0368.3464.01 Course Policy

  1. The official course text is DSPCSP. There are multiple copies in the library and two copies will be reserved. Unfortunately, one semester is not enough time to cover the entire book. Please read the chapter material as needed.
  2. Always check the course web site before coming to class. There will be updated information regarding material to be covered, homework exercises, and last minute notices.
  3. Although the chapters to be covered in the lecture are mentioned on the web site I am notorious for not confining myself to the planned material. Thus lecture attendance is mandatory. Active participation is encouraged and influences the material covered. If you must miss a lecture, read the appropriate chapter in the text. Demonstrations performed in class will be available on the book web site.
  4. Lectures will commence at 17:10 precisely. There will be a 10 minute break at about 18:30 The lecture will be over by 19:40.
  5. There will be an American style final exam. The exam is closed-book and will contain 44 questions, each worth 2.5 points (no, you can't score more than 100). The questions are designed to probe your understanding of all the material covered.
  6. Homework assignments will be posted on the web site, but handing them in is not mandatory. Assignments are designed to coax you into reading over the material in the book (which is a good idea anyway). From past experience, solving the homework exercises increases final course grade.
  7. I do not have office hours at the university (or an office for that matter). Contact me via email and if need be we will set up a time to talk. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have questions regarding the subject matter. However, please also take into account that I receive over 500 emails per day, and so my answer may sometimes be somewhat delayed.
  8. N.B. As you probably know I am not on the regular university staff (I have a real job). So why do go to the considerable effort to teach these courses and write textbooks? First, because I enjoy teaching, Second, because I think the subject matter is not being optimally taught by others. Third, because I want to teach you useful subjects that will influence your life (yes, that explains my long digressions into topics not normally considered part of the course material). I want the course to be as interesting, as useful, and as enjoyable as possible (that explains some of the jokes). Your feedback as to the attaining of these goals would be appreciated! In particular, please fill in the feedback form when requested by the university.