Assessment
Here is my suggestion for how we assess your progress in the course. I traditionally wait for comments from you before finalizing this.
- Assignments (about 13): 50%
- Exams (exactly 2): 40%
- Participation (unknown number): 5%
- Peer Review (about 3): 5%
Important Notes
Assignments are due when indicated on the Schedule, late assignments are not accepted. Not ever! Since assignments may be graded automatically it is important that you follow our instructions exactly as specified. If your solution to a programming assignment does not compile, you will get no credit for your solution. If your solution to a written assignment contains too many spelling errors, you will get no credit for your solution. Starting assignments as soon as they are out is highly recommended, submitting assignments early is encouraged as well.
Exams are cumulative, closed-book, closed-notes, open-mind and cover material from assignments, lectures, and readings. You are allowed to bring a cheat-sheet that must be handed in with the test. The cheat-sheet must be in your hand-writing and must clearly indicate your name and email address. The cheat-sheet is at most one 8.5" by 11" page with notes on both sides.
Participation covers all kinds of stuff including (but not limited to) attending lectures, doing in-class exercises, taking part in discussions, helping others (without cheating of course!) in class and on the discussion list, keeping your log up-to-date, writing lecture notes, etc.
Final Grade
Each grade item is measured as a percentage relative to the highest actually achieved score for that item. Grade items in each category (Assignments, Exams, Participation, Peer Review) are averaged, multiplied by the weight of their category, and added together to yield your final percentage score in the course. Your final grade is determined according to the following scale: 100-90: "A", 89-80: "B", 79-70: "C", 69-60: "D", 59-0: "F". Plus and minus grades fall at the extreme ends of these ranges, for example 89 is a "B+" grade but 88 is a "B" grade. There is no curve! There are no "I" grades either!
