Visualisation of Computation

In the early to mid-20th century, several separate research teams made advances on computability, producing different ways of thinking about the fundamentals of computation. These include, but are not limited to: Turing machines; lambda calculus; combinatory logic; and game-theoretic semantics. These topics are often covered in undergraduate computer science, mathematics, or philosophy courses. However, they are relatively esoteric and can be difficult to understand. They are notable in that visualisation, an acknowledged tool for enabling understanding, is often entirely absent from standard presentations. In this project, you will seek to rectify this short-coming by providing effective visualisations for different models of computation.

This project will have a strong focus on effectiveness. Visualisations will only be adopted and widely-used if they either allow insight that textual representation does not (known as free-rides), or otherwise allow users to understand (measured by task performance) the represented context more readily. As such, human-computer interaction and usability experiments will form a necessary component of the project.

The project will also aim to make the produced diagrams widely available, in that drawing algorithms will be implemented. There will thus be an expectation of coding in this project. The ideal candidate will then have a background in one of computer science, mathematics, or philosophy. No candidate would be expected to be expert in all of these areas, and hence a willingness to learn and engage with new areas is essential.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Computer science, Mathematics, Philosophy.

English language requirement

If your first language is not English, comply with the University requirements for research degree programmes in terms of English language.

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr. Peter Chapman (p.chapman@napier.ac.uk) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.