Welcome to CSE 21. CSE 21 is intended to introduce you to the broad field of algorithms and give you the mathematical tools needed to study algorithms and their efficiency:
We look forward to guiding you through the foundations of algorithmic thinking and problem solving.
Big O and its relatives, Time Complexity and Correctness of iterative algorithms: Minsort, Bubblesort, Insertionsort, Linear Search, Binary Search, Summing Triple, Intersection
Time Complexity and Correctness of recursive algorithms: Exponentiation, Merging sorted arrays, Mergesort: Correctness and Time analysis, Multiplication of large integers (Karatsuba’s algorithm)
Product rule and Sum rule, Permutations, Variations, and Combinations, Inclusion and Exclusion, Counting using the Complement, Counting with Generating Functions, Counting Paths in Grids, Binomial Coefficients and Identities
Experiments, Sample Spaces, Random Variables, Probability Distributions, Expected value and Linearity of Expectation, Indicator random variables and their power, Conditional Probabilities, Probability and Intuition, Bayes' Theorem
Basic definitions and properties of graphs, Euler and Hamilton, BFS, DFS, Minimum Spanning Trees (Prim's algorithm), Topological Sorting (Kahn's algorithm), Single-source Shortest Paths (Bellman-Ford, Dijkstra, Bellman), Travelling-Salesperson-Problem (Minimum Spanning Tree Algorithm)
Lecture slides and relevant supporting material will be made available on Canvas. Students may earn bonus points through selected activities conducted during lecture.
In the TA-led discussion sections, we will primarily work through problems from previous exams. These discussion sections are intended to help you prepare directly for the types of problems, arguments, and solution techniques expected on the midterm and final exam.
Optional homework problems will be provided for additional practice. They may explore selected topics in greater depth and go beyond the exam-focused problems discussed in the TA-led discussion sections. The homework is not required and is not graded as a regular assignment. Written solutions will be published, and selected problems will also have solution videos on Canvas.
We expect that all students will need help at some point during the course. If you have questions after attending lecture or discussion, or after reviewing the homework solutions and solution videos, you are encouraged to attend office hours.
We will use Canvas to provide:
We will use Piazza for course announcements and questions related to the course. When you have a question that may also be relevant to other students, please post it on Piazza rather than emailing the instructional team. This allows everyone to benefit from the response.
Constructive contributions on Piazza may earn bonus points.
CSE 21 does not have required homework assignments or programming assignments. Your regular course score is based on two in-person exams:
| Assessment | Points |
|---|---|
| Midterm exam | 50 |
| Final exam | 150 |
| Total | 200 |
Students may earn bonus points through:
The total number of bonus points is capped at 16 points, corresponding to 8% of the 200 regular course points.
Your final course percentage is calculated as 100 × (exam points + bonus points) / 200. Bonus points are added to the exam score, while the denominator remains 200. Consequently, the final course percentage may exceed 100%.
Letter grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
| A+ | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 90 | 85 | 80 | 75 | 70 | 65 | 60 | 55 |
These grade thresholds may be lowered after the overall distribution of course scores has been reviewed, but they will not be raised.
Both exams will be conducted in person.
You may use one handwritten note sheet, prepared either on paper or on a tablet and then printed:
You may also use a calculator, but no other assistance of any kind.
Please write your name on your note sheet. The note sheet must be submitted together with your exam.
Requests for regrades must be made by returning the exam to the instructional team on the day it is handed back, before taking it away.
Academic integrity is essential for supporting learning and teaching at UC San Diego. The academic integrity requirements for CSE 21 supplement those described in the UC San Diego Academic Integrity Policy and the Academic Integrity Pledge. Academic integrity violations will be taken seriously and reported to the Academic Integrity Office.
Key facts about academic integrity related to CSE 21:
Parts of this academic integrity guidance were adapted from course materials developed by Mia Minnes for CSE 25.
Kenneth Rosen,
Discrete Mathematics and Its Applications, McGraw-Hill.
The instructional team for CSE 21 is here to help you. You can find us in lecture, TA-led discussion sections, office hours, and on Piazza.
The IDEA Engineering Student Center provides academic enrichment, community-building, and student support programs for engineering and computer science students.
The Teaching and Learning Commons provides academic support services, including tutoring, support with learning strategies, and other student-success programs.
We are committed to fostering a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives, backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment in which all students feel respected and are able to participate and succeed.
The instructional team will make a concerted effort to be welcoming and inclusive. If there is a way in which we can make the course more accessible or inclusive, please contact a member of the instructional team in person or through a private message.
We expect everyone in the course to honor and respect their classmates and to follow the UC San Diego Principles of Community. Other students' backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences may differ from your own. Please help us create an environment in which everyone is treated with respect.
If you experience harassment or discrimination, you may contact the instructor or the Office for the Prevention of Harassment & Discrimination.
We aim to create an environment in which all students can succeed. Students who may need disability-related accommodations should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities as early as possible.
Once the Office for Students with Disabilities has issued an Authorization for Accommodation (AFA) letter for this course and it has been shared with the instructor, please contact the instructor privately to discuss the implementation of the approved accommodations. Because arrangements may require advance coordination, please begin this process as early as possible.
Students who are experiencing difficulties related to food, housing, or financial security are encouraged to use the resources provided by the UC San Diego Basic Needs Center. Seeking assistance will not affect your standing in this course.