FAQ

Last modified: Sun Jul 24 19:35:31 CST 2011
Q: How do I submit my homework?

Give it to me by the end of the class.


Q: Is there a page limit of my homework?

Yes, six pages. Double-sided if possible.


Q: I always type my homework. Will I get better HW scores?

No. As long as you write things clearly by hand, you should get the same scores.


Q: The teacher bring HWs to the class and return them to students. What if I don't come to get them?

We will leave your HWs in the classroom. They may be thrown away by some people.


Q: What's the formula to calculate your grade?

Depending on your performance, we decide the distribution of your grades. That is, how many get A+ and how many get F. Then, we calculate raw scores, obtain a ranking of students, and assign their grades.

So there is no direct relationship between your raw score and your grade. It is possible that your raw score is 90, but you get F.


Q: Why the course is taught in English if most students understand Chinese?

Well, I know you will complain anyway. But that's the trend at most research universities.

Also we do have foreign students in the last several semesters. They don't understand Chinese.


Q: What if I write my homework/exam answers in Chinese?

You don't get any credit.


Q: May I use pencil for writing my exam answers?

Yes.


Q: Who will grade my HW?

TAs.


Q: Who will grade exams?

I will do it.


Q: For one exam question, you are asked to give a proof. Will I get partial credits if I don't finish the whole proof.

It depends. But in general not. A proof is a proof. Otherwise everybody can claim that he/she proves NP = P (or NP != P).


Q: May I bring notes to the exam?

You can bring notes and the textbook. Other books or electronic devices are not allowed.


Q: With the above FAQ, the teacher still gets 10 mails asking what can/cannot bring in the exam. What will he think?

One or two are ok. But 10 will make him feel sad. Please try to check FAQ or the course web page before sending me a mail. Everyday I have too many mails.


Q: When will we discuss exam questions?

The week after the midterm exam (during the regular lecture time).

For the final exam, the discussion time will be posted on the course web page.


Q: My final grade is F. May the teacher kindly change it to C-?

No. I have never done that.

Sending me a mail is useless because I will delete it immediately.


Please contact Chih-Jen Lin for any question.