CSCI 256 - Fall 2026

Algorithm Design and Analysis

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Academic Integrity Policies

Sources. It is okay to refer to external sources (lecture notes, slides, videos, AI generated content) if it helps you deepen your understanding of an algorithm or concept that was covered in the lectures. However, when it comes to solving specific exercises or homework problems, you are not allowed to refer to any external resources or AI tools for guidance, only the textbook or resources provided by the instructor.

• If you unintentionally come across a solution to an exercise or homework problem, you must request an alternate problem.
  
  It is impossible to "unsee" a solution or approach to the problem once you read it. Seeing the solution beats the purpose of the assignment which is for you to practice the skills necessary to coming up with your solution. This often involves a bunch of false starts which are helpful in understanding the problem deeper. Seeing the correct approach first makes the problem seem easy in hindsight and hinders learning.

Collaboration. Most weekly problem sets are supposed to be done in pairs. Working with your peers is a great way to learn. You are encouraged to attempt all the problems together and in person with your partner. It is important to engage in a back-and-forth discussion and try to "break" each other's suggestions to fully understand if the proof or algorithm is correct. After attempting all problems, you may split up the writing responsibilities and submit the final joint write up.

Collaboration is not allowed on the daily exercises.

No collaboration is allowed on exams. The use of electronic devices like laptops and cellphones is prohibited during exams.

Academic Integrity. In general, you must adhere to the following academic integrity policies in the course.

• You must always write your solution in your own words. Verbatim duplication of any source, even with proper citation, is plagiarism.
• You should never turn in a solution that you do not understand. You may work with your partner on the problems, but you must personally understand and be able to explain each solution you turn in.
• You may not upload or copy paste any part of the problem sets to any AI tools.

If you are ever in doubt about a specific situation not covered above, you should write to me and obtain explicit permission.

Computer Science Honor Code

The Honor Code as it applies to non-programming assignments is outlined here (see the section Avoiding Violations). Occasionally programming problems will be assigned in this course and programming-specific guidelines will be included along with it. See the course policies page for course-specific guidelines for collaboration on problem sets. Deviation from these guidelines will be considered an honor-code violation.

Computer Ethics

Students should be aware of and abide by the College's statement on Computer Ethics. Violations including uninvited access to private information and malicious tampering or theft of computer equipment or software are subject to disciplinary action.