Temporal Logic for Memory Consistency in Multi-Threaded Apps
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can temporal logic be effectively applied to ensure memory consistency in multi-threaded applications, and what challenges must be considered during this application?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What is temporal logic, and how does it differ from other types of logic?
- How does temporal logic apply to ensuring memory consistency in computing systems?
- What are the fundamental principles of memory consistency models in multi-threaded applications?
- How can temporal logic be effectively used in formal modelling and verification of software systems?
- In what ways do memory consistency models impact the performance and reliability of computer systems?
- How can we formally specify and verify memory consistency requirements using temporal logic?
- What challenges might arise when applying temporal logic to memory consistency models, and how can they be addressed?
- How do operating systems and computer organization principles contribute to understanding and ensuring memory consistency?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Develop a thorough understanding of temporal logic and its application in computer science.
- Learn how to apply temporal logic to model and verify memory consistency in multi-threaded applications.
- Understand the principles and challenges of memory consistency models in computing systems.
- Gain practical skills in formal modeling, specification, and verification using temporal logic.
- Explore the role of operating systems and computer organization in ensuring memory consistency.
Formal Logic in Computer Science
Formal Methods for Software Development
Operating Systems
Computer Organization
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMystery of the Disordered Memory
Kick off the project with a mystery scenario: a video shows a software application misbehaving due to memory issues. Students are tasked to become 'memory detectives,' exploring how temporal logic can resolve these issues within multi-threaded applications.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Introduction to Temporal Logic
Students explore the basics of temporal logic, differentiating it from other types of logic such as propositional and predicate logic, to lay a foundation for more advanced applications in computing systems.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative chart or write-up explaining temporal logic and its unique features.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFOL1: Understand propositional and predicate logic and apply it to formal reasoning in computer science.Temporal Logic in Action: The Memory Detective
In this activity, students apply temporal logic to identify and resolve potential memory inconsistency in a simulated multi-threaded application.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report with temporal logic expressions applied to the simulation, including problem identification and solution propositions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFMS1: Apply formal methods to model, specify, and verify complex software and system requirements.Formal Modelling Challenge
Students engage in formal modeling of memory consistency requirements in software systems, incorporating concepts learned in previous classes such as computer organization and operating systems.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA formal model document that outlines memory consistency requirements using temporal logic.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFMS1: Apply formal methods to model, specify, and verify complex software and system requirements. OS1: Understand the principles of operating systems in managing hardware and software resources.Verification Workshop
This activity involves students in the verification process of software models, ensuring memory consistency through the application of temporal logic in a practical lab setting.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA verification report detailing the outcomes of the process, with insights drawn from temporal logic verification.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFMS1: Apply formal methods to model, specify, and verify complex software and system requirements. OS1: Understand the principles of operating systems in managing hardware and software resources.Challenges and Solutions Forum
In this collaborative activity, students discuss challenges faced in applying temporal logic to memory consistency models and brainstorm solutions, integrating their knowledge of operating systems and computer organization.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative presentation or report summarizing key challenges and proposed solutions with peer feedback.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFMS1: Apply formal methods to model, specify, and verify complex software and system requirements. CO1: Understand computer organization and architecture in relation to memory consistency.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioTemporal Logic Application and Memory Consistency Rubric
Understanding Temporal Logic
Evaluates understanding of temporal logic concepts and contrasts with other logic types.Conceptual Comprehension
Assess the student's understanding and explanation of temporal logic and its comparison to propositional and predicate logic.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated and in-depth understanding of temporal logic, explaining nuances and unique characteristics clearly and accurately. Compares and contrasts with other logic types in a nuanced manner.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough understanding of temporal logic with clear explanations and accurate comparisons to propositional and predicate logic.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic understanding of temporal logic with some correct explanations and comparisons, though lacks depth.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial understanding with minimal accurate explanation or comparison to other logic types.
Application of Temporal Logic
Assesses the ability to apply temporal logic in identifying and resolving memory consistency issues.Practical Application
Evaluate the student's ability to apply temporal logic to identify and solve memory inconsistency issues in simulated environments.
Exemplary
4 PointsApplies temporal logic expertly to identify and solve all related memory inconsistency issues, providing insightful solutions that consider edge cases.
Proficient
3 PointsApplies temporal logic effectively to resolve most memory inconsistency issues with appropriate solutions.
Developing
2 PointsShows emerging application skills, resolving some memory inconsistency issues with partial solutions.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply temporal logic effectively, with limited identification and resolution of memory issues.
Formal Modeling and Specification
Evaluates the student's skills in formal modeling and specifying memory consistency with temporal logic.Modeling Accuracy
Assessment of how accurately temporal logic is used to model and specify memory consistency requirements.
Exemplary
4 PointsProduces highly accurate and detailed formal models that comprehensively address memory consistency using temporal logic.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces accurate formal models that address most memory consistency requirements using temporal logic.
Developing
2 PointsProduces somewhat accurate models, addressing some memory consistency issues with notable gaps.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces incomplete or inaccurate models with significant gaps in addressing memory consistency.
Verification Skills
Assesses ability to apply verification tools in ensuring memory consistency through temporal logic.Verification Proficiency
Evaluate accuracy and effectiveness in using temporal logic with verification tools to ensure memory consistency.
Exemplary
4 PointsUtilizes verification tools with high proficiency, ensuring memory consistency with comprehensive analysis and accurate results.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively utilizes verification tools to ensure memory consistency, providing clear and accurate results.
Developing
2 PointsShows ability to use verification tools with some success, though with inconsistent accuracy in results.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to use verification tools effectively, with incomplete or inaccurate results.
Collaborative Problem Solving and Reflection
Assesses teamwork, problem-solving, and reflection on challenges and solutions in applying temporal logic.Collaboration and Insight
Evaluate the ability to collaboratively identify challenges, propose solutions, and integrate feedback.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates leadership and insight in collaborative settings, providing innovative solutions and integrating peer feedback effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsContributes effectively in collaborative settings, proposing solid solutions and integrating most peer feedback.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in collaboration with some engagement, proposing limited solutions and integrating some feedback.
Beginning
1 PointsLimited participation and contribution in collaborative settings, with minimal solutions proposed.