Course Overview
The objective of this course is to apply concepts and problem-solving techniques that are used in the design and analysis of efficient algorithms. This course will provide students with exposure and practice to more advanced data structures and algorithmic strategies used in software development. Students will identify real world problems and apply a heuristic approach to solve them. After reviewing basic data structures and algorithms, students will apply advanced analysis techniques and algorithms. Particular emphasis will be placed on efficiency and optimization.
Registration requirements
Departmental approval is required to register for this course. Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Domestic fees
$858.01
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Design and analyze data structures (including advanced tree data structures, dictionaries, hash tables, heaps, and priority queues)
- Apply a heuristic approach to problem solving.
- Apply the most appropriate and optimal solution for problem solving using fundamental algorithms (including greedy, divide-and-conquer, and dynamic programming) and advanced algorithms.
- Apply mapping of real-world problems to algorithmic solutions (including graph problems).
- Apply advanced techniques to algorithms (including probabilistic and Big O analysis).
- Design finite state machines for practical problems.
- Develop (design and implement) optimized software applications using the most appropriate data structures and algorithmic strategies
Effective as of Winter 2020
Related Programs
Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures Design and Analysis (COMP 8042) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Applied Computer Science (Database Option)
Bachelor of Science Full-time/Part-time
- Applied Computer Science (Games Development Option)
Bachelor of Science Full-time
- Applied Computer Science (Human Computer Interface Option)
Bachelor of Science Part-time
- Applied Computer Science (Network Security Administration Option)
Bachelor of Science Part-time
- Applied Computer Science (Network Security Applications Development Option)
Bachelor of Science Full-time/Part-time
- Applied Computer Science (Wireless and Mobile Applications Development Option)
Bachelor of Science Part-time
Course Offerings
Spring/Summer 2026
Below are two offerings of COMP 8042 for the Spring/Summer 2026 term.
CRN 66092
Dates
Apr 07 - Jun 23 Loading
- CRN 66092
- $858.01 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 07 - Jun 23 | Tue | 18:00 - 21:45 | Burnaby SW01 Rm. 3155 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Ailbhe Gill
Course outline
Important information
- 1. Please email compBSc@bcit.ca for departmental approval. Include your full name, student number (A0#), course number (e.g. COMP 7000), and CRN #. 2. This is a BScACS course. BScACS courses are also open to non-bachelor program students, if approval is granted by the BScACS Program Head. 3. BScACS program students have up to seven (7) years to complete the program starting from the date of their first technical degree-level course or the date of acceptance to the BScACS program, whichever comes first.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
CRN 70619
Dates
Apr 10 - Jun 26 Loading
- CRN 70619
- $858.01 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 10 - Jun 26 | Fri | 18:30 - 22:15 | Burnaby SE12 Rm. 311 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Nabil Al-Rousan
Course outline
Important information
- 1. Please email compBSc@bcit.ca for departmental approval. Include your full name, student number (A0#), course number (e.g. COMP 7000), and CRN #. 2. This is a BScACS course. BScACS courses are also open to non-bachelor program students, if approval is granted by the BScACS Program Head. 3. BScACS program students have up to seven (7) years to complete the program starting from the date of their first technical degree-level course or the date of acceptance to the BScACS program, whichever comes first.
Confirmation
Required
To proceed with registration and add this course to the cart, please confirm:
No approval yet? Request approval Departmental approval is required for this course. You will not be able to register without it.
Status
If you have any questions about this course, please contact us.
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.