CSCI 255 Fall 2024
Introduction to Algorithms and Discrete Structures
Charles Cusack
Computer Science
Hope College
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CSCI 125
CSCI 255
MATH 131 (01 and 02)
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Grade Distribution

ActivityPercent
AActivities15
EExam50
HHomework35
Total100
  • Exams
    • There will be one exam during the semester and one final exam.
    • The exams are equally weighted
    • You are expected to take them when they are scheduled.
  • Homework
    • There will be a veritable plethora of homework assignments.
    • The homework will consist mainly of problems. Some assignments will be larger than others, but they will all be equally weighted.
    • Please review the relevant sections of the Policies page for additional details about my expectations for homework assignments.
    • Although you will learn a lot more by struggling through problems on your own, you may use Significant outside assistance for up to 50% credit on a problem. See the Homework Assistance section of the Policies page for more details.
    • Homework should be submitted on paper at the beginning of class.
  • Activities
    This includes the following:
    • Textbook exercises from AIDMA: While reading AIDMA you must complete all of the exercises in the book for each reading assignment. These are graded only based on effort. Typically I pick a random page from the section and ask you to show it to me and if you have work on the page I assume you have done all of them for the given section. You are responsible to make sure you know the correct answers (since they are all in the back of the book).
    • Reading Questions from both books:
      • Reading questions are at the end of each chapter (for AIDMA) or linked to from the schedule (for IDAA).
      • These will be graded in different ways: Sometimes I will give you credit for answering them, and sometimes I may grade some or all of the problems like a homework assignment.
      • At the beginning of the semester you should create a Google Doc named RQ_Smith, where you replace Smith with your last name. Share it with me and give me permission to edit the document.
      • Create headings for each reading assignment (e.g. IDAA 2.3) followed by the numbered list of answers to the questions. Place them in reverse chronological order (i.e. so the new ones are at the top of the document.)
      • Feel free to copy the questions ito the document as well, but it is not required. (And if you do, you need to do it one section at a time since they will be in the wrong order otherwise.)
      • Reading questions are technically due by noon on the due date, but as long as they are done by the time I grade them then I will accept them. With that being said, I may grade them at noon on some days, and 5:00 pm on other days, so take your chances if you wish!
    • Worksheets and/or pop quizzes: This is rare, but possible.
    • Attendance: This is rare, but possible.
  • Seminars: Attendance at 75% or more of department seminars is expected. Your grade in the course will be reduced by 1/3 of a letter grade if you fail to meet this requirement.