foundations (F) group.
The Foundations theme deals with abstract mathematical models of computing and reasoning. These are studied both for their own (theoretical) interest as for their applicability in other research areas. Computing and reasoing meet in the area of "Formalized Mathematics". The foundations group contributes to the challenging development of "Computer Mathematics", a unified system for (symbolic) computing and reasoning. The courses "Type Theory" and "Proof Assistants" are part of that thread. Students with a specific interest in Computer Mathematics are strongly encouraged to also follow courses in Computer Algebra in the Mathematics Department. We also study the basis of formal methods and more in general, formalisms to analyze computer systems and programs. Formal Methods is nowadays applied in various areas of Computer Science, so this is also a challenging field. The courses "Semantics", "Complexity" and "Type theory" are part of this thread. Students with a specific interest in the mathematical basis of Formal Methods are strongly encouraged to also follow logic-related courses in the Mathematics Department. The themes we study are pervasive in Academic Computer Science. We have a lot of contacts with other research groups (in the Ntherlands, Europe, the US and Japan) and regular visitors from outside. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in this (in)ternational research network.
The Foundations master theme involves the next four compulsory courses (1-4) within the NIII, each amounting to 6 EC. For each course, the number of students is limited, so get in touch with the teacher to find out when and how the course is actually given
Within Computer Science the following supplemental courses are recommended.
Students are encouraged to follow additional courses in mathematics There is currently no ready-to-use set of courses in mathematics available, so interested students are advised to find suitable courses themselves and discuss these with the theme's coordinator.
Outside Nijmegen, students may be interestes to follow relevant courses for instance in Eindhoven (within computer science or mathematics) or at the Free University of Amsterdam. Some suggestions:
Part of a master program is a master thesis. Members of the Foundations group and teachers within this theme may serve as supervisors for such a master thesis. They may be contacted directly to discuss various options and ideas.