Course Title: Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Course Description: Design and Analysis of Algorithms is a core course in
computer science that covers the principles, techniques, and methodologies used in
designing and analyzing efficient algorithms. The course focuses on algorithm
design paradigms, algorithm analysis techniques, and their applications in solving
computational problems. Emphasis is placed on understanding the theoretical
foundations of algorithms and their practical implications.
Prerequisites:
Data Structures
Discrete Mathematics
Basic knowledge of programming (e.g., proficiency in a programming
language such as Python, Java, or C++)
Course Objectives:
Understand the fundamental principles of algorithm design and analysis.
Learn various algorithm design paradigms and techniques.
Analyze the efficiency and correctness of algorithms using mathematical and
empirical methods.
Apply algorithms to solve real-world problems effectively.
Gain practical experience through programming assignments and projects.
Course Outline:
1. Introduction to Algorithm Analysis
Overview of algorithms and their importance
Analysis of algorithm efficiency
Asymptotic notation (Big O, Big Omega, Big Theta)
2. Divide and Conquer
Basic principles of divide and conquer
Examples of divide and conquer algorithms (e.g., merge sort, quick sort)
Master theorem for analyzing divide and conquer algorithms
3. Greedy Algorithms
Basic principles of greedy algorithms
Examples of greedy algorithms (e.g., Dijkstra's algorithm, Huffman coding)
Greedy versus dynamic programming approaches
4. Dynamic Programming
Basic principles of dynamic programming
Examples of dynamic programming algorithms (e.g., knapsack problem,
longest common subsequence)
Memorization and tabulation techniques
5. Backtracking and Branch and Bound
Basic principles of backtracking and branch and bound
Examples of backtracking algorithms (e.g., N-Queens problem, Sudoku
solver)
Examples of branch and bound algorithms (e.g., traveling salesman problem)
6. Graph Algorithms
Basic graph terminology and representations
Graph traversal algorithms (e.g., depth-first search, breadth-first search)
Shortest path algorithms (e.g., Dijkstra's algorithm, Bellman-Ford algorithm)
7. Network Flow Algorithms
Introduction to network flow problems
Maximum flow and minimum cut problems
Ford-Fulkerson algorithm and its variants
8. NP-Completeness
Introduction to NP-completeness
Cook's theorem and the concept of NP-completeness
Reduction techniques for proving NP-completeness
9. Approximation Algorithms
Introduction to approximation algorithms
Approximation ratio and performance guarantees
Examples of approximation algorithms (e.g., greedy algorithms, randomized
algorithms)
10.Advanced Topics
Randomized algorithms
Parallel algorithms
Online algorithms
11.Applications and Case Studies
Analysis of algorithms in real-world applications (e.g., search engines, social
networks)
Case studies of algorithmic problem-solving in practice
