Data Structures & Algorithm Analysis by Clifford A. Shaffer
(Free Online)
Data Structures and Algorithms in Java (2nd Ed) by Robert Lafore
(PDF)
Technologies: Java 17 (LTS), Maven, IntelliJ, JUnit 5, access to Odin server, Survey Monkey as needed.
Note: You must bring your own laptop (with necessary software) for in-class coding exercises.
Grading Policy
Category
Weight
Assignments (coding, analysis, video demo; 2 lowest dropped for excused absences)
60%
Quizzes (in-class, 2 lowest dropped for excused absences)
5%
Exam 1 (before withdrawal deadline)
10%
Exam 2 (after withdrawal deadline)
10%
Final Exam
15%
Note: For the weekly schedule and topics, see the
Schedule. Exact due dates for assignments will be posted on eLC.
Grading Philosophy
The general grading philosophy applies to programs, projects, written work, and other required elements. We use the
College Board’s convention for converting percentages to letter grades.
A+ (Extraordinary): Exceeds minimum criteria in depth and breadth, thorough design, modular code, excellent testing.
A (Superior): Excellent code meeting all criteria, some depth but not as extensive as A+.
B (Good): Meets minimum criteria well, demonstrates understanding but not as much forethought as an A.
C (Fair): Minimum criteria met; could use more depth or clarity.
Late Policy
Assignments are due on the date/time specified. Start early!
Late homework is generally not accepted, unless mitigating circumstances are discussed before the due date.
You have two excused “late days” for assignments.
At the end of the semester, you may appeal to remove a late penalty. If unused, these late-day waivers may convert into bonus points.
Expected Class Workload
UGA recommends 2–3 hours of work per credit hour per week outside of class. For this 4-credit course, that’s 8–12 hours/week on average.
We anticipate an average workload of ~10 hours/week, aligning with the midpoint of the standard expectation.
Assignment Quality
Each assignment must meet the following criteria:
Code Quality: Clean, well-structured, following established coding standards.
Comments: Clear, concise, and explanatory without compromising readability.
File Relevance: Submit only necessary files; no extraneous content.
Test Cases: Include boundary tests and error checking.
Team Work
All assignments are individual unless explicitly specified otherwise.
Grade Appeals
Any request for a grade adjustment or appeal (including exams) must be made within 7 days of the grade being posted.
Use a private Piazza post or speak with the instructor. Regrades can take time.
Decorum
Students must maintain a high standard of courtesy and respect in all class-related interactions, both in-person and online (including social media).
Disruptive or disrespectful behavior may result in removal from class and/or further administrative action.
Other Class Policies
Missed Classes: If you are absent, you are responsible for reviewing missed material.
Please do not email the instructor for a summary—ask peers or consult posted materials.
Exams: Unless otherwise specified, exams are closed-book and no additional materials are permitted.
If you must miss an exam due to serious illness, an original doctor’s note may be required for verification, and
your final grade will be adjusted accordingly.
Academic Honesty
UGA Student Honor Code:
"I will be academically honest in all of my academic work and will not tolerate academic dishonesty of others."
A Culture of Honesty, the University's policy and procedures for handling cases of suspected dishonesty, can be found at
honesty.uga.edu. Every course syllabus should include the instructor's expectations
related to academic honesty.
In addition to UGA's policy, you agree not to make any portion of your assignments public (e.g., GitHub, Discord, etc.)
or share solutions with others. Posting code or providing line-by-line assistance (including AI or external websites)
is considered unauthorized assistance unless explicitly allowed.
If you use general resources like StackOverflow for broad questions, you must phrase them so they do not reveal specific assignment details.
All external help (TA, AI, textbooks beyond course materials) must be cited in your submission. Copying remains strictly prohibited.
Consult only with the instructor or TAs if you need direct help that involves showing your code.
UGA Well-Being Resources
UGA Well-being Resources promote student success by cultivating a culture that supports a more active, healthy, and engaged student community.
Anyone needing assistance is encouraged to contact Student Care & Outreach (SCO) at 706-542-8479 or visit
sco.uga.edu. They help navigate difficult circumstances by connecting students with resources or services.
They also administer the Embark@UGA program, which supports students experiencing or having experienced homelessness, foster care, or housing insecurity.
UGA provides both clinical and non-clinical options to support student well-being and mental health, any time, any place.
Whether on campus or learning remotely, UGA Well-being Resources are here to help.