Data Structures Using Java

CMPU-102 Section 51

Vassar College, Spring 2020

Syllabus & Course Wiki

Welcome to the main section of our course wiki. Use this as a starting point to access the weekly course schedule, lectures, labs, resources, etc. etc. etc.

Contact Information

  • Professor: Peter Lemieszewski
  • Office: Unfortunately, I do not have an office :( but I will have office hours.
  • Office Hour location: I will generally be hanging around the vicinity of SP309
  • Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 08:00am-9:00am, Wed 5:00pm-6:00pm... and by appointment
  • Email: pelemieszewski //(once my gmail account is restored!)//

Class sessions

  • When - class sessions: Tue/Thu 09:00-10:15am
  • When - lab sessions: Wed 06:00pm-08:00pm
  • Where: SP 309

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 (ADT)
    • 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

Textbooks:

We will be using the Eck book as our primary- and required - text. If you are unfamiliar with using an IDE, the BlueJ book is a good resource. And, if you prefer to use a printed text book (does anyone use a printed textbook anymore?) then Java Precisely is recommended. Check the sidebar for additional resources as the semester progresses.

  • Introduction to Programming Using Java, Version 8.1 by David J. Eck. Online at http://math.hws.edu/javanotes.
  • Objects First with Java - A Practical Introduction Using BlueJ, Sixth Edition by David J. Barnes and Michael Kölling. Optional.
  • Java Preciesly, Second Edition by Peter Sestoft.
  • Java API. Online at http://docs.oracle.com/javase/10/docs/api/.
  • Official Java Tutorial. Online at http://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/.

    • Grading

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

    Class attendance

    Class attendance is required. I will take attendance sporadically. If you are unable to attend a class or lab session, please let me know; a simple email will suffice. Even if you happen to miss a class/lab session, you are still responsible for all of the information given in class, no matter the form in which it is given.

    Consult this wiki and classmates to find out about any administrative/academic/other information you 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 but there may be more than 4 projects. Expect each project to be of increasing size and complexity, except for a short, final, project. 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.

    Please do not cheat. Copying solutions is strictly forbidden.

    Certainly, 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.

    Acknowledgements

    I would like to thank Professor Rui Meireles, who developed this course and teaches it quite often. He has graciously shared his course materials with me.