CSE357:

COMBINATORIAL
STUDIES
Lecture #0
The kick start session
Course details
• LTP – 2 0 2
• Credit – 3
Assessment/Evaluation Scheme
• Attendance: 5
• CA: 25
• MTT:20
• ETT: 50
Complete evaluation criteria for the course
CA1: 30 marks- MCQ
CA2: 30 marks- SQL Query Writing
CA3: 30 marks- Interview
Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy
 Course outcome
Course Outcomes :Through this course students should be able to
CO1: Attain proficiency in fundamental computer science concepts, including data
structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, and computer networks, essential for
technical interviews.
CO2: Enhance problem-solving skills specific to coding challenges and algorithmic
problems frequently encountered in technical interviews.
CO3: Cultivate a comprehensive command of Object-Oriented Programming principles,
enhancing readiness to excel in technical interviews.
CO4: Acquire comprehensive strategies and techniques to effectively prepare for technical
interviews, including mock interviews, resume building, and effective communication
during interviews.
CO5: Acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to confidently address technical
interview inquiries posed by service-oriented IT companies, demonstrating proficiency
across diverse technical domains.
CO6: Engage in practice sessions including mock interviews, whiteboard coding
exercises, and simulations of behavioural interview scenarios, fostering confidence and
preparedness for different stages of technical interviews.
 Program Outcomes
PO1
Engineering knowledge: Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science,
engineering fundamentals, and an engineering specialization to the solution of
complex engineering problems.

PO2
Problem analysis::Identify, formulate, research literature, and analyze complex
engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of
mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering sciences.

PO3
Design/development of solutions::Design solutions for complex engineering
problems and design system components or processes that meet the specified
needs with appropriate consideration for the public health and safety, and the
cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.

PO4
Conduct investigations of complex problems::Use research-based knowledge
and research methods including design of experiments, analysis and
interpretation of data, and synthesis of the information to provide valid
conclusions.
 Program Outcomes
PO5
Modern tool usage::Create, select, and apply appropriate techniques, resources, and
modern engineering and IT tools including prediction and modeling to complex
engineering activities with an understanding of the limitations.

PO6
The engineer and society::Apply reasoning informed by the contextual knowledge to
assess societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent
responsibilities relevant to the professional engineering practice.

PO7
Environment and sustainability::Understand the impact of the professional engineering
solutions in societal and environmental contexts, and demonstrate the knowledge of,
and need for sustainable development.

PO8
Ethics::Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities
and norms of the engineering practice.

PO9
Individual and team work::Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or
leader in diverse teams, and in multidisciplinary settings.
 Program Outcomes
PO10
Communication::Communicate effectively on complex engineering activities with the
engineering community and with society at large, such as, being able to comprehend and
write effective reports and design documentation, make effective presentations, and give
and receive clear instructions.

PO11
Project management and finance::Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the
engineering, management principles and apply the same to one’s own work, as a member
or a leader in a team, manage projects efficiently in respective disciplines and
multidisciplinary environments after consideration of economic and financial factors.

PO12
Life-long learning::Recognize the need for, and have the preparation and ability to engage
in independent and life-long learning in the broadest context of technological change.

PO13
Competitive Skills::Ability to compete in national and international technical events and
building the competitive spirit alongwith having a good digital footprint.
Course contents
Unit I :Operating System Basics
1.Foundations of Operating Systems, Types of Operating Systems, Memory
Management and Job Scheduling
2.Memory Management in Operating Systems, Job Scheduling and Process
Loading, Processor Scheduling Algorithms, Process Synchronization and
Interprocess Communication
3.Resource Management, Protection mechanisms
Course contents
Unit II: Computer Networking Basics
1.Foundations of Computer Networks, Elements and Types of
Networks, Data and Signals
2.Network Topologies and Transmission Medium, Network Models and
Protocols
3. Understanding OSI and TCP/IP Models, Working of TCP/IP Model
(Internet), Key Protocols: HTTP, SMTP, FTP, DNS, DHCP, Overview
of Traceroute and Ping
Course contents
Unit III: Database Management Systems (DBMS)
1. Introduction to Databases and RDBMS, Basics of Databases and
RDBMS, Data Definitions: Tables, Fields, Records, SQL and Data
Manipulation, Database Keys and Data Integrity
2. Database Normalization and Transactions, Fundamentals of
Normalization, Transaction Management in DBMS
Course contents
Unit IV: Fundamentals of Programming Languages
1.C/C++/Java Interview Questions Overview, Variables, Data Types,
and Memory, Pointers and Storage, Classes, Introduction to Object-
Oriented Programming (OOP), Compiler and Interpreter Basics,
Understanding Process Loading and Linking
2. Techniques of Parameter Passing and Binding, Storage
Organization and Storage Classes, Advanced OOP Concepts and
Data Structures
3. Abstract Data Types (ADTs), Data Structure Principles, Advanced
Programming Techniques, Memory Handling in OOP Languages
Course contents
Unit V: Algorithms and Data Structures
1.Understanding Algorithms and Analysis, Running Time Analysis and
Rate of Growth
2.Asymptotic Notation: Big-O Notation, Data Structures and Recursive
Algorithms, Recursion and Backtracking
3.Linked Lists, Stacks, and Queues, Trees and Binary Search Trees
(BSTs)
Course contents
Unit VI: Advanced Algorithms and Problem-Solving Techniques
1.Sorting and Searching Algorithms, Classification and Comparison of
Sorting Algorithms, Linear and Non-Linear Searching Techniques
2. Hashing and Hash Table Implementation, Graph Algorithms and
Design Strategies, Graph Representation and Traversals
3. Shortest Path Algorithms, Introduction to Greedy, Divide and
Conquer, and Dynamic Programming Strategies
 Text & Reference Books
Textbook
 IT Interview Questions, Narasimha Karumanchi
Reference
 CRACKING the CODING INTERVIEW, by Gayle Laakmann
McDowell
 Cracking the IT Interview, by M Balasubramaniam, K. R Baalaji, Kiran.
G Ranganath, Nandawat Ravindra K, M Selvaguru, T Comerica Subash,
Raghavan S Venkat, S Anbazhagan Vikram
 SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself, by Ben Forta
 MCQs in Computer Science, by Timothy Williams