Algorithms are recipes for solving a problem. They are fundamental to computer science and software engineering. Algorithms are the formal foundation of computer programming but also exist independently of computers as systematic problem-solving procedures. This unit introduces algorithmics, the study of algorithms. It is not about programming and coding but rather about understanding and analysing algorithms and about algorithmic problem-solving, i.e. the design of systematic problem-solving procedures. The unit will not require any knowledge of a programming language and is very hands-on. Students will develop algorithms to solve a wide variety of different problems, working individually as well as together in groups and as a class.
Topics include: What is a computational problem and what is an algorithm; basic control structures; basic data structures; modular algorithm structure; recursion; problem-solving strategies for algorithm development; understanding the efficiency of an algorithm; and limitations of algorithms.
Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:
(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:
(b.) Additional requirements (all students):
See also Unit timetable information
Dr Julian Garcia
Dr. Simon Egerton
Monash is committed to excellence in education and regularly seeks feedback from students, employers and staff. One of the key formal ways students have to provide feedback is through the Student Evaluation of Teaching and Units (SETU) survey. The University’s student evaluation policy requires that every unit is evaluated each year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the surveys. The feedback is anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied and areas for improvement.
For more information on Monash’s educational strategy, see:
www.monash.edu.au/about/monash-directions/ and on student evaluations, see: www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/quality/student-evaluation-policy.html
This unit was first offered in 2010 and in Semester 1, 2012, some of those students were taking third year units. Evidence gathered over the years indicates that the introduction of FIT1029 has helped to improve the students' programming skills and improved the pass rates in core BCS and BSE units.
Feedback from students who have taken FIT1029 and have gone on to later year studies in the BCS and the BSE indicates that students feel that FIT1029 has helped them gain a better appreciation of algorithms, and to regard thinking about algorithms as an activity that should be kept separated from coding algorithms into a particular computer programming language.
If you wish to view how previous students rated this unit, please go to
https://emuapps.monash.edu.au/unitevaluations/index.jsp
| Week | Activities | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No formal assessment or activities are undertaken in week 0 | |
| 1 | Introduction to the unit, algorithms and data structures. | Student participation will be assessed during every lecture or tutorial |
| 2 | Describing and finding algorithms. | |
| 3 | Invariance and greedy approach. | |
| 4 | Applying Brute Force to solve problems. | Assignment 1 due |
| 5 | Decomposition. | |
| 6 | Decrease and conquer. | Test during lecture |
| 7 | Transform and conquer; and divide and conquer. | |
| 8 | Recursion and backtracking. | |
| 9 | Dynamic Programming. | |
| 10 | Complexity. | Assignment 2 due |
| 11 | Limitations of algorithms. | |
| 12 | Strategies for finding algorithms. | |
| SWOT VAC | No formal assessment is undertaken in SWOT VAC | |
| Examination period | LINK to Assessment Policy: http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/ academic/education/assessment/ assessment-in-coursework-policy.html |
*Unit Schedule details will be maintained and communicated to you via your learning system.
Examination (3 hours): 60%; In-semester assessment: 40%
| Assessment Task | Value | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | 10% | Week 4 |
| Test | 15% | Week 6 during lecture |
| Assignment 2 | 10% | Week 10 |
| Student participation | 5% | Every lecture or tutorial |
| Examination 1 | 60% | To be advised |
Faculty Policy - Unit Assessment Hurdles (http://intranet.monash.edu.au/infotech/resources/staff/edgov/policies/assessment-examinations/assessment-hurdles.html)
Academic Integrity - Please see resources and tutorials at http://www.monash.edu/library/skills/resources/tutorials/academic-integrity/
Detailed assessment criteria will be issued along with the assignment.
This test will evaluate:
Detailed assessment criteria will be issued along with the assignment.
A grade will be based on a student's participation in lectures or tutorials.
Levitin, A. (2007). Introduction to the Design and Analysis of Algorithms. (2nd Edition) Addison-Wesley.
Monash Library Unit Reading List (if applicable to the unit)
http://readinglists.lib.monash.edu/index.html
Types of feedback you can expect to receive in this unit are:
Submission must be made by the due date otherwise penalties will be enforced.
You must negotiate any extensions formally with your campus unit leader via the in-semester special consideration process: http://www.monash.edu.au/exams/special-consideration.html
It is a University requirement (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/conduct/student-academic-integrity-managing-plagiarism-collusion-procedures.html) for students to submit an assignment coversheet for each assessment item. Faculty Assignment coversheets can be found at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/forms/. Please check with your Lecturer on the submission method for your assignment coversheet (e.g. attach a file to the online assignment submission, hand-in a hard copy, or use an electronic submission). Please note that it is your responsibility to retain copies of your assessments.
If Electronic Submission has been approved for your unit, please submit your work via the learning system for this unit, which you can access via links in the my.monash portal.
Levitin, A. (2007). Introduction to the Design and Analysis of Algorithms. (2nd Edition) Addison-Wesley.
Clayton students are required to purchase a Turning Point clicker from the Campus Bookstore or directly from the Australian Distributor. More information about clickers can be found on this webpage: http://intranet.monash.edu.au/infotech/resources/students/enrolment/clickers.html.
Monash has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and to provide advice on how they might uphold them. You can find Monash’s Education Policies at: www.policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/index.html
Important student resources including Faculty policies are located at http://intranet.monash.edu.au/infotech/resources/students/
The University provides many different kinds of support services for you. Contact your tutor if you need advice and see the range of services available at http://www.monash.edu.au/students. For Malaysia see http://www.monash.edu.my/Student-services, and for South Africa see http://www.monash.ac.za/current/.
The Monash University Library provides a range of services, resources and programs that enable you to save time and be more effective in your learning and research. Go to www.lib.monash.edu.au or the library tab in my.monash portal for more information. At Malaysia, visit the Library and Learning Commons at http://www.lib.monash.edu.my/. At South Africa visit http://www.lib.monash.ac.za/.
This unit is a core unit in the Bachelor of Software Engineering accredited by Engineers Australia. Engineers Australia Accreditation Policy of Professional Engineering Programs requires that programs demonstrate how engineering graduates are prepared for entry to the profession and achieve Stage 1 competencies. The following information describes how this unit contributes to the development of these competencies for the Bachelor of Software Engineering. (Note: not all competencies may be emphasised in this unit).
| Stage 1 competency | How the compency is developed in this unit |
| 1. Knowledge and Skills base | |
| 1.1. Comprehension, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. | This is covered in lecture notes, practical exercises and assignments. |
| 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences, which underpin the engineering discipline. | This is covered in all assessment components. |
| 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 1.4. Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within th engineering discipline. | Not covered in this unit. |
|
1.5. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline. |
Not covered in this unit. |
| 1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the specific discipline. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 2. Engineering application ability | |
| 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 2.3. Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 3. Professional and personal attributes | |
| 3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. | Students have to express themselves clearly and effectively for their assessment components of the unit. |
| 3.3. Creative, innovative and proactive demeanour. | Some creativity is encouraged to develop solutions for the assessment components. |
| 3.4. Professional use and management of information. | Not covered in this unit. |
| 3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. | This is covered in the unit through the delivery of solutions to exercises and assignments. |
| 3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership. | Not covered in this unit. |
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| 8 | X | X | X |