CS H311 Honors Colloquium: Introduction to Algorithms

Fall 2024

This course is an honors colloquium for COMPSCI 311. It requires a weekly 1-hour class meeting. Students will explore and discuss topics from the CS311 curriculum in greater detail. Students will also implement an algorithms programming project.

Prerequisites CICS 210 and either COMPSCI 250 or MATH 455, all with a grade of C or better. Concurrent or previous enrollment (with a grade of B or better) in COMPSCI 311.

When/Where: Wed 1pm - 2pm, LGRC A104A. Class attendance is mandatory.

Instructor: Marius Minea (marius at cs), office: LGRC A261

Topics (tentative)

Textbook The same textbook as for the current offerings of COMPSCI 311 will be used:
Jon Kleinberg and Éva Tardos, Algorithm Design. Pearson, 2006.

Grading The final grade in this colloquium will be based on short homeworks, due weekly or biweekly, and a final programming project on algorithm design and implementation, on a topic of the student's choosing. The relative weights are:

Collaboration and Academic Honesty Since the integrity of the academic enterprise of any institution of higher education requires honesty in scholarship and research, academic honesty is required of all students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Academic dishonesty is prohibited in all programs of the University. Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to: cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and facilitating dishonesty. Appropriate sanctions may be imposed on any student who has committed an act of academic dishonesty. Instructors should take reasonable steps to address academic misconduct. Any person who has reason to believe that a student has committed academic dishonesty should bring such information to the attention of the appropriate course instructor as soon as possible. Instances of academic dishonesty not related to a specific course should be brought to the attention of the appropriate department Head or Chair. Since students are expected to be familiar with this policy and the commonly accepted standards of academic integrity, ignorance of such standards is not normally sufficient evidence of lack of intent (http://www.umass.edu/dean_students/codeofconduct/acadhonesty/).

Collaboration is encouraged on homework assignments. However, you should first understand and attempt the problem individually. Each student must write their own solutions. Looking at solutions from other students or any other source (including the web) is a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy. Formal charges will be pursued if cheating is suspected.

Accommodation Statement The University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students. If you have a documented physical, psychological, or learning disability on file with Disability Services (DS), you may be eligible for reasonable academic accommodations to help you succeed in this course. If you have a documented disability that requires an accommodation, please notify me within the first two weeks of the semester so that we may make appropriate arrangements. For further information, please visit Disability Services (https://www.umass.edu/disability/).

Title IX Statement In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational settings that receive federal funds, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students, free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation. This includes interactions in person or online through digital platforms and social media. Title IX also protects against discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, miscarriage, abortion, or related conditions, including recovery. There are resources here on campus to support you. A summary of the available Title IX resources (confidential and non-confidential) can be found at the following link: https://www.umass.edu/titleix/resources. You do not need to make a formal report to access them. If you need immediate support, you are not alone. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week / 365 days a year at the SASA Hotline 413-545-0800.
UMass instructors have been informed they are considered "responsible employees" or "mandatory reporters" which means they cannot keep Title IX information confidential and are required to report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator.

Inclusivity The College of Computer and Information Sciences shares UMass Amherst’s commitment to diversity. We welcome all individuals regardless of age, background, citizenship, disability, sex, education, ethnicity, family status, gender, gender identity, geographical origin, language, military experience, political views, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and work experience. We expect all members of our community to treat others with respect and civility.


Last modified: Tue Nov 12 22:06:22 EST 2024