CSC2401 Algorithms and Data Structures

Contents

• Staffing
• Requisites
• Rationale
• Synopsis
• Objectives
• Topics
• Texts
• Reference materials
• Student workload
• Assessment details
• Important assessment information
• Assessment notes
• Other requirements
• Production date
• PDF version

STAFFING

REQUISITES

RATIONALE

Algorithms and Data Structures is one of the major courses in the Computer Science Curriculum recommended by ACM/IEEE-CS Joint Curriculum Task Force (1991). It is essential for students to gain a good knowledge of algorithms and data structures in order to be competent computer programmers. It is closely related to other computing courses, and students will find that this course is essential for other subsequent courses such as Operating Systems and Software Engineering.

SYNOPSIS

This course addresses various data structures and techniques for algorithm design and analysis. It covers basic data structures such as lists, stacks, queues, trees and graphs. The abstract data type techniques are also covered. The design of various algorithms such as searching algorithms, sorting algorithms and graph algorithms is discussed. This course also addresses other topics such as recursive algorithms and complexity analysis.

OBJECTIVES

On completion of this course the student will have learned or achieved:

1. demonstrate an in-depth understanding of various data structures as abstract specifications (Assignments 1 to 5, Exam);
2. use alternative implementations of data structures (Exam);
3. properly apply algorithms and data structures in programs (Assignments 1 to 5, Exam);
4. analyse algorithms using various techniques (Exam);
5. demonstrate skills in selecting and designing algorithms, abstract data structures, and implementations (Exam).

TOPICS

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

Students must have access to an ANSI C compiler. Option: Although subject to change, at this stage, it is expected students may require access to Semester 1, Department of Mathematics and Computing DVDROM SET, 2007 (available from the USQ Bookshop). This DVD set contains Semester 1 course material, Windows software and a complete Linux distribution necessary for this course. For more information about the DVD set and its use, please refer to http://www.sci.usq.edu.au/dvdrom and the course web site.

Introductory Book 2007, Course CSC2401 Algorithms and Data Structures, USQ Distance and e-Learning Centre, Toowoomba.

Standish, TA 1995, Data structures, algorithms and software principles in C, Addison-Wesley, Reading, Mass.
(or Goodrich, M, Tamassia, R & Mount, DM 2004, Data Structures and algorithms in C++, Wiley, New York)

Study Book 2007, Course CSC2401 Algorithms and Data Structures, USQ Distance and e-Learning Centre, Toowoomba.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

Reference materials are materials that, if accessed by students, may improve their knowledge and understanding of the material in the course and enrich their learning experience.

Department of Mathematics and Computing CDROM Set, S1 2007 (available from the USQ Bookshop). This CD contains course material, Windows and Linux Software for this and various other courses. For more information about the CD sets and their use, please refer to http://www.sci.usq.edu.au/cdrom.

Kruse, RL et al 1997, Data structures and program design in C, Prentice-Hall International, London.

Weiss, MA 1997, Data structures and algorithm analysis in C, 2nd edn, Addison-Wesley Longman Inc, Menlo Park, California.

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

NOTES

1.

Assignments 1 - 5 are due 11:59:59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on each due date.

2.

Examination dates will be available during the semester. Please refer to the examination timetable when published.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To satisfactorily complete an assessment item a student must achieve at least 30% of the marks. Students do not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 30% in all of the weighted assessment items, achieve at least 30% in the examination and at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the examination period at the end of the semester of the next offering of this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1. Students will require access to e-mail and internet access to USQConnect for this course.

This version produced 4 Jul 2008.