Main Campus · Career and Technical Education · Business/Computer Science and Technologies

Data Structures
CSC-220
Summer 2025 Section 251W 3.00 Credits 06/02/2025 to 07/24/2025 Modified 03/27/2025

 Course Description
Complex data structures and algorithms including lists, searching and sorting, stacks, queues, trees,
graphs, and memory management with emphasis on algorithm analysis.

Requisites

Credit in CSC 125 or CSC 240

 Course Objectives
Students will learn how to measure the performance of algorithms. They will also learn about specific
concepts including lists, binary trees, graphs, searching, and sorting.

 Learning Outcomes
This course meets the following Parkland College General Learning Outcomes:

Reasoning and Inquiry - Students will demonstrate their ability to solve problems using deductive
reasoning and logic, quantitative reasoning, or the scientific method.

Course Specific Outcomes:

Programming in Python

Explain Python syntax.

Demonstrate the ability to make Read - Evaluate - Print - Loop programs in Python.
Demonstrate functions and classes in Python.

Object Oriented Programming

Design and develop concrete data types using the OOP abstraction, and use classes to encapsulate
and modularize code.
 Design and develop inheritance and abstract classes in Python.
Describe the goals of OOP.
Design and develop classes in Python.
Demonstrate the ability to use constructors, accessors, and mutators in accordance with accepted
software engineering principles.

Algorithm Analysis

Explain basic algorithm analysis.

Classify algorithms using Big O and related notations.
Analyze code to determine its algorithm complexity and categorize it into constant, logarithmic, linear,
quadratic, and other common classifications.

Dynamic Arrays

Describe the structure of referential arrays.

Describe shallow copying and deep copying.
Describe how dynamic arrays amortize resizing costs.
Describe different amortization strategies.

Stacks, Queues, Deques, Singly- and Doubly-linked Lists

Describe implementations of stacks, queues, and deques based on arrays and linked-node data
structures.
Analyze when and where one implementation is more efficient than another using Big O notation.
Compare singly-linked to doubly-linked lists.
Assess the complexity costs of all the sequential data structures.
Design and develop an efficient program using these abstract data structures.
Utilize abstract data structures such as stacks, queues, and deques.

General Trees

Perform tree-traversal algorithms.

Design and develop an efficient program using tree traversal algorithms.
Explain non-linear, hierarchical trees.

Priority Queues and Heaps

Describe priority queue implementation strategies using arrays, sorted arrays, and heaps.
Compare heaps to other trees using Big O notation.
Describe the mechanics of a heap.
Develop a sort using a heap and analyze the running time.
Analyze the complexity costs and compare the tradeoffs of all the priority queue and heap
implementations.

Maps and Hash Tables

Describe hash functions.

 Design and develop a program using hashing to implement a map data structure.
Determine the complexity costs and tradeoffs of different probing methods.

Binary Search Trees

Recognize binary trees and general trees.

Define how binary trees can make a mapping.
Design and develop a program using self-balanced trees to make a map and analyze the benefits of
balancing.
Describe the different balancing strategies of AVL Trees, RB trees, and Splay trees.

Sorting

Describe multiple sorting algorithms including Quicksort.

Calculate and graph the runtime complexities of sorting algorithms.
Design and develop sorting applications on sequential data structures.
Describe how to use pivoting to calculate order statistics.

Graphs

Analyze different graph implementations.

Analyze the runtime complexities of graph algorithms based on the underlying implementation of the
graph.
Design and develop code using a graph data structure with traversal algorithms.
Design and develop code using a graph data structure with minimum spanning tree algorithms.
Design and develop code using a graph data structure to determine the least weighted path between
two points.

Dynamic Programming, Greedy Method, Tries

Define dynamic programming and demonstrate how it is used.

Define a greedy method heuristic and demonstrate how it is used.
Define the trie data structure, and analyze the runtime complexities.

 Grading

 Course Policies

AI Policy
Instructors should replace this information with their own AI policy for this course.

 Schedule

 Learning Resources
Online Orientation
You are encouraged to complete Parkland's student orientation (https://go.parkland.edu/orientation).
This easy to use online platform has information about getting started as a new student, plus
resources and support that can help at all stages of your college journey. You may also access
orientation from your Cobra homepage (https://cobra.parkland.edu). New videos are added regularly,
so check back in occasionally.

Academic Advising and Career Services

Your academic success advisor is your partner for academic success at Parkland! Meet with your
advisor regularly to develop your academic plan, select courses, plan your transfer or career path, and
connect with support resources. You can contact your advisor directly, or reach advising staff by calling
217/351-2219, by email at [email protected] or in room U267. Look up your advisor's
contact information on Student Planning, or schedule an advising appointment using our online service
(https://www.parkland.edu/advisingappointment).

Co-located in room U267, Career Services offers one-on-one advising sessions to assist students in
exploring interests, skills, and values to select their college majors and career goals, as well as
assistance with resume writing, interviewing skills, and other job search strategies. Contact career
services by email at [email protected] or through the Career Services website
(https://www.parkland.edu/careerservices).

Accessibility Services
Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services
(https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Counseling-
Services/Accessibility-Services) to discuss a range of options, including accommodations for removing
documented learning barriers in the course. Students are always encouraged to communicate with
their instructor to address their learning needs in the class, with all accommodations being approved
by Accessibility Services. In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), Parkland College will not discriminate against
qualified individuals based on disability in its services, programs, or activities.

Students who have a disability or have reason to believe that they have a disability impacting learning
and who may need accommodations are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services either in person
at room U260, by phone at 217/353-2338, or by email at [email protected]. Students
are required to inform Accessibility Services to notify instructors each semester for each class and can
do so through the Request to Notify Instructors of Accommodations
(https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?ParklandCollege&layout_ id=93) or through the other
contact means above.
Counseling Support Center
Your mental health is critical to your overall health and to your success at Parkland College. The
Counseling Support Center is focused on helping you develop and reach your goals and improving
your well-being. Individual supportive counseling appointments can be made through the client portal
(https://counselingsupportcenter.parkland.edu), calling 217/351-2461, visiting room U238, or emailing
[email protected]. If you feel you are at risk of immediate harm to yourself or others,
take immediate action: call the crisis line at 217/359-4141, text "START" to 741-741, or call 988. For a
medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to the closest emergency room.

Parkland College's Counseling Support Center website (https://www.parkland.edu/counseling) lists a

wide variety of services, peer support, online resources, and community resources for students and
their families.

The Learning Commons and Library

If you need help to complete assignments, stay on top of readings, prepare for tests, or just have a
place to study, the Learning Commons, located in the College Center in R201, is here to help. You can
reach the Learning Commons online at the Learning Commons website
(https://parkland.edu/learningcommons), by email at [email protected], or call
217/373-3839. All of our services are available in person or online.

The Parkland College Library (https://library.parkland.edu) is located inside the Learning Commons in
R201 and is a comfortable place to study, research, browse our collections, and work with friends.
Printers and scanners are also available.

Librarians are available for research help in person, through email, and by chat on the Library website.
Full-text databases are available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may access these
databases from off-campus using your ParklandOne login, along with ebooks, audiobooks, and
streaming services.

Your Parkland ID is your library card. You may renew library materials online in the Parkland Library
catalog or call 217/353-2223. Laptops, Kindles, headphones, and more can be checked out at the
Learning Commons Main Desk.

Presentation Center
The Presentation Center (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/Academics/Departments/Arts-Media-Social-
Sciences/Areas-of-Study/Fine-and-Applied-Arts/Communication/Presentation-Center), part of the
Learning Commons in X227, provides help developing, organizing, and practicing individual or group
presentations, including help with outline development, visual aids, and even coping with speaking
anxiety. The Presentation Center is available to all students, faculty, and staff on a drop-in basis. For
additional information, send an email to [email protected], or contact Coordinator Julie
Weishar at [email protected].
Writing Lab
The Writing Lab, part of the Learning Commons in R201, is a free, walk-in service where writing faculty
can help you with any writing project—from getting started to citing sources correctly—as well as with
transfer essays, job application letters, and other writing projects. You can also find many useful
handouts, including about MLA and APA documentation, online at the Spark Writing Resources
(https://spark.parkland.edu/wl/) website.

School Supplies Pantry: If you need pens, pencils, notebooks, etc., stop by the Writing Lab to see if the
School Supplies Pantry has what you need. The supplies are donated to the pantry and are available to
you at no charge. The Pantry is open whenever the Writing Lab is open.

Computer Technology Center

The Computer Technology Center, part of the Learning Commons in R201, provides you with
opportunities to complete computer courses using a self-paced format, as well as gain assistance with
computer skills from qualified staff and peer tutors. You can complete free tutorials that cover basic
computer literacy skills, or a select from a variety of low-cost, open-enrollment courses covering
topics from keyboarding to advanced-level Microsoft Office applications. See the CTC website
(https://www.parkland.edu/Main/Academics/Departments/Business-Computer-Science-
Technologies/Explore/Computer-Technology-Center) for more information.

Public Safety/Campus Police Department

The Parkland College Police Department, (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Public-Safety) also known as Public Safety, is a full-service
police agency covering the campus 24 hours a day, including holidays. The officers are trained as
EMTs and First Responders to provide emergency medical care. The Police Department offers many
services which include escorts, lost and found, and vehicle assists. During normal operations, the
college hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The
campus is closed on Sundays and holidays.

You can reach this department by:

Visiting the main Public Safety office at A160

Calling 217/351-2369
Dialing 911 from a campus phone
Using emergency call boxes conveniently located throughout the exterior of campus

Tech Service Desk

The Tech Service Desk (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-Office-
Directory/Campus-Technologies/Tech-Service-Desk) is a one-stop shop for Parkland students seeking
help with Parkland technologies, including email, Cobra Learning, Wi‑Fi, ParklandOne, Microsoft 365,
and more.
 You may contact the Tech Service Desk in several ways: call 217/353-3333; submit a ticket
(https://services.parkland.edu/TDClient/1937/Portal/Requests/ServiceCatalog?CategoryID=18426); or
visit them in room A184.

Additionally, the college subscribes to a 24/7 tech support service specifically for Cobra Learning. You
can find the 24/7 CobraSupport widget on the main Cobra homepage, or you can navigate directly to
the Brightspace support site (https://community.brightspace.com/support/s/contactsupport). Finally,
you may opt to search for help articles on the Parkland College KnowledgeBase
(https://kb.parkland.edu/).

During the spring/fall semesters, the Tech Service Desk hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. During the summer, they are closed on Fridays.

 Institutional Policies
The syllabus is an outline of what you will be taught in class and a list of relevant rules, policies* and services
of the college. There is a different syllabus for every class. Please read the syllabus for every class you take
at Parkland so you will know what to expect.

*If you are a dual credit student taking Parkland classes at your high school, please see your instructor for
specific policies that relate to you.

Parkland College Mission

The mission of Parkland College is to engage the community in learning.

Parkland College Core Values

Honesty and Integrity, Fairness and Just Treatment, Responsibility, Multiculturalism, Education, and
Public Trust are the core values at Parkland College.

Parkland College Civility Statement and Code of Conduct

Civility means treating each other with kindness and respect. At Parkland College we expect all faculty,
staff, and students to:

Respect people and property

Be tolerant of people's differences
Show concern for and fairness towards others
Be thoughtful and patient
Be responsible for your own actions

You are responsible for your own behavior. This includes watching your language and actions
whenever you are on campus. Please, think before you act! You are expected to respect yourself, your
fellow students and your instructors. You have joined the Parkland College academic community. Be a
good member of the community. For questions or concerns, email the Dean of Students at
[email protected].
 View the official Student Handbook (https://www.parkland.edu/audience/current-students/student-
policies-procedures) and Conduct Code (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Administration/Dean-of-Students/Parkland-College-Student-Conduct-Code).

General and Course Learning Outcomes

Every course at Parkland College has specific learning outcomes that are identified in a Course
Information Form (CIF). You are welcome to ask your instructor or department chair for a copy of the
CIF. Course learning objectives should also be found in your specific course syllabus.

Attendance
If you must miss class, please let your instructor know. Every instructor has their own attendance
policy, and you should read the syllabus for each of your classes to know the rules. Only your
instructors can decide whether an absence is excused. They also will decide if you can turn in late
work or make up work.

Extended Absence from Classes

If you are absent for more than one day due to an emergency, accident, illness or hospitalization, you
or your family need to contact the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected] or
submit this Absence Form (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?ParklandCollege&layout_ id=2)
so that your instructors will be notified.

Absences Due to Religious Observances

If you need to miss class for a religious observance, please plan ahead and fill out a Religious
Observance Accommodation Request Form (https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?
ParklandCollege&layout_ id=3) and send it to your instructor and to [email protected]. If
approved, your instructors can help you keep up with your course work.

Academic Honesty
It is your job as a student to be honest and do your own work. If an instructor believes that a student
has cheated, they will take steps listed in the Student Policies and Procedures Manual. If a student is
accused of cheating or academic dishonesty they have the right to defend themselves.

Some Examples of Academic Dishonesty:

Copying someone else’s work or allowing your work to be copied

Using someone else's work as your own
Getting help on an assignment or test when it is not allowed

View the Student Handbook (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Administration/Dean-

of-Students/Student-Handbook) and Conduct Code (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Administration/Dean-of-Students/Parkland-College-Student-Conduct-Code) for the full
Academic Honesty policy.
AI - Artificial Intelligence
Before using AI tools such as ChatGPT, ask your faculty if and how these tools may be used in your
coursework. Your work should be your own and individual instructors will set different rules for the use
of AI.

Email
Parkland College uses email as an official means of communication. All Parkland students are issued
an official Parkland email account which should be used for instruction, instructional support, advising,
and all college-related correspondence. Faculty will communicate with students through their
Parkland email addresses and are not expected to use students' personal email addresses. Parkland
College faculty and students have the right to send communications via email and expect those
communications to be read in a timely fashion.

Parkland email users are expected to comply with and are subject to all Federal, State, and College
rules, regulations, and procedures when using email. Users are responsible for safeguarding their
username and password and for using them only as authorized. Sharing email accounts and/or
passwords with another person or attempting to obtain access to another person's account is
prohibited. Each user is responsible for all email transactions made under the authorization of his or
her Parkland email username. Confidentiality or privacy of electronic mail cannot be guaranteed.
Messages sent through the Parkland email system should be respectful in tone and language.

Health and Safety Expectations in the Classroom

Parkland College is working to keep students, faculty, and staff safe and healthy. Students are
encouraged to decide for themselves if they want to wear masks or not. No one is required to wear a
mask, and everyone should respect the individual's right to decide what is best for them. We
recommend that all members of the campus community practice good hand hygiene and work with
faculty to keep up with coursework if illness makes coming to campus difficult.

Names and Pronouns

Students have the option to inform Parkland College of their chosen first name. The chosen first name
will appear on the class roster as well as within other campus systems. Please see the chosen name
information (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-Office-
Directory/Admissions-Records/Chosen-Name-Policy) on our website for more information and to
submit a request to add or change a chosen name. Students are also able to indicate their preferred
pronouns on the same form as the chosen name request form. If you have questions about the
process, contact Admissions and Records at [email protected].

Withdrawal from a Class Section

Once you sign up for a course, you will remain in the course until you ask to be removed, or an
instructor withdraws you.
In the first week of a class session, you may drop the class with no record and you will receive a full
refund of tuition and fees.

At the end of the first week of class, instructors check attendance. If you have not been to class or
participated in class activities during the first week, you will be removed from the class by your
instructor. In online classes, just logging in is not considered attending. Your instructor should provide
some assignment or activity due in the first week of class that confirms attendance. It is important that
you complete that activity in the first week to avoid being withdrawn. There will be no refund of your
tuition and a grade of W will be given.

After the first week of class, if you want to stop taking a class it is your responsibility to withdraw
yourself from the class. However, if you are failing a course due to violations of the academic honesty
policy or failing a clinical course in a Health Professions program, you may not be permitted to
withdraw. See the appropriate division dean if you have questions.

Until the mid-term (half-way) point of a class, your instructor may remove you from the class if you
stop attending for two or more weeks. This can happen even if you do not wish to stop being in the
class. This means that there will be a W entered as your course grade. If you miss two weeks of
assignments or postings in an online class, your instructor may decide that you have stopped
attending. It is important to stay in touch with your instructor if you are unable to attend or are falling
behind in your work.

After the half-way point in the class only you can remove yourself from a class. If you stop attending,
but do not ask to be withdrawn from a class, you will be given the grade that you earned in the class.

The last date for students to withdraw with a "W" is 5 p.m. on the last business day prior to the last
week of instruction.

Below is all the information, due dates, and forms you need for dropping or withdrawing from Summer
2025 classes depending on the start and end dates of the course.

DROP REQUEST

Course will not be a part of your academic record

Tuition refunded
Instructions for dropping a class (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-
Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class)

WITHDRAWAL REQUEST

Final grade posted as W

No tuition refunded
Instructions for withdrawing from a class (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class)

Summer 2025
 Drop and Withdrawal Deadlines

May 25 - Last day to drop with 100% refund (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-

Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) for classes
that begin the week of May 19
May 30 - Deadline to withdraw from classes (no refund) (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class)that end the
week of June 2
June 5 - Deadline to withdraw from classes (no refund) (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) that end
the week of June 9
July 2 - Deadline to withdraw from classes (no refund) (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) that end
the week of July 7

June 8 - Last day to drop with 100% refund (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-

Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) for classes
that begin the week of June 2
July 2 - Deadline to withdraw from classes (no refund) (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) that end
the week of July 7
July 17 - Deadline to withdraw from classes (no refund) (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) that end
the week of July 21

July 13 - Last day to drop with 100% refund (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-

Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) for classes
that begin the week of July 7
July 17 - Deadline to withdraw from classes (no refund) (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) that end
the week of July 21
July 24 - Deadline to withdraw from classes (no refund) (https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-
Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Admissions-Records/Drop-Withdraw-a-Class) that end
the week of July 28

Recording in the Classroom

Students who wish to record classroom or other learning activities must ask for permission from the
instructor. Even if you have permission to record classroom learning activities, those recordings are
only for your personal study and review and may not be used for any other reason.
 Students with disabilities who have an approved recording accommodation through Accessibility
Services may record classroom and learning activities. Permission for recording of classroom learning
activities is given solely for the student's personal study and review and may not be used for any other
purposes.

Title IX - Sexual Harassment, Violence, and Sex-Based

Misconduct
We are committed to providing a safe and productive educational environment for all students. To
meet this commitment and to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and
guidance from the Office of Civil Rights, the college requires faculty members to report incidents of
sexual harassment, violence, and sex-based misconduct shared by students to the college's Title IX
coordinator, Vice President for Student Services, Dr. Michael Trame. The only exceptions to the faculty
member's reporting obligation are when incidents of sexual harassment, violence, and sex-based
misconduct are communicated by a student during a classroom discussion, in a writing assignment for
a class, or as part of a college-approved research project. Faculty members are required to report
sexual violence or any other abuse of a minor (any person under 18 years of age) to the Illinois
Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Information regarding the reporting of sexual harassment, violence, and sex-based misconduct and
the resources that are available to victims of sexual harassment, violence, and sex-based misconduct
is available at Title IX Sex-Based Misconduct (https://parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Safe-
Campus-Procedures/Title-IX-Harassment-Discrimination).

Title IX - Pregnancy
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides pregnant students with certain rights regarding
their education. For more information, please click Pregnancy Support
(https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?ParklandCollege&layout_ id=22) to submit a form. You can
also contact Dr. Marietta Turner, Dean of Students, at 217/351-2505 or email
[email protected].