Faculty of Science and Engineering 

School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)

Unit Outline

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms

Semester 1, 2021

Unit study package code: COMP1002 

Mode of study: Internal
Tuition pattern summary: Note: For any specific variations to this tuition pattern and for precise
information refer to the Learning Activities section.
Lecture: 1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Tutorial: 1 x 2 Hours Weekly
This unit does not have a fieldwork component.
Credit Value: 25.0
Pre-requisite units: 1920 (v.0) Object Oriented Program Design 110 or any previous version
OR
COMP1001 (v.0) Object Oriented Program Design or any previous version
OR
COMP1005 (v.0) Fundamentals of Programming or any previous version
OR
COMP1000 (v.0) Unix and C Programming or any previous version
OR
10163 (v.0) Unix and C Programming 120 or any previous version
OR
COMP1007 (v.0) Programming Design and Implementation or any previous
version

Co-requisite units: Nil

Anti-requisite units: Nil

Result type: Grade/Mark

Approved incidental fees: Information about approved incidental fees can be obtained from our website.
Visit fees.curtin.edu.au/incidental_fees.cfm for details.
Unit coordinator: Title: Dr
Name: Valerie Maxville
Phone: 9266 7241
Email: [email protected]
Location: Building: 314 - Room: 338

Teaching Staff: Name: Terence Tan

Email: [email protected]
Location: Building: 200 - Room: GP1 213

Administrative contact: Name: Caroline Lim

Phone: 60 85 630100
Email: [email protected]
Location: Building: Skylark 3 SK3 - Room: 402

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 1 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Learning Management System: Blackboard (lms.curtin.edu.au)

Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous Elders, custodians, their descendants and kin of this land past and
present. The Centre for Aboriginal Studies aspires to contribute to positive social change for Indigenous
Australians through higher education and research.

Syllabus
Introduction to fundamental data structures, algorithms and techniques in computing. Basic structures include
stacks, queues and linked lists. Advanced structures explored are trees, hash tables and heaps. Algorithms
discussed include sorting and recursion. Complexity analysis of these areas is also examined.

Introduction
This unit introduces students to fundamental algorithms and data structures used in almost any computer
program. The unit covers general computing structures and algorithms rather than being language-specific.
Students will implement their code in Java and/or Python.

Unit Learning Outcomes

All graduates of Curtin University achieve a set of six Graduate Capabilities during their course of study. These
inform an employer that, through your studies, you have acquired discipline knowledge and a range of other skills
and capabilities which employers would value in a professional setting. Each unit in your course addresses the
Graduate Capabilities through a clearly identified set of learning outcomes. They form a vital part in the process
referred to as assurance of learning. The learning outcomes notify you of what you are expected to know,
understand or be able to do in order to be successful in this unit. Each assessment for this unit is carefully
designed to test your knowledge of one or more of the unit learning outcomes. On successfully completing all of
the assessments you will have achieved all of these learning outcomes.
Your course has been designed so that on graduating you will have achieved all of Curtin's Graduate Capabilities
through the assurance of learning processes in each unit.
Graduate Capabilities
On successful completion of this unit students can:
addressed
1 Identify and compare performance and implementation differences between
various data structures and algorithms in program design
2 Analyse the implementation and testing of sorting algorithms and data structures

3 Design and construct a small application in the Java programming language that
makes use of appropriate data structures and file I/O
4 Apply an object-oriented approach to program design and implementation in the
Java programming language
5 Assess the use of, and consequences for, different algorithms in the context of
internationalised software development
Curtin's Graduate Capabilities
Apply discipline
Innovative, creative and Effective communicators
knowledge, principles
entrepreneurial with digital competency
and concepts

Culturally competent to engage

Globally engaged and Industry connected and
respectfully with local First Peoples
responsive career capable
and other diverse cultures

Find out more about Curtin's Graduate Capabilities at the Curtin Learning and Teaching website: clt.curtin.edu.au

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 2 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Learning Activities

The lectures provide the theoretical foundations for achieving the unit learning outcomes.
The practical worksheet exercises further develop concepts from the lectures to give students hands-on
experience of the underlying theories. The practicals are critical for building understanding of the unit and are key
for doing well on the assignment and exam. Students should ensure that they stay current with the practical
exercises since falling behind will make it very difficult to be successful in the unit.
The assignment will extend these concepts in solving a substantial programming challenge, reinforcing the
learning from the lectures and practicals.

Learning Resources
Recommended texts
You do not have to purchase the following textbooks but you may like to refer to them.

l Weiss, M. (2010) Data Structures & Problem Solving Using Java, 4th ed., Pearson.
(ISBN/ISSN: 0321541406)
l LaFore, R. (2002) Data Structures and Algorithms in Java 2nd ed., Waite Group Press.
(ISBN/ISSN: 2063324530)

Assessment

Assessment policy exemptions

l There are no exemptions to the assessment policy

Assessment schedule
Unit
Late Assessment
Value Learning
Task Date Due Assessments Extensions
% Outcome(s)
Accepted?* Considered?*
Assessed
Practicals 20% Week: Weekly 2,3,4 No Yes
Day: Scheduled
1 practical session
Time: During the
practical session
Assignment 30% Week: Week 12 1,2,3,4 Yes Yes
Day: Friday 21st
2
May
Time: 4:00pm (WST)
Final Examination 50% Week: Examination 1,2,4,5 No Yes
Period
3
Day: TBA
Time: TBA
*Please refer to the Late Assessment and the Assessment Extension sections below for specific details and
conditions.
Detailed information on assessment tasks

1. Practical worksheet exercises will be  assessed in your next scheduled practical session. This means that

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 3 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

you need to be available for the entire session, or at least until you have been assessed. They must be
submitted by the start of your next practical. See the calendar at the back of this outline for the weeks
that each practical submission is due.
If you submit late you may get zero marks, so ensure that you submit early. If you are not at the practical
session when your name is called you may also receive zero marks for that practical, so please be punctual.
2. Refer to the assignment specification.
3. The final assessment will cover all aspects of the unit.

Pass requirements
In order to pass the unit a student must:

l score at least 50% overall, and

l score at least 45% in the final assessment, and
l have made a reasonable attempt at the assignment. Note that the assignment specification gives details of
what is considered a reasonable attempt.

Assessment Moderation

Fair assessment through moderation

Moderation describes a quality assurance process to ensure that assessments are appropriate to the learning
outcomes, and that students work is evaluated consistently by assessors. Minimum standards for the moderation
of assessments are described in the Assessment and Student Progression Manual, available from
policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/

Pre-marking moderation
This unit complies with moderation of assessments as described in the Assessment and Student
Progression Manual, available from policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/
Intra-marking / Post-marking moderation
This unit complies with moderation of assessments as described in the Assessment and Student
Progression Manual, available from policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/

Late assessment
Where the submission of a late assessment is permitted, late penalties will be consistently applied in this unit.
Where a late assessment is permitted for an assessment item or the entirety of the unit (refer to the Assessment
Schedule table in this Unit Outline) and the student does not have an approved assessment extension:

1. For assessment items submitted within the first 24 hours after the due date/time, students will be penalised
by a deduction of 5% of the total marks allocated for the assessment task;
2. For each additional 24 hour period commenced an additional penalty of 10% of the total marks allocated
for the assessment item will be deducted; and
3. Assessment items submitted more than 168 hours late (7 calendar days) will receive a mark of zero.

Where late assessment is NOT permitted for an assessment item or the entirety of the unit (refer to the
Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline) and the student does not have an approved assessment extension:

1. All assessment items submitted after the due date/time will receive a mark of zero.

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 4 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Assessment extension
Where an application for an assessment extension is permitted for an assessment item(s) within this unit (refer to
the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline):

1. A student who is unable to complete an assessment item by/on the due date/time as a result of exceptional
circumstances beyond the student’s control, may apply for an assessment extension on the Assessment
Extension Application Form as prescribed by the Academic Registrar. The form is available on the Forms
page at https://students.curtin.edu.au/essentials/forms-documents/forms/ and also within the student’s
OASIS (My Studies tab – Quick Forms) account.
2. The student will be expected to submit their application for an Assessment Extension with supporting
documentation:
a. Australian Campuses: via the online form
b. Offshore campuses: to the School representative nominated below
3. Timely submission of this information supports the assessment process. For applications that are declined,
delayed submission may have significant ramifications on the possible marks awarded.
4. An application may be accepted up to five working days after the due date/time of the assessment item
where the student is able to provide a verifiable explanation as to why they were not able to submit the
application prior to the assessment due date/time

Where an application for an assessment extension is NOT permitted for an assessment item(s) within this unit
(refer to the Assessment Schedule table in this Unit Outline):

1. All assessment items submitted after the due date/time will be subject to late penalties or receive a mark of
zero depending on the unit permitting late assessment submissions.

Late assessments are not available for the weekly submissions. However extensions are available, with
appropriate documentation and evidence.
Late assessment is accepted for the assignment, although you will lose marks as stated above. Extensions are
available with the appropriate documentation and evidence.

Deferred assessments
If your results show that you have been granted a deferred assessment you should immediately check OASIS for
details.
Deferred examinations/tests will be held from 12/07/2021 to 16/07/2021 . Notification to students will be made
after the Board of Examiners’ meeting via the Official Communications Channel (OCC) in OASIS.

Further assessment
Further assessments, if granted by the Board of Examiners, will be held between 12/07/2021 and 16/07/2021 .
Notification to students will be made after the Board of Examiners meeting via the Official Communications
Channel in OASIS.
It is the responsibility of the student to be available to complete the requirements of a further assessment. If your
results show that you have been granted a further assessment you should immediately check OASIS for details.

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 5 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities/health circumstances likely to impact on

studies
A Curtin Access Plan (CAP) is a document that outlines the type and level of support required by a student with a
disability or health condition to have equitable access to their studies at Curtin. Carers for people with disability
may also be eligible for support. This support can include alternative exam or test arrangements, study materials
in accessible formats, access to Curtin's facilities and services or other support as discussed with an advisor from
AccessAbility Services.
Documentation is required from your treating Health Professional to confirm your health circumstances or carer
responsibilities.
If you think you may be eligible for a CAP, please contact AccessAbility Services. If you already have a CAP please
provide it to the Unit Coordinator in week 1 of each study period.

Referencing style
The referencing style for this unit is Chicago 17th B.
More information can be found on this style from the Library web site:
http://libguides.library.curtin.edu.au/referencing.

Privacy
As part of a learning or assessment activity, or class participation, your image or voice may be recorded or
transmitted by equipment and systems operated by Curtin University. Transmission may be to other venues on
campus or to others both in Australia and overseas.
Your image or voice may also be recorded by students on personal equipment for individual or group study or
assessment purposes. Such recordings may not be reproduced or uploaded to a publicly accessible web
environment. If you wish to make such recordings for study purposes as a courtesy you should always seek the
permission of those who are impacted by the recording.
Recording of classes or course materials may not be exchanged or distributed for commercial purposes, for
compensation, or for any other purpose other than personal study for the enrolled students in the unit. Breach of
this may subject a student to disciplinary action under Statute No 10 – Student Disciplinary Statute.
If you wish to discuss this please talk to your Unit Coordinator.

Copyright
The course material for this unit is provided to you for your own research and study only. It is subject to
copyright. It is a copyright infringement to make this material available on third party websites.

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 6 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Academic Integrity (including plagiarism and cheating)

Academic Integrity
Curtin's Student Charter, Academic Integrity Program (AIP), and core Values guide expectations regarding student
behaviour and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on the Student Essentials Website or the
Academic Integrity tab in Blackboard.
Academic Integrity Warnings
An Academic Integrity Warning may be issued to a New-to-Curtin student if they have inadequately acknowledged
sources or collaborated inappropriately. The Management of Academic Integrity Warnings for New to Curtin
Students Procedures provide further information and explain who is considered to be New-to-Curtin.
Academic Misconduct
Students with an academic breach that do not meet the New-to-Curtin criteria will be managed through the
misconduct process. Academic Misconduct means conduct by a student that is dishonest or unfair in connection
with any academic work. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, falsification or fabrication of data
or other content, and Academic Misconduct Other, such as falsifying medical certificates for extension. More
details can be found on the Student Essentials Website or on the Academic Integrity Website.
Staff members are required to report suspected misconduct and an inquiry may take place. If misconduct is
determined it will result in penalties, which may include a warning, a reduced or nil grade, a requirement to repeat
the assessment, an annulled grade (ANN) or termination from the course. Some penalties may impact on future
enrolment.
Academic work under inquiry will not be graded until the process has concluded. If your work is the subject of an
inquiry you will be notified by email and Official Communication with an opportunity to respond. Appropriate
support will be provided. For more information refer to Statute No.10 Student Discipline and Academic
Misconduct Rules.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Expectations

Curtin students are expected to have reliable internet access in order to connect to OASIS email and learning
systems such as Blackboard and Library Services.
You may also require a computer or mobile device for preparing and submitting your work.
For general ICT assistance, in the first instance please contact OASIS Student Support:
oasisapps.curtin.edu.au/help/general/support.cfm
For specific assistance with any of the items listed below, please contact The Learning Centre:
life.curtin.edu.au/learning-support/learning_centre.htm

l Using Blackboard, the I Drive and Back-Up files

l Introduction to PowerPoint, Word and Excel

Additional information
Enrolment
It is your responsibility to ensure that your enrolment is correct - you can check your enrolment through the
eStudent option on OASIS, where you can also print an Enrolment Advice.

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 7 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Student Rights and Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of all relevant legislation, policies and procedures relating to
their rights and responsibilities as a student. These include:

l the Student Charter

l Values and Signature Behaviours
l the University's policy and statements on plagiarism and academic integrity
l copyright principles and responsibilities
l the University's policies on appropriate use of software and computer facilities

Information on all of the above is available through the University's "Student Rights and Responsibilities" website
at: students.curtin.edu.au/rights.

Student Equity
There are a number of factors that might disadvantage some students from participating in their studies or
assessments to the best of their ability, under standard conditions. These factors may include a disability or
medical condition (e.g. mental illness, chronic illness, physical or sensory disability, learning disability), significant
caring responsibilities, pregnancy, religious practices, living in a remote location,or another reason. If you believe
you may be unfairly disadvantaged on these or other grounds please contact the appropriate service below. It is
important to note that the staff of the University may not be able to meet your needs if they are not informed of
your individual circumstances, so please get in touch with the appropriate service if you require assistance.
To discuss your needs in relation to:

l Disability or medical conditions, contact AccessAbility Services: https://students.curtin.edu.au/personal-

support/disability/
l Elite athletes, contact Elite Athlete Coordinator: https://stadium.curtin.edu.au/sport/academy/elite-athlete-
program/
l All other grounds, contact the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service: https://students.curtin.edu.au/personal-
support/counselling-guidance/wellbeing/

Recent unit changes

Students are encouraged to provide unit feedback through eVALUate, Curtin's online student feedback system.
For more information about eVALUate, please refer to evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/.

To view previous student feedback about this unit, search for the Unit Summary Report at
https://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/student/unit_search.cfm. See
https://evaluate.curtin.edu.au/info/dates.cfm to find out when you can eVALUate this unit.

Recent changes to this unit include:

l Students may use Java and/or Python in this unit (Sem 2, 2017)
l Re-ordering of topics (Sem 2, 2019)
l Removal of mid-semester test from assessments to comply with Curtin Assessment Policy (Sem 1, 2020)
l Recursion in separate lecture (Sem 1, 2020)

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 8 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering 
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math
Sci (EECMS)
 

Program calendar
Week Begin Date Lecture Practical Assessment Due

Orientation 22 February Orientation Week

1. 1 March Intro & Sorting Prac 1  

2. 8 March Recursion, Wrappers & Exceptions Prac 2 Prac 1

3. 15 March Stacks and Queues Prac 3 Prac 2

(+Objects)

4. 22 March Linked Lists & Iterators Prac 4 Prac 3

(+Polymorphism)

5. 29 March Trees Prac 5 Prac 4

6. 5 April Tuition Free Week

7. 12 April Graphs Prac 6 Prac 5

8. 19 April Hash Tables Prac 7  

9. 26 April Heaps Prac 8 Prac 6 & 7

10. 3 May Advanced Sorting Prac 9 Prac 8

11. 10 May Advanced Trees Prac 10 Prac 9

12. 17 May DSA in Practice Prac 11 Prac 10

Assignment Due

13. 24 May Catch-up and Revision Feedback and Catch-up Prac 11

14. 31 May Study Week

15. 7 June Examinations

16. 14 June Examinations

Schedule is subject to change - see Blackboard for Updates

COMP1002 Data Structures and Algorithms Page: 9 of 9


Miri Sarawak Campus CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
28 Feb 2021 The only authoritative version of this Unit Outline is to be found online in OASIS
School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), Faculty of Science and Engineering