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Computers in class
Computers in class are a big source of student distraction these days. As a result, please do not use yours for anything other than taking notes.
Assigned work
Working in Groups
You are encouraged to work in pairs on the assignments. Discussing the problems in depth with a partner should help you learn the material. Double-checking each other's details is also important. Furthermore, it will allow grading to be completed on a more timely basis. Only one member of the pair should turn in the assignment.
You may also work alone on assignments.
Exams are to be completed individually.
Good style
In general, your answers should not only be correct, but also convincingly explained. This means you should give a sound logical argument and a clear presentation, sufficient to convince someone who knows the material, but not the answer, than your answer is correct. Consider your audience to be a skeptical classmate. Good style also implies that an answer should be reasonably thorough, but reasonably concise.
Typing vs. writing assignments
You will submit your non-programming problems in PDF format. You are expected to type your assignments, not hand-write, and not even scan your hand-writing. This makes it substantially easier for the course staff to read your assignment. Also, students tend to be more careful with their writing, notation, and layout when typing.
As an exception, you may draw illustrations by hand and scan them.
Programming language
Some assignments will include programming problems. You may use any programming language. You may use any libraries, except for any algorithms and data structures that are part of the problem. E.g., for a network flow problem, you could use any graph library for representing the network, but not use library calls to calculate flows.
Be sure that we are able to compile (if applicable) and run your code. It should be executable on the standard PC or Mac campus lab installations or on the CLEAR Linux servers.
Good code style is appreciated, but will not be considered for grading. Good documentation is appreciated, but only required in that we need to know how to run your code.
Honor Code
For assignments, you and any partner may consult written and online resources. However, you are not allowed to get entire solutions from any source. Your final solution must be your own, in your own words. You must specify explicitly cite what you used as resources, except for any programming language references.
The only people you may consult, other than your partner, are the course staff. As exceptions to this rule, you may consult others for help on math and programming details. (Just in case there is any misunderstanding, this policy only applies to homework problems, not to general questions about the course subject material.)
For exams, you are allowed to use
- the CLRS textbook;
- anything provided as part of this course, including the class notes, handouts, and assignment solutions;
- your notes and graded assignments; and
- pencils, pens, and paper.
Grading
Grades will be based upon a combination of
- ten assignments (6% each = 60% total)
- two exams (20% each = 40% total)
Late assignments
Assignments are due when specified on OWL-Space. Assignments turned in 0–24 hours late will be assessed a 10% penalty. Assignments turned in 24–48 hours late will be assessed a 20% penalty. Assignments will not be accepted more than 48 hours late. However, for emergency situations, contact the instructor about an extension. Having too much work or mismanaging your time is not considered an emergency. You cannot combine an extension with the 2-day late policy.
Grading disputes
If you believe that your work was graded incorrectly, please contact the original grader within 14 days of the work being returned, and describe what should be regraded and why. If you still disagree with the grading, then contact the course instructor.
Disabilities
Students with disabilities should contact the course instructor and Disability Support Services regarding any accommodations that they may need.