CSCI 256: Spring 2021

Algorithm Design and Analysis

Home | Course Schedule | Assignments | Course Policies | Resources | CS Dept

Collaboration and Honor Code Policy

Sources. Algorithms is a core computer science field and there are multitudes of valuable resources out there, in the form of online lectures, videos, books, etc, that you are encouraged to use as reference to deepen your understanding of the material. However, when it comes to solving specific homework problems, you must be very careful about your sources and whether or not they violate academic honesty. The following guidelines state what is and is not allowed with respect to problem sets.

• You must not search the internet or external resources using problem-specific keywords. While it is okay to use external material for general reference, it is academically dishonest to use them with the intention to obtain solutions to specific problems. Copying (or approximately copying) solutions from the internet or other external sources, is plagiarism, even if you cite your source.
• You must always cite external resources used for background reading. If you use external materials for background reading to prepare for a problem set (and it does not violate the policy above), you must cite the source in the Acknowledgments section of your submission.
• If you unintentionally come across a solution to a homework problem, you must request an alternate problem. Solutions to some classic algorithms problems may be available on the web or other books. If you unintentionally encounter a solution to a homework question during background reading, you must inform me and I will replace the question and assign you an alternate problem on the same topic.

Collaboration. Collaboration is an integral part of learning and research in computer science. In this class, you are encouraged to collaborate with your classmates, form study groups, and to exchange high-level ideas on problem-solving techniques. Working with your peers can not only help you avoid common pitfalls and blind alleys, but also help you develop a deeper understanding of the material.

While open exchange of ideas is encouraged, you must adhere to the following academic integrity policies. Violation of these policies will be treated as an honor-code violation.

• You should never turn in a solution that you do not understand. You may work with other students together on problems, but you must write up your own solutions in your own words and only include ideas and answers that you personally fully understand.
• You must give credit where credit is due. You must always clearly cite (in the Acknowledgements section of your submissions) the names of students you worked with on specific problems. If you use an idea that was developed by (or jointly with) others, this is the place to credit them.
• You must not share any part of your write up. This includes LaTeX source code, PDF, figures, hardcopy, etc. Similarly, you must not seek or view any other student's write up.
• You must not use materials from previous offerings of this course. Seeking or consulting homework solutions or exams from previous offerings of this course is not allowed. Similarly, you must not share your course materials with students outside this class.

If you are ever in doubt about a specific situation not covered above, you should write to me and obtain explicit permission.

No collaboration is allowed on exams. The use of electronic devices like laptops and cellphones is prohibited during exams.

Late Days

You are expected to turn in assignments by the due date but things happen. To give flexibility, each student may use a total of three late days during the semester, with at most one late day towards any particular problem set. A single late day enables you to hand in the problem set up to 24 hours after the original due date. Note that late days are not fractional: there is no such thing as half a late day. You do not need to provide a reason for using a late day. Gradescope will automatically have a "late submission" setting enabled. Once your late day has passed, your late work will be penalized 20% per day and must be submitted directly to me by email.

Computer Science Honor Code

The Honor Code as it applies to non-programming assignments is outlined here (see the section Avoiding Violations). Occasionally programming problems will be assigned in this course and programming-specific guidelines will be included along with it. See the course policies page for course-specific guidelines for collaboration on problem sets. Deviation from these guidelines will be considered an honor-code violation.

Computer Ethics

Students should be aware of and abide by the College's statement on Computer Ethics. Violations including uninvited access to private information and malicious tampering or theft of computer equipment or software are subject to disciplinary action.