Procedures:

1.   The required textbook is Fundamentals of Algorithmics by Brassard and Bratley. The recommended textbooks for the course are The Algorithm Design Manual by Skiena and Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein.
2.  I will make photocopies of old scribe notes and exams available in a packet a few weeks into the semester.
3.  The best way to learn the material is by solving problems. You are encouraged to work in pairs, because the best way to understand the subtleties of the homework problems is to argue about the answers. Each of you should look at all the problems independently, and not just divide the list in two parts each time. Don't be a leech and let your partner do all the work. Unless you learn how to solve problems, I promise that you will get burned on the exams and thus for your final grade.
4.  The partner system relies upon a certain maturity among the students. If you don't have a partner, tell me and I will hook you up with one. If you are having trouble with your partner and want a divorce, tell me and I will set you up with a new one. I will act as a broker but not as a counselor. I do not want to hear what a louse your old partner is, and you will get a dirty look from me when you demand a divorce regardless of who was at fault.
5.  Both solutions should be handed in STAPLED TOGETHER.  The top solution will be graded and the bottom will  not. Indicate properly which one you want graded.
6. Your solutions should be very neatly written.  If your solution is unclear, sloppy, or if your solution is hard to understand, you will have points deducted even if your solution is correct.  One of the best way to make your solutions clear is to include pictures and examples.
7.  Homeworks will be worth approximately 18% of the grade, the midterm will be worth approximately 35% of your grade, and final will be worth approximately 47% of your grade.
8. I reserve the right to modify these numbers uniformly by 5% each.  I  reserve the right to de-emphasize the homework grades if these is evidence of students who copy instead of doing the homework themselves.
9.  Homework assignments will be due at the beginning of class and I will hand out the solutions immediately.  Late assignments will not be accepted because the solutions will be available.
10.  It is extremely important that you start homework assignments early. The homeworks are very hard, and if you get behind in your work, you may find it too difficult to catch up.  I strongly encourage you to attend the office hours. This will almost certainly improve your performance in the course.
11.  Because a primary goal of the course is to teach professionalism, any academic dishonesty will be viewed as evidence that this goal has not been achieved, and will be grounded for receiving a grade of F. (See CEAS Procedures and Guideline Governing Academic Dishonesty, 1/81.)
12.  If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, I would urge that you contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services office (DSS), Room 133 Humanities, 632-6748/TDD. DSS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation of disability is confidential.