CS 231 Data Structures and Algorithms
Course Outline

• Section A: MWF 9:00 - 9:50 am, Lovejoy 213
• Section B: MWF 10:00 - 10:50 pm, Lovejoy 213

1. Students understand the advantages and disadvantages of fundamental data structures and can implement them using object-oriented design principles.
2. Students understand, can implement, and can calculate the time and space efficiency of classic search, sort, and traversal algorithms, including the use of big-Oh notation.
3. Students understand the tradeoffs between different implementation of data structures and algorithms and can make appropriate design decisions based on application data requirements.
4. Students can use fundamental data structures and algorithms appropriately to solve a variety of computational problems.
5. Students can communicate the result of their work and describe an algorithm.

• Weekly quizzes: There will be a short 15-minute quiz every Friday. We understand that everyone has a bad day; the lowest two quizzes will be dropped.
• Final exam: Friday December 14, 6pm

• Projects: 45%
• Weekly Quizzes: 25%
• Final Exam: 20%
• Weekly Homework: 5%
• Class Participation: 5%

You may choose from any number of Data Structures with Java textbooks that are available, however, we do not require any specific text. There are two Java-based Data Structures textbooks in the Colby Safari Online collection that you can access through the library. There are also lots of on-line resources available.

• A Practical Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis, Java version, by Clifford Shaffer
• Introducing Data Structures with Java, by David Cousins
• Data Structures and Algorithms Using Java, by William McAllister

Computer science, both academically and professionally, is a collaborative discipline. In any collaboration, however, all parties are expected to make their own contributions and to generously credit the contributions of others. In our class, therefore, collaboration on homework and programming assignments is encouraged, but you as an individual are responsible for understanding all the material in the assignment and doing your own work. Always strive to do your best, give generous credit to others, start early, and seek help early from both your professors and classmates.

The following rules are intended to help you get the most out of your education and to clarify the line between honest and dishonest work. We reserve the right to ask you to verbally explain the reasoning behind any answer or code that you turn in and to modify your project grade based on your answers. It is vitally important that you turn in work that is your own. We do use automated plagiarism detection software, so please be sure to abide by these, rather minimal, rules. Reports of academic dishonesty are handled by an academic review board and a finding of academic dishonesty may result in significant sanctions. For more details on Colby's Academic Integrity policies and procedures, see colby.edu/academicintegrity.

• If you have had a substantive discussion of any homework or programming solution with a classmate, then be sure to cite them in your write-up. If you are unsure of what constitutes "substantive", then ask me or err on the side of caution. As one rule of thumb, if you see more than 10 lines of someone else's code, then you should cite them. You will not be penalized for working together.
• You must not copy answers or code from another student either by hand or electronically. Another way to think about it is that you should be talking English with one another, not program languages.

Colby College is a community dedicated to learning and committed to the growth and well-being of all its members.

As a community devoted to intellectual growth, we value academic integrity. We agree to take ownership of our academic work, to submit only work that is our own, to fully acknowledge the research and ideas of others in our work, and to abide by the instructions and regulations governing academic work established by the faculty.

As a community built on respect for ourselves, each other, and our physical environment, we recognize the diversity of people that have gathered here and that genuine inclusivity requires active, honest, and compassionate engagement with one another. We agree to respect each other, to honor community expectations, and to comply with college policies.

As a member of this community, I pledge to hold myself and others accountable to these values.

What does this mean to students?

• We respect each other and ourselves.
• We respect our physical spaces on campus.
• We respect our academics and complete work honestly.

Colby College prohibits and will not tolerate sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination of any kind. Colby is legally obligated to investigate sexual misconduct (including, but not limited to sexual assault and sexual harassment).

If you wish to speak confidentially about an incident of sexual misconduct, please contact Colby Counseling Services (207-859-4490) or the Director of the Gender and Sexual Diversity Program, Emily Schusterbauer (207-859-4093).

Students should be aware that faculty members are considered responsible employees; as such, if you disclose an incident of sexual misconduct to a faculty member, they have an obligation to report it to Colby's Title IX Coordinator. "Disclosure" may include communication in-person, via email/phone/text, or through class assignments.

To learn more about sexual misconduct or report an incident, visit http://www.colby.edu/sexualviolence/.

We are available to discuss academic accommodations that any student with a documented disability may require. Please note that you’ll need to provide a letter from the Dean of Studies Office documenting your approved accommodations. Please meet with us within two weeks of the start of the semester to make a request for accommodations so that we can work together with the College to make the appropriate arrangements for you. Kate McLaughlin, Associate Director of Access and Disability Services is the primary contact for accommodations and any questions related to educational testing and documentation.

Mental health. We care about our students' well-being and understand that they may face mental health challenges. Students are encouraged to seek support from the College's available resources, including your advising dean and Counseling Services. (For immediate care, please call 207-859-4490 and press "0" to reach the on-call counselor). We are willing to discuss reasonable accommodations during a crisis, but to fulfill our educational mission, students are expected to adhere to the attendance policy. Failure to do so because of mental health challenges may require consultation with the Dean of Studies Office.