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    Overview

    Solving problems in a computational environment. Choosing the right techniques, verifying performance, understanding and satisfying client requirements. Working individually and in teams to provide effective solutions.

    This paper develops and extends the analytical and creative skills required in programming. A series of études - some individual, some in pairs and some in groups - require solutions that challenge your abilities as programmers. As well as finding solutions, there is an emphasis on testing and verifying them and communicating the outcome to the "client" (who, in this case, is the instructor).

    About this paper

    Paper title Computational Problem Solving
    Subject Computer Science
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    COSC 201 or COSC 202 or COSC 242
    Recommended Preparation
    COSC 201 and COSC 202
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Science
    Contact

    Computer Science Adviser

    Teaching staff

    Professor Michael Albert

    Paper Structure

    This paper aims to improve and develop programming skills by setting a series of exercises that require an analytical and creative approach to problem solving. Most, but not all, of these exercises will involve programming tasks. Some will not use computers at all; some will use them only for ancillary tasks. Each solution will be assessed against the requirements, and students will be expected to go back and rework each problem until it is completed satisfactorily. Students will be required to fully test and debug their programs as well as learn to identify inefficiencies.

    Assessment: This paper is 100% internally assessed.

    Teaching Arrangements

    This paper has no lectures. Students take part in 'town hall meetings' and 2-hour labs as indicated in the timetable below.

    Textbooks

    No textbooks are required for this paper.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes
    Learning Outcomes

    The central learning outcomes from COSC 326 relate to the strategies and mechanics of problem solving in the context of programming. Specifically:

    • Understanding a problem (for instance, simplification, clarification, generalisation and specification)
    • Learning different problem-solving strategies (for instance, creative approaches, top down, choice of tools, etc)
    • Specific computer-related techniques in problem solving (for instance, limitations of programs, recursion, testing, efficiency)
    • Working with people (for instance, group management and dynamics, collaboration, record keeping and reporting)

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Tuesday 11:00-12:50 9-13, 15-22
    Friday 11:00-12:50 9-12, 15-22
    A2 Tuesday 14:00-15:50 9-13, 15-22
    Wednesday 12:00-13:50 9-13, 15-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Thursday 10:00-10:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    A2 Friday 10:00-10:50 9-12, 15-22
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