Modern content of algorithm theory

Two approaches to drawing up the syllabus "algorithms and complexity" for computer engineering are examined. Unlike traditional syllabuses, that constructed in the Department of Computer Engineering of Lviv National Polytechnic University stresses theoretical aspects of synthesis and analysis of algorithms oriented not only at software, but also hardware and firmware realizations. Examples of effective informal algorithms composing most traditional programs take a subordinate position in the syllabus. A new addition is the "SH-model" chapter scrutinizing firmware optimization methods by five complexity characteristics.