Introduction and objectives

This course provides an introduction to formal techniques to verify computer systems based on models (model checking).

The official plan of this course is hosted in FCUP here.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students should:

• understand the importance of using logic and formal methods in the development of complex computer systems; and
• be able to model simple systems and specify properties using temporal logics.

Syllabus

• Introduction to model checking
• Modelling of parallel systems: transition systems
• Parallelism and communication with process algebra
• Equivalence of transition systems
• Tool: mCRL2 (modelling)
• Dynamic logics (and relation with equivalences)
• Tool: mCRL2 (verification)
• Real-Timed models
• Tool: Uppaal (modelling)
• Temporal logics: linear (LTL) and branching (CTL)
• Tool: Uppaal (verification)
• Introduction to probabilistic and stochastic models
• Tool: Uppaal (simulations an PLTL)

Lectures

• 17 Sep ‘26: Overview of the module and introduction to model checking (Slides 1-intro.pdf). Transition systems with functors; syntax of sequential process algebra (slides 2-behaviour, frames 1-11)
• 24 Sep ‘26: Syntax and semantics of CCS (slides 2-behaviour, 11-20). Modelling in mCRL2 (slides 3-mCRL2, 1-12). Starting the tutorial “hands-on” with mCRL2.

Literature and Material

Slides

1. Introduction to the course
2. Transition systems and CCS
3. mCRL2 tool
4. Modal logic

Main book

• Principles of model checking., Christel Baier and Joost-Pieter Katoen; ISBN: 978-0-262-02649-9

Extra material

• mCRL2 tutorial exercises
• Exam from 2024/2025

Complementary Bibliography

• mCRL2 Tutorial, available from mCRL2’s website
• Uppaal SMC Tutorial, available from Uppaal’s website

Previous years

• 2025/2026
• 2024/2025
• 2023/2024

Lecturer

• • 
  • • José Proença
    • • DCC 1.69
      • jose.proenca(at)fc.up.pt
      • meet: thu afternoon (email before)

Edit the content of this page here.