433-172 Algorithmic Problem Solving

Students may not gain credit for both 433-172 Algorithmic Problem Solving and either 433-141 Computing Fundamentals A, or 433-152 Algorithmic Problem Solving (Advanced)

433-171 Introduction to Programming or 433-151 Introduction to Programming (Advanced) or 433-142 Computing Fundamentals B

The objective for this subject is for students to build upon their understanding of approaches to solving moderately complex problems with computers, and to be able to demonstrate proficiency in designing and writing programs using both a high-level procedural programming language and a functional language.

Topics covered include algorithmic problem solving; dynamic data types, including list-, tree-, and hash-based implementations of dictionary and priority queue data structures; searching and sorting algorithms; elements of functional programming, including lists and tuples, polymorphism, higher-order functions, dynamic tree-based structures, and symbolic computation; and an introduction to systems software including compilers, interpreters, debuggers and profilers. Programming work will be undertaken in the languages C and Haskell (or an equivalent substitute)

Laboratory work (expected to take about 30 hours) during semester, worth 10% of the final grade; a mid-semester test worth 15% of the final grade; and a written examination (not exceeding three hours) at the end of the semester, worth 75% of the final grade. Details of assessment components will be advised at the commencement of the subject; all components must be completed satisfactorily to pass the subject.