Program Analysis (G6017)
Program Analysis
Module G6017
Module details for 2025/26.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 5
Module Outline
Part 1: Foundations
The first part of the module introduces the idea of the asymptotic analysis of algorithms, and in particular we will consider the following: specifying a problem; the notion of an algorithm and what it means for an algorithm to solve a problem; the upper, lower and tight asymptotic bounds associated with an algorithm; the best-, worst- and expected-case analysis of an algorithm; the lower bound for a problem.
In the remainder of Part 1 we consider a number of important data structures, with particular emphasis on priority queues and the generic graph data structure. Several basic graph algorithms will be considered, in particular: depth-first search of graphs; breadth-first search of graphs; and topological sorting of directed acyclic graphs.
Part 2: Generic Design Paradigms
In part 2 we will consider four of the most important methods used as the basis for algorithm design: greedy methods; divide and conquer approaches; dynamic programming; and network flow.
In considering these generic design paradigms we will look at a number of well-known problems, including: interval scheduling; single source shortest path; minimum spanning tree; Huffman codes construction; weighted interval scheduling; subset sum; sequence alignment; network flow; and bipartite matching.
Library
J. Kleinberg and E. Tardos: Algorithm Design, Addison Wesley, 2005. International Student Edition.
This text is recommended because: (a) it is the one that the course will most closely follow (we will be covering parts of the material that is presented in the first seven chapters); and (b) the concepts are presented using a wide range of reasonably realistic problems.
Alternative text
Michael T. Goodrich and Roberto Tamassia, Data Structures and Algorithms in Java, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
This is a more traditional algorithms textbook might be more to your taste.
Reference text
Thomas H Cormen, Charles E Leiserson, Ronald L Rivest and Clifford Stein, Introduction to Algorithms, Second Edition, MIT Press, 2001.
This is a good reference book on algorithms.
Module learning outcomes
Given a novel problem specification, determine an appropriate style of algorithm to deploy for that problem.
Analyse the asymptotic efficiency of an algorithm, distinguishing best-, worst- and expected-cases.
Design and implement algorithmic solutions to problems based on greedy, dynamic programming and network flow approaches.
Express an algorithm using abstract pseudo-code rather than using a particular programming language.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Based Exam | Semester 1 Assessment | 75.00% |
| Coursework | 25.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Problem Set | T1 Week 6 | 50.00% |
| Problem Set | XVAC Week 1 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 2 hours | 22222222222 |
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 1 hour | 01111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Please note that the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.