CSC 332 Algorithms and Data Structures

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CSC 332 Algorithms and Data Structures

• Introduction and Overview

Dr. Paige H. Meeker Computer Science Presbyterian
College, Clinton, SC
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Lecture 1

• Introduction and Class Overview
• Syllabus
• Expectations
• Important Dates
• Homework (ALREADY???)

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Contact Information

• Name Dr. Paige H. Meeker
• Office Richardson 103B
• Phone [phone] (office)
• (803)-749-1647 (home between 9 and 9 ONLY)
• Email mpmeeker_at_presby.edu
• PaigeMeeker_at_sc.rr.com

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Required Text

• Data Structures and Problem Solving Using Java
  Weiss

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Late Policy
It is very difficult for students to catch up
once they have fallen behind. Consequently, late
work is not encouraged. All assignments must be
turned in by the start of class the day they are
due. If you think you will be unable to meet a
due date on an assignment due to an emergency,
contact me in advance to negotiate an extension.
If you have not negotiated an extension, then
submit what you have by the due date to receive
partial credit. For each day late (every 24 hours
past the due date) you will receive a 10
reduction in grade and after 4 days, the
assignment may not be turned in for credit.
However, since much of the work in the class
builds on previous work, you are strongly
encouraged to complete all assignments. A
deadline has a wonderful way of concentrating the
mind. Professor Moriarty, Character, Star
Trek, TNG, episode title Ship in a Bottle I
love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they
make as they fly by. Douglas Adams.
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Attendance Policy

• Coming to class is important.
• More than 5 absences (excused or not) will result
  in the loss of one letter grade for each
  additional class day missed. More than 8
  absences will result in a failing grade for the
  class.
• (Since this is a small class, if something comes
  up that is important, please inform me ahead of
  time and we can schedule a make-up day instead of
  missing class.)

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Grading Policy

• I wrote the examination, determined the marking
  scheme (which was quite complicated) and set the
  Grade levels, so you can take it from me, as the
  sole examiner, that if you received Acceptable
  or higher you really earned your grade. Of
  course, this meant that some people had to fail,
  but what would be the point of putting you
  through all that work without giving you honestly
  earned rewards?
• J. K. Rowling,
• concerning the W.O.M.B.A.T
• test on her personal website

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Grading Policy

• So, what does that mean to you?
• I dont give grades you earn them. Think
  about this now, not the last week of class. It
  will save us all time and heartache!

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Grading Policy

• Grading will be assigned using the standard /-
  scale. Your final grade will be calculated as
  follows
• Labs / Programming Assignments / Homework 35
• Midterm 30
• Final Exam (Cumulative) 35
• The final exam is cumulative. It is very
  important that you leave this course with a good
  understanding of the topics. Consequently, if
  your final exam score is higher than your midterm
  score, the final exam weight will be increased to
  40 and the midterm reduced to 25.

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Academic Dishonesty

• I take the PC honor code very seriously. If you
  have any questions about what is considered bad
  behavior ask BEFORE, not AFTER. Ignorance is no
  excuse.
• Every act of dishonesty has at least two victims
  the one we think of as the victim, and the
  perpetrator as well. Each little dishonesty
  makes another little rotten spot somewhere in the
  perpetrators psyche. Lesley Conger.

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Academic Dishonesty

• All assignments will be pledged
• "On my honor, I will abstain from all deceit. I
  will neither give nor receive unacknowledged aid
  in my academic work, nor will I permit such
  action by any member of this community. I will
  respect the persons and property of the
  community, and will not condone discourteous or
  dishonest treatment of these by my peers. In my
  every act, I will seek to maintain a high
  standard of honesty and truthfulness for myself
  and for the College."

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Academic Honesty Specifics

• If you use external resources cite clearly!
• Dont do anything that would even be considered
  dishonest. Ask if you think there is a question.
• Remember PCs standard penalty
• An F in the course
• A WF in all other courses taken that semester
• A semester suspension.
• Think is it worth it? (Answer NO!)

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Participation

• Reasons to participate
• Class means more to you and me
• More entertaining, interactive lectures
• Ill start giving quizzes if I think youre not
  listening
• How to participate?
• Ask questions
• Make comments
• NOTE No question/comment is considered dumb

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Dates to Remember

• Midterm Given - Wednesday, Oct 3rd
• Due Wednesday, Oct 10th)
• No class on Monday, Oct 8th
• Final Given Wednesday, Dec 5th
• Due December 13th
• Check for conflicts now. If you miss either
  the midterm or final, you will receive a 0. You
  are not allowed to make up either test after it
  has been given. If you must miss the class for
  an excused reason, you must take the test BEFORE
  the rest of the class.

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• This is just an overview for details READ THE
  SYLLABUS!!

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For each task in life, remember

• His priority did not seem to be to teach them
  what he knew, but rather to impress upon them
  that nothing, not even... knowledge, was
  foolproof.
• J. K. Rowling

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What will you learn?

• Traversals
• Sorting / Searching Algorithms
• Graph Algorithms
• Simple and Advanced Data Structures
• More and more Java
• Anything else I can fit in!

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Homework

• Make sure you have a cs2 account (and remember
  your password) see Dr. Smith if you need help
  with this.
• Check out program assignment 1 Due Monday, 9/3