Efficient algorithms 7.5 credits

About the course

The course covers techniques for constructing effective algorithms and typical data structures used in these. Special consideration is given to the fact that efficiency depends not only on the inherent asymptotic behavior of the algorithms but also on the specific problem instances on which it is applied. Standard algorithms and data structures need therefore often be chosen and adapted to solve the problem as effectively as possible.

Part 1, Algorithmic techniques and data structures, 3 credits, deals with effective algorithmic techniques (divide-and-conquer, greedy, dynamic programming), their usages, pros, and cons, illustrating these techniques using central algorithms, and discussing examples of effective data types (Eg heaps, red-black trees, union-find) and their implementation.

Part 2, Problem solving and algorithm analysis, 4.5 credits,
consists of the student, both theoretically and empirically, examining variants of a known algorithm with respect to efficiency and writing a report on this. The entire chain from initial, usually unclear specified research questions to the completed algorithmic solution and its theoretical and empirical analysis are included. The part trains the student's ability to go from an unclearly formulated problem specification to an exact formulation, develop an appropriate algorithmic solution, if possible improve it by adapting it to the problem's particularities, as well as analyzing and discussing its effectiveness.

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Autumn 2025
- Efficient algorithms
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
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  Starts
  1 September 2025
  
  Ends
  2 November 2025
  
  Number of credits
  7.5 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  50%
  
  Teaching hours
  Daytime
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-57209
  
  Eligibility At least 90 ECTS, including 60 ECTS Computing Science, or at least 120 ECTS within a study programme. At least 7.5 ECTS programming; 7.5 ECTS data structures and algorithms; 7.5 ECTS discrete mathematics; and 7.5 ECTS formal languages. Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 19,038
  
  Total fee: SEK 19,038
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

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