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This course teaches a range of fundamental algorithms and analyses their properties and behaviour.
Algorithms are fundamental to all branches of Computer Science. They play a key role in the development of efficient computer programs. This course aims to provide a good understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithm design methods used for solving a wide range of problems.The following topics are covered:• Introduction to algorithmic thinking • Analysis of algorithms • Graphs: graph traversal and applications, topological ordering, weighted-graph algorithms• Backtracking: combinatorial search and generation• Computational geometry: convex hulls and geometric algorithms• Divide and conquer: recursive design techniques and solving recurrences• Dynamic programming: top-down approach, bottom-up enumeration, optimal substructure• Greedy algorithms
1. Analyse the behaviour of algorithms, their correctness, and their complexity [WA1]2. Implement algorithm design paradigms, such as divide and conquer and dynamic programming [WA1, WA2, WA3]3. Implement a variety of classical algorithms across domains including graphs and computational geometry [WA1, WA2, WA3]4. Identify an appropriate algorithm for a given problem and implement a solution [WA1, WA2, WA3]
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
(1) COSC121 or COSC131; (2) COSC122; RP: MATH120
MATH120
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Depending on final student numbers, some of the advertised lab/tutorial streams may not run. Final lab/tutorial options will be available for self-allocation closer to the start of the semester through My Timetable.
Kourosh Neshatian
Andrew Davidson
Recommended Reading:• Steven S. Skiena, The Algorithm Design Manual, Springer, 2nd Ed., 2008.• Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein, Introduction to Algorithms, 3rd Ed., The MIT Press, 2009 • Goodrich and Tamassia, Data Structures and Algorithms in Python, John Wiley & Sons, 2013.
There are several important documents available online about departmental regulations, policies and guidelines at the following site. We expect all students to be familiar with these. Notices about this class will be posted to the class forum in the Learn system.COSC students will also be made members of a class called “CSSE Notices”, where general notices will be posted that apply to all classes (such as information about building access or job opportunities).
The Computer Science department's grading policy states that in order to pass a course you must meet two requirements:1. You must achieve an average grade of at least 50% over all assessment items.2. You must achieve an average mark of at least 45% on invigilated assessment items.If you satisfy both these criteria, your grade will be determined by the following University-wide scale for converting marks to grades: an average mark of 50% is sufficient for a C- grade, an average mark of 55% earns a C grade, 60% earns a C+ grade and so forth. However if you do not satisfy both the passing criteria you will be given either a D or E grade depending on marks. Marks are sometimes scaled to achieve consistency between courses from year to year.Students may apply for special consideration if their performance in an assessment is affected by extenuating circumstances beyond their control.Applications for special consideration should be submitted via the Special Considerations website within five days of the assessment. Where an extension may be granted for an assessment, this will be decided by direct application to the Department and an application to the Examinations Office may not be required. Special consideration is not available for items worth less than 10% of the course.Students prevented by extenuating circumstances from completing the course after the final date for withdrawing, may apply for special consideration for late discontinuation of the course. Applications must be submitted to the Examinations Office within five days of the end of the main examination period for the semester.
Please click HERE for the CSSE Department's policy for the academic remedy of applications for a special consideration for final exams.
Domestic fee $1,058.00
International fee $5,388.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Computer Science and Software Engineering .