Although computer science has its foundations in mathematical theory, the two disciplines have drifted apart over the last decade. Computer science programs place too little stress on theoretical foundations and mathematics programs emphasize pure mathematics and service courses with little attention to the computational sciences. This project brings the disciplines closer together with a sequence of four introductory courses that integrate mathematical foundations and algorithmic computation. The foundations courses introduce abstract mathematical concepts that become the basis for algorithm development in the algorithmic computation courses. The latter courses use the functional and logical programming paradigms so that students can directly implement and test mathematical concepts in the laboratory. By stressing visualization, concrete examples, and practical applications in the laboratory, these courses make abstract concepts more accessible to under-prepared students than current approaches. This effort is the first year of a three year development; the first pair of two pairs of courses are being prepared and taught. Products include text materials and software for the laboratory activities.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
9150917
Program Officer
Herbert Levitan
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1991-07-15
Budget End
1992-12-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1991
Total Cost
$175,000
Indirect Cost
Name
New Mexico State University
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Las Cruces
State
NM
Country
United States
Zip Code
88003