CE204-5-AT-CA:
Data Structures and Algorithms
2025/26
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus & Apprenticeship Location
Autumn Special
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Thursday 02 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
15
25 February 2025
Requisites for this module
(none)
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Data structures and algorithms lie at the heart of Computer Science as they are the basis for the efficient solution of programming tasks. In this module, students will study core algorithms and data structures, as well as being given an introduction to algorithm analysis and basic computability. The module will give students core algorithmic skills that are required for Years 2 and 3 of the Computer Science degree schemes.
The aim of this module is:
- To study core algorithms and data structures, as well as an introduction to algorithm analysis and basic computability. Students will study data types such as stacks, queues, trees and graphs, make efficient use of core data types in Java, understand time and space complexity, write and explain commonly used algorithms, use a variety of different data structures, and understand the concepts of computability and complexity.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of core data types such as lists, trees, graphs and hash maps.
- Implement core data types in Java and write programs that make efficient use of them.
- Analyze the time and space complexity of programs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of commonly used algorithms.
- Make informed choices of data structures and algorithms for solving problems.
- Explain the main concepts of computability and demonstrate that some problems have no algorithmic solution.
Outline Syllabus
- Data types
- Abstract data types
- Lists, stacks, queues, trees, binary search trees, priority queues, graphs and hash maps
- Algorithms
- Sorting
- Searching
- Shortest paths, minimum cost spanning trees
- Algorithm analysis: time and space complexity
- Computability uncomputable functions and the halting problem
This module will be delivered via:
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Portfolio of Lab Work |
|
33.33% |
| Coursework |
Progress Test (In person, MCQ Moodle Test, Closed Book) |
|
33.33% |
| Coursework |
Assignment: Programming Exercises |
|
33.34% |
| Exam |
Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during Summer (Main Period)
|
| Exam |
Reassessment Main exam: In-Person, Open Book (Restricted), 120 minutes during September (Reassessment Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr David Richerby, email: david.richerby@essex.ac.uk.
Dr David Richerby
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770
No
No
No
Prof Pietro Oliveto
Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 2 hours, 2 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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