Introduction and Mathematics Review
Who is This Guy?
David Hilbert was a German mathematician, and one of the most influential mathematicians of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following a “foundational crisis in mathematics” — a period including the discovery of several paradoxes — Hilbert attempted to base all existing mathematical theories on a complete set of axioms and provide a proof that these axioms were consistent. While Hilbert’s program was ultimately unsuccessful, attempts to develop it lead to development of the “computability theory” that will be studied in this course.
Overview
This preliminary material reviews foundational material that will be applied throughout the course. It also describes what this course will be about, and how the course will be administered.
Mathematics Review
Why This is Included
When background material has not recently been used, students can start a course, like this one, with widely varying recollections of this material and abilities to use it. As a result, some students are disadvantaged (because they are “behind” the rest of the class) right at the start — and it is not always clear that they realize this. A “mathematics review”, like this one, can help students make sure that they are ready for a course, like this one, before it begins.
Review Material
- Part One — Notation: [ PDF ]
- Part Two — Definitions and Proofs: [ PDF ]
- Part Three — Mathematical Induction: [ PDF ]
Lecture #1: Introduction to CPSC 513/601.08
(Tuesday, September 3)
Why This is Included
You have to start somewhere! The material in this lecture is provided to help students to understand what will be studied, and to help students understand how to prepare for lectures and what to expect during lecture presentations. Supplemental material provides information about course administration that should help students to understand how their work will be assessed.
Preparatory Reading
- Introduction to CPSC 513/601.08: [ PDF ] [ Video ]
- Supplement — More about Coure Administration: [ PDF ]
