COMP SCI 7407 - Advanced Algorithms

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2024

The development of a sound theoretical understanding of advanced algorithms and practical problem solving skills using them. Advanced algorithm topics chosen from: Dynamic Programming, Linear Programming, Matching, Max Flow / Min Cut, P and NP, Approximation Algorithms, Randomized Algorithms, Computational Geometry.

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Course Details

Course Code	COMP SCI 7407
Course	Advanced Algorithms
Coordinating Unit	Computer Science
Term	Semester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	2 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Prerequisites	COMP SCI 7201; M Computer Science students are exempted from this pre-requisite requirement.
Incompatible	COMP SCI 7301
Assessment	Written exam and/or assignments

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: A/Prof Claudia Szabo

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1	Students should develop a sound theoretical understanding of advanced algorithms and practical problem solving skills using them.
2	Students should develop basic knowledge of a wide range of advanced algorithm design techniques including dynamic programming, linear programming, approximation algorithms, and randomized algorithms.
3	Students should develop basic advanced algorithm analysis skills for analyzing the approximation ratio of approximation algorithms and the probability of randomized algorithms.
4	Students should gain a good understanding on a wide range of advanced algorithmic problems, their relations and variants, and application to real-world problems.

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	1 - 4
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	1 - 4
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	1, 4
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	1 - 4
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	1, 4
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	1-4
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	1, 4

Learning Resources

Required Resources

All required resources for this course will be provided online via the MyUni platform.

Recommended Resources

There are no recommended resources for this course.

Online Learning

https://cs.adelaide.edu.au/users/third/aa/
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

Lectures will be supported by workshops and 3 assignments where students gain strong knowledge on the design and implementation of advanced algorithms.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Students are expected to spend 9-10 hours per week on this course.
There will be 3-4 hours contact time for learning and teaching activities and students will be working in groups and individually 6-7 hours to carry out the required learning and teaching activities for acquiring the expected knowledge, understanding, and skills in this course.

Learning Activities Summary

Week 1-2: Course Overview and Dynamic Program;
Week 3-4: Linear Program;
Week 5-6: Approximation Algorithms;
Week 7: Fixed Parameter Algorithm;
Week 8-9: Randomized Algorithms;
Week 10: Computational Geometry;
Week 11-12: Recent Trends in Algorithmic Research

Specific Course Requirements

In addition to attendance to lectures and tutorials, students should have a sound ability and strong interest in developing problem-solving skills beyond traditional data structures and algorithms which are required in working on the assignments.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

Assessment Task	Weighting (%)	Individual/ Group	Formative/ Summative	Due (week)*	Hurdle criteria	Learning outcomes	CBOK Alignment**
Theory assignments	30	Individual	Summative	Weeks 2-12		1. 2. 3. 4.	1.1 1.2 4.1
Exam	70	Individual	Summative	NA		1. 2. 3. 4.	1.1 1.2 4.1
Total	100

* The specific due date for each assessment task will be available on MyUni.

This assessment breakdown complies with the University's Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy.

**CBOK is the Core Body of Knowledge for ICT Professionals defined by the Australian Computer Society. The alignment in the table above corresponds with the following CBOK Areas:

1. Problem Solving

1.1 Abstraction

1.2 Design

2. Professional Knowledge

2.1 Ethics

2.2 Professional expectations

2.3 Teamwork concepts & issues

2.4 Interpersonal communications

2.5 Societal issues

2.6 Understanding of ICT profession

3. Technology resources

3.1 Hardware & Software

3.2 Data & information

3.3 Networking

4. Technology Building

4.1 Programming

4.2 Human factors

4.3 Systems development

4.4 Systems acquisition

5. ICT Management

5.1 IT governance & organisational

5.2 IT project management

5.3 Service management

5.4 Security management

Assessment Detail

Each tutorial will be based on materials presented at that stage of the course or on readings drawn from reference materials. Tutorial questions will be made available on the course webpage. Three coding assignments will be given around week 2, 5 and 8 respectively. The final assessment will be open book in the form of a week-long take-home assignment.

Submission

Submission details for all activities are available in MyUni but the majority of your submissions will be online and may be subjected to originality testing through Turnitin or other mechanisms. You will receive clear and timely notice of all submission details in advance of the submission date.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator