This course is intended for students who have the equivalent of 2 semesters of programming in some procedural programming language. This course is taught in C++, so ideally you should have C++ programming experience. Java and C++ are similar languages. If you have Java programming experience and are somewhat familiar with C++, you may be able to handle this course. A student who has mastered the topics in COSC 1336 Programming Fundamentals I (Python) and COSC 1337 Programming Fundamentals II (C++) should have the prerequisite knowledge for this course.

You should be aware that this course is significantly more difficult than the prerequisite course COSC 1337. The C++ language topics will be more difficult than those covered in COSC 1337 and the programming concepts (algorithms) will be much more difficult also. Just passing COSC 1337 will not guarantee success in COSC 2436 Data Structures. Also note that Data Structures will cover more material than COSC 1337 (Data Structures has 3 lecture hours and 3 lab hours a week versus 2 lecture and 2 lab for COSC 1337 C++ Programming.

Here is a list of topics that a student coming into COSC 2436 should have experience with:

• Arrays. Should have programmed with parallel arrays and partially-filled arrays.
• Parameters. You should understand how pass-by-value and pass-by-reference work and when it is appropriate to use each.
• Classes. You should have been exposed to writing and using simple classes.
• Pointers. You should have been exposed to programming with pointers.
• Memory allocation. You should know the difference between declared variables and dynamically allocated "variables". It is a plus to have programmed using dynamically allocated memory.
• Separate compilation. It is a plus to know how to compile a class separately and link it to an application.

Typically this course is taken by students who plan to transfer to a Computer Science program at a 4-year college or university. It can also provide valuable experience for a student who plans to seek employment in an introductory-level programming position.

There is some overlap between COSC 2436 Data Structures and ITSE 2431 Advanced C++ Programming. Both cover some advanced features of C++ such as object-oriented programming features and both typically cover some data structures. The main differences are that COSC 2436 Data Structures is a transfer course that focuses on data structures, while ITSE 2431 Advanced C++ Programming is a vocational course that focuses on advanced C++ features and object-oriented programming.

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Department of Computer Science. All rights reserved.
Comments to: Bob Comer
Last updated: January 11, 2014