CPSC 220: Fundamentals of Computer Science III

Fall 2004


Instructor:Dr. Adrienne Bloss Office Hours: MWF: 10:50 - 11:50
Office: 201 Administration Bldg Thurs: 2:00 - 3:00
Phone: 375-2434 Also by appointment
E-Mail: bloss@roanoke.edu

Course Objectives: This is the third and final course in the introductory computer science sequence. This course focuses on the design, implementation and analysis of elementary data structures. Students will learn the mathematical theory underlying tree and graph structures and increase their ability to apply formal mathematical reasoning to such structures and associated algorithms. Programming will emphasize object-oriented design and will be done in Java.

Prerequisite: CPSC 170.

Text: Java software structures: designing and using data structures, by John Lewis and Joseph Chase, Addison Wesley, 2004. Additional materials may also be provided.

Homework Assignments: Homework assignments are small theoretical or applied problems that are designed to reinforce the material covered in class. Students are encouraged to work together on homework assignments; however, it is never permissible for a student to turn in work that is substantially someone else's as his or her own. Homework will be assigned as needed. Homework is due at the beginning of class on the specified date; late homework will not be accepted for credit except by special arrangement.

Programming Projects: Programming projects are designed to give students the opportunity to apply the problem solving and programming skills they have learned to larger projects. Programming projects are to be done individually. Students may not discuss any aspect of the design or coding of a programming project with anyone except the instructor. Unless otherwise specified, projects are to be turned in by 4 pm on the due date. Five percent per calendar day (24 hours) will be deducted for late work; work more than 5 days late will usually receive no credit. A student who anticipates being unable to meet a deadline should talk to me before the deadline; in extenuating circumstances we may be able to make special arrangements.

Attendance Policy: Class attendance is a very important aspect of a student's success in this course. The student is expected to attend every class and is accountable for any missed classes.

Grading Policy: The course grade will be based on three tests, homework assignments, programming projects, and a comprehensive final examination. The course grade is determined using the following weights:

tests.....40%       homework.......10%       projects.......25%       final exam......25%

Grading Scale: 93-100A        83-86B        73-76C        63-66D
90-92A-        80-82B-        70-72C-        60-62D-
87-89B+        77-79C+        67-69D+        below 60F

Course Topics and Schedule (Tentative)

Week of Topics Sections in Text
Aug 30 Introduction and review of linear collections Most of chapters 2-8 (!)
Sept 6 Trees Chapter 9
Sept 13 Binary search trees Chapter 10.1-10.3
Sept 20 Heaps and priority queues Chapter 11
Sept 27 ** TEST 1 **
Balanced trees
Sections 10.4-10.7
Oct 4 Multiway search trees Chapter 12
Oct 11 Hashing Chapter 13
Oct 18 Fall Break!!
Oct 25 Introduction to servlets Supplemental materials
Nov 1 ** TEST 2 **
Introduction to graphs
Chapter 14
Nov 8 Graph algorithms Section 14.4
Nov 15 NlogN sorts (quicksort, mergesort) Section 5.2
Nov 22 More sorting algorithms and applications
Thanksgiving break
Supplemental materials
Nov 29 ** TEST 3 **
Advanced algorithms
 
Dec 6 Wrap-up and catch-up  
FINAL EXAM: Friday, Dec 17, 8:30-11:30am  

Exact test dates will be announced at least one week in advance.

Make-up Policy: Everyone is expected to take tests and the exam at the scheduled time. Make-ups may be available at the discretion of the instructor in case of medical emergency, and under other extenuating circumstances if the instructor is notified ahead of time. Make-up tests, if given, may be oral.

Academic Integrity

  1. Students may work together on homework assignments, and are encouraged to do so. However, copying someone else's work or turning in work that is substantially someone else's is never allowed.

  2. Tests, exams, and programming projects are to be the work of the individual student. Consultation is permitted only with the instructor.
Using someone else's work or ideas as your own is plagiarism and an academic integrity offense. Examples of academic integrity violations include copying a program or part of a program (even one line) from someone else or from any unauthorized source, writing code for someone else, telling someone else how to solve a problem or having someone tell you how to solve a problem.

Students who need help with any aspect of the course are encouraged to contact the instructor.

Computer Use Policies: All students must abide by the Computer Use policies of Roanoke College. Failure to do so will result in involuntary withdrawal from the course.