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CSC-10064 - Module Specification
School of Computing and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

CSC-10064 - Introduction to Algorithms
Coordinator: Paul Bell
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733075

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

This module allows students to acquire a set of problem solving techniques which can be used to break down complex problems from many real world scenarios and to solve them in an efficient way. The module differs from a standard programming modules since we will here not focus on a particular language, but instead consider solutions in a high level descriptive way, using pseudocode, so that solutions can then be derived in any programming language.
Numerous real world problems will be considered, and we will see a variety of techniques that can be used to solve them. By gaining experience of these techniques, students will be able to apply them to new scenarios that they have not seen before.

Aims
This module introduces students to computational problem solving and demonstrates the concept of an algorithm described by pseudocode as a tool to solve clearly defined computational problems which is independent of a particular programming language. Techniques will be developed to break down a complex problem into smaller components and a variety of problem solving techniques will be acquired. Properties of algorithms will be studied.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Apply appropriate techniques to systematically decompose a complex problem into smaller parts which can then be directly solved: 1
Produce pseudocode or algorithm descriptions to solve simple computational problems: 1
Derive the computational complexity of simple algorithms and define simple complexity classes: 1
Explain the notion of universal machines and undecidability: 1

Study hours

22 hours of lectures
11 hours of tutorials (working in small groups on tutorial sheets)
An indicative breakdown of the 117 hours of private study would be 45 hours of revision of lecture slides and notes; 33 hours of preparation and revision of the tutorials; 37 hours of background reading on the subject; and two hours for the exam.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 100%
Examination
A two-hour unseen examination covering all module ILOs. There will be four questions, broken down into subquestions.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024