Unit Outline

This unit extends the first year treatment in KIT107 of standard data structures and algorithms for solving computational problems. Topics include: data structures (such as balanced trees and hash tables) for collections, (binary heaps for) priority queues, sorting algorithms (e.g. heapsort, mergesort and quicksort), graphs and graph algorithms (e.g. for searching, topological sorting, critical path analysis, shortest paths, minimum spanning trees, network flow), pattern finding (for substrings and regular expressions), algorithmic problem solving and algorithm design techniques (e.g. greed, divide and conquer, dynamic programming, backtracking).

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	transform a real-world problem into a simple abstract form that is suitable for efficient computation
2	implement common data structures and algorithms using a common programming language
3	analyse the theoretical and practical run time and space complexity of computer code in order to select algorithms for specific tasks
4	apply common algorithm design strategies to develop new algorithms when there are no pre-existing solutions

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	KIT107

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Assignment requirements clarified to provide improved guidance around software development practices.

Teaching arrangements


ATTENDANCE MODE	TEACHING TYPE	LEARNING ACTIVITY	CONTACT HOURS	FREQUENCY
On Campus	Independent Learning	Involving reading, listening to audio, watching video, and/or completing exercises and/or quizzes, self-study is individual work undertaken when the student chooses (i.e. asynchronous), most likely through engagement with MyLO. The content is examinable, and may need to be completed prior to attending classes and/or attempting assessment tasks.	2	Weekly
On Campus	Tutorial	A structured real-time (i.e. synchronous) activity in a small-group setting where the primary purpose is the clarification, exploration or reinforcement of subject content presented or accessed at another time or place (e.g. lecture, preparatory work). It is reliant on student-teacher and student-student interaction and dialogue for achievement of its learning outcomes. The students enrolled in the tutorial are expected to attend.	2	Weekly

Attendance / engagement expectations

If your unit is offered On campus, it is expected that you will attend all on-campus and onsite learning activities. This is to support your own learning and the development of a learning community within the unit. If you are unable to attend regularly, please discuss the situation with your course coordinator and/or our UConnect support team.

If your unit is offered Online or includes online activities, it is expected you will engage in all those activities as indicated in the Unit Outline or MyLO, including any self-directed learning.

If you miss a learning activity for a legitimate reason (e.g., illness, carer responsibilities) teaching staff will attempt to provide alternative activities (e.g., make up readings) where it is possible.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Assignment - Data Storage Application	Week 8	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Assignment - Graph-based Computing Problem	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	Quizzes (x10)	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO2, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 4:	Lab Work	Refer to Assessment Description	20 %	LO2

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Assignment - Data Storage Application

Task Description:

Implement data storage application using linked list and binary search tree data structures and associated algorithms.

Task Length:

~500LOC

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Adapt generic data structures for use in a specific problem	LO1
2	Implement generic list data structures and algorithms	LO2
3	Implement generic tree data structures and algorithms	LO2
4	Evaluate performance of alternative data structures	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Assignment - Graph-based Computing Problem

Task Description:

Use graph data structures and algorithms to solve a graph-based computing problem.

Task Length:

~500LOC 500 words

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Apply graph data structures and algorithms to solve a specific problem	LO1
2	Implement generic graph data structures and algorithms	LO2
3	Develop and analyse algorithms to solve a real world problem	LO1, LO3, LO4

Assessment Task 3: Quizzes (x10)

Task Description:

Use written and diagrammatic approaches to answer questions related to data structures and algorithms.Due Monday 9am of weeks 4-12

Task Length:

10 x 30mins

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse short code segments to determine run time and space complexity	LO3
2	Justify algorithm choice based on run time and space complexity	LO3
3	Identify the design strategies used by common algorithms	LO4
4	Apply one or more design strategies to the development of a new algorithm	LO4
5	Apply algorithms related to common data structures	LO2

Assessment Task 4: Lab Work

Task Description:

Demonstrate completion of lab work covering implementation of foundation data structures and test code. Assessed in week 5 (lists and search trees) and week 9 (graphs).

Task Length:

100LOC

Due Date:

Refer to Assessment Description

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Implement and test a linked list data structure	LO2
2	Implement and test a search tree	LO2
3	Implement and test a graph data structure	LO2

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.

Required Resources

Required reading materials

N/A