Course description

An algorithm is the specification of a method to solve a given problem. A data structure is a specific way of organizing data so that it can be used efficiently by an algorithm. This course approaches data structures and algorithms from a practical perspective, using Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), and particularly Java, as a framework to learn and experiment with the concepts being discussed.

Topics covered include:

  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
    • Encapsulation
    • Inheritance
    • Polymorphism
    • The Java programming language
      • OOP in Java
      • Operators
      • Expressions
      • Control flow
      • Testing and debugging
      • Java documentation (Javadoc)
      • Exceptions
      • The collections framework
      • Input/output
      • Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)
  • Abstract data types
    • Lists
    • Queues
    • Stacks
    • Maps
    • Trees
  • Data structures
    • Arrays
    • Linked lists
    • Array lists
    • Hash sets
    • Hash maps
    • Tree sets
    • Tree maps
  • Algorithms
    • Searching
    • Sorting
    • String parsing using Finite State Machines (FSMs)
    • Arithmetic expression evaluation

Prerequisites

  • CMPU-101

Professor

Rui Meireles

Website: www.cs.vassar.edu/~rpachecomeireles

Email: firstname.lastname@vassar.edu (expected response time: 24 business-day hours, i.e. no response guarantee on weekends)

Office: Sanders Physics 304

Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12-2PM. Other times by appointment.

Coaches

For this section of the course (section 01):

  • Furrukh Asif
  • Lindsey Coffee-Johnson
  • Nadim Majumder

For the other section of the course (section 02):

  • Cameron Flores
  • Henry Fosmire

See course schedule on Moodle site page for coaching hours. You can attend the hours of coaches from either section.

Textbook

Grading

  • Labs: 15%
  • Homework projects: 35%
  • Midterm: 25%
  • Final exam: 25%

Class attendance

Class attendance is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. Students are responsible for ALL information given in class, whether or not it is presented in any other form.

If a student misses a class he/she should consult with classmates to find out about any information—academic, administrative, or other—that he/she may have missed.

Use of electronic devices in class

Labs will require the use of a computer. Students may elect to use the computers provided by the College or their own if they so prefer.

Even when not required, students may elect to use computers or other electronic devices for class-related purposes such as note taking.

The use of electronic devices for non-class related purposes is prohibited. Also, devices must be in silent mode at all times so as to not disturb the class.

Homework projects

Homework projects shall be used to consolidate and expand upon concepts introduced in class. They will consist of Java programming assignments.

You can expect a total of 4 projects. 3 of increasing size and complexity and a short final one. The contribution of each homework assignment to the final grade will be proportional to its size and complexity. Out of the 35% points dedicated to homework, homework #1 will contribute 11%, homework #2 29%, homework #3 51%, and homework #4 9%.

Policy on collaboration and academic integrity

All labs, homework projects, and exams should be completed by each student by themselves.

Copying solutions is strictly forbidden.

General discussions of approaches and techniques are allowed.

Useful student resources

  • The Quantitative Reasoning Center (ltrc.vassar.edu/qrc/) helps students improve their analytical skills pertaining to quantitative subjects.
  • The Writing Center (ltrc.vassar.edu/writing-center/) helps students improve the clarity and cogency of their writing.

Accessibility and educational opportunity

Academic accommodations are available for students registered with the Office for Accessibility and Educational Opportunity. Students in need of ADA/504 accommodations should schedule an appointment with the professor early in the semester to arrange for said accommodations.

Learning environment

Vassar College is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. An environment free of all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Vassar College has staff members trained to support students in navigating campus life, accessing health and counseling services, providing academic and housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and more:

  • Counseling Service (counselingservice.vassar.edu, 845-437-5700)
  • Health Service (healthservice.vassar.edu, 845-437-5800)
  • Charlotte Strauss-Swanson, SAVP (Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention) director (savp.vassar.edu, 845-437-7863)
  • SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) advocate, available 24/7 by calling the CRC at 845-437-7333

    • The SAVP website and the Title IX section of the EOAA website (eoaa.vassar.edu/title-ix/) have more information, as well as links to both on- and off-campus resources.