McMaster University
Functional Programming

Sfwr Eng 3FP3, Term 2 2024/25


Lectures

Term 2: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 10:30-11:20, PC155

Tutorials

Tuesday 9:30-10:20, Friday 1:30-2:20, both ABB 162

Instructor

Dr. J. Carette, ITB-168 , ext 26869, email: carette@mcmaster.ca.

I can be reached most easily via Avenue, email, or right after class. Please make an appointment to see me if you have specific questions.

Teaching Assistant

Reed Mullanix (mullanir)

Course Objectives

The calendar description says: Functional programming; lists and algebraic data types, pattern matching, parametric polymorphism, higher-order functions, reasoning about programs; lazy and strict evaluation; programming with monads; domain-specific languages.

There will be no official textbook. However The Craft of Functional Programming by Simon Thompson still contains useful material. The web site linked above has a free copy of the PDF, from the author.

Preconditions

Will be posted soon. But generally, all the material from 2DM3 and 2FA3 will be assumed, as well as a certain 'programming maturity'.
  1. Students should know and understand:
    1. Logical Formalism
    2. Calculational Proofs in Propositional and Predicate Logic
    3. Induction, Recursion
    4. Discrete Structures: Sets, Functions, Relations
    5. Abstract data types
  2. Students should be able to
    1. Write programs in imperative and OO languages
    2. Debug programs
    3. Use the command line to call compilers and other tools

Learning Objectives

  1. Students should know and understand
    1. What parametric polymorphism is
    2. The difference between lazy and strict evaluation
    3. Understand overloading (type classes)
    4. Understand various ways of dealing with effects
    5. Understand the members of the typeclassopedia
    6. Understand GADTs and kinds
    7. Understand recursion schemes
  2. Students should be able to
    1. Use lists and other algebraic data types to solve problems
    2. Use pattern-matching on ADTs
    3. Give general types for their functions
    4. Use and create higher-order functions
    5. Reason about the correctness of their functions
    6. Write properties that their functions should satisfy
    7. Use randomized testing
    8. Use monads (and do notation) for encapsulating effects
    9. Build small DSLs and interpreters for them

Note that not all objectives will be measured for marks.

Graduate Attributes

Some of the graduate attributes below will be measured (probably most), in some fashion. These are measurements for the purposes of understanding your overall state in terms of the attributes which the CEAB deems important for engineers (and will be done even though you are in CS). Some will be measured through assignments, presentations and deliverables (and worth marks), while others will be done via other means not directly tied to course marks.

Rubrics

Section to be completed.

Electronic Materials

The latest version of this outline and the most "up-to date" information as well as hand-outs can be found on the course web page. http://www.cas.mcmaster.ca/~carette/SE3FP3/W2025/index.html. (Or go to my home page and then to the course page). Avenue will be used for handing in assignments. Likely it will also be used for all other communication as well.

Grading

The assignments will be worth 40% (first two worth 5% each, next three worth 10%), two midterms (each 15%) and a final worth 30%. The final exam covers the whole course.

As usual, there will be (significant) bonus parts on the assignments.

Marking schemes will be strict: code that does not compile will be worth very few marks (if any). You will be better off submiting a partial implementation that compiles than one that is 'almost done' but doesn't typecheck.

Each assignment will have a rubric with more details on how it will be graded. If grades need to be adjusted, most commonly the denominator will be reduced, i.e. some questions will be made 'bonus'.

MSAF on assignments will always be a 4 day extension from the original due date regardless of when it is submitted. MSAFs on midterms will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Late assignments are not accepted (without an MSAF).

Notes:

Schedule Changes

At certain points in the course it may make good sense to modify the schedule. The instructor may modify elements of the course and will notify students accordingly (using the standard communication mechanisms used for the class).

Discrimination

The Faculty of Engineering is concerned with ensuring an environment that is free of all adverse discrimination. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved by discussion among the persons concerned individuals are reminded that they should contact their Chair, the Sexual Harassment Office or the Human Rights Consultant, as soon as possible.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university. For information on the various types of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at https://secretariat.mcmaster.ca/university-policies-procedures- guidelines/

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:

AUTHENTICITY / PLAGIARISM DETECTION

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ONLINE PROCTORING

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CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS

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ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

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REQUESTS FOR RELIEF FOR MISSED ACADEMIC TERM WORK

McMaster Student Absence Form (MSAF): In the event of an absence for medical or other reasons, students should review and follow the Academic Regulation in the Undergraduate Calendar "Requests for Relief for Missed Academic Term Work".

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATION FOR RELIGIOUS, INDIGENOUS OR SPIRITUAL OBSERVANCES (RISO)

Students requiring academic accommodation based on religious, indigenous or spiritual observances should follow the procedures set out in the RISO policy. Students should submit their request to their Faculty Office normally within 10 working days of the beginning of term in which they anticipate a need for accommodation or to the Registrar's Office prior to their examinations. Students should also contact their instructors as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements for classes, assignments, and tests.

COPYRIGHT AND RECORDING

Students are advised that lectures, demonstrations, performances, and any other course material provided by an instructor include copyright protected works. The Copyright Act and copyright law protect every original literary, dramatic, musical and artistic work, including lectures by University instructors. The recording of lectures, tutorials, or other methods of instruction may occur during a course. Recording may be done by either the instructor for the purpose of authorized distribution, or by a student for the purpose of personal study. Students should be aware that their voice and/or image may be recorded by others during the class. Please speak with the instructor if this is a concern for you.

EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES

The University reserves the right to change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances (e.g., severe weather, labour disruptions, etc.). Changes will be communicated through regular McMaster communication channels, such as McMaster Daily News, A2L and/or McMaster email.

December 2024