CSci 2101: Data Structures.

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Course description: This class serves a dual purpose. You will gain knowledge of basic to intermediate data structures and algorithms that work on these structures. The course also serves as an introduction to the Java programmming language and through it to an object-oriented model of programming. The combination of Java with the abstract concepts of algorithms and data structures will allow us to explore implementation of these structures for future applications. The material includes beginning to intermediate Java concepts (methods, variables, objects and primitive types, inheritance, generic programming, exceptions), sorting and searching, randomization, big-Oh analysis, stacks, queues, lists, priority queues, trees, hashing and graphs (subject to change depending on the class's needs and pace).
5 credits.

On this page you will find information about:

Class meetings

When: M,Tu,W,Th,F 10:15am-12:15pm lectures, M,W,Th 2-4pm labs
Where: Sci 2185, Labs in Sci 2610.

Instructor and TA

Instructor: Elena Machkasova
Office: Sci 2325, Phone: 6308
Office hours: M,W 4-6pm, Tu,Fri 2-4pm, or arrange by e-mail.
elenam at morris.umn.edu

TA (Teaching Assistant): Michael Rislow
TA hours: W 7-8pm, F 9-10am in the CSci lab (Sci 2610).

Textbooks and other resources

(available at the University bookstore).

In addition to the book I may occasionally assign extra reading material. Such materials will be available on the resources page. Problem sets and labs will be posted on the assignments page.

In addition, you must check your UMM e-mail frequently (at least once a day). I may send clarifications for problem sets by e-mail.

Grading

Grading policies and points breakdown:

Problem sets and labs 45%
In-class quizzes 5%
Class participation 5%
Midterm I 15%
Midterm II 15%
Final 15%

Class participation portion of the grade includes questions asked during the class, participation in discussion of the assigned reading materials (the textbook and the articles), and answering the instructor's questions during the class.

Grading policies

Basic Grading Scheme: (100-90)% A; (90-80)% B; (80-70)% C; (70-60)% D; below 60% F. Small adjustments may be made for particularly good final exams, class average and other signs of individual effort.

Official Grading Policies:

A achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.
B achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.
C achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.
D achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements.
S achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to a C- or better (achievement required for an S is at the discretion of the instructor but may be no lower than a C-).
F (or N) Represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an I (see also I)
I Incomplete. Assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

Collaboration policies; Late and missed work policies

You are welcome to use any textbooks and/or online materials. If such materials made a substantial contribution to your homework assignment, please acknowledge the source and the exact contribution. If you plan to use extra sources for an exam (in-class or take home), please get my OK first. Otherwise such a use would be considered a violation of course policies.

If a problem set is submitted at (or before) the next class meeting after the due date, it is graded out of 3/4 credit. If it is submitted any time after the next meeting (until the last day to submit all late work - it will be announced in class), then it is graded out of 1/2 credit.

A take-home exam must be submitted on time, otherwise it will not be graded.

Credits:

One credit is defined as equivalent to an average of three hours of learning effort per week (over a full semester) necessary for an average student to achieve an average grade in the course. For example, a student taking a four credit course that meets for three hours a week should expect to spend an additional nine hours a week on coursework outside the classroom.

Academic dishonesty:

Scholastic dishonesty is defined in the University Student Conduct Code. If in doubt as to how the code is applicable to a specific assignment or other course-related work, please ask.

Academic dishonesty in any portion of the academic work for a course shall be grounds for a penalty, up to and including awarding a grade of F or N for the entire course.

Problem set collaboration policy:

Problem sets are individual work, unless specifically designated as work in groups. For guidelines on work in groups please see the syllabus. Discussion with students other than those in your group (or anyone not in this class) should be limited to general approaches to the problem. All such discussions as well as use of sources other than the textbook and the handouts given in class must be acknowledged in the beginning of the problem solution.

Classroom conduct:

Students are expected to interact with the instructor and other students with respect and courtesy. Students should attend every class session prepared to learn and work. Participation in class is expected, which includes both listening and speaking up. Students are expected to ask questions about the course material as needed, either in class or during the instructor's office hours, or by e-mail.

Do not use cell phones or other loud or otherwise disruptive equipment in class without the instructor's consent. Students whose behavior is disruptive either to the instructor or to other students may be asked to leave. Students whose behavior suggests the need for counseling or other assistance may be referred to counseling services. Students whose behavior violates the University Student Conduct Code will be subject to disciplinary action.

Accommodations for students with disabilities:

It is University policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. This publication/material is available in alternative formats to persons with disabilities upon request.
Students who may benefit from these services are strongly encouraged to contact the Disability Services office, 589-6178, Room 362 Briggs Library to discuss accommodation needs.

Sexual harassment policies:

University policy prohibits sexual harassment as defined by the University of Minnesota Regents' policy.

The views and opinions expressed on this page and on the linked course pages are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.