CSC 263: Seminar in Competitive Programming

Course Content:

Each meeting of this seminar will be run much like a programming contest. Participants will be divided into teams attempting to solve up to two problems during the allotted class time. At the beginning of the term, the makeup of the teams will vary from week to week, with an attempt to have class members get to know and work with as many others as possible. As the term progresses, teams will self-select. Each week, teams will be ranked according to the ACM ranking criteria.

Course Objectives:

To improve problem-solving skills
To increase experience with algorithm development
To gain experience and skill with C/C++ programming
To develop effective team interaction
To sample a competitive programming environment
To improve performance in that environment
To get practice for future programming competitions

Text:

There is no required text for this seminar. Participants are welcome to use any printed material, e.g., textbooks, references, printouts of sourcecode from previously written programs, etc, at any time during class. Outside electronic resources are not permitted. I will bring a standard C text, a standard C++ text, and a C/C++ reference to each class meeting.

Grading:

This seminar is graded S/U (pass/fail). A passing grade will be earned with the accumulation of 350 points over the 16 class meetings. Points will be awarded to individuals based primarily on attendance (20 pts per day). Late arrivals will be docked 2 points for each 15 minutes late.
During each class meeting's competition, teams will be ranked according to ACM criteria. Points additional to attendance points will be awarded to members of each team solving at least one problem -- 5 pts for a first place ranking, 4 pts for second place, and 3 points for a third place. During weeks in which more than one problem is posed, any team solving two problems will get an additional 4 pts for each team member.
Any team may earn an additional 2 pts for each submission of a correct solution to a problem they were not able to get during the allotted time, as long as it is submitted before the next class meeting.
All correct submissions will be posted on Blackboard one week after the problem set is given.

Final

No final examination will be given in this course. School policy mandates that we meet during the scheduled final examination period. Therefore, that session will be run like every other class period.

Any student with special needs because of a learning disability or other disability is encouraged to discuss any necessary accommodations with the instructor.

Last modified: Jan 08, 2010
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