CSC 212 –Data Structures

Prof. Matthew Hertz

WTC 207D / 888-2436

hertzm@canisius.edu

Objectives Met in CSC212

Design computational solutions Decompose a problem into logically grouped subprograms Develop and analyze algorithms

Program well Code in a high-level language Debug a program Write and use a test plan Document a program Work independently

Organize data for effective use Use fundamental data structures Implement data structures

Understand the role of computing and the computer professional Present or explain ideas Weigh different solutions and explain or argue why one was preferable

High-level Objectives

Become excellent coders via deeper understanding of programming process

Develop algorithmic “toolbox” of solutions Have fun

Expectations of Me

Lectures are prepared and organized Environment where all students can learn Give interesting and thoughtful problems Be (reasonably) available to answer questions Be honest and forthright

Teaching Style

Interested in reasoning over answer Will not face the same question again Answer meaningless if just a lucky guess Mastery means being able to explain how & why

Participation is vital Cannot help until I know where you are having trouble Keep all students active and involved

Teaching Methodology

Adult Learning Students read material before class(Short) lecture explains key topics & ideas

Provides 1st opportunity answer questions Keeps class moving and interesting

Students work in teams to solve problems Develop deeper understanding of material (Nearly) Penalty-free chance to make mistakes

Expectations of You

Work hard Come to class prepared Be polite and a good teammate Ask for help early and often

Let me know what you are thinking

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory You are responsible for every class Missing class is not acceptable excuse Best way to earn a poor grade: skip class

Deadlines

Work must be submitted by time it is dueLate work will not be acceptedMake-ups will not be given

Talk to me as soon as you know making a deadline will be difficultTalking to me sooner improves chance we

can work something out

Attack of Real Life

When life happens…Get a note from the DeanBe prepared to show documentationTalk to me as soon as you can

We will find a workable solution

Course GradingItem Worth

Midterms 32%

Final 25%

Weekly Assignments 14%

Daily Exercises 5%

Projects 24%

Midterms given on Oct. 2nd and Nov. 20th

Final covers entire semester ~6 programming projects during semester

Course Grading Goals

Lots of opportunities to learn and improve Present material in variety of ways Develop thorough understanding expected

in later classes Catch and correct problems early

I am mean & like watching students suffer

Grading Rubric

“A” Know material Few small mistakes

“B” Good understanding of topic Miss a few “boundary cases”

“C” Know idea, fuzzy on details Miss large number of

boundary cases -or- Solution is close, but not

quite correct

“D” Vague on idea, details are a

blur Only solves general case -or- Solution usually incorrect -or- Solution rarely crashes

“F” Started day before its due Solution rarely correct -or- Crashes regularly -or- Code cannot compile

Learning Styles

People have different ways in which they best take in and process information

Important for each student to discover what is best for them

Will try presenting material visually, verbally, written, and kineticallyLet me know what works for youLet me know what DOESN’T work for you

Collaboration

Fellow students are a great resourceDifferent styles of learning yields multiple

levels of understandingGet together, discuss material, and studyAnswer lingering questions you haveClarify what a problem is asking(Most of you) take many classes together,

may as well start interacting

Collaboration

Work you submit must be done by you If discussing homework or projects

Leave conversation with memories onlyWait at least 15 minutes before writing

anythingNever seen 2 people submit similar solutions

when they actually wait When in doubt, ask me

Textbook

Michael Goodrich and Roberto Tamassia:Data Structures and Algorithms in Java, 4th edition, Wiley, 2006.

Available at bookstore CSC 212 covers half of the book

Remainder covered in CSC213

Course Website

http://cs.canisius.edu/~hertzm/csc212f06

Contains slides, announcements, other important information

Does not replace actually attending class

Personal Information SheetName: Matthew HertzYear: 2nd yearMajor: Computer SciencePrevious Computer Experience:

B in CS1 at MBHSI am in this course because:

Enjoy helping novice coders and seeing them develop and growI chose Canisius because…

Wanted a school which values teaching & had students with whom I could work.