Subjects in semester 4
| Code | Subject | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCS401 | Analysis & Design of Algorithms | 3 | Theory |
| BCS402 | Microcontrollers | 4 | Theory |
| BCS403 | Database Management System | 4 | Theory |
| BCSL404 | Analysis & Design of Algorithms Lab | 1 | Lab |
| BCS405x | Elective group BCS405 (one of) | 3 | Elective |
| BCS456x | Elective group BCS456 (one of) | 1 | Elective |
Source: official VTU syllabus PDF, pages 51-88. Applies to: Students admitted under the VTU 2022 scheme (3rd to 7th semester syllabi as downloaded; files dated 2023-2025). Codes, names and credits are copied as printed; check the official file for changes made after it was published.
Units and topics
Analysis & Design of Algorithms (BCS401)
- Introduction; Fundamentals of the Analysis of Algorithm Efficiency; Brute Force Approaches
- Brute Force Approaches (contd.); Decrease-and-Conquer; Divide and Conquer
- Transform-and-Conquer; Space-Time Tradeoffs
- Dynamic Programming; The Greedy Method
- Limitations of Algorithmic Power; Coping with Limitations of Algorithmic Power
Microcontrollers (BCS402)
- ARM Embedded Systems
- Introduction to the ARM Instruction Set
- C Compilers and Optimization
- Exception and Interrupt Handling
- Caches
Database Management System (BCS403)
- Introduction to Databases; Database Languages and Architectures; Conceptual Data Modelling (ER)
- Relational Model; Relational Algebra; Mapping Conceptual Design into a Logical Design
- Normalization; SQL
- SQL: Advanced Queries; Transaction Processing
- Concurrency Control in Databases
Database Management System important questions (PDF)
Elective group BCS405 (one of) (BCS405x)
Options: BCS405A Discrete Mathematical Structures, BCS405B Graph Theory, BCS405C Optimization Technique, BCS405D Linear Algebra
Elective group BCS456 (one of) (BCS456x)
Options: BCS456A Green IT and Sustainability, BCS456B Capacity Planning for IT, BCS456C UI/UX, BCSL456D Technical Writing using LaTeX
How to prepare for semester 4
Start with the subjects that carry the most credits, because they count most in your SGPA. For each theory subject, go through the units in order, make one page of short notes per unit and practise the long-answer questions from previous papers. Lab courses are scored on records and viva, so keep your practical file up to date every week instead of writing it at the end.
All semesters
Frequently asked questions
How many subjects are there in VTU B.Tech CSE semester 4?
The official VTU scheme lists 6 courses for CSE semester 4: 3 theory, 1 lab and 2 other (project, elective, audit or similar).
How many credits is VTU CSE semester 4?
The subjects listed add up to 16 credits, as printed in the official scheme.
Where is the official VTU syllabus PDF?
The official file used for this page is linked under Source. Always check it, because universities revise schemes for new batches.
Which batch does this syllabus apply to?
Students admitted under the VTU 2022 scheme (3rd to 7th semester syllabi as downloaded; files dated 2023-2025) If your batch is different, check your university's syllabus page.