Grades will be made up of the following components, with approximate weights as shown:

75% - Performance in class
15% - Mini Project
10% - Homework

1. Performance in class
The instructor will give an introductory lecture for each major topic, after which students will take turns presenting and critiquing articles assigned by the instructor. Demonstration of thorough understanding of theories, rigorous presentation of algorithms, evaluation of scope, significance, applicability will be expected. Demonstrations or evaluations of capabilities of published algorithms or possible improvements will, in many cases, involve the presenter's own simulations. The presenter will be required to turn in their presentation and code (as applicable) and will receive feedback and grade points. Every student will be required to read all articles and expected to contribute to discussions lead by the presenter. This occasionally will require everyone to run simple prescribed experiments to answer a specific question and to discuss and compare results through short informal presentations. Details of roles and requirements will be discussed in class.

2. Mini Project
There will be a short (nominally 2-week) project on a focused topic, as a conclusion of the semester. Projects will be evaluated based on a presentation or a report, or combination of the two, depending on circumstances. The exact schedule and requirements as well as suggested topics will be discussed in class well ahead of time. Students are encouraged to pursue topics aligning with their research.

3. Homework
Students will be required to run short simulations and discuss experiment results. There will be no other homework. Students are encouraged to collaborate with classmates but everyone will hand in their own experiment documentation and they are expected to understand their results.

3.1 Late Homework Policy Homework is due on the due date indicated in the Course Schedule. After the due date, but before the posted “late deadline” (the “accept until” date in Canvas), homework can be turned in for 50% credit.

3.1 Missed assignments If you must miss (or be late with) an assignment (homework, presentation) due to an extraordinary circumstance please notify me as much ahead of time as possible, and make arrangements with me for completing the missed assignment. If, in extreme emergency, you are unable to provide advance notice, please let me know as soon as possible afterwards, and I will work with you on a solution accordingly.

4.Class Attendance and Absence Policy Students are expected to attend all classes since 75% of the grade is composed of participation and performance in class. Students who must miss a class or assignment because of unavoidable circumstances should consult with the instructor well in advance so that alternative arrangements may be made.

5.Expectations Regarding Honor Code, Collaboration, and Citation In preparing assignments (presentations, homeworks, project), students are encouraged to consult freely any material and anyone. However, each individual will write and turn in his or her own write-up or presentation, which they are expected to understand. In all work, students are expected to be scrupulous about proper citation of sources (where applicable), as required both as a matter of integrity and formally as a part of the Rice Honor Code.

6.Use of Machines in during Class, and Class Etiquette Cell phones must be turned off – or rendered silent – during class. If you need to take an urgent call, please set your phone to vibration and take the call outside the room. Laptops or other small devices may be used in class only for specific class purposes such as taking notes. If you have an urgent need to be online for other purposes during class time, feel free to do so . . . but outside the classroom. Should we need to do Zoom classes please have live camera presence in class if possible, or at least a static picture of you in Zoom, and be available for discussion. I will expect students to be punctual and to refrain from eating or other distractions during class.