CS 161 Design and Architecture of Computer Systems, Spring 2021

Grading and Policies

Grading Breakdown

- Homework assignments: 25% (HW0: 1%, HW2-Hw9: each 4%, two homeworks with lowest scores will be dropped)
- Mini Exams (throughout the course): 75% (HW1-HW8: each 12.5%, two mini-exams with lowest scores will be dropped)
- Bonus points for in-class activities: 5%

Class Policies

Late submission: We do not accept any late submission for assignments and mini exams. You are allowed to skip two of the assignments and two of the mini exams with no penalty. Use these freebies prudently. If you choose to submit all the assignments or all the mini exams, the two lowest scores of the assignments and mini exams will be dropped.

Cheating policy: Working with others on assignments is a good way to learn the material and is encouraged. However, there are limits to the degree of cooperation that is permitted. Students may discuss among themselves the meaning of homework problems and possible approaches to solving them. Any written portion of an assignment, however, is to be done strictly on an individual basis. You may not copy from another student or from any other source, and you may not allow another student to copy your work. Exams should be done individually and no collaboration in any form with others are permitted. Any violation of the above is considered to be cheating and will result in a failing grade in the class (no exceptions).

Errors in grading: If you feel there has been an error in how an assignment or test was graded, you have one week from when the assignment is returned to bring it to our attention. You must submit (via email to the instructor and the TA) a written description of the problem. Neither I nor the TAs will discuss regrades without receiving an email from you about it first.

Solutions: The solutions to the homework assignments and exams will be discussed in the discussion sessions.

Grades: Your score will be available on Canvas.

Grading Scale

A+: 96 and above
A: 93-95.9
A-: 90-92.9
B+: 87-89.9
B: 83-86.9
B-: 80-82.9
C+: 77-79.9
C: 73-76.9
C-: 70-72.9
D+: 67-69.9
D: 63-66.9
D-: 60-62.9
F: Below 60

Academic Integrity

Here at UCR we are committed to upholding and promoting the values of the Tartan Soul: Integrity, Accountability, Excellence, and Respect. As a student in this class, it is your responsibility to act in accordance with these values by completing all assignments in the manner described, and by informing the instructor of suspected acts of academic misconduct by your peers. By doing so, you will not only affirm your own integrity, but also the integrity of the intellectual work of this University, and the degree which it represents. Should you choose to commit academic misconduct in this class, you will be held accountable according to the policies set forth by the University, and will incur appropriate consequences both in this class and from Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Programs. For more information regarding University policy and its enforcement, please visit: http://conduct.ucr.edu.

Student Resources

◆ If you need special accomodation, please either contact me or find more information here: "UCR campus resources"

Course Schedule

The following schedule is tentative and is subject to change.