Exams
Table of contents
There are 3 in-class exams spaced ~3 weeks apart; they are non-cumulative, closed-note, and 50 minutes long, with multiple-choice questions (including select-all questions) and free-response questions.
- Exam 1 — Wednesday, Oct 21
- Exam 2 — Friday, Nov 13
- Exam 3 — Wednesday, Dec 2
There is NO sit-down final exam. The final project is due on Dec 7 @ 11:59pm instead.
Quizzes are closed-note and mirror the timing and content of exams (half the time and content). They can be retaken as many times as needed until you achieve 100%.
Sections will be used for (1) review of course material (teaching staff will walk through exam practice questions) and (2) open homework help/office hours.
Can I bring a cheat sheet to the exams?
No, all exams are closed-note. However, students who make and submit handwritten cheat sheets (no page limit) before the exam, via Gradescope, will earn +1 extra course point (the logic being that exams are meant to test genuine mastery of course material, but making hand-written cheat sheets is an excellent way to study — and I want to encourage that!).
Do you curve exams?
Please note that I do not curve exams. I strive to write fair exams that test knowledge taught in class, and will offer many practice problems that are representative of what’s on the exam. Since this is the first time I’m offering this course, I welcome student feedback on the exams and will make fair adjustments where needed. In general, I aim for exam averages to fall between ~75-80% (widely regarded in psychometrics as a healthy score for a fair exam).
Can I request a regrade of my exam?
Yes. You can request a regrade of homeworks, project checkpoints, and exams within 48 hours (2 days) of the grades being released. For homeworks and exams, please request the regrade through Gradescope. For project checkpoints, please contact your project mentor directly. Regrades requested after 48 hours will not be fulfilled.
What happens if I miss an exam or have testing accommodations?
We will use the Triton Testing Center (TTC) located in Pepper Canyon Hall 364 to administer exams for students with documented accommodations and for legitimate excused absences (does NOT include voluntary travel).
If you know you need to miss an exam for a legitimate reason, please let Prof. Lai know ASAP. You may schedule your make-up exam within a 1-week window after the initial exam date. (Those with documented testing accommodations must schedule to take the exam the same day as everyone else). Other exceptions will only be granted under extenuating circumstances (sudden illness, family situations).