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There are 4 modules in this course
Experienced Computer Scientists analyze and solve computational problems at a level of abstraction that is beyond that of any particular programming language. This two-part course builds on the principles that you learned in our Principles of Computing course and is designed to train students in the mathematical concepts and process of "Algorithmic Thinking", allowing them to build simpler, more efficient solutions to real-world computational problems.
In part 1 of this course, we will study the notion of algorithmic efficiency and consider its application to several problems from graph theory. As the central part of the course, students will implement several important graph algorithms in Python and then use these algorithms to analyze two large real-world data sets. The main focus of these tasks is to understand interaction between the algorithms and the structure of the data sets being analyzed by these algorithms.
Recommended Background - Students should be comfortable writing intermediate size (300+ line) programs in Python and have a basic understanding of searching, sorting, and recursion. Students should also have a solid math background that includes algebra, pre-calculus and a familiarity with the math concepts covered in "Principles of Computing".
What is Algorithmic Thinking?, class structure, graphs, brute-force algorithms
What's included
15 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
15 videos•Total 180 minutes
What is Algorithmic Thinking? •9 minutes
Class structure•10 minutes
Pseudo-code •11 minutes
The small-world problem •12 minutes
Graphs and representation •15 minutes
Paths and distances •9 minutes
Brute force •12 minutes
What Is algorithm efficiency? •9 minutes
Measuring efficiency •13 minutes
Efficiency of brute force distance •15 minutes
Number of steps of brute force distance •12 minutes
Coding styles and standards - PoC•12 minutes
Machine grading - PoC•11 minutes
Plotting data - PoC•14 minutes
Peer assessment - "We want a shrubbery!" - IIPP•16 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Class notes•10 minutes
Coding notes•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Homework #1•30 minutes
Modules 1 - Project and Application
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
Graph representations, plotting, analysis of citation graphs
What's included
3 readings1 peer review2 app items
Show info about module content
3 readings•Total 30 minutes
Project #1 Description•10 minutes
Application #1 Description•10 minutes
Application #1 Solution•10 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
Analysis of Citation Graphs•120 minutes
2 app items•Total 120 minutes
Assignment: Degree Distribution for Graphs•60 minutes
Rice University is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S. and the top 100 in the world. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.