AAPS Advanced Algorithmic Problem Solving

Problem solving sessions

Problem Solving Sessions

The course has six problem solving sessions (called contest sessions in the schedule), that consists of a number of problems (normally 8) that should be solved during 4 hours (the last hour is used for discussing the problems). Problem solving sessions starts exactly at 13.15, so be on time (preferably 5-10 minutes early)! In the first four sessions you should individually solve the problems while in the last two sessions small groups of 2-3 students should solve the problems together as a team. Each student is expected to bring his or her own computer to the problem solving sessions.

You may use all the code that is in your code library and checked in to your SVN repository. Only code that you have written yourself is allowed in the code library. The lab assignments are planned so that there is a problem solving session directly after each lab deadline. The problems in the problem sessions are selected based on the lab assignments before it. If you have solved the lab assignments then you should benefit from this in the problem session.

The purpose of the problem solving sessions is to:

• Use algorithm design techniques such as greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, divide and conquer, and combinatorial search to construct algorithms to solve given problems.
• Quickly and correctly implement algorithms and data structures.
• Effectively test and debug algorithms and data structures.
• Communicate and cooperate with other students during problem solving in teams.

Each problem solved during a problem solving session gives 3 points towards the grade on LAB1. No points are given for solving the problems outside the session. Only the results from the three best individual problem solving sessions and the best team problem solving session count. You may replace an individual problem solving session with the KTH Challenge on April 13th and the group problem solving session with the qualification to the Budapest 24h Contest which is Saturday February 8th. If you replace a problem solving session, we will determine individually how many points you result give.

It is possible to participate in the problem solving sessions remotely, however, since it is part of the examination it is necessary to make sure that the contest rules are followed. Please contact the examiner if you need to participate remotely.

The problems for the problem solving sessions will be available on this page at the start of each problem solving session. The automatic judge Kattis is used to manage the problem solving sessions.

Page responsible: Fredrik Heintz
Last updated: 2015-04-27