Super cool class if you're interested in the real world application of algorithms, even more so if you have a budding interest in bioinformatics. In each of the projects, you implement industry standard tools from scratch, which is super rewarding but challenging. There's no "dumbing" down going on in any aspect. The class has a large breadth and being familiar with CS180 concepts such as dynamic programming is really helpful. HWs were a few easy to medium LeetCode style problems, around 2-3 hours max. The real issue in this class are the projects. Not only are they insanely hard and time-consuming (although they do get easier throughout the quarter), the specs are super sparse and unhelpful. Constantly need to go to office hours to get clarification and direction. First two projects probably took me about 15 hours each. Exams are ridiculously easy though, almost identical to the practices they give out. Lectures are pretty useless. Textbook is surprisingly amazing, being incredibly readable.

Even though it was one of the most time-consuming classes I've taken at UCLA, learnt so much and got a lot of exposure in the industry. Would definitely recommend to anyone who likes algorithms!

This course is honestly very interesting, but the amount of homework and projects can be overwhelming if you don't work ahead. Prof. Eskin taught the first half of the class, and he's eccentric in a fun way -- excited to be there and tries his best to engage with students. Unfortunately, this first half of the class is still a bit boring if you're not interested in sequencing & alignment -- Eskin goes through the material very thoroughly with state-of-the-art techniques, and so if that's your research interest, then you might find this half of the class to be useful. The homework is essentially a bunch of tedious (but fairly easy) leetcode questions, and the projects require you to work ahead. I've heard that you can get extensions whenever you need but with one lengthy project a week, getting behind on projects hurts you more than anything. The midterm covers this first half of the coruse and is extremely easy if you understand the concepts covered.

Note, you have to buy the $80 textbook so just be aware of that.