CS 473: Algorithms
(Fall 2025)

Course Information

Instructor: Makrand Sinha (msinha@illinois.edu)

Credits: 4

TA: Yuancheng Yu (yyu51@illinois.edu) and Weihao Zhu (weihaoz3@illinois.edu)

CA(s): Ian Chen, Viet Bach Hoang, Sasha Levinshteyn

Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays 2 - 3:15 pm

Location: 151 Loomis Laboratory (Urbana)
                 Classroom B, 4th floor, 200 S. Wacker Dr. (Chicago)
                     Refer to the lecture schedule for the location of a particular lecture.
                     All lecture videos will be available on mediaspace.

Office Hours: Yuancheng (virtual), Mondays 3:30-4:30pm, starting 9/1
                        Makrand (in-person), Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm, starting 8/27
                        Weihao (in-person), Fridays, 10:30-11:30am, starting 8/29
                             All in-person office hours are held in the Siebel basement. Zoom link will be posted on Ed Discussion for virtual office hours.
                             Additional in-person office hours will follow after the lectures at the Chicago campus.

Lecture Recordings: Mediaspace (UIUC restricted)

Discussion Forum: Ed Discussion. You will automatically be enrolled the day before the first day of the instruction (the first day of instruction is August 25th) on your @illinois.edu email. All course announcenments, policies, discussions and homeworks will be available only on Ed Discussion. Instead of sending emails, students are encouraged to send direct messages to the course staff via the chat feature on Ed Discussion. If you registered late, please sign up with your illinois.edu email using this link.

Homework Submission: Gradescope. You will automatically be enrolled the day before the first day of the instruction (the first day of instruction is August 25th) on your @illinois.edu email. If you registered late, please enroll yourself using the code "8XBPP8".

Statement on Anti-Racism and Inclusivity

The intent of this section is to raise student and instructor awareness of the ongoing threat of bias and racism and of the need to take personal responsibility in creating an inclusive learning environment.

The Grainger College of Engineering is committed to the creation of an anti-racist, inclusive community that welcomes diversity along a number of dimensions, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity and national origins, gender and gender identity, sexuality, disability status, class, age, or religious beliefs. The College recognizes that we are learning together in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, that Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous voices and contributions have largely either been excluded from, or not recognized in, science and engineering, and that both overt racism and micro-aggressions threaten the well-being of our students and our university community.

The effectiveness of this course is dependent upon each of us to create a safe and encouraging learning environment that allows for the open exchange of ideas while also ensuring equitable opportunities and respect for all of us. Everyone is expected to help establish and maintain an environment where students, staff, and faculty can contribute without fear of personal ridicule, or intolerant or offensive language. If you witness or experience racism, discrimination, micro-aggressions, or other offensive behavior, you are encouraged to bring this to the attention of the course director if you feel comfortable. You can also report these behaviors to the Bias Assessment and Response Team (BART). Based on your report, BART members will follow up and reach out to students to make sure they have the support they need to be healthy and safe. If the reported behavior also violates university policy, staff in the Office for Student Conflict Resolution may respond as well and will take appropriate action.

Statement on CS CARES and CS Values and Code of Conduct

All members of the Illinois Computer Science department &mdash faculty, staff, and students — are expected to adhere to the CS Values and Code of Conduct. The CS CARES Committee is available to serve as a resource to help people who are concerned about or experience a potential violation of the Code. If you experience such issues, please contact the CS CARES Committee. The Instructors of this course are also available for issues related to this class.

Statement on Mental Health

Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, substance/alcohol abuse, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance, social development, and emotional well-being. The University of Illinois offers a variety of confidential services including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric services, and specialized screenings at no additional cost. If you or someone you know experiences any of the above mental health concerns, it is strongly encouraged to contact or visit any of the University's resources provided below. Getting help is a smart and courageous thing to do — for yourself and for those who care about you.

Counseling Center: 217-333-3704, 610 East John Street Champaign, IL 61820

McKinley Health Center:217-333-2700, 1109 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801

University wellness center: https://wellness.illinois.edu