Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 225 D200

Data Structures and Programming (3)

Class Number: 5411

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    (MACM 101 and (CMPT 125, CMPT 129 or CMPT 135)) or (ENSC 251 and ENSC 252), all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to a variety of practical and important data structures and methods for implementation and for experimental and analytical evaluation. Topics include: stacks, queues and lists; search trees; hash tables and algorithms; efficient sorting; object-oriented programming; time and space efficiency analysis; and experimental evaluation. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course explores fundamental algorithms and data structures that can help in developing elegant and efficient solutions to complex problems. We will study their specification, analysis, implementation (in C++), evaluation, and applications. Platform: Linux (Ubuntu) Language: C++ (while this course will start with a quick overview of C++, students are expected to be familiar with the language's syntax).

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course students should be able to:

  • Design and implement solutions to problems using C++ (with object-oriented programming)
  • Explain, analyze, and compare algorithms (e.g., searching, sorting) in terms of performance
  • Describe and utilize fundamental computing science concepts such as data structures (e.g., list, stacks, queues, trees, heaps, hash tables, graphs) and basic algorithms (e.g., searching, sorting, tree/graph traversal)
  • Maintain good coding practice and style

Grading

NOTES:

Grading to be announced during the first week of classes.

REQUIREMENTS:

Important: Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

The above rule will be explained and illustrated on our course website.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Materials and/or links to materials will be provided via the course webpage (e.g., Canvas).

REQUIRED READING:

Data structures and algorithms in C++ (Second edition.), Goodrich, M. T., Tamassia, R., & Mount, D. M. (2011).

A digital version is available online via the SFU Library.
ISBN: 9781118136638

RECOMMENDED READING:

Data abstraction & problem solving with C++ : walls and mirrors (7th or 6th edition), Frank M. Carrano, Timothy Henry (2013).
ISBN: 9780132923729

Programming : principles and practice using C++ (Third edition.), Bjarne Stroustrup (2024)

A digital version is available online via the SFU Library.
ISBN: 9780138308667

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.