What is truth? In constructive logic, a proof isn’t just a certificate that something is true — it’s also an explicit construction or algorithm. This course introduces constructive (or intuitionistic) logic, a foundation for mathematics and computer science that emphasizes proofs as constructive evidence rather than abstract truth. Students will explore the principles that distinguish constructive logic from classical logic, including the rejection of the law of excluded middle and the requirement that proofs yield explicit witnesses.
The course will cover:
| Instructor: | Ankush Das, ankushd [AT] bu [DOT] edu |
| Course Assistant: | Selene Wu, sebwu [AT] bu [DOT] edu |
| Class Schedule: | Tue & Thu, 2:00pm - 3:15pm |
| Class Location: | CAS 201 |
| Office Hours: | Thu, 12pm - 1pm, CDS 1024 (or with appointment with instructor) |
| Piazza: | Please join the class using the following link to sign up for the course on Piazza: https://piazza.com/bu/spring2026/cs599a1. We will be using Piazza for class announcements and discussions. |
| Gradescope: | Please sign up for a student account on https://gradescope.com using your BU email address. The entry code for the course is G67P24. Homework assignments are to be submitted to Gradescope in PDF format. |
| Course Website: | https://ankushdas.github.io/courses/CS599-S26.html |
Will be updated regularly!
| Date | Topics | Lecture Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 20, 2026 | A Constructive Approach to Life | Lecture 1 |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Natural Deduction | Lecture 2 |
| Release Date | Due Date | Assignment PDF | Template TEX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 2026 | Feb 5, 2026 | Assignment 1 | (Template 1) |
The course grade will be calculated using homework assignments, a mid-term exam, and a final exam.
There will be bi-weekly homework assignments due every other Thursday at 11:59pm. Homeworks can sometimes be challenging, so it is best to start early to give yourself enough time to think attempt the problems and make best use of office hours. Late homework can only be accepted in extraordinary circumstances and require approval from instructor.
You are encouraged to collaborate with other students on solving the homework problems. But you must write your solutions independently in your own words (or code).
I would strongly encourage students to typeset homework solutions using LaTeX which is the most popular document preparation system used in computer science publications. But students can use different software such as MS Word or handwrite solutions. For your convenience, I will provide the LaTeX source for each assignment with instructions on how to typeset the solutions.
Exams will be held in-person and you may bring handwritten (or printed) notes to the exam. However, using other means such as internet, ChatGPT, phones, laptops, etc. is strictly prohibited.
All Boston University students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. You can find important resources here:
Students with documented disabilities, including learning disabilities, may be entitled to accommodations intended to ensure that they have integrated and equal access to the academic, social, cultural, and recreational programs the university offers. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, additional time on tests, staggered homework assignments, note-taking assistance. If you believe you should receive accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services to discuss your situation. This office can give you a letter that you can share with instructors of your classes outlining the accommodations you should receive. The letter will not contain any information about the reason for the accommodations.
Disability & Access Services
25 Buick Street, Suite 300
617-353-3658
access@bu.edu
http://www.bu.edu/disability/