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| − | Research in Theory of Computation includes three parts. <BR>
| + | Theoretical Computer Science (TCS), broadly speaking, is concerned with understanding the very nature of computation: |
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| − | Abstract salient features of a computational task; the outcome of abstraction is usually a mathematical model.
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| − | Use analytical tools to study various issues within the model.
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| − | Go back and relate the contributions of studies within the model to the motivating computational task.
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| − | </ol>
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| − | The motivation may arise from a specific application, a whole application area, or from more foundational considerations. The former cases lead to designing and analyzing algorithms useful for the understanding of the motivating application. In the latter case, perhaps more similar to traditional areas of Mathematics, practical applicability may sometimes emerge as a by-product.
| + | What problems can be solved by computers? And how efficiently can such problems be solved? Can `hard' problems be used to our advantage in any way? TCS encompasses research in such diverse areas as complexity theory, algorithms, cryptography, distributed computing, machine learning, and more; the common thread is a focus on precise models and rigorous mathematical analysis of particular problems within those models. |
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| − | For students with an interest in the theory of computation, the University of Maryland provides a unique opportunity. The faculty has a very strong reputation in a several theory areas for students who wish to pursue research in these areas. For students with a strong theoretical bent and desire to apply theory to new application areas, the faculty has several forward looking research projects and studies.
| + | We have a strong group of faculty actively working in this area. We also have a large number of students who are encouraged to get involved early by attending weekly TCS reading groups run by the group. Brief descriptions of faculty research interests follow. |
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