COT 5405: Algorithm Design and Analysis

Computer Science Division

College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Central Florida

COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
E-Mail:
Website:

Dr. Sumit Kumar Jha

HEC-253
(407) 882-2215
jha@eecs.ucf.edu
http://sumitkumarjha.com/

Office Hours:

Wednesday 2:30pm to 3:30pm

I.

Term:
Class Meeting Days:
Class Meeting Hours:
Class Location:
Teaching Assistant:

Spring 2014
TR
Noon-1:15pm
ENGO217
Brent Miller
(Tuesdays 2pm-
3pm online)

University Course Catalog Description

Classification of algorithms, e.g., recursive, divide-and-conquer, greedy, etc. Data Structures and algorithm design
and performance. Time and space complexity analysis.

II.

Course Overview
This course explores advanced algorithms for problem solving in the real world. Emphasis is provided on
extending known results by employing computational thinking to solve new problems. Formal techniques for
proving correctness and analyzing the performance of algorithms will also be discussed. Hardness results,
approximation and randomized algorithms will also be briefly surveyed in the course.

III.

Course Objectives
The course has two interrelated objectives:
i.

We will survey a wide variety of graduate algorithms, prove their correctness, and analyze their
algorithmic complexity.

ii.

We will also generalize these algorithms to adopt a computational thinking approach that enables us to
develop algorithms for new research problems.

IV.

Course Prerequisites

COT 4210 or equivalent background. COP 3503 or equivalent background.

Course Credits: 3 units.

V.

VI.

Required Texts and Materials

i.

Algorithm Design. John Kleinberg and Eva Tardos.1st Edition, Pearson Education.

ii.

Introduction to algorithms. T.H. Cormen, C.E. Leiserson, R.L. Rivest, and C. Stein. 3rd edition, MIT press.
(Available online through the UCF library)

VII.

Supplementary (Optional) Texts and Materials

They are available freely through the World Wide Web and subscriptions of the UCF library:
Algorithms and Data Structures - The Basic Toolbox, Mehlhorn, Kurt, Sanders, Peter, 2008, XII, 300 p. 112 illus.,
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-540-77977-3. http://libguides .lib.ucf.edu/content.php?pid=86092&sid=640675

15-853: Algorithms in the Real World (Guy Blelloch, Fall 09) Readings, Notes and Slides.
http://www .cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs/project/pscico-guyb/realworld/www/indexF09.html

VIII.
IX.

Approximation algorithms, V. V. Vazirani, Springer, 2003.

Randomized Algorithms, R. Motwani and P. Raghavan, Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Additional references provided with every lecture.

Schedule: Available online at https://webcourses.ucf.edu/courses/1009042/

Basis for Final Grade

We will use assignments, a mid-term, and a final to evaluate performance in this course. An optional extra-credit
project (see extra credit policy statement below) can also be pursued over the semester, either individually or in
groups of two students. The overall grade for this course will be based on a weighted average of all of these
components.
Assessment

Percent of Final Grade

Two Midterms
Final
Assignments
Project (optional)
Extra-credit problems

60%
30%
10%
75%
25%
100%

Grading Scale (%)

90-100
A
80 - 89
B
70 - 79
C
60 - 69
D
0 - 59

Grade Dissemination
Graded tests and materials in this course will be managed using WebCourses. Please note that scores
returned mid-semester are unofficial grades. If you need help accessing myUCF Grades, see the online
tutorial: https://myucfgrades.ucf.edu/help/.

X.

Course Policies: Grades

Late Work Policy: There are no make-ups for the class tests, midterm or the final exam. Late
assignments will not be accepted.
In cases of documented university-approved emergency, the instructor will accept electronic
submissions via email to jha@eecs.ucf.edu. Electronic submissions should clearly say COT5405
Assignment x Submission in the subject field of emails. The student must meet with the instructor as
soon as possible and inform him that a submission will be made using email.
Extra Credit Policy:
Work on a course project can be used to earn up to 75% of the overall course score. The project will be
evaluated on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Satisfactory projects will obtain full points while
unsatisfactory projects will score 0 points. The instructor will provide continuous feedback and guidance
for the ongoing course project based on the submitted project proposal and status reports.
The instructor will also provide challenging extra-credit problems. The first 5 correct solutions to the
extra-credit problem will be awarded 25 points each. Once the fifth correct solution has been received,
the instructor will post the solution and stop receiving new solutions to the problem (unless the solution
methodology is fundamentally different from the existing solutions in the opinion of the instructor).
Grades of "Incomplete":
The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete
grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing
the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final
authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by the end of
the subsequent semester or the I will automatically be recorded as an F on your transcript.
Rewrite Policy: None of the course components are open to rewrites.

XI.

Course Policies: Technology and Media

Email: The instructor is available by email: jha@eecs.ucf.edu. You can expect a reply within 3 working
days for any email. The instructor may choose to respond to your email in the class in lieu of an email
reply.
Laptop Usage: You are not permitted to use laptops or any other electronic equipment during the
class.

XII.

Course Policies: Student Expectations

Disability Access: The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all
persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities
who need accommodations in this course must contact the professor at the beginning of the semester to discuss

needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the professor to
request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability
Services, Student Resource Center Room 132, phone (407) 823-2371, TTY/TDD only phone (407) 823-2116, before
requesting accommodations from the professor. As a matter of principle, the instructor is committed to
facilitating the participation of every student in the class, and every reasonable request will be accepted.
Attendance Policy: It is mandatory for all students to attend all classes. The classroom is the only venue where
official course announcements will be made. Any absence for official reasons must be reported to the instructor
a priori. The instructor will take attendance in the class and undocumented absence for three lectures during
the semester can lead to a loss of 5% points. Undocumented absence for five lectures will lead to instructor-
initiated withdrawal from the class. For example, if you are absent during Lectures 3, 8, 12, 14 and 16, the
instructor will request the administration to withdraw you from the class.
Professionalism Policy: Per university policy and classroom etiquette, mobile phones etc. must be silenced during
all lectures. Please try to arrive on time for all class meetings, if possible. If you are delayed, please enter the class
in a manner that does not disturb the other students.
Academic Conduct Policy: Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. If you are uncertain as to
what constitutes academic dishonesty, please consult The Golden Rule, the University of Central Florida's
Student Handbook (http://www.goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/) for further details. As in all University courses, The
Golden Rule Rules of Conduct will be applied. Violations of these rules will result in a record of the infraction
being placed in your file and receiving a zero on the work in question AT A MINIMUM. At the instructors
discretion, you may also receive a failing grade for the course. Confirmation of such incidents can also result in
expulsion from the University. All assignments will be subject to review using plagiarism detection software
and the instructor may conduct student interviews to verify that the submitted work belongs to the student.
University Writing Center: The University Writing Center (UWC) is a free resource for UCF undergraduates and
graduates. At the UWC, a trained writing consultant will work individually with you on anything you're writing
(in or out of class), at any point in the writing process from brainstorming to editing. Appointments are
recommended, but not required. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the UWC website at
http://www.uwc.ucf.edu, stop by MOD 608, or call 407.823.2197.