1. CSCE 489-503 Problem Solving Programming Strategies
John Keyser
Spring 2017

2. Course Goals Teach you to:
Analyze problems
Determine algorithms to solve problems
Implement algorithms
Test code
Do this quickly and accurately
We will do this using a programming contest format

3. What You are Expected to Know
At least the material in 221
Basic data structures:
Lists/arrays
Trees
Graphs
Hash tables
Basic algorithms
Search/Sort
Tree manipulation
Graph traversal
Ability to code these things up
Don’t care about language, but will usually use C or C++ examples
Sometimes languages will give benefits – handling I/O, and build in libraries

4. Format of the Class Monday and Wednesday: Lectures
Will attempt to cover a wide range of topics; see syllabus
May require reading in the textbook or outside textbook to learn details
Might go over/review problems, but will focus more on ideas here
Homework problem sets
Given, generally, each Friday, due subsequent Friday
Friday: Lab
Run somewhat like a contest – need to code rapidly
Will get a set of problems at start
Must solve what you can during the lab time
Individual and Team

5. Special situations We will likely have a guest visitor midway through
For about 2 weeks
Will likely specify problem sets for lab and review them in class
Programming contests (open)
Tentative plans, will not be required
One when visitor is here
One later in semester (programming team selection)
Lab times:
No lab on April 14 (Reading Day) – Tuesday, May 2 instead
Lab right before Spring Break might be cancelled
Lab for final “exam”

6. Logistics Textbook: need to order it from publisher directly
Hardcover, paperback, or PDF
Grading: percentage of all problems solved
Problems given in weekly problem sets
Problems given in weekly labs
Excused absences may reduce the “base” of the number
Webpage: basic schedule/plans/assignments
Office hours (HRBB 304A):
Wed. 1:45-2:45 (but not today)
Fri (but not Feb. 24)
Other times by appointment (Sheila Dotson can set up:
Today:
Ending early…

7. Problem set 0 Due this Friday, before Lab Get set up in Kattis
You might have to “join” our class at some point, when that is set up correctly
Do three problems
They are meant to be very simple, to give you some very basic practice
This Friday
Lab will have a set of problems to work on in first hour
You will get the first longer problem set
None of these problems will require advanced algorithms or processing. As the course progresses, problems will get significantly harder.