Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module COMP4197: RANDOMISED ALGORITHMS AND PROBABILISTIC METHODS

Department: Computer Science

COMP4197: RANDOMISED ALGORITHMS AND PROBABILISTIC METHODS

Type Open Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2024/2025 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 probabilistic algorithms.

Content

  • To be chosen from the following:
  • basic bounds and inequalities (Markov, Chebyshev, Chernoff)
  • Martingales
  • Markov chains and random walks
  • the probabilistic method
  • approximate counting
  • parallel and distributed probabilistic algorithms

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 probabilistic methods and algorithms
  • 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 areas of algorithmic design and probability theory
  • an ability to reason with 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 probabilistic algorithms, as well as their applications.
  • Formative 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