CS163 introduces data abstraction with formal specification, and elementary algorithm analysis. Basic concepts of data and its representation inside a computer are included. Data structures emphasized include linear, linked, and orthogonal lists, tree structures, and graphs. Data structures are implemented as data abstractions. Sorting and searching strategies are covered along with overall data management.

To acquaint students with structures used in C++ for the storage and manipulation of data. The concept of data abstraction and the problem of building implementations of abstract data types are emphasized. Both static and dynamic implementations of major structures are presented and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. Structures include lists of several types, stacks, queues, trees, binary trees, B-trees and graphs. Recursion and key transformation (hashing) are examined. Students are encouraged to examine algorithms and to make judgments about the practical and social application of these algorithm concepts to large scale programming projects; the course stresses the importance of quantitative methods in designing software.

This term there are two sections of CS163. One is an “online” section and the other is an “in-class” section. The only difference between these sections is that the in-class students are guaranteed to have a seat available. Students in the online section must watch the class remotely, streamed on the web. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that if you are taking the class as “online” that you watch two lectures a week starting on the first week. Missing lectures may mean missing vital information!

One of the advantages of taking CS163 this term is that it can be viewed online by all students. This means that regardless of which section you have signed up for you can watch the class remotely. Some students use this feature to review for the exams or re-watch material. The class lectures are “streamed” this term, which means that they are video taped and will be available for viewing approx. 24 hours after the in-class lectures have occurred.