CS 5110 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Syllabus


Instructor: Alice McRae

Textbook
Introduction to Algorithms, by Cormen, Leiserson, and Rivest, 3rd edition (McGraw Hill)

Course Objectives

Topics Covered
We will skip around quite a bit in the textbook. I hope to cover the following: divide and conquer, greedy algorithms, branch and bound algorithms, backtracking, probabilistic algorithms, approximation algorithms, dynamic programming, and NP-completenss.

Grading Policy
A standard 10-point scale is used for assigning final grades. Your grade will be computed from the following:

Reading
Try to read the appropriate sections of the book as we cover the topic in class. Many times we will skip over details in class, and you can find more preciseness in the text. If you are not sure which sections in the book correspond to the material we are covering, feel free to ask in class.

Assignments
Assignments will be given regularly. For most assignments, you are encouraged to discuss your work with others and to bring up questions and ideas in class.

Research Project
Students will choose an intractable problem for their project. The student will pick a problem that is original (it may be related to a familiar algorithmic problem). The instructor can help you hone in on an original problem. The student will design a research paper and programming project that includes the following:

Exams
Exams are worked on individually without collaboration. The final exam is scheduled for Monday, December 7th, from 9:00 to 11:30am.

Academic Integrity Code (quoted from Vice Provost)
As a community of learners at Appalachian State University, we must create an atmosphere of honesty, fairness, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of each other. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of an Appalachian degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form and will oppose any instance of academic dishonesty. This course will follow the provisions of the Academic Integrity Code, which can be found on the Office of Student Conduct Web Site at www.studentconduct.appstate.edu.


Accomodations for Students with Disabilities (quoted from Vice Provost)
Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Those seeking accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and register with The Office of Disability Services (ODS) at http://www.ods.appstate.edu/ or 828-262-3056. Once registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate accommodations.