CSC 421 Applied Algorithms and Structures
Summary
This course explores techniques for designing and analyzing algorithms and data structures
within the context of modern application development. We will examine real-world examples.
The curriculum spans fundamental concepts, including runtime analysis, searching, sorting,
divide-and-conquer, greedy, and dynamic programming, as well as advanced topics such as the
design and analysis of parallel algorithms.
Texts
Introduction to Algorithms (CLRS).
Fourth Edition. Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein. MIT Press.
Grading
Assignments (written + programming): 4*10 = 40% + Bonus
Midterm Exam: 20% + Bonus
Final Exam: 35% + Bonus
Course Policy Test: 1%
Attendance: 4%
Final Exam Cutoff
To reflect this in your final grade, we have a final exam cut-off for the course grading: you need to be able to get some minimal points in the final exams to pass the course or get certain letter grades.
D- (pass) 8.75/35 (25%)
B- 14/35 (40%)
A- 17.5/35 (50%)
Prerequisites
CSC 400 and CSC 403; proficiency in C++/Python (or some other high-level programming
languages).
Late Policy
You have 4 grace days to use across the quarter, which apply to both written and programming
assignments (per GradeScope submission entry). The number of grace days you use for each
assignment must be an integer . For example, if you submit 12 hours late, that’s still 1 grace
day, instead of 0.5. For each homework assignment, you can use no more than two grace
days (no more than 48 hours late). You won’t lose any points by using grace days, but if you
use up your grace days, you have no further late days to use (i.e., you won’t get any points if
you submit late and have no grace days left).
Office Hours
Time: Thursday: 10:30 am-12:00 pm
Location: CDM 837
Zoom: Meeting ID: 915 9084 5422, Password: 191290
Online Platforms
Throughout the quarter, we will use:
- D2L: We will use D2L for releasing assignments and slides.
- Campuswire: https://campuswire.com. We will use Campuswire for discussions. All later announcements will be sent out using Campuswire.
- GradeScope: https://www.gradescope.com. You will need to use GradeScope to submit written assignments. If you’ve been enrolled in D2L, you should have already been added to GradeScope.
- CodeForces: https://codeforces.com You will need to submit your programming problems to CodeForces (yes, we have programming assignments!).
Introduction + Analysis
Divide and Conquer
Greedy
Greedy + Dynamic Programming
Dynamic Programming
Midterm Exam + Graph
Graph
Graph
Parallel Algorithms
Road ahead + Presentation
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296