Questions

Prerequisites

What are the course prerequisites?

Like all courses at IIT Gandhinagar, the course has no formal prerequisites. However, you are assumed to have a basic understanding of:

  • programming (Python) and data structures (ES 242 or equivalent);
  • probability and statistics;
  • linear algebra;
  • calculus.
How can I prepare for the prerequisite test?

Your undergraduate course material should be sufficient. You may also use the preparation material listed under References on the home page.

What happens if I do not clear the prerequisite test?

You will not be allowed to take the course.

What does “clear” the test mean?

As in all courses at IIT Gandhinagar, the instructor decides the cut-off, and you have to score above it. The cut-off is not revealed to students in advance.

Quizzes

What happens if I miss a quiz for any reason?

The quiz is marked zero. The best six of eight quizzes count, a provision designed for such cases.

Are the quizzes open book? Can I carry notes?

No. The quizzes are closed book, and you may not carry notes.

How soon will I get my answer sheets back?

You should expect them back in four to five working days.

Is there a mid-semester or end-semester exam?

No. Some quizzes may be held in the exam slot. In total there are eight quizzes of equal weight, and the best six count towards the final grade.

Are the quizzes multiple-choice or written?

They may contain both multiple-choice and written questions.

Assignments

What happens if I miss an assignment for any reason?

There are no extensions for assignments.

I have a doubt about an assignment. Whom should I write to?

Ask on the General channel on Slack. If you do not get a response within two days, write to the instructor.

I do not know Python. Can I write the assignments in another language?

No. You have to use Python.

How are assignments evaluated?

Each assignment is followed by a viva. The TAs first check the code against the submission: any change from the submitted code is not allowed, and any instance earns a warning. The TAs then run the code and ask a few questions, about 75% on the assignment itself and about 25% on the theory behind the concepts it covers.

The marks are split as follows:

  1. code runs correctly and solves the problem: 50%;
  2. questions on the assignment and your understanding of the code: 25%;
  3. code quality: 12.5%;
  4. questions on the theory behind the concepts covered: 12.5%.
Are assignments individual or in groups?

To be announced for each assignment. In a group, all team members get the same grade.

Attendance

What is the attendance policy?

Attendance is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged: marks often correlate with attendance.

Projects

Is there a project component in the course?

No, there is no project component in the course.

Bonus

Can I choose the pull request for the bonus?

Yes, you can choose a pull request from a list decided by the teaching staff. The teaching staff decide whether a pull request is suitable.