A sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of data structures and algorithms is a critical pre-requisite as a foundation for good programming. Understanding of different kinds of data structures, basic definition and purpose of Algorithms, differences between algorithms and heuristics is important for students preparing for a career in information systems.

The subject focuses on introducing students to what is data, how data is different from information, what Data Structures are and what the different kinds of data structures are. The subject introduces the student to what is an Algorithm and how is an algorithm different from heuristics.