Print View: COMP3506 - Sem 2 2008 - St Lucia

2. Aims, Objectives & Graduate Attributes

2.1 Course Aims

This course will build an understanding of how the architecture of a computer impacts on the construction of programs and how data structures and algorithms can be constructed to efficiently perform desired functionality. The goal of this course is to build enough understanding of data structures and associated algorithms so that an appropriate set can be selected in the design of new software. The students should develop an understanding of:

Actual computer data structures and how they impact on computer programs;
Fundamental algorithms and data structures;
Standard algorithms and data structures including their time and space requirements;
The performance implications of alternative implementations of simple abstract data types;
The selection of appropriate data structures and algorithms for standard problems;
Object oriented implementation of algorithms and data structures including standard templates or classes.

It is expected that upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to select and implement in a object-oriented language an appropriate set of algorithms and data structures for standard problems.

2.2 Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1. IMPLEMENT DATA STRUCTURES
1.1  Implement the core data structures used as the basis for common Abstract Data Types
1.2  Implement a data structure and algorithm solution encapsulated within an Abstract Data Type.

2. SELECT DATA STRUCTURE/ALGORITHM COMBINATIONS
2.1  Determine and describe the running time and memory space usage of common algorithms
2.2  Select and justify appropriate combinations of data structures and algorithms to solve software engineering problems.

3. VERIFY ABSTRACT DATA TYPES
3.1  Develop test sets to verify the correct functioning of Abstract Data Types

4. DEVELOP ALGORITHMIC SOLUTIONS
4.1  Adapt or invent new algorithms and data structures for software engineering problems

2.3. Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
*A. IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.	1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.	2.1, 2.2, 4.1
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.	2.1, 2.2
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.	1.1, 1.2, 3.1
*C. INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.	1.2
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.	4.1
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.	4.1
*D. CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.	2.2, 3.1, 4.1
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.	2.2, 3.1, 4.1
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.	2.2, 3.1, 4.1
*E. ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals	1.1, 1.2, 3.1
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large	2.1, 2.2
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline	1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 4.1
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution	2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance	2.1, 3.1, 4.1
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning

5. Assessment

5.1 Assessment Summary

This is a summary of the assessment in the course. For detailed information on each assessment, see 5.5 Assessment Detail below.

Assessment Task	Due Date	Weighting	Learning Objectives
Tutorial Participation Weekly Tutorials	Start week 2	10%	1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2
Assignment Assignment 1	Released week 2, due week 6.	15%	1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1
Assignment Assignments 2	Released week 7, due week 11.	15%	1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1
Exam - Mid Semester During Class Mid semester	First lecture of week 7.	20% (or 0% if mark worse than final exam)	2.1, 2.2
Exam - during Exam Period (Central) Final Exam	Examination Period	40% (or 60% if mark better than mid semester)	2.1, 2.2, 4.1

5.2 Course Grading

Exam	Final mark Exams (60%), Assignments (30%), Tutorial mark (10%)
80-100%	Exams+assignments+tutorial
65-79%	Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 84
50-64%	Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 74
40-49%	Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 49
1-39%	Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 44

Grade 1, Fail: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course: Final mark of 19 or lower
(final mark is calculated using exams+assignment+tutorial with a capping based on the exam mark - see below)

The minimum percentage required for a grade of 1 is: 0%

Grade 2, Fail: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline: Final mark of 20-44
(final mark is calculated using exams+assignment+tutorial with a capping based on the exam mark - see below)

Grade 3, Fail: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline: Final mark of 45-49
(final mark is calculated using exams+assignment+tutorial with a capping based on the exam mark - see below)

Grade 4, Pass: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline: FInal mark of 50-64
(final mark is calculated using exams+assignment+tutorial with a capping based on the exam mark - see below)

Grade 5, Credit: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline: Final mark of 64-74
(final mark is calculated using exams+assignment+tutorial with a capping based on the exam mark - see below)

Grade 6, Distinction: As for 5, with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience: Final mark of 75-84
(final mark is calculated using exams+assignment+tutorial with a capping based on the exam mark - see below)

Grade 7, High Distinction: As for 6, with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications: Final mark of 85 or higher
(final mark is calculated using exams+assignment+tutorial with a capping based on the exam mark - see below)

Other Requirements & Comments : The final mark will be calculated using the following table.

Exam

Final mark
Exams (60%), Assignments (30%), Tutorial mark (10%)

80-100%

Exams+assignments+tutorial

65-79%

Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 84

50-64%

Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 74

40-49%

Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 49

1-39%

Exams+assignments+tutorial capped at 44

Note that you must pass the exam to pass the course.

5.3 Late Submission

Submission:
Submission of the assignments will be via the online submission system at www.itee.uq.edu.au. There will normally be only a short grace period so that submissions from overloaded machines will not be rejected. It is recommended that you submit your assignments before the due date and time.

Late Submission:
Any late submissions of assignments will also be submitted to the online submission system. Except in the case of lecturer-approved extensions, late submissions will be penalised 10% of the possible marks per calendar day, and submissions more than 5 calendar days late will not be graded.

5.5 Assessment Detail

Weekly Tutorials

Type: Tutorial Participation
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2
Due Date:
Start week 2
Weight: 10%
Task Description: The tutorial session is the primary consultation time. The 11 weekly tutorials are designed to support the concepts presented in the weekly lectures with further practical exercises which will be posted on the web. It is expected that students will work through the tutorial material attempting to solve as much as possible. During tutorials a peer assessment of the exercises will be conducted from solutions presented and tutors be available to answer further questions. The results of these assessments will be recorded.
Criteria & Marking: Attendance, contribution to tutorial discussions and tutorial exercises will count towards a tutorial mark for each week.

Assignment 1

Type: Assignment
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1
Due Date:
Released week 2, due week 6.
Weight: 15%
Task Description: Assignment 1 will be worth 15% of the final grade and will address the object oriented implementation of stacks, queues, hashing tables and/or lists as well as basic algorithm asymptotic analysis and space requirements. Students will be expected to apply their understanding of these algorithms by testing, implementing and evaluating the performance of the algorithms on some basic problems. Through the use of these algorithms and data structures an understanding of their advantages and disadvantages will be developed to enable the appropriate selection of a structure and algorithm for a given problem.

This assignments will be graded on the success of the implemented algorithms and the elegance and understanding of the basic principles as evidenced by the solution method chosen, the comments in the code and the analysis of the results when applied to simple problems.
Criteria & Marking: Criteria and marking scheme will be handed out with the assignments.
Submission: Submission is via the ITEE online submission system.

Assignments 2

Type: Assignment
Learning Objectives Assessed: 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1
Due Date:
Released week 7, due week 11.
Weight: 15%
Task Description: Assignment 2 will also be worth 15% of the final grade and will address the object oriented implementation of trees, graphs, and/or text strings. Students will be expected to apply their understanding by testing, implementing and evaluating the performance of the algorithms on some basic problems. Through the use of these algorithms and data structures an understanding of their advantages and disadvantages will be developed to enable the appropriate selection of a structure and algorithm for a given problem.

This assignment will be graded on the success of the implemented algorithms and the elegance and understanding of the basic principles as evidenced by the solution method chosen, the comments in the code and the analysis of the results when applied to simple problems.
Criteria & Marking: Criteria and marking scheme will be handed out with the assignments.
Submission: Submission is via the ITEE online submission system.

Mid semester

Type: Exam - Mid Semester During Class
Learning Objectives Assessed: 2.1, 2.2
Due Date:
First lecture of week 7.
Weight: 20%
(or 0% if mark worse than final exam)
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 30 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice
Task Description: A 30 minute, closed book, mid semester exam will be held during the first lecture of week 6. This exam will contain multiple-choice questions. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted. You will require a HB or 2B pencil and an eraser to complete the exam.
Criteria & Marking: Multiple choice questions will be given 1 mark per correct answer.

Final Exam

Type: Exam - during Exam Period (Central)
Learning Objectives Assessed: 2.1, 2.2, 4.1
Due Date:
Examination Period
Weight: 40%
(or 60% if mark better than mid semester)
Perusal: 10 minutes
Duration: 120 minutes
Format: Multiple-choice, Short answer
Task Description: A two hour final examination will be held during the final examination period. This exam will be closed-book and will contain multiple-choice and possibly other questions. Programmable calculators and other computing or communication devices are NOT permitted. You will require a HB or 2B pencil and an eraser to complete the exam.

The exam will assess the following course objectives:

recalling fundamental principles of algorithm and data structures;
understanding how standard algorithms and data structures work, and their time and space requirements;
understanding the performance implications of alternative implementations of simple abstract data types;
choosing appropriate data structures and algorithms to solve standard problems;
relating algorithms and implementations in standard object oriented languages.
Criteria & Marking: Multiple choice questions will be given 1 mark per correct answer.

Criteria for marking of short answer questions will include: substantive correctness of answer, quality of evidence, clarity of process used to arrive at answer, and clarity of expression of answer.

6. Policies & Guidelines

This section contains the details of and links to the most relevant policies and course guidelines. For further details on University Policies please visit myAdvisor and the University Handbook of Policies and Procedures.

6.1 Assessment Related Policies and Guidelines

University Policies & Guidelines

An overview of the University’s assessment-related policies can be found on myAdvisor (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2910).

Academic Integrity
It is the University's task to encourage ethical scholarship and to inform students and staff about the institutional standards of academic behaviour expected of them in learning, teaching and research. Students have a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity in their work. Students must not cheat in examinations or other forms of assessment and must ensure they do not plagiarise.

Plagiarism
The University has adopted the following definition of plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the act of misrepresenting as one's own original work the ideas, interpretations, words or creative works of another. These include published and unpublished documents, designs, music, sounds, images, photographs, computer codes and ideas gained through working in a group. These ideas, interpretations, words or works may be found in print and/or electronic media.

Students are encouraged to read the UQ Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25128) which makes a comprehensive statement about the University's approach to plagiarism, including the approved use of plagiarism detection software, the consequences of plagiarism and the principles associated with preventing plagiarism.

Feedback on Assessment
Feedback is essential to effective learning and students can expect to receive appropriate and timely feedback on all assessment. For a detailed explanation of the feedback you are entitled to, you should consult the policy on Student Access to Feedback on Assessment. (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25109)

As a student you have a responsibility to incorporate feedback into your learning; make use of the assessment criteria that you are given; be aware of the rules, policies and other documents related to assessment; and provide teachers with feedback on their assessment practices.

There are certain steps you can take if you feel your result does not reflect your performance. Please refer to the myAdvisor web site. (http://www.uq.edu.au/myadvisor/index.html?page=2953)

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Assessment Guidelines

Misconduct

Further to the statement on academic integrity and plagiarism above, students are required to read and understand the ITEE policy on Student Misconduct (http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/about_ITEE/policies/student-misconduct.html).

Late Arrival or Non-attendance at Examinations

The policy and procedure for late arrival or non-attendance at centrally controlled examinations is set out in the University's Examinations policy (HUPP 3.30.5), sections 8 and 10.2.

The way in which late arrival at a School-controlled examination is dealt with will be at the discretion of the course coordinator, who may be guided by the policy for centrally controlled exams.

In the case that a student requests a special exam for a School-controlled exam, the request will be considered and, if allowed, the timing shall be determined by the course coordinator, in consultation with the School's Chief Examiner where necessary, and in accordance with HUPP 3.30.5. Unless otherwise indicated in the Course Profile, applications must be made in writing to the Head of School no later than one week after the exam. Late applications will not be accepted.

Examination Feedback

In addition to the advice above, students wishing to view examination answer scripts and/or question papers should consult with the School office (Room 217, General Purpose South Building [78], St Lucia; Room 218, Building 1, Ipswich) regarding arrangements. The ITEE policy on exam script viewing is available at http://study.itee.uq.edu.au/current_students/exam_script_viewing.html.

Supplementary Assessment

If you fail this course you may be eligible for supplementary assessment - see the general award rules and/or your program rules for details. You should note that even though you may be eligible for supplementary assessment under these rules, in some circumstances there may be no practical assessment that can be offered to allow you to meet the minimum passing requirements. These circumstances may include failure based on:

group or team based assessment;
attendance or class participation requirements;
laboratory-based assessment, where laboratories can't practically be made available after classes have finished;
project or thesis-based assessment, where a significant period of time would be required to undertake supplementary assessment;
progressive assessment, where subsequent assessment items build on earlier assessment items; or
multiple assessment items, where it is impractical to offer multiple supplementary assessment items.

If the course coordinator determines that there is no practical supplementary assessment that can be offered to allow you to improve your grade, then you will not be offered supplementary assessment and your grade will remain unchanged.

6.2 Other Policies and Guidelines

University Policies and Guidelines

Placement Courses
Students on a placement course – also known as a work placement, internship, industry study, industry experience, clinical practice, clinical placement, practical work, practicum, fieldwork, teaching practice – should refer to the University policy, Placement Courses (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25120) for detailed information.

Working with Children
Students whose studies include a professional/work placement, internship, clinical practice, teaching practice or other similar activity which involves them in regular contact with children should refer to the University policy, Working with Children Check - "blue card" (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25004) to find out how to apply for a ‘blue card’.

Students with a Disability
Any student with a disability who may require alternative academic arrangements, including assessment, in the course/program is encouraged to seek advice at the commencement of the semester from a Disability Adviser at Student Support Services. Refer to the University policy, Students with a Disability (Disability Action Plan) (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25122) and to the policy on Special Arrangements for Examinations for Students with a Disability (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25111

Where an adjustment is made to an accredited program, it is the responsibility of the relevant Faculty to liaise with professional and registration bodies regarding the acceptability of the change/s.

Occupational Health and Safety
Undergraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25055) and Postgraduate Students (http://www.uq.edu.au/hupp/index.html?page=25057) should be familiar with the University policies on occupational health and safety in the laboratory.

Other School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Guidelines

Ethical Clearance

If your course involves assignment or project work involving human subjects or human-related materials, you must investigate the need for ethical clearance and obtain it when required. Information on ethical clearance can be found at http://www.uq.edu.au/research/orps/index.html?page=5064&pid=5256.

Learning Summary

Below is a table showing the relationship between the learning objectives for this course and the broader graduate attributes developed, the learning activities used to develop each objective and the assessment task used to assess each objective.

Learning Objectives

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

1. IMPLEMENT DATA STRUCTURES
1.1  Implement the core data structures used as the basis for common Abstract Data Types
1.2  Implement a data structure and algorithm solution encapsulated within an Abstract Data Type.
2. SELECT DATA STRUCTURE/ALGORITHM COMBINATIONS
2.1  Determine and describe the running time and memory space usage of common algorithms
2.2  Select and justify appropriate combinations of data structures and algorithms to solve software engineering problems.
3. VERIFY ABSTRACT DATA TYPES
3.1  Develop test sets to verify the correct functioning of Abstract Data Types
4. DEVELOP ALGORITHMIC SOLUTIONS
4.1  Adapt or invent new algorithms and data structures for software engineering problems

Assessment & Learning Activities

	Learning Objectives
	1.1	1.2	2.1	2.2	3.1	4.1
Learning Activities
Lectures (Lecture Series)
Tutorials (Tutorial Series)
Assessment Tasks
Weekly Tutorials
Assignment 1
Assignments 2
Mid semester
Final Exam

Graduate Attributes

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following UQ (Undergrad Pass) graduate attributes:

	Learning Objectives
	1.1	1.2	2.1	2.2	3.1	4.1
Graduate Attributes
*A IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIELD OF STUDY*
A1. A comprehensive and well-founded knowledge in the field of study.
A4. An understanding of how other disciplines relate to the field of study.
A5. An international perspective on the field of study.
*B EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION*
B1. The ability to collect, analyse and organise information and ideas and to convey those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms.
B2. The ability to interact effectively with others in order to work towards a common outcome.
B3. The ability to select and use the appropriate level, style and means of communication.
B4. The ability to engage effectively and appropriately with information and communication technologies.
*C INDEPENDENCE AND CREATIVITY*
C1. The ability to work and learn independently.
C3. The ability to generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments.
C4. The ability to identify problems, create solutions, innovate and improve current practices.
*D CRITICAL JUDGEMENT*
D1. The ability to define and analyse problems.
D2. The ability to apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgement.
D3. The ability to evaluate opinions, make decisions and to reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.
*E ETHICAL AND SOCIAL UNDERSTANDING*
E1. An understanding of social and civic responsibility.
E2. An appreciation of the philosophical and social contexts of a discipline.
E4. A knowledge and respect of ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study.
E5. A knowledge of other cultures and times and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Successfully completing this course will contribute to the recognition of your attainment of the following Engineers Australia graduate attributes:

	Learning Objectives
	1.1	1.2	2.1	2.2	3.1	4.1
Graduate Attributes
1. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals
2. Ability to communicate effectively, not only with engineers, but also with the community at large
3. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline
4. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution
5. Ability to utilise a systems approach to design and operational performance
6. Ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a team leader or manager as well as an effective team member
7. Understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and for the need for sustainable development
8. Understanding of the principles of sustainable design and development
9. Understanding of and commitment to professional and ethical responsibilities
10. Expectation and capacity to undertake life-long learning

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COMP3506 - Sem 2 2008 - St Lucia - Internal

1. General Course Information

1.1 Course Details

1.2 Course Introduction

1.3 Course Staff

1.4 Timetable