The rules I apply to calculate your final marks in one of my courses differ depending on the level and the content of the course. These rules are fixed before the beginning of the term and are posted on the page of the respective course. In general, no matter how the relative value of assignments, implementation projects, and exams are chosen, your mark will depend on how well you are able to apply (not only reproduce) the material taught in class. For an A+ at the undergraduate level, it is sufficient to be able to explain the concepts presented in class and apply them to problems that were not discussed in class but are similar to those discussed in class. No knowledge beyond the class material is necessary. For an A+ at the graduate level, the same rules apply, but I will choose the questions where you are asked to apply techniques taught in class to new but similar problems more difficult thana in an undergraduate course. At both levels, it does of course help if you can demonstrate knowledge that is closely related to but goes beyond the material taught in class.

Plagiarism: I will not tolerate any form of plagiarism (copying from your classmates, copying solutions from the web, etc.). According to university regulations, I have to report you to the Faculty's Integrity Officer if I suspect you of academic dishonesty, and I will. The Integrity Officer may refer your case to the Senate Committee on Plagiarism. The penalties for plagiarism can range from failing the course to expulsion from the university. So please save me and yourself the aggravation. For more information, make sure you read the university policy on intellectual honesty and the Dalhousie Academic Integrity Page.

Late assignments: I do not accept late assignments without a doctor's note or any other official document that certifies a good reason why you could not hand your assignment in on time. In case of important events in your personal life, I am willing to make an exception to this rule if you discuss these circumstances with me and apply for a reasonable extension of the deadline in advance.

Missed exams: If you miss an exam, I may, at my discretion, agree to give you the opportunity to sit the exam at a later date. You must, however, present a good reason why you were not able to sit the exam at the regularly scheduled time. Also, unless there are a large number of students who missed the regularly scheduled exam, make-up exams are oral exams.