CSCI 310 Data Structures

Summer 2009 Syllabus

Instructor

Dr. Kevin Lillis
Office: Ambrose Hall 429
Phone: 563-333-6429
e-mail: LillisKevinM at sau dot edu
Office Hours: By appointment

Course Description

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of data structures and the algorithms that proceed from them. Topics include recursion, fundamental data structures (including stacks, queues, linked lists, hash tables, trees, and graphs) searching and sorting, and the basics of algorithmic analysis.

Pre-Requisites

CSCI 295 - Object Oriented Programming II
MATH 095 or high school equivalency or appropriate placement.

Required Text

Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C++, 3rd ed.
by Mark Allen Weiss
ISBN 978-0321441461

Schedule

This class is being offered as an Independent Study. Meeting times are by arrangement.

Requirements

There will be regular homework assignments as well as a final exam.

A web site has been created for this class at web.sau.edu/LillisKevinM/csci310/2009Summer. In addition, the Blackboard course management software will be used for this class. Blackboard can be accessed at blackboard.sau.edu.

Homework Assignments

All homework is posted on the class web site at the start of the summer session. Since this is a self-paced course, no due dates have been given for the homework. All homework must be completed prior to the final exam.

Collaboration

You are encouraged to discuss homework and other parts of the class with other students. Such discussions about ideas are not cheating, whereas the exchange of finished, written answers is cheating. Never give finished answers to someone else or use someone else's finished answers. Plagiarism/cheating are considered grounds for a failing grade for that particular piece of work. Furthermore, it would weigh heavily in the final grade, possibly resulting in a failing grade for the entire course.

Grading

Homework Assignments 60%
Final Exam 40%

Letter grades will be assigned based on the following:

A = 90-100 B+ = 86-89 B = 80-85 C+ = 76-79 C = 70-75
D = 60-69 F = Below 60      

In determining borderline grades, the instructor reserves the right to consider perceived student initiative and class participation.

An incomplete will be given only when a student meets the conditions stated in the latest St. Ambrose University catalog. Earning a low grade is not a valid reason for an incomplete.

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at 333-6161 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.