CIS 775, Analysis of Algorithms, Fall 2005

Professor: Rod Howell

Email: rhowell@ksu.edu
Office: 227D Nichols
Office Hours: 1:00-2:00 MTWF, 2:00-3:00 Th

TA: Scott Harmon

Email: harmon at ksu.edu
Office: Nichols 16A-2
Office Hours: By appointment
Note: Scott's duties will consist solely of grading homework assignments. This contact information is provided for those who need to ask him questions regarding his grading. If you need help with the class, please see Dr. Howell.

Required Textbook:

Algorithms: A Top-Down Approach, R. Howell, 3rd draft (in preparation)

References:

Fundamentals of Algorithmics, G. Brassard and P. Bratley, Prentice Hall, 1996.
Introduction to Algorithms, T. Cormen, C. Leiserson, R. Rivest, and C. Stein, 2nd Ed., McGraw Hill, 2001
Concrete Mathematics, R. Graham, D. Knuth, and O. Patashnik, 2nd Ed., Addison Wesley, 1994

Prerequisite:

CIS 575 Introduction to Algorithm Analysis

Specifically, students are expected to have the following background:

Significant experience programming in some high-level programming language
Familiarity with standard data structures: lists, stacks, queues, trees, search trees, priority queues, hash tables, graphs (see Chapters 4-9 of Howell)
Understanding of asymptotic notation and its use in analyzing algorithms
Understanding of basic concepts of set theory and propositional and predicate logic
Ability to write rigorous proofs, similar to any of the proofs in Chapters 1-4 of Howell
Understanding of algebra (functions, solution of equations, limits, summations), calculus (derivatives and integrals), and combinatorics

Goals:

Students should master the following knowledge and skills:

The design of efficient algorithms
Mathematical analysis of algorithms
Mathematical rigor in solving theoretical problems
Written communication of rigorous problem solutions

In addition, students should become familiar with NP-completeness and related topics.

Topics:

The early part of the course will be based on Chapters 1-5, and 8 of Howell. Much of this material may be review, but it is necessary to cover it in order that the proper foundations are laid. The core of the course is taken from Chapters 10-17 in Howell.

Grading:

Homework: 40%
Final Paper, Due Dec. 15, 5:00 pm: 50%
Participation: 10%

Homework will be assigned throughout the semeseter. We will spend significant class time discussing some of the problems before they are due. It is therefore important that you attempt to solve the problems before the date on which they will be discussed, so that you will be able to participate in the discussion. The participation grade will be based on your participation in these discussions, as well as any feedback you might give me on the required textbook.

Assignments may be submitted to either

Rod Howell; or
the homework tray in the CIS office, Nichols 234 (be sure to include your name, my name, and the course number).

Assignments submitted to any other person/location or after the due date will not be accepted.

Grades will be assigned according to the following grading scale:

85%-100%: A
70%-85%: B
55%-69%: C
40%-54%: D
0%-39%: F

Academic Honesty:

On all homework, projects, and exams, you will be expected to do your own work. According to the Honor System, on all assignments, examinations, or other course work undertaken by students, the following pledge is implied, whether or not it is stated: "On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work." For more information, please visit the Honor System web page at http://www.ksu.edu/honor.

Any attempt to represent as your work any work done by any other person, (student or non-student) will be considered to be cheating. Penalties for cheating range from a 0 on the assignment to dismissal from the university. For more information, see my Guidelines on the Use of External Sources.

K-State Online

All assignments and other course materials will be distributed via K-State Online. Grade information may be accessed there, and announcements will be posted there from time to time. Important class messages will be emailed to your KSU email accounts and posted as announcements. You must be enrolled in the course to access K-State Online.

Other

College of Engineering Policies

Copyright © 2005, Rod Howell. This syllabus, all lectures for this course, and all lecture materials are copyrighted materials. During this course, students are prohibited from selling notes to or being paid for taking notes by any person or commercial firm without the express written permission of Rod Howell.