Part of the objective of this course is to provide some experience in working as a team. Projects will be done either alone or in groups of two. You are strongly encouraged to work in pairs. However, this does not mean that there is a split in the material to be learned. There is a simple rule to keep in mind when working with a partner(s): each of you should be able to answer any question about the assignment or the project. You should never utter words like: "my partner did that, I need to ask her what she did." Make sure to pick a partner carefully and make sure that you are compatible in terms of personality, objectives, and study habits. This is very important. Part of your project write-up will include a statement about each person's precise role in the design and realization of the project.
You are free to work with anyone in interpreting assignments and on developing facility with the software tools we will be using. However, you should thoroughly understand the solutions to the assignments that your team generates, not to mention that you should know the project like the back of your hand. On the midterm exam, all work should be solely your own.
Cheating is a very serious offense. It will be dealt with in the most severe manner allowable under University regulations. If caught cheating, you can expect a failing grade and initiation of a cheating case in the University system. Basically, its an insult to the instructor, the department and major program, and most importantly, to the person doing the cheating. Just don't.
To avoid creating situations where copying can arise, you should not ever e-mail or post your design files. You can post general questions about interpretation and tool use but limit your comments to these categories. If in doubt about what might constitute cheating, either don't do it or send the instructors e-mail describing the situation.