Syllabus


Course Description

Data Structures are the paramount concern of this course. The principle objective of the course is to help you learn how to design and analyze a wide range of data structures.

The course covers data structures and associated algorithms. Relationships among data structures, their utility in various situations, and factors affecting their performance in algorithms will be considered. You will learn to analyze the demands of algorithms, how to choose appropriate data structures, and how to integrate data structures into algorithms.


Textbooks

Required Textbook

C ++ Language Reference

There are many reference sources for the C++ language. Here are some favorites:

Other References

Some optional reference books:


Prerequisites

We will assume that you have mastered the material from CMSC 201, CMSC 202, and CMSC 203. We will not review material that has been covered in the prerequisite courses. We assume prior experience with C++ (CMSC 202). We do cover a few of the concepts from CMSC 202, but from a deeper point-of-view. If you are not familiar with C++, please seek help from TA office hours.

Note: Computer science majors must also have completed CMSC 201 and CMSC 202 with a grade of B or better to be enrolled in this course.


Grading

Grading varies by section. Please consult the section home pages.

Office Hours

TA's for this class hold office hours throughout the week. See Staff page. If you need to contact any of the course staff outside of lecture and office hours, email is much better than the telephone. You should, however, observe the following etiquette:

Debugging help must be received in person. (No email debugging!) This is so the instructor or TA can ask you questions about your program, and help you learn how to debug on your own.


Academic Integrity

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Instances of cheating will be reported to the UMBC Academic Conduct Committee. These reports are filed by the Committee and can be used for disciplinary action such as a permanent record on your transcript. Academic honesty is absolutely required of you. You are expected to be honest yourself and to report any cases of dishonesty you see among other students in this class. Reports of dishonest behavior will be kept anonymous.

Further details on honesty in doing projects for this course are on-line at the Project Academic Conduct link.

Students are welcome and encouraged to study together for exams, but examinations are to be your own work — not your neighbor's and not your notes. All exams are closed-book, closed-notes. Only pencils (or pens) and erasers are permitted in the exam room unless otherwise indicated. Scratch paper is provided to you, as needed. Having any other materials in your possession during an exam will be taken as evidence of cheating and dealt with accordingly.