CS CS 5008/5009 Data Structures, Algorithms, and Their Applications Within Computer Systems

"No More Magic -- peeling back the layers of how a computer works" -- Your Instructor

Assessment/Course Polices

Please find below the grading distribution that will be used for this course to compute a weighted average for your final grade. You will find grades you earn through the semester on Canvas and your final grade in banner.

• In-Class Activity: (5%)
• In-Class Labs:     (20%)(Each equally weighted)
  • Labs are due before class of the following week.
• Assignments:       (55%)(Each equally weighted)
• Exam(s):     (20%)

• The grade system follows the University Grading System.
• A  = 95 – 100
• A- = 91 – 94.99
• B+ = 87 – 90.99
• B  = 83 – 86.99
• B- = 80 – 82.99
• C+ = 77 – 79.99
• C  = 73 – 76.99
• C- = 70 – 72.99
• D+ = 67 – 69.99
• D  = 63 – 66.99
• D- = 60 – 62.99
• F  =  0 – 59.99

• Please do not ask me for an A on the first day of class (It happens enough I have a bullet point here).
• Please do not ask me if I can raise your grade to the next level because you need it for X,Y,or Z reason -- you earn your grade. (It happens enough I have a bullet point here).
• In the event of a sick/snow day (i.e. we miss a lab or in-class activity) the weight of each assignment increases (There may also be shuffling of course material if we are interrupted).
• The expectation is that the assignments are fair but difficult, so you should start early!
• Late Submissions of Assignments can be extended up to 3 days max with your tokens without a penalty--otherwise your assignments lose 10% each day it is turned in late if a token has not been used
  • Unfortunately, with large classes I cannot make individual exceptions (i.e. "special deals") fairly to your classmates who are likely making other personal sacrifices to complete work on time.
  • Come speak to me about your wellness if something is otherwise impeding your progress so we can provide you available resources to succeed.
• Assignments that do not compile/open receive no credit Simply put, programs that do not compile do not do anything.
• There are no "re-grades" or points awarded one week after your grade is posted. "re-grades" may result in a higher, equal, or lower score.
  • Re-grades are done cautiously to correct any errors that may occur from the course staff.
  • Re-grades are not for "redoing assignments", you have the opportunity to improve based on the feedback for your next assignment.
  • There are no "re-grades" after the semester is over.
  • Do not ask multiple members of the course staff for "re-grades"
• Anywhere on Earth (AOE) when used as a deadline, means the assignment is due on that day, where anywhere in the world it is still that day.
• If you are currently waitlisted, you must submit your homework on time. That is the gamble! If you do not have Canvas access, you will submit by e-mail or other course mechanism (e.g. github).
• There are no extra credit assignments just for you. I reserve the right to add points to assignments that do go above and beyond however. I reserve the right to give an extra credit assignment to the entire class, though this is highly unlikely.
• I reserve the right to modify the grading scale in your favor if you show exemplary proficiency in any of the categories. I will never modify the scale to lower a students grade.
• In class work cannot be made up at a later date unless otherwise arranged with the instructor well in advance.
  • Course work completed after the date cannot be graded, as solutions will have been discussed (this includes if taking this course for an Incomplete).
  • Once again, "in-class" work must be completed in-class unless there is a documented emergency or you have prearranged with the instructor a make-up well in advance.
• Lab time (in-person courses) is meant for helping students with the lab, not completing homework. I have to prioritize lab first, then can answer homework questions.
• AI Policy: Generally speaking, do not use it as a shortcut to your learning. AI will probably be useful for searching for help, finding idioms, and asking questions. It could also be detrimental. Make sure you understand what is generated -- typing out code, answers to exercises, making some mistakes, and putting thought into your work is how you grow.
• Generally speaking I like Microsoft Teams for office hours, but do not prefer it for ad-hoc questions (use e-mail or piazza).
• No Facebook, no cell phones. Not only does it distract you, it distracts others!
• Everyone needs to come see me in office hours (or by appointment) at least one time during the semester to introduce yourself. The purpose is so that you:
• Know where my office is (physical or virtual)
• Get used to coming to office hours.
• Let me know how I can help you achieve your goals.