cs102---data-structures-and-algorithms-1

Introducing CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms

05/25/2021

Data structures and algorithms are two essential components of computer science. Learn everything you need to know about these two concepts in our new course: CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms.

In March, we updated our Computer Science Career Path with content and modules designed to teach learners the foundations of programming. Now, we’ve taken it a step further by adding a new course: CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms.

Every application uses algorithms to transform and utilize data, so it’s vital that you understand how to structure your data properly. As Curriculum Developer Alisha Grama explains:

“Data structures are what your code is built with, and algorithms are how you tell your code what to do.”

Why?

Our Computer Science Career Path is designed to prepare you with all the knowledge and skills you’ll need for an entry-level position. As such, we’re constantly adding new courses and content to ensure it encompasses the same information you’d find in a degree program.

Along with CS102, we’ll also be releasing CS103, CS104, and CS105 later this year — so stay tuned!

How will this affect learners who have already completed the Computer Science Career Path?

You’ll retain the progress you’ve already made in the Path, but you may see a decrease in your completion percentage due to the new content in the course.

Who is the new course right for?

CS102 is the next step for learners who have already completed our CS101: Introduction to Programming. It could also serve as supplemental material for students enrolled in a university course on data structures and algorithms.

What will you learn from the course?

The first half of the new course contains conceptual articles and lessons that’ll deepen your understanding of data structures and algorithms. After building your foundation, you’ll apply your new knowledge by coding with Python.

Content from the new coursework covers topics including:

  • Nodes
  • Linked Lists
  • Doubly Linked Lists
  • Queues
  • Stacks
  • Hash Maps
  • Recursion
  • Asymptotic Notation
  • Pattern Searching
  • Sorting Algorithms
  • Brute Force Algorithms
  • Trees
  • Tree Traversal
  • Divide and Conquer Algorithms
  • Heaps and Heapsort
  • Graphs and Graph Search
  • Path Finding Graph Algorithms
  • Dynamic Programming
  • Recommendation System Portfolio Project

We’ve also added new quizzes and projects throughout the course to help cement your new knowledge, including a Portfolio Project that’ll illustrate your skills to prospective employers.

What skills will you take away from the course?

After completing the course, you’ll have a greater understanding of the advanced algorithms used for traversing, sorting, and pattern matching data. You’ll also be able to create and manipulate your own data structures, such as lists, queues, hash maps, and more. Lastly, you’ll learn how to analyze the space and time complexity of your data structures and algorithms.

Recap

We’ve added a new course, CS102: Data Structures and Algorithms, to our Computer Science Career Path. Data structures and algorithms are the next logical step to developing a foundation in Computer Science. Learners who are already enrolled in the Path will retain their progress, but their completion percentage will decrease because of the new content.

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