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Unit information: Data Structures and Algorithms in 2018/19

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Data Structures and Algorithms
Unit code COMS21103
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Clifford
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

COMS10006 and COMS10008

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Computer Science
Faculty Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to provide a solid foundation in the theory of computation, algorithms and data structures.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will:

  • Understand the foundations of asymptotic analysis and know how to prove the correctness of algorithms Be able to formulate and solve simple recurrence relations Recall standard string matching algorithms and be able to analyse their complexities.
  • Know how to use dynamic programming to solve algorithmic problems.
  • Recall standard graph algorithms, be able to analyse their time complexities and be able to apply them appropriately.
  • Recall the fast Fourier transform algorithm and know how to apply it to combinatorial problems.
  • Know how to build, use and analyse Bloom filters Be able to compare different dynamic search structures, analyse their complexities and understand their relative strengths.

Teaching Information

36 hours of lectures. A further 164 hours are nominally set aside for problems classes and private study.

Assessment Information

3 hour examination = 100%

Reading and References

The unit textbook is Introduction to Algorithms by Charles E.

Leiserson, Clifford Stein, Ronald Rivest, and Thomas H. Cormen.

Recommended reading: Algorithm Design by J. Kleinberg and E. Tardos; Algorithms by S. Dasgupta, C.H. Papadimitriou and U.V. Vazirani.

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