Computational Logic – (M.Sc.)

The CoLogNET logo Computational Logic is a wide interdisciplinary field having its theoretical and practical roots in mathematics, computer science, logic, and artificial intelligence. Indeed, its wideness of scope anchors in the power and generality of logic based reasoning across the spectrum of scientific disciplines, and in its practical use in the form of computer supported automated tools. As a consequence, it has its applications in computer science itself, mathematics, the engineering sciences, humanities and social sciences including Law, as well as in the natural sciences and in interdisciplinary fields like cognitive science.

The field of Computational Logic covers all kinds of applications of logic in Computer Science. Computational Logic centers around the famous definition: Algorithm = Logic + Control. According to this view, algorithms consist of a problem description (the logic part) along with a strategy to carry out useful computations on this description (the control part). Computational Logic is devoted to the ideal of a programmer who concentrates solely on the description of the problem and spends no time at all on the actual computation mechanism. This unique paradigm of `declarative programming' leads to programs that are fast and simple to develop and easy to understand and maintain - features which are of rapidly increasing importance as today's computer systems grow more and more complex. Moreover, the rigorous use of logic revolutionizes the whole field of hard- and software verification. Instead of having to undergo a test phase which necessarily cannot give more than just some confirmation that a program will do what it is supposed to do, the development of programs and systems that are guaranteed to be correct is the second ideal of Computational Logic.

The objective of the program is to impart to the students the profound theoretical and practical knowledge required for professional practice in the field, to give them a survey of the individual disciplines of Computational Logic and to develop their ability to work according to scientific methods. In addition, the students are given the opportunity to plan their studies to fit a particular practical application. To acquire practice-oriented knowledge they may choose appropriate combinations of modules. By means of visits abroad and English as the language of instruction, the students are to be prepared for the increasing internationalism of science, commerce and industry.

The focus of instruction lies in the following areas: mathematical logic, logic programming, deduction systems, knowledge representation, artificial intelligence, methods of formal specification and verification, inference techniques, syntax-directed semantics, and the relationship between theoretical computer science and logic.

The further qualification for professional practice and research obtained by the European Master's Program in Computational Logic is determined by the Master's examination. The examination provides a means to determine whether the candidate has a scientific overview of his field, whether he has acquired the technical knowledge and skills required for professional practice and whether he is capable of applying knowledge and scientific methods independently. On successful completion of the examination, both the visiting universities award a master degree. The certificates indicate that the degree was obtained in the European Master's Program in Computational Logic.

Students will be prepared for a future PhD, they will come into contact with the international research community and will be integrated into ongoing research projects. They will develop competence in foreign languages and international relationships, thereby improving their social skills.