Assignments and Grading

Grading

4 Problem sets (20%): 5% each

4 Prelims (80%): 20% each

Final course letter grades: A (93%–100%), A- (90%–92%), B+ (87%–89%), B (83%–86%), B- (80%–82%), C+ (77%–79%), C (73%–76%), C- (70%–72%), D+ (67%–69%), D (63%–66%), D- (60%-62%), F (below 60%)

Problem sets

You will have 4 problem sets, 1 due before each prelim. You may consult with me or the TAs during office hours. Students taking the class at the 5000 level may have extra problems in some problem sets.

When are they due?

  • Problem set due dates: Feb 10, Mar 12, Apr 9, Apr 30.
  • Problem sets are due on 11:59PM on the listed due date. You have unlimited submissions before the deadline.
  • No late problem sets will be accepted.

Who can I work with?

  • You may work in teams of up to 3 on problem sets.

How do I submit them?

  • On Canvas, submit one problem set per team with all group members names on it.
  • If you are doing the problem set on pen and paper you must scan and convert it into a pdf using something like Adobe Scan. Pictures will not be accepted and will receive a zero.
  • It is your responsibility to submit the correct file. Unreadable or corrupted files will not be accepted. Your final submission prior to the deadline is what will be graded.

Prelims

When are the prelims?

  • Prelim dates: Feb 12, Mar 17, Apr 14, May 5.
  • The prelims are in class during our regular class time.

What do the prelims cover?

  • All material prior to the prelim date. They will focus on new content since the previous prelim, but you are still responsible for knowing all prior course material.
  • The prelims will have questions based on the slides and readings assigned.

What can I bring to the prelim?

  • Pen or pencil.
  • No electronics, calculators, or notes.

How do I review for the prelims?

  • The problem sets serve as the main way to review for the prelims. Answer keys will be posted the day after each problem set is due.
  • An extra set of review questions will be posted on Canvas the class before each prelim.
  • If time permits, we may review some questions in class the day before the prelim.

Last updated on Jan 20, 2026