Prerequisites: CSC 222, CSC 309.

Course Description

This is the third course in the computer science sequence, building upon the concepts and skills acquired in the first year. Whereas CSC 221 focused on the design of simple algorithms and CSC 222 focused on basic data structures, this course considers both facets of problem solving and their interrelationships. In order to solve complex problems efficiently, it is necessary to design algorithms and data structures together since the data structure is motivated by and affects the algorithm that accesses it.

As the name of the course suggests, special attention will be paid to analyzing the efficiency of specific algorithms, and how the appropriate data structure can affect efficiency. Specific topics covered in this course will include: advanced data structures (e.g., lists, trees, graphs and hash tables), common algorithms and their efficiency (e.g., binary search, heapsort, graph traversal, and big-Oh analysis), and problem-solving approaches (e.g., divide-and-conquer, backtracking, and dynamic programming).

The specific goals of this course are:

• To appreciate the role of algorithms in problem solving and software design, recognizing that a given problem might be solved with a variety of algorithms. The student should be capable of selecting among competing algorithms and justifying their selection based on efficiency.
• To understand both the specifications and implementations of standard data structures (lists, stacks, queues, linked structures, trees, maps), and be able to select and utilize appropriate data structures in developing programs.
• To develop programs using different problem-solving approaches (divide-and-conquer, backtracking, dynamic programming), and be able to recognize when one approach is a better fit for a given problem.
• To be able to design and implement a program to model a real-world system, and subsequently analyze its behavior.
• To recognize the importance of object-oriented techniques, and be able to utilize inheritance and polymorphism to build upon existing code.

Required Work

Students will complete 5-7 assignments throughout the semester. Most assignments will involve the design and implementation of Java programs that appropriately utilize data structures and algorithms. Assignments may also contain written components, for example, justifying design choices or analyzing program behavior. Late assignments will be accepted up to 7 days after their due date, with a 25% penalty. Beyond 7 days, late submissions will not be accepted. There will be weekly quizzes, two 75-minute tests, and a cumulative final exam (see the schedule below for exam dates).

There is no specific attendance policy for the course, although it is expected that absences will leave the student unprepared for tests and assignments. Quizzes and tests will not be rescheduled except in extreme circumstances. However, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped. The final grade for the course will be based on the following weightings:

At the minimum, traditional grading cutoffs for the final average will apply. That is, 90% is guaranteed an A, 87% is guaranteed a B+, etc. Depending on class performance, some shifting of grades (in an upward direction only) may occur as final letter grades are assigned.

It is expected that all students check their Creighton email accounts regularly. Official announcements, such as assignment revisions or class cancellations, will be distributed through Creighton email.

Policy on Collaboration

The college policy on cheating and plagiarism is spelled out in the Student Handbook. In addition to this, the following guidelines hold pertaining to programs. Programs are to be the sole work of the student -- collaboration on the design or coding of a program is not allowed. Questions regarding homework assignments should be directed at the instructor only. Students may seek debugging assistance or clarifications on assignments using the class mailing list. Repeat: All student interactions regarding homework assignments must take place via the class mailing list!

Violations of the this collaboration policy will be dealt with severely, with possible outcomes including failure in the course and expulsion from the university. In the case of programming assignments, you are encouraged to start early so that there is time to seek help from the instructor as the need arises.

Tentative Schedule