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UW CS
Theory Group
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Course Information
Course Description
This is a first course in the design and analysis of
algorithms. The main focus is on techniques for constructing correct
and efficient algorithms, and on tools to reason about them. Design
paradigms include greed, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming,
reduction to network flow, and the use of randomness. A second focus
point is computational intractability. NP-complete problems are
covered, as well as ways to deal with them.
The course forms a foundation for all areas of computer science. The
particular computational problems discussed have applications in
artificial intelligence, computational biology, compiler construction,
hardware and network protocols, and optimization.
Textbook
Jon Kleinberg and Eva Tardos, Algorithm Design, Addison-Wesley, 2005.
References
T. Cormen, C. Leiserson, R. Rivest, and C. Stein,
Introduction to Algorithms, 2nd edition, 2001.
K. Rosen, Discrete Mathematics and its Applications,
4th edition, 2003.
Prerequisites
CS 240 (Discrete Mathematics), and CS 367 (Data Structures) are
essential prerequisites. The course catalogue also lists Math 222
(second semester of Calculus) but that prerequisite is not as
essential as the other two.
A self-calibration homework will be handed out in the first lecture.
Exams
All exams are closed book and closed notes. However, you will be allowed to bring a "cheat-sheet".
- Midterm (24%). Time/date TBA
- Final (40%). S 12/18 7:25 p.m. - 9:25 p.m.
Grading Policy
- Point distribution. The points distribution for final
grades is as follows: homeworks (36% - best 9 out of 10), midterm (24%), final (40%).
- Homeworks. There will be 10 graded homeworks in all. Homework
release dates and due dates are posted here. We
will drop the lowest homework score from consideration when
tallying each student's final score. Homeworks may be done in pairs.
- Programming homework. You may substitute any one written homework for a programming assignment. The assignment, its evaluation, and the deadline for it should be discussed with the instructor within a day of the release of the written homework that you are substituting.
- Lateness policy. Each homework is due at the beginning of
the lecture on the due date. No extensions will be given on the due
date. However, we will drop each student's lowest homework score
from consideration.
Staff
Instructor:
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Shuchi Chawla
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Office: | CS 4373
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Phone: | 890-0027
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Email: | shuchi (AT) cs (DOT) wisc (DOT) edu
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Lectures: | MWF 1:00 p.m. - 2:10 p.m. in COMP S&ST 1221
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Office hours: | M 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. & F 2:30 p.m. - 3:30
p.m. in CS 4373
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Teaching Assistant:
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Nilay Vaish
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Office: | CS 3379
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Email: | nilay (AT) cs (DOT) wisc (DOT) edu
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Office hours: | T 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in CS 3379
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Review session: | R 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Engg. 3345
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