Julianna Tymoczko: algebraic and combinatorial geometer

Grades and Expectations

Grades will be based on

homework (worth 30%),
two 2-hour midterm exams (worth 20% each),
one 2-hour final exam (worth 30%).

Like basketball and violin, math is learned by doing not by watching. Class participation is critical: I expect that you'll do your part to keep the energy level of the class high. I also expect that you attend class every day; if illness or another serious problem prevents you from coming, let me know.

Homework

There will generally be two problem sets due each week, usually on Tuesday and Friday. Due dates are noted on the assignments and on the syllabus. The four lowest homework scores will be dropped. Collaboration is encouraged, but each student is responsible for

writing her own solutions,
knowing how to solve the problems, and
listing all collaborators or other resources used.

I expect each homework to take around two hours to complete. If it takes much longer (or shorter), talk to me in class or office hours.

Late homework is a bad idea. If you're behind, it's hard for you to learn new stuff and to participate in class.
Homework that is unreadable may not be graded.

Homework will be posted on the course Moodle page.

Exams

Exams are self-scheduled at the Science Library, and are closed book and closed notebook. You are allowed to bring one 3x5 index card to the first exam, two 3x5 index cards to the second, and three 3x5 index cards to the final. At least one problem on each exam will be taken from the homework with minimal modification. Calculators will not be allowed on the exams. The exams will be held:

First Midterm: Monday 2/20 through Thursday 2/23.
Second Midterm: Monday 3/12 through Thursday 3/15.
Final Exam: during finals period.