Algorithmics

Algorithmics is a broad MSc-level introduction to designing, analysing, implementing, and evaluating algorithms and data structures. Topics range from sorting, trees, hashing, and graphs to heuristic optimisation, dynamic programming, and text algorithms.

The aim is not merely to memorise algorithms or produce code. By the end of the course, students should be better able to choose an appropriate method, reason about correctness and performance, test claims with useful evidence, and communicate results concisely. See Why this course?

This is a compulsory course in the MSc in Computer Science, normally taken in the first semester. It is also suitable for students in Data Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, bioinformatics, statistics, mathematics, and related fields.

Teaching format

The course uses a flipped-classroom format. Topic notes, slides, and pre-recorded lectures provide the main study material. Wednesday meetings guide students toward the right material, clarify difficult ideas, discuss examples, and introduce upcoming homework with initial guidance and hints.

Practice sessions support problem solving, implementation, experiments, reporting, and project development. The course is assessed through homework, a project, and an exam; see Assignments and grading.

Lectures and practical sessions

Lecture and consultation: Wednesday 10:15-12:00, weeks 1-16, Delta 1019 - Jaak Vilo, vilo@ut.ee, office Delta 3119 - general Zulip channel.
Group 1: Tuesday 12:15-14:00, weeks 2-16, Delta 1008 - Somnath Banerjee, somnath.banerjee@ut.ee - G1 Zulip channel.
Group 2: Thursday 14:15-16:00, weeks 2-16, Delta 2010 - Jaagup Tamme, jaagup.tamme@ut.ee - G2 Zulip channel.
Group 3: Friday 14:15-16:00, weeks 2-16, online - Somnath Banerjee, somnath.banerjee@ut.ee - G3 Zulip channel.

First lecture: Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

Practice sessions begin in week 2: Tuesday 8 September, Thursday 10 September, and Friday 11 September, according to the registered group.

Course registration and official information in SIS/OIS
For technical problems, contact University of Tartu IT support or ati.comp@ut.ee.

Start here

Questions and announcements

Use the general UniTartuCS Zulip channel for course-wide announcements and questions. Use the relevant group channel for practice-session discussion and email for personal matters.

Dates to be announced

The exam format and dates will be published on the Exam page.
The final project and poster-session dates will be published on the Projects page.

Previous years

Recent editions: 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020

Earlier editions: 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 fall | 2013 spring | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009

Algorithmics 2026/27 fall