Introduction

This course continues the broad introduction to computer science begun in CS21, providing a general background for further study in the field. By concentrating on data structures and algorithms, you will obtain the basic building blocks by which all large software projects are built. These topics are central to every sub-discipline in computer science, and also connect to central concepts across the sciences. Topics to be covered include object-oriented programming in C++, advanced data structures (such as priority queues, trees, hash tables, and graphs), advanced algorithms, as well as software design and verification. At the end of this course, you will have obtained the ability to successfully analyze problems in the discipline. You will also take your first steps towards developing the skills necessary to synthesize and evaluate the must fundamental questions in the field.

Course Basics

Schedule

Class:	Tue., Thu. 9:55 - 11:10AM, Science Center 199
Lab A:	Thursday 1:05 - 2:35PM, Science Center 256
Lab B:	Thursday 2:45 - 4:15PM, Science Center 256

Contact Information

Professor:	Lisa Meeden
Email:	meeden at cs dot swarthmore.edu
Office:	Science Center 243
Office Hours:	Tuesday 1:30-3:30pm Wednesday 1:30-3:30pm And any time my door is open

Additional Support

Ninja Sessions:	Monday, Tuesday 7-9PM: Sci 256
Ninjas:	Daniel Chaiken, Michael Davinroy, Michelle Ma, Kyra Moed, Haochen Wang, and Bayliss Wagner
Course Discussion:	Piazza (by invitation and mandatory)

Course Goals

By the end of the course, you will have developed the following knowledge and skills:

• Understand the basic principles of object-oriented programming (OOP)
• Learn how to implement OOP programs in C++
• Develop the skills to analyze the performance of algorithms in terms of big-O notation as well as prove an algorithm's correctness
• Understand the difference between an abstract interface and the implementation of that interface
• Describe a data structure as an abstract data type (ADT) and provide various implementations of that ADT in C++
• Develop the ability to compare and contrast the performance of data structures and algorithms
• Learn how to apply data structures and algorithms to solve problems of moderate complexity
• Develop scientific communication skills

Student Responsibilities

We have outlined the skills and objects this course promises to provide you. For this promises to be upheld, you will need to commit towards the policies outlined below. CS35 is substantially faster-paced than CS21, covering a broad range of topics. To succeed you should:

• Attend class
  The primary introduction to course material is through class lecture. Additionally, we often do learning exercises during class, which give you immediate experience with the material we are covering. While I am more than happy to help with any material in office hours, priority will be given to students who attend and participate in lecture. Office hours are not to make up for missed lecture.
• Come to lab prepared
  Lab will introduce new content and be an opportunity to work in teams on paired assignments. Lab attendance is mandatory.
• Participate actively in learning process
  Showing up is necessary, but not sufficient to success in the course. To fully develop your analytical skills, you are expected to participate in class discussion. This includes asking questions during lecture portions and engaging your peers during short class exercises. Studies show active involvement is the number one determinant of student success.
• Start the lab assignments early
  This is not always easy to do, but if you can get in the habit of doing this, you will be much better off. As the labs get longer and more difficult, starting early will give you plenty of time to mull over the lab problems even when you aren't actively writing your solution.
• Practice, practice, practice
  The only effective way to learn the material and pass the tests and the final is to consistently do the labs.
• Seek help early and often
  Because course material builds on previous material, it is essential to your success in this class that you keep up with the course material.
• Attend CS35 Study Sessions
  The student Ninjas hold two evening study sessions each week. You are encouraged to participate in these sessions. The Ninjas will help you prepare for tests, will provide additional instruction in programming concepts, and will provide friendly assistance on your lab assignments.