CIS280/About
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CIS280: Data Structures
We will cover a variety of data structures & algorithms including lists, trees, sorting, queues, heaps, searching, lists, hashing, etc. as well as some basic algorithm analysis. Additionally, we will be learning Java language features as needed. A certain amount of math will be needed – you’ll be expected to be able to handle logarithms.
Text: none. You will be expected to make full use of online resources to augment the lecture material.
Software: We will be using Java and Netbeans. See the Software Page for more information.
Homework
Homework is an essential part of this course. There will generally be homework every week. Homework assignments will always be due on Wednesday. Homework assignments may contain short programs – you are allowed to do the programming on the computer rather than on paper but it will not be necessary to submit a working program – a listing will be sufficient. You are encouraged to work with other students on the homework but the homework you hand in is ultimately supposed to be your own work. Homework may be handed in the Friday after the due date with a letter grade as penalty. Homework will NOT be accepted once the following class starts. The lowest homework grade will be dropped.
Programs
There will be program code due almost every Friday in class. This must be working code – submit your code by emailing me a zip file containing your entire project. If you code does not compile you will get a 0. Points may be deducted for poor programming style. Comments are important! I’ll be reading your code, not just running it. You may submit your code the following Monday with a letter grade penalty. These programs will often be cumulative, incorporating the code from previous assignments. All program projects are assigned one week in advance. On Monday, I will post solutions which can be used in subsequent assignments if you want to avoid problems caused by bugs in previous programs. The average of all your programs will be 1/3 of your class grade.
On Wednesday before an assignment is due there will be a 20 minute work session in class.
See the Program Style Guide for more information about programs that you will be turning in.
Exams
There will be three exams given during the term. The last exam will given at the end of the term during the officially scheduled final exam period and will count double.
There will generally be a 10 minute exam at the end of the period on Fridays. The two lowest quiz grades are dropped. Quizzes cannot be made up. The average of all quiz grades will count as a single exam.
Seminars
Attendance at a CIS seminar will add 10 points to the homework / program due the week of the seminar.
