Organization and course policies
Preparations
Please install the latest version of Python and Anaconda (for notebooks). Other packages may be needed on a lecture-by-lecture basis.
Lectures
Mandatory participation, max. 3 absences (strict). Some lectures will have in-class exercises worth points (assignment point quota).
Grading
Grading (1-5) is based on points collected in assignments (max 100) and in the written exam (max 50). The maximum attainable score is 150. For passing the course, minimum 50 points must be collected in assignments and minimum 25 in the exam.
Assignments
Two assignment sheets are released each week. One by Tuesday EoD and the other by Friday EoD and should be returned by following Monday and Thursday evenings, respectively. Each sheet will have 1-4 exercises, each worth of 3-10 points. You can choose which exercises to return to collect assignment points. Answers can only be submitted via MyCourses.
Bonus points may be earned by carrying out a small research project. The bonus task is declared around the second week of December and must be returned in late December. It will be worth max. 10 points. Bonus points can also be earned for being active in in-class activities.
Pre-readings
Readings may be assigned before lecture. These are optional but recommend to make more out of the lecture.
Exam
Final exam consists of 10 tasks, one task per page. The tasks include the following types: definition, essay, identification, analysis, and simple numerical exercises. Simple calculators are allowed to the exam; books, computers, or graphical calculators are not permitted. Materials for the exam will be announced late November in MyCourses. Examples of exam tasks will be given in the last lecture.
Workload
Estimate based on previous year: 32 h lectures and support sessions + 66 h independent work on assignments + 12 h preparation for exam. Workload varies depending on prior experience and selection of assignments. Note that workload is relatively higher in the beginning of the course.
Course Policies
- Please come to the class room and find a seat before the lecture starts.
- Out of courtesy to the teachers and fellow students, please refrain from using computers or smartphones unless asked by the teacher.
- In cases of plagiarism, we will follow the policy of Aalto University. While we recommend talking with other students and learning from the Internet, exercise solutions must be executed individually and by the student. Solutions should not be shared. The student must be ready to explain his/her solution when requested.
- A student who is inactive for two or more weeks may be removed from the course. Students who have already reached the 50 point minimum are exempted.
- Please observe the deadlines for returning the exercises. No extensions will be granted.
- When grading exercises and exams, we may punish for "fishing" points by equivocating in answers. If you do not know the answer, just say so.
Support Sessions
Voluntary sessions on Monday mornings for those who want support on solving the on-going assignments. Note: We start at 8.15am sharp.
Teaching assistants
M.Sc. Kseniia Palin
PhD student Morteza Shiripour