Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 1 from edX

Welcome to the self paced course, Algorithms: Design and Analysis! Algorithms are the heart of computer science, and the subject has countless practical applications as well as intellectual depth.

This specialization is an introduction to algorithms for learners with at least a little programming experience. The specialization is rigorous but emphasizes the big picture and conceptual understanding over low-level implementation and mathematical details. After completing this specialization, you will be well-positioned to ace your technical interviews and speak fluently about algorithms with other programmers and computer scientists.

Specific topics in the course include: "Big-oh" notation, sorting and searching, divide and conquer (master method, integer and matrix multiplication, closest pair), randomized algorithms (QuickSort, contraction algorithm for min cuts), data structures (heaps, balanced search trees, hash tables, bloom filters), graph primitives (applications of BFS and DFS, connectivity, shortest paths).

Learners will practice and master the fundamentals of algorithms through several types of assessments. There are 6 multiple choice quizzes to test your understanding of the most important concepts. There are also 6 programming assignments, where you implement one of the algorithms covered in lecture in a programming language of your choosing. The course concludes with a multiple-choice final. There are no assignment due dates and you can work through the course materials and assignments at your own pace.

What's inside

Learning objectives

"big-oh" notation
Sorting and searching
Divide and conquer (master method, integer and matrix multiplication, closest pair)

Randomized algorithms (quicksort, contraction algorithm for min cuts)
Data structures (heaps, balanced search trees, hash tables, bloom filters)
Graph primitives (applications of bfs and dfs, connectivity, shortest paths)

"big-oh" notation
Sorting and searching
Divide and conquer (master method, integer and matrix multiplication, closest pair)
Randomized algorithms (quicksort, contraction algorithm for min cuts)
Data structures (heaps, balanced search trees, hash tables, bloom filters)
Graph primitives (applications of bfs and dfs, connectivity, shortest paths)

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Tim Roughgarden, who is renowned for his work in computer science

Fits beginner learners with a touch of prior programming experience

Develops a foundational understanding of algorithms before moving to advanced topics

Teaches essential algorithms and concepts, preparing learners for technical interviews

Covers a wide range of algorithm types, including divide and conquer and randomized

Provides multiple assessment types to gauge understanding

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 1 with these activities:

Review Textbook

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Review the textbook to ensure a strong foundation for the course.

View Introduction to Programming in Java: An... on Amazon

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skim the chapters to get a general overview of the topics covered in the course.
Read assigned sections to understand the basics of algorithms.
Solve practice problems to test understanding.

Review Basic Data Structures

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Refresh basic data structures to strengthen understanding of algorithms.

Browse courses on Arrays

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Review lecture notes or online resources on data structures.
Practice implementing basic data structures in code.

Seek Algorithm Mentorship

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Identify and connect with mentors for guidance and support in the study of algorithms.

Browse courses on Algorithms

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Identify potential mentors through professional networks or online platforms.
Reach out to potential mentors and express interest in their guidance.
Establish regular meetings or communication channels with mentors.

Six other activities

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Interactive Algorithm Visualizations

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Explore interactive algorithm visualizations to enhance understanding.

Browse courses on Divide and Conquer

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Find reputable online resources for algorithm visualizations.
Select an algorithm and explore its visualization.
Use visualizations to understand how the algorithm works.

Algorithm Discussion Groups

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Engage in discussions with peers to strengthen understanding and collaboration.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Join or create a study group with other students.
Discuss course topics and work on problems together.
Provide feedback and support to group members.

Algorithm Implementation

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Implement algorithms to reinforce understanding and solidify skills.

Browse courses on Sorting

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Choose an algorithm to implement.
Design and implement the algorithm in a programming language.
Test the implementation through unit tests.

Algorithm Coding Challenges

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Participate in coding challenges to test skills and benchmark progress.

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Identify and register for relevant coding challenges.
Practice and prepare for the challenges.
Participate in the challenges and strive for success.

Algorithm Explanation Video

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Create a video explaining an algorithm to reinforce understanding and enhance communication skills.

Browse courses on Algorithms

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Choose an algorithm to explain.
Write a script for the video.
Record and edit the video.
Share the video with others for feedback and discussion.

Algorithm Design Project

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Design and implement an algorithm to solve a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Algorithm Design

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Identify a problem that can be solved with an algorithm.
Design and implement an algorithm to solve the problem.
Test and refine the algorithm.
Create a presentation or report describing the algorithm and its results.

Career center

Learners who complete Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists design, develop, and implement computer systems. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Computer Scientist by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Computer Scientist who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Algorithm Developer

Algorithm Developers design and implement algorithms to solve problems. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Algorithm Developer by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Algorithm Developer who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Algorithm Developer

Software Architect

Software Architects design and implement the overall architecture of software systems. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Software Architect by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Software Architect who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Software Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Software Engineer who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to process and analyze data efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Data Analyst who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design and implement databases to store and manage data. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Database Administrator by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to process and analyze data efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Database Administrator who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and implement data pipelines to move data from one system to another. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Data Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to process and analyze data efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Data Engineer who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Quantitative Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to process and analyze data efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Quantitative Analyst who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts design and implement security measures to protect data and systems from unauthorized access. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Information Security Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to analyze security data and identify vulnerabilities, and data structures are used to organize and store security information. This knowledge is essential for any Information Security Analyst who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and implement machine learning algorithms to solve problems. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Machine Learning Engineer by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Machine Learning Engineer who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in business and industry. This course can help you prepare for a career as an Operations Research Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Operations Research Analyst who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and launch of new products. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Product Manager by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Product Manager who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations to solve problems and improve their performance. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Management Consultant by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Management Consultant who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Technical Program Manager

Technical Program Managers oversee the development of software projects. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Technical Program Manager by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Technical Program Manager who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Program Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to understand their business needs and develop solutions to meet those needs. This course can help you prepare for a career as a Business Analyst by providing you with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures. Algorithms are used to solve problems efficiently, and data structures are used to organize and store data. This knowledge is essential for any Business Analyst who wants to be successful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst