Enrollment

Can I enroll if I’m missing the CS 125 prereq?

Many introductory programming courses that cover the listed materials will suffice. In particular, ECE 190 is an adequate preparation, though you may have to ask extra questions when we discuss algorithm analysis. However, CS 101, 102, 103, or 105 are not adequate preparation for the programming you’ll be doing in this class (you should take CS 125 first).

Can I enroll if I’m missing the CS 173 prereq?

The discrete math requirement for the course is real. Most of the claims we make about algorithm performance will be rigorously justified using the proof techniques from CS173. If you have not take that course, or a similar one, but you are generally an aggressive learner with a strong math background, you should not have any trouble picking up these techniques. My best advice is to talk to former students and find out their experiences.

Should I enrolled if I struggled in CS 125?

If you received a B- or below in CS 125 you will almost certainly have a hard time being successful in CS 225.

I want to enroll but the course is full.

Post a question on piazza. You can be added to the SVN so you can participate in the course for the first week until you find a spot. Monitor registration frequently, as several students drop within the first two weeks while it is still possible to add the course.

I don’t have an EWS account! Can you make me one?

• Try resetting your AD password.
• If that doesn’t work, post a question on piazza, or ask your lab TA to set one up for you.

Lectures

I can’t find the online recorded lectures

A link to the recorded lectures is available on the Lectures page.

MPs and Labs

Can I attend a different lab section?

You may attend any lab section you wish, so long as you do not take a computer away from someone registered for that section. Since some lab sections (afternoon sections especially) are quite full, to ensure you get a seat, we recommend you bring your laptop to the different lab section and use remote connect. We encourage you to attend the same lab section each week — we will be returning homework 0 and exams in lab sections. When designating your lab section, please put the time of the lab you actually attend, not the section you are registered for.

Can I work on the MPs / labs from home?

Yes! For remote connecting to EWS, see the Resources page. For setting up the CS 225 environment on a personal computer, see CS 225 on Your Own Machine.

I got a ZERO on the MP but my code works!

The test cases used for grading cover your code more thoroughly than the test cases we provide you with the MP. If you have code that doesn’t abide by C++’s conventions (or for other reasons), your code may compile with the provided code but not with the grading test cases.

We almost never accept regrade requests for mistakes on your part, however trivial they seem. However, if there is an error with our test cases themselves, we will fix those for no penalty.

Help Monad gives me weird errors!

Try completely deleting the monad folder, and reinstalling it (see Grading with Monad).

Can I post code on Piazza if I have problems?

It is almost never okay to post your code on a public post. If it is code unrelated to the MP for clarification purposes, or maybe just a couple lines that does not give any information about your implementation then it should be fine. A better solution for more than ~5 lines of code is to submit your code to the SVN so course staff can see all of the necessary files and debug from that, then post a private question with your NetID and a description of your error/bug.

Grading

Is there a curve?

Individual MPs, labs, and Exams are not curved. The total scores for the course may be curved (before any extra credit is calculated). The grade cutoffs will never be any higher than posted, however they may be lowered. However, score distributions for CS 225 remain fairly consistent over semesters, and these cutoffs are already set reasonably. They will most likely not be lowered significantly.

Something was graded incorrectly on my exam.

• We post the grading rubric shortly after each exam. Before asking about grading, it is helpful to see our rubric.
• If you then believe your exam was not graded according to the rubric, or you had a correct answer that did not fit with the rubric (i.e. for a coding problem), please write a note describing your regrade request, attach it to the front page of your exam, and bring your exam to Cinda’s office (2213 Siebel).

Exams

I have a lab section for another class at the same time as an exam. Can I take the conflict?

You should ask your other class about attending a different lab section. Most classes are quite accommodating about this.

I have 3 exams in 24 hours, can I take the conflict?

As per University policy:

A student having more than two consecutive examinations: No student should be required to take more than two consecutive final examinations. In a semester, this means that a student taking a final examination at 8:00 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m. on the same day cannot be required to take an examination that same evening. However, the student could be required to take an examination beginning at 8:00 a.m. the next day. Similarly, a student having a final examination at 7:00 p.m. one day and another at 8:00 a.m. the next day cannot be required to take an examination at 1:30 p.m. that second day.

How do I sign up for a conflict exam?

Post a question on piazza.