CSC 354: Algorithms Analysis and Theory of Computation

Spring 2006

 

 

Instructor:

            Lori Carter

            lcarter@ptloma.edu

            849-2342

 

Office Hours:

M 2:30-4:00

            T Th  8:30-10:00 & 1:00-2:30

            F 10:30-12:00

 

Text:

            Neapolitan and Naimipour, Foundations of Algorithms, Third 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. Homework will be assigned daily, but it is due approximately weekly. Questions will be answered on homework problems at the beginning of the next class period after it is assigned. After that the problem will not be addressed in class. Homework will be turned in at the beginning of class the day it is due. Late homework is not accepted.

Exams:  Three exams will be given in class.  Students missing an exam for a school function may arrange to take the exam in advance.  Material covered may include lectures, reading, homework or labs. Exams are currently scheduled for February 3, March 1, and April 7.

Labs:  Labs will be held at the scheduled time with the exception of the first week of the semester.  No labs will be held during the first week.  Unless otherwise indicated, lab projects will be completed individually.  Assignments will generally be given during the Wednesday lab, and if not completed may be finished and demoed in the Friday lab.   Grading will be by demonstration, oral questioning and lab write-ups.

Final Exam: Cumulative exam covering lectures, homework and reading.  The Final is scheduled for Monday at 1:00.

 

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:

            Exams: 30%                                                    Exam 1 (chapt 1, appdx A,B) Feb 3

            Homework: 15%                                             Exam 2 (chapt 2,3) Mar 1

            Labs: 25%                                                       Exam 3 (chapt 4,5,6) April 7

            Final: 30%                                                       Final (all) May 8

 

Extra Credit:       On Saturday, April 8, we are hosting the 2nd Annual CS/IS Undergraduate Research Conference. Two percentage points will be added to the area of your choice if you attend the conference.  3-4 percentage points will be added if you participate (poster, assistant, etc.)

 

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.