Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2026

Technical Interview Prep (Face-to-Face)

CSCY 4850-02

Course: CSCY 4850-02
Credits: 1
Term: Fall Semester 2026
Department: Computer Science/Cybersecurity
CRN: 33896

Course Description

A practical, hands-on course designed to equip undergraduate engineering students with the problem-solving skills and technical communication strategies required to succeed in software engineering technical interviews. Students will develop proficiency in fundamental data structures and algorithmic patterns — including Arrays & Hashing, Two Pointers, Stacks, Linked Lists, Sliding Window, Binary Search, and Trees — through weekly coding exercises drawn from the Neetcode 150 problem set. Emphasis is placed on pattern recognition, time and space complexity analysis, and articulating solutions clearly under interview conditions.

Required Texts

We will use an online platform (LeetCode) that lists and evaluates typical programming interview problems.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  • Identify and apply core algorithmic patterns (sliding window, two pointers, binary search, tree traversal, etc.) to solve technical interview problems efficiently.
  • Analyze the time and space complexity of algorithms using Big O notation.
  • Solve problems from the Neetcode 150 problem set across all covered topic areas at the Easy and Medium difficulty levels.
  • Communicate problem-solving approaches clearly and concisely, as expected in a real technical interview setting.
  • Demonstrate consistent practice habits and problem-solving fluency across a 12-week structured curriculum.

Course Requirements

We will make extensive use of computers and software related to programming.  You will use your campus username and password to log in to the network, and Canvas to access course material.  Likely, to even be signed into the course you are already set up, but if you do not yet have a campus computer username and password, please visit SUU’s student help desk and claim your account.

The Microsoft Office Suite, and other standard computer software.

A good internet connection for downloading and uploading course content.

You may use a USB memory device if you want to access your files at home; otherwise, you may save your work to your network drive.

Items are needed if we happen to go remote during the semester, or if you are in an online section: A computer with a webcam and microphone.  SUU’s IT department keeps a list of computers they recommend that meet the minimum specifications.  Please check SUU’s website or check in with SUU’s IT Help Desk if you want advice.  We haven’t currently put together minimum specifications for a computer student’s need to take our courses, but there are courses where having a more powerful computer would be helpful.

Course Outline

Students are expected to complete all weekly assignments, which consist of two parts: five Neetcode coding problems and one general interview preparation task covering complexity analysis and interview strategy. Active participation in class discussions and mock interview exercises is strongly encouraged. Performance is evaluated through weekly assignments, a midterm exam, and a final meeting presentation or assessment.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late work is docked 10% each day it is late.  Late work will not be accepted after 3 days.  Assessments (tests or quizzes) are due on the date specified.

Check Canvas for the specifics, but during the first week or so, I waive the late penalty as students get settled into class. I also tend to drop your lowest assignment score.

Attendance Policy

In-class Sections: Regular attendance is required at all class meetings and adjustments cannot be granted to allow non-attendance. However, if you need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy due to a disability, please contact the Disability Resource Center. DRC will work with us to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.  It is expected that all students will spend classroom time exclusively on course related activities. Surfing the web during lectures or during lab periods is strongly discouraged, and doing so could negatively impact one's grade.

Online sections: This course is taught in an asynchronous manner, meaning you are welcome to complete your coursework at any time during the day.  Note that assignments have deadlines, so although you are welcome to work ahead, you are expected to turn in your assignment when they are due.  Please review the late policy earlier in this document if needed.

Course Fees

All CSCY classes have a per-credit hour student fee.  These fees go toward funding mediated classes, computer labs, software upgrades and licenses, printer paper and toner, and other student-related costs.

Grading Plan

Grades will depend upon attendance and classroom participation, the programming exercises and homework, and the examinations.  The percentages will be tentatively distributed as follows, but check the Canvas webpage for exact percentages and for your specific assignments:
  • 25% Written Assignments
  • 25% Programming Assignments
  • 50% Exams (points split between midterm/final


Course and assignment grades will be assigned as follows: 
| Score | Grade
| 94 - 100 |   A
| 90 - 93 |   A-
| 87 - 89 |   B+
| 84 - 86 |   B
| 80 - 83 |   B-
| 77 - 79 |   C+
| 74 - 76 |   C
| 70 - 73 |   C-
| 67 - 69 |   D+
| 64 - 66 |   D
| 60 - 63 |   D-
| Below 60 |   F

Students will need to make prior arrangements with the instructor before a test if the student will be absent.  If you cannot locate the instructor, leave a message with the Computer Science and Information Systems Department secretary, 586-5405.

AI Policy

Permitted uses include:
  • Brainstorming and refining ideas
  • Grammar and style checking
  • Searching for information (you must verify its accuracy)
Not permitted uses include:
  • Submitting AI-generated code solutions as your own work
  • Using AI to solve assigned Neetcode problems on your behalf
  • Submitting group-assigned work completed by AI
Misuse of AI tools will result in a zero on the assignment and may lead to further academic discipline. If you are unsure about what is allowed, please ask the instructor for clarification in advance.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.