10% of the grade for each homework assignment will be based on clarity of exposition of the solutions. In other words, a problem solution that is technically perfect, but which is presented in a difficult-to-understand manner, will lose 10% of the score for that problem. Some guidelines for the written presentation of solutions are given in the writing guidelines. Neat and concise solutions are required in order to receive full credit for your solutions. If you cannot solve a particular problem, state this clearly in your write-up, and write down only what you know to be correct; rambling at length about ideas that don't quite work may cause additional points to be deducted.
Homework is
not a group activity, you should develop and write-up your own
solutions.
You may discuss rough ideas and thoughts about a homework assignment with
your classmates, but you have to write up your solution on your
own. You are not allowed to read, copy, or rewrite the solutions
written by others (in this or previous terms).
See
the section on Academic Integrity.
There are no late days of any type for homework assignments. Late
homework will not be graded for credit. In extra-ordinary cases (a
two-day cold does not count since you have one week to complete the
assignment), contact Carola prior to the due date to get a
homework extension.
I reserve the right to fail for the course anyone who fails the
final exam.
The weighted average will determine your letter grade roughly as follows:
During the lectures we will use slides as well as the
board.
Carola will take pictures of the board during the lectures. Those pictures
as well as the slides will be available on the webpage, such that you can
see what has been covered in class if you happen to have missed a class.
There is however no guarantee that the pictures will be complete.
Handouts, slides, and pictures will be available here.
You may discuss rough ideas and thoughts about a homework assignment with
your classmates, but you have to write up your solution on your
own. You are not allowed to read, copy, or rewrite the solutions
written by others (in this or previous terms).
If you're stuck on a problem and unable to get to the instructor for help,
then we suggest you try and use hints from a
publicly available source such as a textbook or journal article. The
source should be cited and you have to write the solution in your own words. It should
be apparent to us that you understand the solution for full credit. Every cheating will be reported to the office of academic integrity.
First time offenders will receive a zero for the assignment and will have
their final grade docked by one mark. Second time offenders will fail the
course. Other punishments may be dealt with depending on the severity of the
infraction. If two people are caught sharing solutions then both the copier
and copiee will be held equally responsible. Cheating on an exam will
result in failing the course.
Attendance:
Attendance in class will not be taken but students are fully responsible for all
material presented or assigned in
class. For this reason, attendance is strongly recommended.Late Policy:
Without prior arrangements, missed exams and homework assignments result in
a grade of zero. In order to take a make-up exam, contact Carola
prior to the exam if you have to miss it
for some valid reason; documentation may be required. Notification after
the exam will result in a score of zero.
Grading:
Grading will be based on the following
weighted scale:
A >= 90%
B >= 80%
C >= 70%
D >= 60%
E < 60%Handouts, Slides, and
Pictures:
The class web page will have links to
all class handouts as they become available. Academic Integrity:
Last modified by Carola Wenk,
carola @ cs.utsa.edu ,