Homework Assignments:
There will be about 6 bi-weekly homework assignments of equal weight.
Homeworks will mostly consist of written problems. Homeworks will be posted on the homework page.
Review of the grading of a homework or an exam must be
requested within 2 weeks after the graded exam/homework is returned to you.
Be aware that such a review will consider the exam/homework as a whole, and
as a result your grade is just as likely to go down as it is to go up.
You are allowed to turn in homeworks in groups of two, in fact you are highly encouraged to do so.
You are also engouraged to discuss rough ideas and thoughts about a homework assignment with
your other classmates. However you have to write up your solution on your
own (with your group partner). 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.
10% of the homework score 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.
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 two weeks to complete the
assignment), contact Carola prior to the due date to get a
homework extension.
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 if you happen to have missed a class.
There is however no guarantee that the pictures will be complete.
You are allowed to turn in homeworks in groups of two, in fact you are highly encouraged
to do so.
You are also engouraged to discuss rough ideas and thoughts about a homework assignment with
your other classmates, but you have to write up your solution on your
own (with your group partner). You are not allowed to read, copy, or rewrite the solutions
written by others (in this or previous terms).
If you are 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 Student Judicial Affairs.
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.
Presentations:
You will be required to present a research paper on a topic in Computational Geometry.
Suggested papers will be made available on the resources
page, however you are encouraged to find a paper on your own that you would like to
present. Please tell Carola which paper you choose BEFORE you start working on the
presentation. Presentations will be held in November.
There is the option to work on a significant programming project instead of doing a
paper presentation. For this option you have to propose a suitable programming project
yourself; please check with Carola prior to making such a decision.
Exams:
There will be no final. There will be one midterm on Monday, November 1. The midterm will be open-book and
open-notes (no electronic
devices allowed).
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.
Class Participation:
You are required to actively participate in class. Good means of participation are for example asking questions,
answering questions, solving problems on the board, etc.
Grading:
Grading will be based on the following
weighted scale:
Handouts, Slides, and
Pictures:
The class web page will have links to
all class handouts as they become available. Academic Integrity:
This Syllabus is provided for informational purposes regarding the
anticipated course content and schedule of this course. It is based
upon the most recent information available on the date of its issuance
and is as accurate and complete as possible. I reserve the right to
make any changes I deem necessary and/or appropriate. I will make my
best efforts to communicate any changes in the syllabus in a timely
manner. Students are responsible for being aware of these changes.
Last modified by Carola Wenk,
carola @ cs.utsa.edu ,