Course Policies

Course Requirements and Grading Grading scale: 97-100% A+ 87-89.99 B+ 77-79.99 C+ 67-69.99 D+ 0-59.99 F 93-96.99 A 83-86.99 B 73-76.99 C 63-66.99 D 90-92.99 A- 80-82.99 B- 70-72.99 C- 60-62.99 D- Requirements and grade calculation: Requirement Weight Total points Note Homework & Excercise Assignments 90% around 360 total points 4 assignment points == 1% final grade. Attendance 10% 100 points 1 missed class exempted; -10 points for each absence thereafter. 10 attendance points == 1% final grade. Late work penalties: Late assignments are penalized as follows. 20% if submitted within 2 days after the due date; 30% if submitted within 7 days after; no later submissions accepted. Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Roll calls will be taken on a regular basis, which will be reflected on your attendance score. For information on excusable absences, see this section below. Collaboration: If done properly, working together on assignments lead to a better learning outcome for all parties involved. If done improperly, however, it negatively affects learning AND results in cheating. For your learning benefit, I am allowing group work provided that the following conditions are met: Equal contribution: one student's contribution must not exceed 150% of other's. Individual work before a study group: do not show up to a study session without having worked on the assignment on your own beforehand. Individual work after a study group: do not write up your homework assignments while working in group, which leads to copying other's answers. Always finish up your answers by yourself afterwards, using your own words. Important notes: There is a form of assignment due at every class, and the class contents will build on what was learned perviously. If you miss a class, make sure to review and catch up before the next class. If you show up without catching up, you will be lost. Get help early: approach the instructor or the TA when you first have trouble understanding a concept or homework problem. Please note that programming problems are not easily communicated via email, especially when the lack of understanding of the very nature of the problem is the first stumbling block. It will be easier to come and see the instructors in person. Turn off your cell phone in class. Non-class-related activities, including Facebook, twitter, email, web surfing, are strictly forbidden. Violations will incur a penalty on your participation score. Remediation and Justification Penalties for late work or absences may be waived for documented emergencies. For planned, justified, absences or late work, advance notice must be provided. Valid reasons for missing class include the following: A religious observance: advance written notice is required A medical emergency (including mental health emergencies): submit a signed letter from a doctor A family emergency (death, birth, natural disaster, etc): submit a signed letter from an authority Academic Integrity Cheating will not be tolerated. Violations, including plagiarism, will be seriously dealt with, and could result in a failing grade for the entire course. Working together on assignments is allowed strictly under a set of conditions noted above; failing to meet them will amount to a violation of academic integrity and will be handled accordingly. For all other issues of academic integrity, refer to the University Guidelines on Academic Integrity here. Disabilities If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and DRS (Disability Resources and Services), 140 William Pitt Union, 412-648-7890or 412-838-7355 (TTY) as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.