CSC 354: Algorithms Analysis and Theory of Computation

Spring 2008

 

 

Instructor:

            Lori Carter

            lcarter@pointloma.edu

            849-2342

 

Office Hours:

          MW 12:30-1:30

            T Th  8:30-10:00, 1:00-3:00

            F 10:30-11:45

 

Text:

            McConnell, Jeffrey, Analysis of Algorithms: an active learning approach

 

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 discrete math and data structures is assumed.

 

Course Organization:

Lectures:  Used to augment 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 may be assigned daily, but it will be due every few weeks. Homework will be turned in at the beginning of class the day it is due and will be graded during class. Students may be asked to work certain problems on the board. Late homework is not accepted.

 

Exams:  Two exams will be given in class.  Students missing an exam for a school function may arrange to take the exam in advance.  Missing an exam for other reasons, short of an officially documented emergency will result in a grade of 0. Material covered may include lectures, reading, homework or labs. Exams are currently scheduled for February 6, March 31.

 

Labs:  Unless otherwise indicated, lab projects will be completed individually. Discussion of lab assignments is allowed, however, each individual must turn in his/her own work. Allowing someone access to your program file is completely unacceptable. 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:                                                        

            Exams: 30%                                       

            Homework: 15%                                            

            Labs: 25%                                                      

            Final: 30%                                                      

 

 

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.