Foundations of Algorithms (COMP10002)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
Semester 2
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AIMS

In many projects, it is important for programmers to have fine control over low-level details of program execution, and to be able to assess the cost of a design decision on likely overall program performance. This subject introduces students to a system programming language that gives programmers this kind of control, explores a range of standard data structures and algorithmic techniques, and shows how to apply them to frequently encountered problems.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

  • Introduction to computer organization
  • Machine level representation of data
  • Programming in a system programming language
  • Pointers and dynamic memory allocation
  • Program semantics and arguments about correctness
  • Induction and recursion
  • Basic searching algorithms (linear and binary)
  • Basic sorting algorithms (such as selection sort, insertion sort, quicksort)
  • Basic data structures (binary search trees and hash tables)
  • Asymptotic complexity
  • Standard software development tools such as debuggers.

 

Intended learning outcomes

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILO)



On completion of this subject the student is expected to:



  • Read, write and debug typical small-scale programs in a system programming language such as C
  • Discuss, analyse, implement, and apply standard data structures such as linked lists, binary search trees, and hash tables
  • Discuss, analyse, and apply a range of sorting and searching algorithms
  • Present logical arguments for the correctness of a given algorithm
  • Choose between different algorithms for simple problems by analysing their complexity
  • Use a command line interface and standard development tools for programming

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should have developed the following skills:

  • Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
  • Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning
  • Profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship
  • An ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

One of the following subjects:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
COMP10001 Foundations of Computing
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
COMP10003 Media Computation
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

OR

Achieving at least 75% in a programming competency test.

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

Students cannot enrol in and gain credit for this subject and:

 

 

COMP20006

433-172 Algorithmic Problem Solving

433-152 Algorithmic Problem Solving

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

Additional details

  • Project work during semester, requiring approximately 30 - 35 hours of work, (30%), due in approximately Week 8 and Week 11
  • One mid-semester test (10%), held in Week 5 or Week 6
  • One two-hour end-of-semester examination (60%).

Hurdle requirement: To pass the subject, students must obtain at least:

  • 50% overall
  • 12/30 in project work
  • 28/70 in the mid-semester test and end-of-semester written examination combined.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO) 1 is addressed in all components of assessment. ILO 2, ILO 3, ILO 4 and ILO 5 are assessed in the mid-semester test and in the examination. ILO 6 is addressed in the programming assignments.

 

 

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorJianzhong Qi
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours60 hours, comprising of three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2017
    Census date31 March 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017
    Assessment period ends23 June 2017

    Semester 1 contact information

    Semester 1: Dr Jianzhong Qi
    email: jianzhong.qi@unimelb.edu.au


    Semester 2: Professor Alistair Moffat
    email: ammoffat@unimelb.edu.au

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorAlistair Moffat
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours60 hours, comprising of three 1-hour lectures and one 2-hour workshop per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017
    Census date31 August 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2017
    Assessment period ends17 November 2017

    Semester 2 contact information

    Semester 1: Dr Jianzhong Qi
    email: jianzhong.qi@unimelb.edu.au


    Semester 2: Professor Alistair Moffat
    email: ammoffat@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    None

  • Subject notes

    This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc. Students undertaking this subject will require regular access to the internet.

    LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

    The subject will be delivered through a combination of lectures, programming workshops, and programming exercises and assessed programming assignments. Students will also be expected to develop and submit programming assignments for assessment.

     

    INDICATIVE KEY LEARNING RESOURCES

    Students will have access to lecture notes and lecture slides, and will be expected to own a copy of the textbook nominated by the coordinator. Other guidance will be provided via the LMS.

     

    CAREERS / INDUSTRY LINKS

    Programming competencies are a critical part of a range of career pathways, including in IT, engineering, and mathematics. In addition, an understanding of the fundamental nature of computation is a key enabler across all science discipline areas, including genetics and physics.

  • Related Handbook entries

    This subject contributes to the following:

    TypeName
    CourseMaster of Science (Mathematics and Statistics)
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
    Informal specialisationSelective subjects for B-BMED
    Informal specialisationBachelor of Design Elective Subjects
  • Breadth options

    This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:

  • Available through the Community Access Program

    About the Community Access Program (CAP)

    This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

    Additional information for this subject

    Subject coordinator approval required

Last updated: 20 March 2025