CS1500 Algorithms and Data Structures for Engineering, FALL 2012

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 This is an introductory course in Algorithms (1/3) and DataStructures (1/3) using the C++ language(1/3). Topics that will be covered include: basic algorithms like sorting, searching and graph traversals; arrays, matrices, linked lists, stacks and queues, hashes; parameters, local variables, call by value and call by reference, writing code to specifications, function declarations, definitions and calls, pointers, classes and objects, fields, methods, constructors, inheritance, polymorphism.

It is possible to receive a grade of A in the course without purchasing or reading the textbook. Students will be quizzed and graded on the material presented in the classroom. It is also important to note that the course usually follows the book but there might  be some material that is not presented in the book. However, if you are unsure of your ability to pick up the course concepts from the class, or if you intend to use C++ professionally (more students do so than you may realize), the textbook is well worth the investment.

• LAB - 12 x (approx)10pts each, 120pts total. There will be a lab session every week, with a given assignment. You can start working on the assignment as soon as it is posted. You have to both demo to TA during lab  and submit your work by emailing a file to the TA with the precise name LAB#_firstname_lastname.cpp. Lab attendance is mandatory, or you lose the lab points; you can leave early if you finish.
  

• QUIZZES. There will be an in-class, on paper (no computer, calculators, phones etc), quiz every three weeks or so. The exact grade weighting between quizzes, labs and HWs will be posted here when decided.
  

• HOMEWORK - 6 x 20-25 pts each. There will be a homework every two weeks, usually due on Thursday morning. You can get help on these assignments during office hours; a TA will grade them. Submission must be done by emailing a file to the TA with the precise name  HW#_firstname_lastname.cpp.  You can only email once, so make sure your code works before submitting.
  

• Few additional points can be earned for class participation (at discretion of the instructor), or for clever solutions/extensions on assignments (at discretion of  TAs)

• Labs: everyone can be late or miss on 1 (one) lab session. You will have to make up for it in a future session lab (please check with the TA)
• Homeworks: everyone can be late 7 (seven) days total - holidays, weekends count. After the 7 free days, each late day costs 20% of the  total HW points.

• It is taken very seriously! Violations of these guidelines may result in disciplinary action.
• Not permitted in any form and under any circumstances on quizzes.
• Any collaboration (including discussions/code from outside the class) must be clearly indicated at the top of the submission.
  
• Encouraged on Labs. Students can look into each other's code, but copying/sharing electronically is not allowed. Looking for code online is allowed, but it cannot be copied verbatim.
  
• Homeworks: discussions "on board" are allowed, including on very particular coding issues, but students are not allowed to see/share each other's code.