COURSE DESCRIPTION

Data structures and algorithms are core issues in computer science. Knowledge about their properties, efficiency and applicapability to different practical cases is needed in all software projects. Therefore, a course of this topic is an integral part of all computer science curriculums.

The objectives of the target course are the following.

• First, the students should know the operation of basic data structures and algorithms in different topics, like sorting, searching and graph applications.

• Second, they must understand the principles how the performance of different algorithms is evaluated analytically, and - what is important - how the limitations of algorithm analysis affects the interpretation of analytical results.

• Third, they should understand and be able to argue, how various algorithms apply to different types of problems and applications.

• Fourth, they should be able to apply this knowledge to design solutions to realistic problems by combining or modifying the basic algorithms they have learned, and analyze their solutions critically.

• Finally, they should learn experimental evaluation of algorithms in order to analyze performance issues in a scientific manner.