Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)
Module COMP3557: DESIGN OF ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES
Department: Computer Science
COMP3557: DESIGN OF ALGORITHMS AND DATA STRUCTURES
| Type | Open | Level | 3 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2023/24 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
Prerequisites
- COMP2181 Theory of Computation
Corequisites
- None
Excluded Combination of Modules
- None
Aims
- The aim of the module is to equip students with the ability to design and analyse efficient algorithms and data structures.
Content
- To be chosen from the following:
- hashing (universal, perfect, Cuckoo, Bloom filters)
- treaps
- skip lists
- splay trees
- basic models and algorithms for sub-linear space (streaming)
- basic models and algorithms for sub-linear time (e.g., property testing)
- basic PRAM (shared-memory parallel) algorithms and techniques
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- a knowledge about various important problem solving paradigms in the broad area of algorithmic design.
- an understanding of how to measure, transfer and handle data
- an ability to apply techniques and methods from the relevant topics to tackle fundamental algorithmic problems;
- an ability to conduct review and self-study to further their knowledge beyond the taught material.
Subject-specific Skills:
- On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to apply methods and techniques from various algorithmic design paradigms
- an ability to apply methods and techniques from discrete mathematics
- an ability to reason with and and apply methods of mathematical proof
Key Skills:
- On completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate:
- an ability to think critically;
- an ability to work with abstract problems;
- an ability to undertake general problem solving.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures enable the students to learn new material relevant to the design of efficient algorithms and data structures, as well as their applications.
- Formative and summative assessments assess the application of methods and techniques, and examinations in addition assess an understanding of core concepts.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lectures | 22 | 2 per week | 1 hour | 22 | |
| preparation and reading | 78 | ||||
| total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Examination | 2 hours | 100% | No |
Formative Assessment:
Example formative exercises are given during the course. Additional revision lectures may be arranged in the module's lecture slots in the 3rd term.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University