Algorithms: computational geometry, graph algorithms, number theoretic algorithms, string matching. Design and analysis of algorithms: dynamic programming, amortised analysis, judging reasonableness. Programming skills, mainly in C++ and Java.
DD2458 Problem Solving and Programming under Pressure 9.0 credits
Successful problem solving in computer science requires a solid theoretical foundation as well as ability to apply the theory to practical problem solving.
The aim of this course is to develop your ability to apply knowledge of algorithms, data structures, and complexity theory to given problems. As a professional it is useful to be able to analyze a problem, judge the efficiency of proposed algorithms, and to implement them quickly and correctly. In this course, you will practice this by solving a number of homework assignments and while working under time constraints during problem solving sessions.
Note that this is an unusually heavy and work intensive course.
Information per course offering
Choose semester and course offering to see current information and more about the course, such as course syllabus, study period, and application information.
Information for Spring 2025 popup25 programme students
- Course location
KTH Campus
- Duration
- 14 Jan 2025 - 2 Jun 2025
- Periods
- P3 (4.5 hp), P4 (4.5 hp)
- Pace of study
33%
- Application code
60139
- Form of study
Normal Daytime
- Language of instruction
English
- Course memo
- Course memo is not published
- Number of places
15 - 25
- Target group
Open to students from year 3 and for students admitted to a master's programme as long as it can be included in your programme.
- Planned modular schedule
- [object Object]
- Schedule
- Schedule is not published
Contact
Per Austrin, e-post: popup-17@csc.kth.se
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus DD2458 (Autumn 2020–)Headings with content from the Course syllabus DD2458 (Autumn 2020–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
The general aim of the course is that the students both should be able to use programmering as a tool for problem solving and should be able to apply theoretical knowledge from other computer science courses to solve practical problems. The course has a large focus on going the whole path from theory (in the form of algorithm design) to practice (in the form of a working program).
After passing the course, the student should be able to
- use algorithm design methods such as greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, divide and conquer, and combinatorial search to design algorithms in order to solve given problems,
- use basic algorithms in fields such as graph theory, number theory and geometry on given problems and adapt them to problem-specific circumstances,
- analyse the efficiency of different algorithms to decide which ones are sufficiently efficient in a given context,
- compare different problems with respect to difficulty,
- implement algorithms and data structures given abstract specifications,
- identify bugs in others' solution attempts on problems,
- communicate with others during problem solving in groups,
- present algorithms, data structures and problems orally in a concise and lucid way.
The intended learning outcomes are achieved by solving a large number of assignments during the course, implementing a small library of algorithms, solving problems in small groups during "problem sessions", and presenting solutions to homework assignments.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Completed course in algorithms and complexity equivalent to DD2350/DD2352.
Recommended prerequisites
DD2440 Advanced Algorithms
Equipment
No information inserted
Literature
No information inserted
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Examination
- LAB2 - Lab assignments and problem solving sessions, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
- ÖVN1 - Exercises, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Examination can only take place in connection with an ongoing course offering.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No information inserted
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
Computer Science and Engineering
Education cycle
Second cycle
Add-on studies
Please discuss with the instructor.
Contact
Per Austrin, e-post: popup-17@csc.kth.se
Transitional regulations
LAB2 corresponds to the earlier component LAB1 and may replace this.
Supplementary information
The number of participants is limited to 25.
The course is only given if we have sufficient teaching resources.
In this course, the EECS code of honor applies, see:
http://www.kth.se/en/eecs/utbildning/hederskodex