This course introduces rigorous and formal methods for modelling system behaviour. The course will use the B Method (B), which is a formal method founded on set theory and logic. B supports the modelling of abstract specifications and the refinement of abstract specifications through to concrete implementations. Consistency of formal development is verified by proof obligations and formal proof. A toolkit (the B-Toolkit or Atelier B) assists with all aspects of the process.

The course will cover: set theory, logic, abstract machines, specification, animation, refinement, implementation, proof obligations and proof.

The course will also explore the relationship between formal B models and UML, the informal or semi-formal modelling notation for Object-Oriented design. The course will use case-studies and assignments to develop competence. The methods developed in this course will be used in the SENG2010 and SENG2020 workshops.