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Unit of study_

COMP3027: Algorithm Design

2025 unit information

This unit provides an introduction to the design techniques that are used to find efficient algorithmic solutions for given problems. The techniques covered include greedy, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and adjusting flows in networks. Students will extend their skills in algorithm analysis. The unit also provides an introduction to the concepts of computational complexity and reductions between problems.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Engineering

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Computer Science
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
COMP2123 or COMP2823 or INFO1105 or INFO1905
Corequisites:
? 
None
Prohibitions:
? 
COMP2007 or COMP2907 or COMP3927
Assumed knowledge:
? 
MATH1004 or MATH1904 or MATH1064 or MATH1964

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. produce a clear account of an algorithm, that would allow others to understand and implement it
  • LO2. learn about a novel algorithm, by searching for descriptions in textbooks or online
  • LO3. read, understand, analyze and modify a given algorithm, as well as design efficient algorithmic solutions for given problems and evaluate the proposal
  • LO4. draw from basic experience of implementing algorithms
  • LO5. analyze the complexity of a given algorithm
  • LO6. demonstrate knowledge of fundamental algorithms for several problems, especially graph problems, testing graph properties and solving optimization problems on graphs, as well as knowledge of fundamental general algorithmic design techniques, such as greedy, dynamic programming and divide-and-conquer
  • LO7. understand the fundamental concepts of computational hardness
  • LO8. understand NP-hardness and the ways of dealing with hardness as well as demonstrate knowledge of randomized algorithms and approximation algorithms
  • LO9. demonstrate knowledge of basic complexity classes and understanding of reductions between problems.

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Remote

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.