Introductory description

This module develops the central concepts and skills required to design, implement and analyse algorithms for solving problems. Algorithms are essential in all advanced areas of technical cyber security and related subjects, including artificial intelligence, databases, data science, distributed computing, graphics, networking, operating systems, programming languages and security. An important part of using them well is the ability to select algorithms appropriate to particular purposes and to apply them, recognising the possibility that no suitable algorithm may exist. This facility relies on understanding the range of algorithms that address an important set of well- defined problems, recognising their strengths and weaknesses, and their suitability in particular contexts in combination with complementary data structures. Efficiency is a pervasive theme and a clear understanding of algorithmic complexity is essential if efficient algorithms are to be designed and used.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The content of this module will be taught from a cyber security perspective.

Basic analysis
Algorithmic strategies
Fundamental data structures and algorithms
Basic automata, computability and complexity
Topics in data science and machine learning

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• 1 - Critically evaluate the appropriateness of common algorithms, algorithmic strategies and data structures for application in the cyber context.
• 2 - Critically evaluate the complexity and efficiency of an algorithm.

Indicative reading list

Cormen, T., Leiserson, C., Rivest, R. and Stein, C., “Introduction to Algorithms”, MIT Press (2009)
Flach, Peter, “Machine Learning: The Art and Science of Algorithms that Make Sense of Data”, Cambridge University Press (2012)
Grimaldi, Ralph P., “Discrete and Combinatorial Mathematics: An Applied Introduction”, 5 Ed, Pearson (2013)
Sedgewick R., Wayne K., "Algorithms", Addison Wesley (2011)

Subject specific skills

1 - Critically evaluate the appropriateness of common algorithms, algorithmic strategies and data structures for application in the cyber context.

2 - Critically evaluate the complexity and efficiency of an algorithm.

Transferable skills

Problem solving