What is Algorithmic Problem Solving?

Algorithmic Problem Solving revolves around small but challenging algorithmic problems, which includes designing an algorithm and providing an efficient implementation. These are fun problems that typically require a clever idea to solve, and indeed can be thought of as a form of logical puzzle solving but executed with the help of a computer. Throughout the Honours you will become more familiar with a variety of algorithms and develop a better sense of how to apply these algorithms to solve problems. Please visit competitive programming websites to get a better idea about the type of problems, e.g., https://codeforces.com/. Programming interviews, which are common amongst tech companies, feature similar problems. 

For those interested in competitions, there is an annual Delft Algorithm Programming Contest where students form teams of three and compete against other teams (taking place this year on the 14th of November). The top-ranked teams are invited to try their skills on a regional level at the Benelux Algorithm Programming Contest, in an attempt to qualify for the ICPC World Finals! There are many other online competitions that run more frequently.  

Honours Programme

As an Honours student, you will be tasked to solve several problems per month, participate in problem discussions, and occasionally present solutions to other students. Students have to hand in a midterm report (after year 1) and a final report at the end. The final report will be based on the problems that you tried to solve. Additionally, students need to present their work with a poster presentation. Algorithmic Problem Solving is supervised by Emir Demirović. 

Application procedure

On top of the regular application procedure for the Honours Programme, Algorithmic Problem Solving has a selection round. 

Students that have submitted a completed Honours form before the deadline will be contacted in the first week of the academic year by the Honours Committee. Students will have one week to complete an exemplary Algorithmic Problem Solving exercise and will be selected on the basis of the submitted solution. Students that do not submit a solution before the deadline will not be taken into consideration. 

There are 20 spots available for CSE students. 

Students that are not selected have the opportunity to find a regular Honours Project so that they can still participate in the Honours Programme. 

Contact person

Emir Demirović E.Demirovic@tudelft.nl 

Honours Committee honourscommittee-eemcs@tudelft.nl