We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Jan Friso Groote

Have you ever experienced software systems failing? Websites crash, calendar not synchronising, or even a power blackout. Of course you have! But did you know that many of these errors are the result of communication errors either within a system or between systems? Depending on the system, the impact of software failures can be huge, even resulting in massive economic damage or loss of lives. Software, and in particular the communication between software-intensive systems, is very complex and very difficult to get right. However, we need dependability in the systems we use, directly or indirectly, to support us in our everyday lives.

Read more

Have you ever experienced software systems failing? Websites crash, calendar not synchronising, or even a power blackout. Of course you have! But did you know that many of these errors are the result of communication errors either within a system or between systems? Depending on the system, the impact of software failures can be huge, even resulting in massive economic damage or loss of lives. Software, and in particular the communication between software-intensive systems, is very complex and very difficult to get right. However, we need dependability in the systems we use, directly or indirectly, to support us in our everyday lives.

System Validation helps you to design embedded system behaviour that is structurally sound. It also forces you to make the behaviour simple and insightful; systems that are designed for sound behaviour are also much easier to maintain and adapt. System Validation is the field that studies the fundamentals of system communication and information processing. The techniques put forward in system validaton allow to prove the absence of errors.

This first course ’Automata and behavioural equivalences', builds the foundation of the subsequent courses, showing you how to look at system behaviour as state machines. It discusses behavioural equivalences and illustrates these in a number of examples and quizzes. This course explains labelled transition systems or automata to model behaviour, especially for software controlled systems. An important question is when two behaviours represented by such automata are equal. The answer to this question is not at all straightforward, but the resulting equivalences are used as powerful tools to simplify complex behaviour. This allows us to exactly investigate and understand the behavioural properties of such systems precisely. Especially, in the combination with hiding of behaviour, equivalence reduction is a unique technique to obtain insight in the behaviour of systems, and is far more effective than simulation or testing. Using this insight we can make the models correct. Such models form an excellent basis for the production of concise, reliable and maintainable software.

This course is part I of the set of courses for System Validation. System Validation, as a set of courses, is part of a larger EIT Digital online programme called 'Internet of Things through Embedded Systems'.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Behavioural modelling
System Validation is the field that studies the fundamentals of system communication and information processing. It allows automated analysis based on behavioural models of a system to see if a system works correctly. We want to guarantee that the systems does exactly what it is supposed to do. The techniques put forward in system validaton allow to prove the absence of errors. It allows to design embedded system behaviour that is structurally sound and as a side effect enforces you to make the behaviour simple and insightful. This means that the systems are not only behaving correctly, but are also much easier to maintain and adapt.’Automata and behavioural equivalences' shows you how to look at system behaviour as state machines. It discusses behavioural equivalences and illustrate these in a number of examples and quizzes. This module introduces automata or labelled transition systems as the basic way to model the behaviour of software controlled systems. It subsequently addresses the question when such behaviours are equivalent. Reading material. J.F. Groote and M.R. Mousavi. Modeling and analysis of communicating systems. The MIT Press, 2014.
Read more
Basic behavioural equivalences
This module shows the most important equivalences that express when the behaviour of two automata can be considered to be equivalent. It will become obvious that there are multiple of such notions, all fit for use under different circumstances. Furthermore, the all-important notion of the internal or hidden action is introduced with some associated behavioural equivalences.
More behavioural equivalences
This module elaborates on the equivalences provided earlier. It is shown how it can be applied, especially to the alternating bit protocol. Furthermore, a number of additional equivalences are introduced.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Studies fundamentals of system communication, relevant to learners interested in the subject
Taught by Jan Friso Groote, a respected figure in the field of System Validation
Provides foundation for subsequent courses in System Validation set
Uses labeled transition systems to model behaviour, which is common in industry
Emphasizes behavioural equivalences to understand and simplify complex behaviour
Course is part of 'Internet of Things through Embedded Systems' programme, indicating a practical focus

Save this course

Save System Validation: Automata and behavioural equivalences to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Detailed overview of system validation

According to students, System Validation: Automata and behavioural equivalences provides a detailed overview of the topic. However, at least one student claims that it is a little coarse.
Provides a detailed overview.
"A little coarse course."
Content was a little coarse.
"A little coarse course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in System Validation: Automata and behavioural equivalences with these activities:
Find a mentor who can provide guidance
Find a mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout your learning journey.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors in your field or industry.
  • Reach out to your potential mentors and express your interest in their guidance.
Review automata and labelled transition systems
Review the basics of automata and labelled transition systems. This will provide a stronger foundation for understanding the concepts of behavioural equivalences in the course.
Show steps
  • Read the course textbook chapters on automata and labelled transition systems.
  • Attend the first few lectures of the course to reinforce your understanding.
Prove behavioural equivalences
Practice proving behavioural equivalences to improve your understanding of the different types of equivalences and their applications in system validation.
Show steps
  • Work through the practice problems in the course textbook and online resources.
  • Attend office hours with the instructor or TA for assistance with more challenging proofs.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Mentor other students in the course
Mentor other students in the course to reinforce your understanding of the concepts and to help others succeed.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Attend office hours or form study groups to offer support to other students.
  • Answer questions in the course discussion forum.
Attend workshops on system validation
Attend workshops on system validation to learn from experts and gain practical experience in applying these techniques.
Show steps
  • Search for upcoming workshops on system validation in your area or online.
  • Register for the workshop and attend the sessions.
Create a visual representation of behavioural equivalences
Create a visual representation of behavioural equivalences, such as a flowchart, diagram, or animation. This will help you to understand the relationships between different equivalences and their implications for system validation.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific behavioural equivalence to visualise.
  • Design a visualisation that clearly shows the semantics and conditions of the equivalence.
  • Present your visualisation to the class or share it online for feedback.
Contribute to open-source projects related to system validation
Contribute to open-source projects related to system validation to gain hands-on experience and make a valuable contribution to the community.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source projects related to system validation.
  • Find a project that aligns with your interests and skills.
  • Contact the project maintainers and express your interest in contributing.
  • Start contributing to the project by following the project's guidelines.
Design a system using behavioural equivalences
Design a system by applying behavioural equivalences. This will allow you to validate the correctness and reliability of your design before implementation.
Browse courses on System Design
Show steps
  • Identify the requirements for your system.
  • Model the behaviour of your system using automata or labelled transition systems.
  • Apply behavioural equivalences to simplify and verify your model.
  • Implement your system based on the validated model.

Career center

Learners who complete System Validation: Automata and behavioural equivalences will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, would be useful for Software Engineers because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Software Engineers to design and develop more reliable and efficient software systems.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts analyze and design software systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, and then design and implement the system to meet those requirements. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Systems Analysts because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Systems Analysts to design and develop more reliable and efficient software systems.
Software Architect
Software Architects design and oversee the development of software systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, and then design and implement the system to meet those requirements. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Software Architects because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Software Architects to design and develop more reliable and efficient software systems.
Data Architect
Data Architects design and manage data systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, and then design and implement the system to meet those requirements. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Data Architects because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Data Architects to design and develop more reliable and efficient data systems.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators manage database systems. They work with users to create and maintain databases, and ensure that the databases are running smoothly. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Database Administrators because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Database Administrators to design and manage more reliable and efficient databases.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They develop and implement security measures, and monitor systems for security breaches. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Information Security Analysts because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Information Security Analysts to design and implement more secure systems.
Computer Scientist
Computer Scientists conduct research on the theory and practice of computing. They develop new algorithms and data structures, and design and implement new software systems. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Computer Scientists because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Computer Scientists to develop more reliable and efficient software systems.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation for software systems. They work with engineers and other technical staff to gather information about the system, and then write documentation that explains how to use the system. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Technical Writers because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Technical Writers to write more accurate and comprehensive documentation.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, and then design and implement the system to meet those requirements. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Systems Engineers because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Systems Engineers to design and develop more reliable and efficient systems.
User Experience Designer
User Experience Designers design the user interface for software systems. They work with users to gather feedback on the system, and then design the interface to be easy to use and enjoyable. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for User Experience Designers because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help User Experience Designers to design more user-friendly interfaces.
Software Tester
Software Testers test software systems to find defects. They work with developers to fix defects and improve the quality of the software. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Software Testers because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Software Testers to design and execute more effective test cases.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. They work with stakeholders to define the project scope, develop the project plan, and manage the project budget. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Project Managers because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Project Managers to plan and execute projects more effectively.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts test software systems to find defects. They work with developers to fix defects and improve the quality of the software. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Quality Assurance Analysts because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Quality Assurance Analysts to design and execute more effective test cases.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make decisions. They work with data from a variety of sources, including sensors, databases, and social media. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Data Scientists because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Data Scientists to design and develop more reliable and efficient data processing systems.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and design solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, and then design and implement solutions to meet those requirements. This course, System Validation: Automata and Behavioral Equivalences, may be useful for Business Analysts because it provides a foundation in system modeling and analysis. This knowledge can help Business Analysts to design and implement more reliable and efficient business processes.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in System Validation: Automata and behavioural equivalences.
This classic textbook provides a thorough introduction to automata theory and its applications in computer science. It covers topics such as finite automata, regular expressions, context-free grammars, and Turing machines, which are essential background knowledge for this course.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of automata theory and computability, including advanced topics such as nondeterministic and alternating automata. It can serve as a valuable reference for students seeking a deeper understanding of the theoretical foundations of automata and behavioral equivalences.
Introduces formal verification techniques based on model checking, which can be used to analyze the behavior of systems and ensure their correctness. It provides insights into advanced techniques for system validation and complements the course's focus on automata and behavioral equivalences.
Covers foundational concepts of automata theory, including finite automata, regular expressions, context-free grammars, and Turing machines. It can provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the course's topics.
Provides a broader perspective on formal methods used in software engineering, including specification languages, model-driven development, and verification techniques. It can help students understand the practical applications of formal methods in system validation.
Focuses specifically on model checking, providing a comprehensive overview of its principles and techniques. It covers topics such as temporal logic, state space exploration, and verification algorithms, which complement the course's discussion of behavioral equivalences.
Introduces formal logic and its applications in computer science, including model checking, theorem proving, and specification languages. It provides a valuable foundation for understanding the use of formal methods in system validation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of software testing and analysis techniques, including formal methods and model-based testing. It can enhance students' understanding of the application of formal methods in ensuring software quality.
Provides a comprehensive overview of systems analysis and design methods, including requirements gathering, modeling, and implementation. It can provide valuable context for understanding the role of formal methods, such as automata and behavioral equivalences, in system validation.
Provides an introduction to embedded systems, focusing on the design, implementation, and validation of embedded software. It can help students understand the practical challenges of developing embedded systems and the role of formal methods in ensuring their correctness.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to System Validation: Automata and behavioural equivalences.
System Validation (2): Model process behaviour
Most relevant
System Validation (3): Requirements by modal formulas
Most relevant
System Validation (4): Modelling Software, Protocols, and...
Most relevant
Changing Behaviour for Sustainable Development
Most relevant
Modeling of Autonomous Systems
Organisational Behaviour in Construction: An Introduction
Decision Making in a Complex and Uncertain World
Animal Behaviour in Conservation
Chicken Behaviour and Welfare
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser