The unit requires prerequisite knowledge of introductory data structures and algorithms including arrays, records (structs), pointers, lists, iteration, choice (if, case, switch), procedures, parameters, recursion, as found in the prerequisite unit cse1303. It also requires prerequisite mathematical ability including logic (predicates, and, or, not, implication), proof, proof by contradiction, proof by induction, as indicated by the prerequisite of 12-points of maths.

The unit covers more advanced data structures and algorithms than its CSE prerequisite and studies algorithms and data structures using techniques of a mathematical nature -- hance the math requirement.

The algorithms and data structures covered the unit and, more importantly, the analysis and the problem-solving techniques covered, are the working computer scientist's toolkit for CSE (and other) units at level two and up.

M. A. Weiss. Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C. Addison Wesley 1997.

Lab' week: Lectures: 2 hours, Lab: 3 hours, Private study: 7 hours.

Tutorial week: Lectures: 2 hours, Tutorial: 1 hour, Private study: 9 hours.

1 x 3-hour lab per 2-weeks, with extra unsupervised access to computers generally avaliable.

It is important that the computers in the laboratories all be able to boot the designated software platform (see software requirements) quickly and reliably (and simultaneously) with no excessive delays. Access to required software (e.g. compilers, editors, etc.) must be fast and reliable.

Access to, and saving of, a student's files onto stable long-term storage must be fast, reliable and, where possible, automatic.

Sensible user "defaults" (file permissions, editor, shell, window manager, etc.) should be set and checked by the system administrators so as to provide a secure, usable and friendly environment, from the very first login, for even a novice user.

The laboratory systems must be checked and stress-tested under realistic loads well before the semester begins.

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc:

(Also see "Laboratory Requirements" for requirements on the laboratory computers and network.)

Note that the unit itself is not about "C" but it must use some designated computer and software platform. Both from choice and to fit in with other CSE units, the main components of the platform are presently: Linux, C, and gcc.

In addition, for some algorithms expressed in other languages, the following compilers are required: the latest version of the (free) GNU Pascal compiler "gpc" (see http://www.gnu.org/directory/GNU/GNUPascal.html ), and the latest Glasgow Haskell (free) compiler "ghc" (see http://www.haskell.org/ghc/ ).