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CS303: Algorithms

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  • Unit 1: Introduction to Algorithms

    This unit introduces what algorithms are and discusses their importance with the role that algorithms play compared to other technologies used in computers. We look into description of algorithms using pseudo-code and we use pseudo-code for algorithmic analysis. We will go through an introduction of algorithms using examples of sorting algorithms while discussing the importance of algorithm analysis in that context.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 5 hours.

    • Unit 1 Learning Outcomes Page
    • 1.1: Introduction to Algorithms

      • Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Dr. Charles E. Leiserson's "Merge Sort" Page

        Watch this video to learn the basics of the algorithm. You can skip the first 17 minutes of the video as they talk about MIT class related logistics for the course.

    • 1.2: Introduction to Framework for Algorithm Analysis

      • Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay: Dr. Abhiram Ranade's "Framework for Algorithm Analysis" Page

        Watch this video to learn about the basics of the algorithm analysis and associated framework.

    • 1.3: The Importance of Algorithms

      •  Topcoder: "Importance of Algorithms" URL

        Read this article for an overview of importance of algorithms as well as a listing of some of the key algorithm areas.

    • 1.4: Control Instructions

      •  Algorithms: "Introduction" URL

        Read this page to get an introduction to algorithms.

      •  Introduction to Algorithms Assignment URL

        Complete all questions in this assignment. There are three questions on finding the complexity of the algorithm using the pseudo code and finding the number of instructions executed to solve the problem. Each instruction is associated with some constant cost for execution. You can check your answers against the Answer Key.

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