CITS2200 Data Structures and Algorithms [UG]

The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information click on the Timetable link below.

Credit: 6 points Availability: Semester 1 (See Timetable) Old unit code: 230.223

Outcomes: Students have an understanding of the basic fundamentals of data structure selection, analysis, design, implementation and application, and in-depth technical knowledge of key abstract data types. They also have the ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution using ADT components for storing and retrieving data.

Content: At the core of most computer applications is the storage and retrieval of information. The way that the stored data is structured has a strong impact on what can be retrieved, how quickly it can be retrieved and how much space it occupies. The use of generic structures, or abstract data types (ADTs), to encapsulate the data also allows software engineering principles of independent modification, extension and re-use.

The unit studies the specification, implementations and time and space performance of a range of commonly used ADTs and corresponding algorithms in an object-oriented setting. The aim is to provide students with the background needed both to implement their own ADTs where necessary, and to select and use appropriate ADTs from object-oriented libraries where suitable.

Assessment: Work is assessed in several tests during semester, laboratory exercises, a programming project and a final examination. Assessed laboratory work tests students' ability to identify problems and formulate solutions by building, testing and applying the fundamental data structures covered in the unit. The examination additionally tests technical competence in the selection, analysis and comparison of abstract data types.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete the course.

Unit Co-ordinator(s): contact the School of Computer Science and Software Engineering

Location: UWA (Crawley)

Mode: on-campus

Unit Rules:

Prerequisites: CITS1200 Java Programming or CITS1220 Software Engineering

Advisable prior study: an additional programming unit

Contact hours—61 (lectures: 26 hrs; tutorials: 11 hrs; labs: 24 hrs)

Unit Web Page: http://undergraduate.csse.uwa.edu.au/units/CITS2200

Note: Some unit web pages are still under construction and will be available in 2008.

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Texts

Book lists are available from http://undergraduate.csse.uwa.edu.au/.

Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.