15-451/651: Algorithm Design and Analysis (Spring 2025)

Course Description

15-451/651 is an advanced undergraduate/masters algorithms class. We cover fundamental algorithmic modeling techniques (e.g. dynamic programming, graphs, network flows, linear programming), advanced algorithmic paradigms (e.g., approximation algorithms, online algorithms, streaming algorithms), and methods for analyzing algorithms and problems (e.g., lower bounds, amortized analysis, probabilistic analyses of randomized algorithms).

Prerequisites: A minimum grade of C in 15-210, 21-241, 15-251 (or 21-228).

Class Hours

Lectures

Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30PM to 01:50PM, DH 2315

Lecture attendance is strongly encouraged but not required.

Recitations (Friday)

SecTypeLocationTimeStaff
AReview-HeavyBH A3610:00-10:50 amWill + Julia
BProblem-HeavyGHC 421110:00-10:50 amEfe + Tanisha
CReview-HeavyWEH 532011:00-11:50 amWill + Emily
DProblem-HeavyDH 111211:00-11:50 amEfe + Asher
EReview-HeavyMM 10312:00-12:50 pmLauren + Harrison
FProblem-HeavyGHC 410212:00-12:50 pmEfe + Asher
GReview-HeavyWEH 53101:00-1:50 pmHarrison + Kevin
HProblem-HeavyWEH 53121:00-1:50 pmEfe + Thomas

This semester we are offering two different styles of recitation. You are welcome to switch between the two at any point. Please contact your section TAs if you want to switch. We are always happy to accomodate.

Review-heavy sessions (A, C, E, G). Review-heavy (More review) recitations will spend additional time reviewing definitions and key ideas from the lectures before diving into the problems. Note that review-heavy sessions are not guaranteed to be able to cover all of the recitation problems due to the extra time spent on review. It is therefore your responsibility, if you attend a review-heavy session, to look over the remaining problems and ensure you understand the solutions in your own time after your recitation.

Problem-heavy sessions (B, D, F, H) Problem-heavy (More problems) recitations will dive straight into the problems and run at a faster pace. If you attend a problem-heavy recitation, review will be minimal, so you are expected to have already reviewed the lecture notes and have a reasonable understanding of the week's lecture content before you arrive.

Office Hours

The office hour schedule can be found on the course calendar below. Although most time slots are regular every week, they may occasionally change and be rescheduled, so always double check the calendar before deciding to go!

Course Calendar

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