Outline

Overview

This unit will teach some powerful ideas that are central to solving algorithmic problems in ways that are more efficient than naive approaches. In particular, students will learn how data collections can support efficient access, for example, how a dictionary or map can allow key-based lookup that does not slow down linearly as the collection grows in size. The data structures covered in this unit include lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, search trees, hash tables, and graphs. Students will also learn efficient techniques for classic tasks such as sorting a collection. The concept of asymptotic notation will be introduced, and used to describe the costs of various data access operations and algorithms.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Computer Science
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	INFO1105 or INFO1905 or COMP2123 or COMP2823
Assumed knowledge ?	Discrete mathematics and probability (e.g. MATH1064 or equivalent) and programming experience (e.g. INFO1110 or COMP9001 or equivalent)
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ravihansa Rajapakse, saumya.rajapakse@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Karlos Ishac, karlos.ishac@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam	50%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quizzes Weekly quizzes	10%	Multiple weeks	No time limit
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 1 Assignment 1	10%	Week 04 Due date: 23 Mar 2025 at 23:59	Released in week 1
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 2 Assignment 2	15%	Week 09 Due date: 04 May 2025 at 23:59	Released in week 5
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment 3 Assignment 3	15%	Week 13 Due date: 01 Jun 2025 at 23:59	Released in week 10
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Assignments (40%): Three assignments each due in weeks 4, 9, and 13. Assignments will focus on the design and analysis of data structures and algorithms.
Quizzes (10%): 10 weekly multiple-choice quizzes.
Final exam (50%): Final written examination.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard. It is a policy of the School of Computer Science that in order to pass this unit, a student must achieve at least 40% in the written examination. For subjects without a final exam, the 40% minimum requirement applies to the corresponding major assessment component specified by the lecturer. A student must also achieve an overall final mark of 50 or more. Any student not meeting these requirements may be given a maximum final mark of no more than 45 regardless of their average.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

These penalties apply when work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date without an approved extension. Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each of the first 2 calendar days after the due date. Submissions made after the 2nd calendar day will receive 0 marks. Quizzes can be done any time during the week they are released.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Unit Introduction; 2. Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 02	1. Abstract data structures; 2. Lists	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 03	1. Lists (advanced); 2. Stacks and queues; 3. Space and time complexity	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 04	1. Tree concepts and definitions; 2. Recursion on a tree; 3. Binary tree implementation, general tree implementation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 05	1. Binary search trees; 2. Balanced binary search tree (AVL tree)	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 06	1. Simple map implementation by list (sorted and unsorted); 2. Priority queues, heap-as-a-tree and heap-in-array, sorting using priority queue	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 07	Hashing	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 08	1. Graph representations; 2. Graph traversals	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 09	1. Shortest path algorithm; 2. Minimum weight spanning tree algorithms	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 10	Greedy method	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 11	Divide-and-conquer	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 12	Randomized algorithms	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)
Week 13	Review of Unit of Study and exam preparation	Lecture and tutorial (4 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Examine the representation, manipulation algorithms, and complexity of commonly used data structures (e.g., lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, search trees, hash tables, graphs).
LO2. Understand basic algorithms related to data structures, such as sorting, tree traversals, and graph traversals.
LO3. Evaluate the asymptotic complexity of operations on data structures and algorithms using Big-O notation.
LO4. Propose basic algorithmic techniques (e.g., divide-and-conquer, greedy) to solve design tasks.
LO5. Design algorithmic solutions to problems, including coding, complexity analysis, and evaluation of performance in various contexts.
LO6. Present engineering/IT concepts and issues fluently to professional and non-professional audiences using a varied range of professional communication tools and formats.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

- The number of assignments has been reduced to make the workload more manageable for students. In addition, the earlier assignments will rely on pseudocoding instead of programming to accommodate students from non-computer science backgrounds. Programming components will be introduced gradually as the semester progresses. - More time is allocated to discuss the basic concepts at the beginning of the semester, resulting in a restructuring of content in the first three weeks.

Additional information

IMPORTANT: School guidelines relating to Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

In assessing a piece of submitted work, the School of Computer Science may reproduce it entirely, may provide a copy to another member of faculty, and/or to an external plagiarism checking service or in-house computer program and may also maintain a copy of the assignment for future checking purposes and/or allow an external service to do so.

Computer programming assignments may be checked by specialist code similarity detection software. The Faculty of Engineering currently uses the MOSS similarity detection engine (see http://theory.stanford.edu/~aiken/moss/), or the similarity report available in ED (edstem.org). These programs work in a similar way to TurnItIn in that they check for similarity against a database of previously submitted assignments and code available on the internet, but they have added functionality to detect cases of similarity of holistic code structure in cases such as global search and replace of variable names, reordering of lines, changing of comment lines, and the use of white space.

All written assignments submitted in this unit of study will be submitted to the similarity detecting software program known as Turnitin. Turnitin searches for matches between text in your written assessment task and text sourced from the Internet, published works and assignments that have previously been submitted to Turnitin for analysis.

There will always be some degree of text-matching when using Turnitin. Text-matching may occur in use of direct quotations, technical terms and phrases, or the listing of bibliographic material. This does not mean you will automatically be accused of academic dishonesty or plagiarism, although Turnitin reports may be used as evidence in academic dishonesty and plagiarism decision-making processes.

Good Friday public holiday on 18 April 2025

This year's Good Friday public holiday will fall on Friday, 18 April 2025 which will be in week 8 of the semester. A schedule for make-up tutorials or an alternative plan will be informed via Canvas or Ed during the semester.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

COMP9123: Data Structures and Algorithms

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links