Key facts
UNE unit code: COSC230
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
In a data driven world, your ability to keep pace with new trends in software development relies on a sound understanding of the fundamental data structures used in programming.
Emphasising both algorithm design and efficiency analysis, in this unit you will explore practical data structure implementations using object-oriented programming in C++.
Data structure implementations include linked lists, binary search trees, hash tables, stacks and queues, heaps and expression trees. Recursion and efficient sorting algorithms are also covered.
Extend your capacity to use a structured approach to find solutions for the complex challenges you may encounter in a range of programming scenarios, and hone invaluable technical and analytical skills.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- write, compile, and run programs in C++;
- perform complexity analysis in order to determine the efficiency of a given algorithm;
- implement key details of each of the data structures presented in this unit; and
- determine which data structure should be used for the efficient solution of a range of different problems, and understand why this is the case in each instance.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise 1 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Programming task. Unit test will be released for self-marking and self-evaluation. |
| Exercise 2 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Programming task. Unit test will be released for self-marking and self-evaluation. |
| Exercise 3 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Programming task. Unit test will be released for self-marking and self-evaluation. |
| Exercise 4 | Yes | 5% | All offerings | Programming task. Unit test will be released for self-marking and self-evaluation. |
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | It is mandatory to pass this component in order to pass the unit. |
| Mid-trimester Examination | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Mid-Trimester take-home timed exam (non-proctored). |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Open Data Structures in C++
MORIN, P., 0.1GB 2013
Text refers to: All offerings
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Introduction to Algorithms
ISBN: 9780262046305
Cormen, T.H., Leiserson, C.E., Rivest, R.L. and Stein, C., MIT Press 4th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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