Comp 116: Data Structures

Course Promises / Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will have developed the following knowledge and skills:

• Understand the basic principles of object-oriented programming (OOP)
• Learn how to implement object-oriented programs in C++.
• Understand the difference between an abstract interface and the implementation of that interface.
• Describe a data structure as an abstract data type (ADT) and provide various implementations of that ADT in C++.
• Develop the ability to compare and contrast the performance of data structures and algorithms.
• Learn how to apply data structures and algorithms to solve problems of moderate complexity.

Student Responsibilities

We have outlined the skills and objects this course promises to provide you. For this promises to be upheld, you will need to commit towards the policies outlined below. Comp 116 is somewhat faster-paced than Comp 115, covering a broad range of topics. To succeed you should:

• Attend class / Watch class videos in time.
  The primary introduction to course material is through class lecture. Additionally, we often do learning exercises during class, which give you immediate experience with the material we are covering. While I am more than happy to help with any material in office hours, priority will be given to students who attend and participate in lecture. Office hours are not to make up for missed lecture.
• Come to lab prepared.
  Lab will introduce new content and be an opportunity to work in teams. Bring your notes and try to get questions about the material out of the way before or at the beginning of the lab in order to take full advantage of the exercise session. Lab attendance is mandatory.
• Participate actively in learning process.
  Showing up is necessary, but not sufficient to succeed in the course. To fully develop your analytical skills, you are expected to participate in class discussion. This includes asking questions during lecture portions and engaging your peers during short class exercises. Studies show active involvement is the number one determinant of student success.
• Start the programming assignments early.
  I realize this one is not always easy to do, but if you can get in the habit of doing this, you will be much better off. As the labs get longer and more difficult, starting early will give you plenty of time to mull over the lab problems even when you aren't actively writing your solution.
• Practice, practice, practice.
  The only effective way to learn the material and pass the quizzes and exams is to consistently do the labs.
• Seek help early and often.
  Because course material builds on previous material, it is essential to your success in this class that you keep up with the course material.
• Attend Comp 116 Study Sessions.
  The student tutor hold one evening tutoring session each week. You are encouraged to participate in these sessions. The tutor will help you prepare for quizzes, will provide additional instruction in programming concepts, and will provide friendly assistance on your programming assignments.