CSE 2407
Data Structures and Algorithms
Study of fundamental algorithms, data structures, and their effective use in a variety of applications. Emphasizes importance of data structure choice and implementation for obtaining the most efficient algorithm for solving a given problem. A key component of this course is worst-case asymptotic analysis, which provides a quick and simple method for determining the scalability and effectiveness of an algorithm. Online textbook purchase required. *CSE 2407 has mandatory evening exams; the specific days and times will be listed under assessments on the course section once confirmed.
Instructors
Athena MTabakhi, Cynthia Ma, Ilan Goodman, Jeremy Buhler, Ron Cytron, Steve Cole, William Siever
Reviews
Prof Cole is a pretty good teacher, explains concepts fairly well and is very supportive of his students. However, the structure and grading of this class is so tough that it completely takes away from the class.
8/16/2026
The grading policy is very unbalanced and unfair. I think the retake policy is really ridiculous. Students who underperformed are given a chance to retake the exam, while students around the median, or even in the upper quartile, are stuck with 75% scores because they did poorly on the coding section, for which very little practice was provided.
5/12/2026
The class was very poorly designed. However, he was really accessible outside of class and always willing to help. He does pay attention to whether or not you care about his class.
5/8/2026
Worst class at WashU (Spring 26). It has way to many assignments, harsh grading, cant miss ANY assignments, hard exams. They're trying to force mastery based learning on a huge class where it doesn't work. Professor unhelpful and not have empathy for students. DO NOT TAKE.
4/29/2026
Very kind professor but his lectures were not great. If you're trying to learn beyond Zybooks or are confused, always skip lecture to study, go to his office hours instead. (Also the new bucket grading system is one of the worst things I've ever seen)
4/27/2026
Worst grading policy I have ever experienced. Do bad on 1 assignment? Forget about getting an A
4/21/2026
Horrible lecturer although passionate in a 1-on-1 setting. The class just happens to have enough resources for people to succeed, but NOT as a result of the professors.
4/30/2025
2 or less hrs/week
Idk bout these other reviews but legit no one showed up to lecture by the end of the year there were less than 15 people at the start of the year there were like 100 The class was chill and pretty easy
12/26/2024
He was really helpful during studio and lecture when you needed him. The content in this class is difficult but since the exams in the class only count 10% each, it's not hard to get an A. Lecture wasn't necessary to attend and I didn't pay attention in studio and just read the studio summaries. I definitely learned a lot in this class.
12/18/2024
Terribly unfair with final grade. Miscommunication on assignments.
12/11/2024
Prof. Cole lectures were not very good. He used the same plain black slides with white text for the whole semester. His voice is very monotone and lectures are very fast, often going through 100 slides a class. However, you can teach yourself the content from the textbook and studio summaries. Class is easy to get an A even if you don't understand.
12/4/2024
I'm convinced she's either a low-level NPC or part of a social experiment.
9/26/2024
Went to 1st 2 lectures, found out a lot of what she said was blatantly wrong, and then never went again. She would sometimes walk around studio, but never actually offered to help anyone. The one time someone in my studio group asked her for help, she said she couldn't help because she herself didn't create the assignment. Was not good :(
6/10/2024
6-8 hrs/week
Assignments were hard but you just had to go to office hours. The in-class studios I pretty much got nothing out of. The topics aren't super hard if you just put a little bit of time into understanding them. Should be a relatively easy A if you put in some effort.
5/24/2024