ECS 122A - Algorithm Design and Analysis - Winter 2012

Course Information Sheet

December. 15, 2012



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Course Web page

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    Lectures

    MWF 11:00-11:50 in 204 Art

    Discussion Sections

    F 9:00-9:50 146 Olson
    discussions will begin January 13

    Instructors

    Midterm

    There will be two midterms in this class around Febuary 6 and February 27.

    Final

    8:00-10:00 AM on Monday., March 21 in 204 Art .

    Prerequisites

    Minimal prerequisites are ECS 20 ( discrete math) and ECS 60 (data structures). Mathematics majors might do fine without ECS 20. However, the knowledge in both these classes is critical to success in this class. This is a demanding class and those without the prerequisites are likely to do poorly .

    Textbook

    Introduction to Algorithms, by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest and Stein, third edition. Often called "CLRS." Reading the book strengthens the mind; carrying it strengthens the body. The new edition has some nice new stuff and improved explainations. It's a good reference for the practicing computer scientist. Clearly we will not cover all of its 1000+ pages.

    Grading

    There will be periodic problem sets (28%), two midterms (each 18%) , and a final (36%). Note that you must get a passing average on the exams to pass this course.

    Homeworks

    Homeworks are due by 3:15PM on the due date. It is to be turned in at the marked box in Kemper Hall, #2131. No late homeworks will be accepted.

    Much of what one learns in this course comes from trying to solve the homework problems, so work hard on them. Doing a conscientious job on the homeworks is the best preparation for the exams. We hope that you will ultimate solve the majority of the problems, but don't be surprised if some of them stump you; some of the problems may be quite challenging.

    Your solutions should be terse, correct, and legible. Understandability of the solution is as necessary as correctness. Expect to lose points if you provide a "correct" solution with a not-so-good writeup. As with an English paper, you can't expect to turn in a first draft: it takes refinement to describe something well. Typeset solutions are always appreciated.

    If you can't solve a problem, briefly indicate what you've tried and where the difficulty lies. Don't try to pull one over on us.

    If you think a problem was misgraded, please see the grader first. (The grader will hold 1 office hour per week; time will be announced later.)