Computability

Education facts

Code: DIT313

This course is about the concept of "computation": how it can be modelled, and what its limits are. To avoid unnecessary complexity one often chooses to study computation via simplified, but powerful, models. These models can for instance be simple programming languages (like the -calculus), or idealised computers (like Turing machines). In the course several such models will be studied, both "imperative" and "functional". One or more models will be used to explore the limits of computation: problems that cannot be solved (within the confines of a given model), and programs that can run arbitrary programs (modelled in a certain way). The course also includes a discussion of the Church-Turing thesis, a hypothesis which states, roughly, that a function is computable in a certain intuitive sense only if it can be defined within one of several models of computation.

Entry requirements

To be eligible to the course, the student should have successfully completed 120 credits of studies in Computer Science or equivalent. Specifically, the following courses are required, or equivalent: 7\.5 credits in discrete mathematics (e.g., DIT980 Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists) 7\.5 credits in functional programming (e.g., DIT143 Functional Programming or DIT440 Introduction to Functional Programming) Applicants must prove knowledge of English: English 6/English B or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• Computability

  University of Gothenburg

  Start date: 3 November 2025

  End date: 18 January 2026

  Pace of study: 50 %