Homework Policy

There will be weekly problem sets, generally due on Thursdays by the end of the day, to be submitted via Canvas or directly via Gradescope in PDF form. You may typeset your solutions on a computer or you can write it down and take a picture of it. You are responsible for making sure that your solutions are readable (typesetting may make that easier) and uploaded correctly.

Late days: You may have up to two late days per homework assignment with a maximum total of 14 late days during the term. (If a genuine emergency situation prevents you from submitting an assignment under these conditions, talk to one of us and we can work something out. Similarly, if you can anticipate an extraordinary or unusual circumstance that will necessitate an alternative accommodation, please talk to us by the assignment due date. Alternative accommodation after the due date will not be allowed.)


Collaboration: Unless we specifically state otherwise, we permit collaboration on the problem sets to the extent of formulating ideas as a group, provided (1) You spend at least 30 minutes on each and every problem alone, before discussing it with others (this might seem very restrictive, but this will almost certainly help you in the midterm and final exams), (2) You write up each and every problem in your own writing, using your own words, and understand the solution thoroughly and completely (a good approach to make sure that your write-up is independent is to engage in some other activity for 30 minutes after any discussion with others and before you write up your own solution), and (3) You clearly acknowledge and list the names of everyone that you discussed the problem set with.


Honor Code/Cheating:

Your solutions to the problem sets must be original work (modulo collaboration as permitted above). Copying someone else's solutions obviously counts as cheating (see below), as does copying the homework from another source (the web, other classes, etc.). The questions in the problem sets have been carefully selected for their pedagogical value and may be similar or even identical to questions on problem sets from past offerings of this course at UW or similar courses at other universities. Using any pre-existing solutions from these sources, or using solution material from the Web is strictly prohibited.

Cheating is a very serious offense. If you are caught cheating, you can expect a failing grade and initiation of a cheating case in the University system. Basically, cheating is an insult to the instructor, to the department and major program, and most importantly, to you. If you feel that you are having a problem with the material, or don't have time to finish an assignment, or have any number of other reasons to cheat, then talk with the instructor. Just don't cheat.