General Information

Course web site

Please check the course web site regularly for assigned reading and homework, announcements, and any other relevant information. Lecture notes will be posted to the web site prior to each lecture, but these only contain a summary of the presented information. If you only read the lecture notes, you may miss important information.

Class Attendance

Class attendance is required: you are responsible for everything that goes on in class. Prepare in advance for class by reading and studying the assigned text, and by making sure you understand the previous lecture.

Computing Facilities

You may use the CSIL (Computer Science Instructional Lab) computers, or any other machine you prefer.  You should use python in your assignments (other languages are acceptable but not supported). Additional cloud computing resource will be provided if available.

Late Policy

If the late days are used up, late submissions are not accepted. 

You are encouraged to discuss homework assignments with classmates at a general level.  However, you may not share answers/code or collaborate on solutions unless otherwise directed to do so. All work turned in must be completely your own, including programming assignments. (See the Policy on Academic Integrity, below.)

Policy on Academic Integrity

Please read this section carefully.

The university, the department, and this instructor all take the issue of academic integrity very seriously. A university requires an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. While collaboration is an integral part of many scholarly activities, it is not always appropriate in a course, and it is never appropriate unless due credit is given to all participants in the collaboration. This goes for both ideas and programming or other work.

Here are some examples:

Allowed:  Discussion of lecture and textbook materials

Allowed:  Discussion of how to approach assignments, what techniques to consider, what textbook or lecture material is relevant

Not allowed:  Sharing ideas in the form of code, pseudocode, or solutions

Not allowed:  Turning in someone else's work as your own, even with that person's permission.

Not allowed:  Allowing someone else to turn in your work as his or her own.

Not allowed:  Turning in work without proper acknowledgment of the sources of the content (including ideas) contained within the work.

Summary: Academic integrity is absolutely required - dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) benefits no one and hurts everyone.   If you are not sure whether or not something is appropriate, please ask the instructor or TA.

Health and Safety

Stay healthy and safe is top priority. Please adhere to UCSB campus requirement https://www.ucsb.edu/COVID-19-information/return-to-campus-requirements  

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability and would like to discuss special academic accommodations, please contact the instructor.  In addition, students with temporary or permanent disabilities are referred to the Disabled Students Program (DSP) at UCSB.  DSP will arrange for special services when appropriate (e.g., facilitation of access, note takers, readers, sign language interpreters).  Please note that it is the student's responsibility to communicate his or her special needs to the instructor, along with a letter of verification from DSP.  

Diversity and Inclusiveness

We (the instructor, TAs and other teaching staff) strive to create an environment in which students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can be well-served in this course, where students' learning needs can be addressed both in and out of class, and where the diversity that the students bring to this class is viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. It is our intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, culture, or religion (or lack thereof). Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated: help us improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally, or for other students or student groups. If at any point you are made to feel uncomfortable, disrespected, or excluded by the course staff or fellow students, please, don't hesitate to talk to us about it so that we may address the issue and maintain a supportive and inclusive learning environment. If you are uncomfortable bringing up an issue with the course staff directly, submit anonymous feedback or contact the Office of the Ombud. Help us create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives and experiences, and honors your identities. (Statement credits: Kate Kharitonova).


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