CLASSES

Each week you should attend three hours of lectures, a two hour mixed class (a tutorial and a practical combined in a single session). For details of days, times and rooms consult the timetables webpage.

Please note that Workshops commence in Week 2 and that you are required to attend the Workshops and hand in prepared work each week. Failure to do so may result in you being excluded from the exam (see the rule).

We recommend that during Week 1 you make sure that you can successfully login into your account, and also access unit's materials via iLearn .

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Textbook

The textbook for COMP333 used this semester is:

• T. H. Cormen, C. E. Leiserson, R. L. Rivest, & C. Stein, Introduction to Algorithms (MIT Press) 3rd edition. ISBN 0-262-53305-7.

It is available from the University Co-op Bookshop.

UNIT WEBPAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Echo360

http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/lecture_recordings.htm

Digital recordings of lectures are available. Please follow these instructions to access the recordings.

Technology

C++ or Java compiler

Bitbucket version control

Websites

This unit will use iLearn  to distribute materials and for submission of work.

The textbook comes with a companion website provided by the publisher. This site contains chapter overviews, a glossary, algorithms written in pseudo-code, and more.

Discussion Boards

The unit makes use of discussion boards hosted within iLearn . Please post questions there, they are monitored by the staff on the unit.

Week	Topic	Reading
1	Elementary Algorithmics and Data Structures	Chaps. 1-2
2	Analysis of Algorithms and Asymptotic Notations	Chaps. 3-4
3	Greedy Algorithms	Chap 16
4	Dynamic Programming	Chap 15
5	Algorithm design techniques	Chaps. 4 and selected topics from chaps 6-9.
6	Computational Complexity 1	Chap 17
7	Approximation Algorithms	Chap. 35
8	Probabilistic Algorithms	Chaps. 1 and 5
9	Metaheuristics	notes
10	Advanced Data Structures	Chap. 18-21
11	Parameterized Algorithms	notes
12	Computational Complexity 2	Chap. 34
13	Revision

There will be two in-class tests during the semester to complement learning in the workshops. In-class tests are used to assess the understanding of the weekly exercises following feedback of the submitted problems. The portfolio assessment is designed to encourage reflective practice and to give students the opportunity to demonstrate deep knowledge and awareness of the applications of the COMP333 material. The second part of the lecture material for the unit has been updated to integrate recent advances in the field.

Grading

At the end of the session, you will receive a grade that reflects your achievement in the unit

• Fail (F): does not provide evidence of attainment of all learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; and incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.
• Pass (P): provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; and communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.
• Credit (Cr): provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; plus communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.
• Distinction (D): provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.
• High Distinction (HD): provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application.

In this unit, your final grade depends on your performance in each part of the assessment. For each task, a mark is awarded based on your performance in each learning outcome assessed and their relative weights. The different component marks are then added up to determine your total mark out of 100. Your grade then depends on this total mark and your overall standards of performance.

You will pass the unit if you

• obtain a total mark of 50% or higher; and
• demonstrate that you can perform at a Functional level or higher for each criterion assessed in the assignments; and
• reach a Functional level or higher for each criterion assessed in the final examination.

In order to obtain a higher grade than a Pass, you have to fulfill additional conditions. Namely, you must demonstrate that you can apply your knowledge consistently

• at an Advanced level and have a total mark of 85% or higher to obtain High Distinction;
• at least at a Proficient level and have a total mark of 75% or higher to obtain Distinction;
• at least at a Proficient level and have a total mark of 65% or higher to obtain Credit.