CSC 354: Algorithms Analysis and Theory of Computation

Spring 2004

 

 

Instructor:

            Lori Carter

            lcarter@ptloma.edu

            849-2342

 

Office Hours:

MW 9:45 AM-12 PM, 1:00-2:30; Tues 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM; Thurs: 11:30-1:00 in virus lab. If you need me on Friday, check my office or send email.

 

Text:

            Neapolitan and Naimipour, Foundations of Algorithms, Second Edition

 

Course Objectives:

This course is presents approaches to designing algorithms, complexity analysis of algorithms and computational complexity.  Theoretical issues such as intractability, and categories of P, NP, NP-complete will be explored.  A background in finite math and data structures is assumed.

 

Course Organization:

Lectures:  Cover the highlights of chapters assigned – not a substitute for reading.

Homework:  Algorithm analysis and design is best learned through discussion. Please feel free to discuss homework problems, but only verbally.  Do not share written solutions, and turn in individual assignments. Late homework is not accepted.

Quizzes:  Three quizzes will be given in class.  Students missing a quiz for a school function may arrange to take the quiz in advance.  Material covered may include lectures, reading, homework or labs.

Labs:  Labs will be held at the scheduled time with the exception of the first 2 weeks of the semester.  No labs will be held during the first 2 weeks.  Unless otherwise indicated, lab projects will be completed individually.  Optimally, the assignments will be completed during the scheduled lab time.  Grading will be by demonstration, oral questioning and lab write-ups.

Final Exam: Cumulative exam covering lectures, homework and reading.  Currently scheduled for May 13 at 3:30.

 

Attendance:

As stated in the school catalog, “ Whenever the number of accumulated absences in a class, for any cause, exceeds ten percent of classes, the faculty member sends a written report to the Associate Provost for Academic Administration which may result in de-enrollment.  If more than 20% is reported as missed, the student will automatically be de-enrolled. If the date of de-enrollment is past the last date to withdraw from a class, the student will be assigned a grade of “F” or “NC”.

 

 

Grading:                                                                     Expected Schedule:

            Quizzes: 30%                                                   Quiz 1 (chapt 1, appdx A,B) Feb 10

            Homework: 20%                                              Quiz 2 (chapt 2,3,4) Mar 4

            Labs: 20%                                                        Quiz 3 (chapt 5,6,7,8) April 16

            Final: 30%                                                        Final (all) May 13

 

Final grades will be determined as follows:

100-93%           A

90-92%             A-

87-89%             B+

83-86%             B

80-82%             B-

77-79%             C+

73-76%             C

70-72%             C-

67-69%             D+

63-66%             D

60-62%             D-

0-59%              F

 

 

Academic Accommodations:

All students are expected to meet the standards for this course as set by the instructor. However, students with learning disabilities who may need accommodations should discuss options with the Academic Support Center during the first two weeks of class.  The ASC will contact professors with suggested classroom needs and accommodations. Approved documentation must be on file in the ASC prior to the start of the semester.