CSCI 3333.3 Data Structures
Spring 2013
Course Information

by Bun Yue

This is an important core course of computing. It is a prerequisite for many other CSCI and CINF courses. A solid foundation in data structure is essential for successful careers in CS and IT.

1. General Information

CSCI 3333.3 (39434) W 7:0-10:00 pm D241

Instructor

Dr. Bun Yue, Professor of Computer Science, Chair, Division of Computing and Mathematics
Delta 163, 281-283-3864, yue@uhcl.edu
URL: http://dcm.uhcl.edu/yue/
Office hour: TW 4:15-6:15pm, by appointment, or whenever you find me.

Teaching Assistant

Vijender Palakala: PalakalaV0928 at UHCL.edu

Location:

Research Assistant

Account and software problems may be addressed to the systems administrator, Ms. Krishani Abeysekera, or her assistants.

Textbooks

M.A. Weiss. Data Structures & Problem Solving Using Java, 4th Edition. Addison Wesley/Pearson. 2009. (ISBN: 0321541405)

Author's resources: Dr. Weiss' Home Page, source code.

Course Description

Advanced programming techniques and data structures including tables, linked lists, queues and stacks. Abstract Data Types, Recursion, Searching and Sorting. Binary Trees. Elementary algorithm design and implementation. Laboratory instruction.

Course Goals

Upon course completion, students are expected to:

• Understand basic software engineering concepts such as design, implement and test a solution when given a set of requirements.
• Recognize when and how to use the following data structures: arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues and binary trees.
• Perform sequential searching, binary searching and hashing algorithms.
• Apply various sorting algorithms including bubble, insertion, selection and quicksort.
• Understand recursion and be able to give examples of its use.
• Understand the complexity of algorithms (Big Oh notation).
• Understand implications of unethical conduct.

Prerequisites

CSCI 3133, CSCI 3234 and Java, or equivalent.

Course Format

Traditional lectures, some classroom demonstrations and homework and programming assignments.

2. Course Policies and Guidelines

1. No class auditing without instructor's approval.
2. Assignments are due at the beginning of classes. No exception. Assignments turned in after the beginning of classes will be considered as late.
3. Late assignments are accepted with a penalty of 10% deduction per week day after the due date. No late assignment will be accepted one week after the due date. The last assignment cannot be late.
4. Make sure that you follow the submission guidelines for programming assignments. Failure to do so will result in assignments not graded.
5. For consistency, if you have a dispute in project grading, discuss it with the TA first.
6. This course does not use Blackboard of UHCL.
7. No make-up exam except in verified emergencies with immediate notification.
8. No incomplete grade or administrative withdrawal under nearly all situations.
9. Penalty on cheating will be extremely severe. Standard academic honesty procedure will be strictly followed. Use your best judgment. If you are not sure about certain activities, consult the instructor. See: http://prtl.uhcl.edu/portal/page/portal/PRV/FORMS_POLICY_PROCEDURES/STUDENT_POLICIES/Academic_Honesty_Policy
10. UHCL Information about withdrawals, appeals, GPA, repeated courses, the 6 drop rule, etc. can be found in the general program requirement section: http://www.uhcl.edu/XDR/Render/catalog/archives/125/06/%23A0110.
11. This is a Web-assisted course with no paper class notes.
12. Students with disabilities and/or special requirements should discuss their needs with the instructor as soon as possible. See UHCL Disability Service.
13. I do not respond to anonymous email.
14. Mobile phones should be turned off during classes.

Tips:

1. Check the course Web page regularly. Check the course Website frequently and read the class lectures beforehand.
2. I check email frequently during the week days. Be sure to write a good subject heading for your email so my email filter won't consider it junk and I can relate to it quickly. Check notes on managing email.
3. If you have problems with your accounts, you may want to contact the systems administrator directly by sending them an email and copying it to me. However, do not ask her questions about your homework. Instead, ask me.
4. Software development is time consuming. Start early and plan well ahead.
5. Procrastination usually results in poor grades.
6. If you expect any potential problems, consult me as soon as possible so I may help you.
7. Assignments and examinations will be thrown away one month after the final examination week. Be sure to claim them on time.
   

2.2 Attendance

Students are expected to attend class regularly and actively participate in classroom discussions.

2.3 Academic Honesty

The UHCL Academic Honesty Policy will be strictly adhered to. The honesty code section state:

The Honesty Code is the university community's standard of honesty and is endorsed by all members of the University of Houston-Clear Lake academic community. It is an essential element of the University's academic credibility. It states:

I will be honest in all my academic activities and will not tolerate dishonesty.

Academic honesty is integral to university education. Students are advised to thoroughly understand UHCL academic honesty policy.

2.4 ASSESSMENT FOR ACCREDITATION:

The School of Science and Computer Engineering may use assessment tools in this course and other courses for curriculum evaluation. Educational assessment is defined as the systematic collection, interpretation, and use of information about student characteristics, educational environments, learning outcomes, and client satisfaction to improve program effectiveness, student performance, and professional success. This assessment will be related to the learning objectives for each course and individual student performance will be disaggregated relative to these objectives. This disaggregated analysis will not impact student grades, but will provide faculty with detailed information that will be used to improve courses, curriculum, and student performance.

3. Grading Policies

Grades will be assigned based solely on homework and examination scores. No other factors will be considered. In particular, students have requested me to reconsider their grades using the following reasons in the past: course participation; improvement during the semester; extra efforts; avoidance of probation; financial needs; scholarship needs; need to graduate; company relocation; immigration status needs; family needs; etc. These requests had all been declined politely but firmly.

There will also be no 'special project' that you can work on to improve your grades after the final examination. Anything I offer to one student will be offered to the entire class.

Total score is computed using the following percentages:

Homework: 30%
Mid-Term Exam: 35%
Final Exam: 35%

Grades are assigned by the following score table: