Homework Policy

There will be weekly problem sets, generally due on Fridays. Homework should be handed in at the beginning of lecture on the day it is due. Late problem sets will not receive credit. (If a genuine emergency situation prevents you from handing in an assignment on time, come talk to one of us and we can work something out. Similarly, if you can anticipate an extraordinary or unusual circumstance that will necessitate an extension, please talk to us ahead of time.)

Collaboration: Unless we specifically state otherwise, we permit collaboration on the problem sets to the extent of formulating ideas as a group, provided 

(1) You spend at least 20 minutes on each and every problem alone, before discussing it with others (this might seem very restrictive, but this will almost certainly help you in the midterm and final exams);

(2) You write up each and every problem in your own writing, using your own words, and understand the solution thoroughly and completely; in particular at no point should you be in possession of someone else's written homework, nor should you give out your solutions to other students to look at; and 

(3) You clearly acknowledge and list the names of everyone that you discussed the problem set with.

There is a fine line between 'discussing a problem' and cheating; when in doubt play it safe as similar solutions tend to be noticed. Finally, you should note that without preparing via the homework you stand little chance of succeeding during the midterm and final. Therefore, doing your own work is in your own best interest.

Honor Code/Cheating:

Your solutions to the problem sets must be original work (modulo collaboration as permitted above). Copying someone else's solutions obviously counts as cheating (see below), as does copying the homework from another source (the web, other classes, etc.). The questions in the problem sets have been carefully selected for their pedagogical value and may be similar or even identical to questions on problem sets from past offerings of this course at UW or similar courses at other universities. Using any pre-existing solutions from these sources, or using solution material from the Web is strictly prohibited.