【COSC320】Analysis of Algorithms

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to:

1. formulate algorithmic problems properly;

2. design and analyze algorithms using the techniques studied;

3. convey algorithmic ideas formally; and

4. describe algorithms and their implementation in a clear way.

Topics to be covered are as follows.

1. Basics of Algorithms and Asymptotic Notation

2. Divide and Conquer

3. Randomized Algorithms (Tentative)

4. Basic Graph Algorithms

5. Greedy Algorithms

6. Dynamic Programming

7. Network Flow

8. Theory of NP-completeness (Tentative)

Assignment Expectation

For problems that ask you to prove an assertion, you are expected to give an informal proof explaining

why the algorithm is correct. For problems that ask you to design an algorithm, you are expected to

provide in English the idea of the algorithm, the pseudo-code of the algorithm with required data

structures clearly specified, the analysis of its correctness (explaining in English) and running time, and an

example to illustrate your algorithms.

Collaboration Policy

The assignments are designed to help students solidify their understanding of the course material. Some

of the problems may be challenging, but not unrealistic. You are encouraged to collaborate with your

peers on the assignment problems; Even more desirable is to form your own study group of two to three

people with the same level of knowledge (not that one person solves, and others just look). A good

practice is to write the solution in your own words to reenforce learning, so you will be able to explain

the details of the solutions. You are also required acknowledge any help from the TA, the instructor, and

the Web explicitly in your submissions. The exact same solutions that are copies of each other might be

identified as cheating and receive a zero grade.

Student Learning Hub 

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