CSC2032 : Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Jason Steggles
- Lecturer: Dr Nick Chancellor
- Owning School: Computing
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
Knowledge of a range of key application areas where algorithmic solutions are required.
Understand the key issues in algorithm design.
Understand what makes a "good" algorithm.
Explore a range of techniques for algorithm design.
Ability to analyse an algorithm’s complexity.
Outline Of Syllabus
Introduction to Algorithms:
• Introduce the idea of an algorithm
• Documenting an algorithm and the use of pseudo code
• Introduction to algorithm analysis
Fundamental Algorithmic Problems:
• Searching
• Sorting
• String searching
• Graph problems
Algorithm Analysis:
• Asymptotic analysis of upper and average complexity bounds
• Identifying differences among best, average, and worst case behaviours
• Standard complexity classes
• Using recurrence relations to analyze recursive algorithms
• NP Complete problems
Algorithm Design Techniques:
• General ideas for algorithm development
• Brute-force algorithms
• Greedy algorithms
• Divide-and-conquer
• Backtracking
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 17 | 1:00 | 17:00 | Lectures (PIP) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 11 | 0:30 | 5:30 | Lecture follow-up |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | Revision for module assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:30 | 1:30 | End of module assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Tutorial problem solving class (PiP) |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 10 | 1:30 | 15:00 | Online tutorial exercises supported by sample solutions |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 1:30 | 15:00 | Online study videos |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Background study and reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Online formative assessment quizzes |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures (PiP) and online study videos will be used to introduce the key module material and for demonstrating the key concepts by example. Students are expected to follow-up lectures within a few days by re-reading and annotating lecture notes to aid deep learning.
Tutorial exercises will be provided online and integrated into the study materials. These allow students to gain practical skills and understanding in the theory and techniques covered.
There will be a series of tutorial sessions (PiP) that will look at applying the techniques and skills developed in problem solving situations. Online quizzes will be used at key points in the module to help student check and reinforce their progress.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 100 | Digital Exam |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | Weekly exercise supported by worked sample answers |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The digital exam assessment given at the end of the module ensures students get the vital opportunity to go back over the material covered (this is important given the type of technical topics considered) and is very well suited to formally assessing the type of material covered in this module.
A range of formative assessments are used to support student’s self-study during the module and gauge their understanding as the course progresses.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- CSC2032's Timetable