Welcome to CSci 257 - Data Structures

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Focuses on data abstraction, algorithm design and analysis, recursion, and the implementation of larger programs. Prerequisite: CSCI 157.

Here's how we will approach these goals. By learning ...

• how to use some of the Java Collection classes
• how to reverse engineer some of the Java Collection classes
• a basic set of "classic structures" — that are useful when designing and writing more complex programs

Prerequisites and Preparation

This course is aimed at students with a solid but basic understanding of object oriented programming.

Although no mathematics course is required to take this course, it will help to have some mathematical and logical experience. You should be confident with your math skills at least up to simple algebra.

Day to Day Schedule

You will find our day to day schedule of topics, readings, and course 'events' online at http://ldale.sewanee.edu/CprS/257/schedule Refer to this resource regularly for details; some of which may be adjusted as the semester takes over our lives. Note that this schedule will reflect date & time of your final exam along with a link to the university schedule of all exam times.

Exams

There will be one in-class midterm and one final exam. Exams are closed note, neighbor, and computer, though a reference sheet may be provided or allowed.

If an extraordinary medical or personal circumstance occurs that prevents you from taking the midterm or final exam to the best of your ability, please contact me as soon as possible.

Students with learning accommodations must talk to me by the end of week 3 to receive those accommodations for the exams.

Course grades will be determined as follows:

 45%	   	Homework (Written & Pgm'ing)
 45%	   	2 Exams (Midterm & Final)
 10%	   	Presentations and/or Class Quizzes
100%	   	Total

Honor Code

You agreed to follow the Honor Code when you matriculated. All forms of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, are violations of the Honor Code and will be treated as such. If you ever have a question about an assignment or need additional help, please ask for assistance rather than jeopardize your academic career.

In the spirit of collegial and cooperative learning, you are free to discuss ideas and approaches with other students, and then implement the solution yourself. The key is this: you should type and debug all the code you submit. In particular, it is not appropriate to email or share code phrases to be pasted in.

For all work, written or programs, you should explicitly cite any sources you use other than our textbook or website material. Although you may talk to a friend about these questions, your answers should reflect your own thoughts in your own words, and you should cite any study partners. Note that citations do not excuse using another's work in an inappropriate way. If you have questions, ask them in a timely manner BEFORE SUBMITTING.

Attendance

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to consult the online schedule and get notes from a peer. You should not expect any instructor to re-teach the class in office hours or even provide you a summary of 'what was important'. It was _all_ important. (Professors are funny about that.)

Class meetings are where we will discuss and work on code. Because these discussions are somewhat driven by student questions and concerns, there is no guarantee they will be covered in the same detail in your assignments or readings. Attendance is therefore required and an important factor in doing well in the class. After 3 absences a cut warning will be issued and your course grade lowered automatically.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Statement

The University of the South is committed to fostering respect for the diversity of the University community and the individual rights of each member of that community. In this spirit, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University seeks to provide students with disabilities with the reasonable accommodations needed to ensure equal access to the programs and activities of the University. Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak with Student Accessibility Services and the instructor, as early in the semester as possible. If you have already requested accommodations, it is your responsibility to present your instructor with a copy of your academic accommodations letter from Student Accessibility Services which is located in the Dean of Students Office (931.598.1229). Accommodations will not be provided without this documentation, and accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. Additional information about accommodations can be found at https://new.sewanee.edu/campus-life/playing/wellness-commons/university-wellness-center/student-accessibility-services/.

If you have questions about physical accessibility, please inform your instructor so that we can ensure an accessible, safe, and effective environment.

Office Hours & How to Contact Me

My office is located in Wood Laboratories room 130 ( WL 130 )

My office phone number is x-1814

My email is ldale (at) sewanee (dot) edu

Preliminary Office Hours for the first two weeks of class listed here. These times may be adjusted in the third week as students alert me to difficulties finding a matching meeting time in their own schedules.

      Mon:    9:30-10:30am
      Tues:   11-noon 
      Wed:     1-2pm 
      Thurs:   none
      Fri:     none

Textbook(s):