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Back to Algorithmic Thinking (Part 1)

Learner Reviews & Feedback for Algorithmic Thinking (Part 1) by Rice University

4.6
stars
370 ratings

About the Course

Experienced Computer Scientists analyze and solve computational problems at a level of abstraction that is beyond that of any particular programming language. This two-part course builds on the principles that you learned in our Principles of Computing course and is designed to train students in the mathematical concepts and process of "Algorithmic Thinking", allowing them to build simpler, more efficient solutions to real-world computational problems. In part 1 of this course, we will study the notion of algorithmic efficiency and consider its application to several problems from graph theory. As the central part of the course, students will implement several important graph algorithms in Python and then use these algorithms to analyze two large real-world data sets. The main focus of these tasks is to understand interaction between the algorithms and the structure of the data sets being analyzed by these algorithms. Recommended Background - Students should be comfortable writing intermediate size (300+ line) programs in Python and have a basic understanding of searching, sorting, and recursion. Students should also have a solid math background that includes algebra, pre-calculus and a familiarity with the math concepts covered in "Principles of Computing"....

Top reviews

OT

Sep 28, 2018

very educational. I've learnt not only about graph theory but also how to use matplotlib and timeit libraries. The assignments were quite challengeable but rewarding.

MR

Sep 16, 2019

The class is very useful, I already see the improvement in the codes that I write. And the assignments are very well-designed and truly helpful.

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26 - 50 of 73 Reviews for Algorithmic Thinking (Part 1)

By Andrey S

Oct 13, 2016

Too much bla, bla, bla. Very slowly, very boring.

By Sheila J

Jun 24, 2023

Its impossible to get your work graded. A peer review system is used. There is no back up review system if no one else is enrolled to do the reviews. Reading back in the forum it becomes obvious that no one runs this class. Rice gets paid the professors get paid. Easy money for them and coursera. I have been waiting and paying for two weeks for two grades so I can move on to part two of this course. No responses from the professors, Rice, or coursera to the multiple emails or other attempts to reach literally anyone to resolve the issue. I worked and studied and just want a honest and fair grade. So if you work 56 hours a week and decide to add a education and dedicate your little free time and overtime pay to improve you life go somewhere else. pick a educational program with actual contactable help and resource.

By Na Z

Sep 23, 2022

The worst course I've ever taken!!!!! Don't wast your time unless you are very rich and have nothing to do. They asked 5 peer revview to pass the course for each project, and they force you to read the optional material otherwise you can't pass the quiz. They only test the hardest part in the quiz to keep you as long as you can in each course so that they can earn money. Anyone see this PLEASE RUN AWAY FROM THIS WORST COURSE!!!!

By Hanna A

Sep 20, 2022

The course is really challenging in comparison with previous courses in the specialization, but it's worth it! Good grasp of Python is a pre-requisite (therefore not suitable for novice - if you are one, take IIPP and POC courses in this specialization first to build the base).

Project-based assignments really make you think and teach you to apply the knowledge. And even the homework quiz is not just a bunch of dumb multiple choice questions that can be done on the fly - you still need to put in the effort to solve it.

Thanks to instructors and all the course staff!

By Tudor B

Apr 4, 2021

Enjoyed every piece of it. While it assumes you are familiar with programming in Python for which it is recommended to take their "Principles of Computing" both Part 1 and 2 prior, plus knowing some high-school math, it teaches you to develop efficient algorithms that solves particular problems. You will be able to reason about Algorithmic efficiency as well.

By Justin M

Feb 18, 2020

Very challenging course, but I did enjoy the content quite a lot. The programming assignments were well-structured and built upon one another to the point that the final graph resilience project took me an entire weekend to complete, but greatly expanded my understanding of both python data structures and how to represent graphs using them.

By Ze C

Feb 27, 2017

Application assignment is a must-do for students taking this course. The second computer network application is very a rewarding one for me to finish with gains on concepts of graph as well as programming stretch with my hands dirty.

By Jayadev H

Aug 22, 2018

lectures are a bit on the slow side... not straight to the point and a bit repetative..

bfs we have already done in this spezialization.

but homework/project/applications are excellent!

makes up for the rest!

Thank you!

By Tom F

Sep 5, 2020

Significantly more difficult than the preceding courses in the specialization, but the projects are fantastic!

By Prashanth K

Oct 23, 2020

A great course with wonderful explanations from the tutors. Looking forward to do more courses with this team

By Shuxian Z

Oct 16, 2017

Very impressive and interesting. Graph theory is really elegant representation of the computer network.

By Ray K

Aug 19, 2017

The project-based course structure works really well for the material. This was a great course!

By Y A

Oct 11, 2017

This is Wonderful and simpler explained course that is detailed with 'learner's requirement'.

By Edwin R

Nov 12, 2017

The course content is well structured and the instructors' explanation is clear and concise!

By Gundala S R

Jun 24, 2016

One of the best course offered by coursera, helps you to develop very strong basics if new,.

By TOVAR E P S

Jun 15, 2020

The explanation of the videos is incredible, it helps you improve, your analytical skills

By emmanouil k

Jul 9, 2016

optimization and fragmentation..algos arithmos olokliroma..fractal resilience..

By Jaehwi C

Dec 11, 2017

The best course to study computer science and algorithm for beginner!

By Michael B R

Dec 7, 2017

Another great course in this specialization!

By B. U R

Jun 26, 2022

A must do course for learning Algorithm

By Albert C G

Dec 2, 2017

Great Class - Truly makes you think

By Isuru

Oct 12, 2016

A course I enjoy very much!

By Jeffrey C

Nov 21, 2019

Very challenging course

By Siwei L

Dec 23, 2017

Very helpful course!!

By Deleted A

Jul 16, 2017

Good for it lovers