Algorithm Design and Analysis

Module aims

In this module you will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore the main algorithmic design paradigms
  • Apply algorithmic techniques to practical and unseen problems
  • Quantitatively analyse the performance of algorithms
  • Model the mathematical structure of computational tasks and apply the right algorithmic tools on them
  • Develop your algorithmic thinking and problem solving skills.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module you will be able to:

  • Compare, characterise and evaluate different implementations of basic algorithms
  • Analyse algorithms using quantitative evaluation
  • Formulate algorithmic abstractions of computational problems
  • Design and implement efficient algorithms for practical and unseen problems
  • Specify which algorithms can be applied to which classes of problems   

Module syllabus

  • Quantitative Analysis of Algorithms and Growth Order
  • Divide and Conquer
  • Dynamic Programming
  • Greedy Algorithms
  • Randomised Algorithms
  • Advanced Graph Algorithms
  • String Processing Algorithms       

Teaching methods

The material will be taught through traditional lectures, backed up by in-class tutorial sessions addressing unassessed, i.e. formative, tutorial problems designed to reinforce the material as it is taught. The lectures will also include occasional demonstrations of algorithms in action using various tools, such as Jupyter notebooks.

 An online service will be used as a discussion forum for the module.

Assessments

There will be two assessed courseworks, both including a practical programming element, that contribute 20% of the mark for the module. There will be a final written exam, which counts for the remaining 80% of the marks.                   

Feedback will be given on the two assessed courseworks in form of annotated electronic submissions.              

Reading list

Core

Supporting

Module leaders

Dr Jamie Willis

Reading list

View the module reading list (Leganto)