FACS/LMS Evening Seminar by Prof John Tucker: The Equations of Computer Science, 11 November 2008, London Mathematical Society

[Paul...@googlemail.com]

(Apologies if you receive multiple copies of this announcement)

BCS-FACS Evening Seminar Series
Joint event the London Mathematical Society

The Equations of Computer Science

Professor John Tucker (Swansea University)

11 November 2008

5.45pm

London Mathematical Society
De Morgan House
57-58 Russell Square
London WC1B 4HS
United Kingdom

Abstract

Throughout science and engineering our knowledge of the world is
most elegantly and usefully expressed in equations. Most fields
have equations they use all the time and are treasured for the
profound insights they reveal through their study. Several equations
are truly famous, especially those of physics. But what are the
equations of Computer Science?

This lecture will examine the role of equations in specifying data,
software and hardware. I will show how skills in equation formation
have transformed our capacity to analyse computing systems of
all kinds. I will explain the historical context and development
of these ideas in algebra, logic, and computability theory and how
they were transformed to solve practical questions of programming.
Finally, I will discuss how these conceptual insights and methods
are finding new applications in the foundations of physics.

Refreshments will be served from 5.30pm

The seminar is free of charge and open to everyone. If you would like
to attend, please email Paul Boca [paul...@googlemail.com] by
>>> 7 November 2008 <<< . Pre-registration is required.

FACS website: http://www.bcs-facs.org

LMS website: http://www.lms.ac.uk