UCR CS218: Design and analysis of algorithms

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Q: What knowledge do I need to know before I take the class?

Q: How much time should I expect to work on this class each week?

Q: Why do I need to take this class?...

Q: Why do I need to write proofs in this class?...

Q: Why do I need to write programs in this class?...

Q: Why do I need to take exams in this class?

Q: How can I know if I’m ready for this class?

Q: It sounds scary to me now ... How hard is it to pass the class?

In general, this is a hard class. It is important for you to mentally be prepared for such a difficult class, and be aware that it will take you a lot of time.

I'm trying my best to make the slides and lectures clearer, find the best examples to use in class, provide extra materials, design assignment problems that are not too many but still cover all important concepts in class, etc. I appreciate your hard work and your feedback, but please be nice to me too :)

Also, please understand that this is a large class with students from different backgrounds (e.g., not from the U.S., not from computer science, etc.), who have different goals (to stay in academia, industry, or even non-CS related jobs in the future). Therefore, sometimes your requirement may not be satisfied because the design of the class needs to consider such a diverse audience, but you can always talk to me privately to get help based on your own situation. I will always try my best to help. Thanks for your understanding.