Due dates

Each homework set has a due date that is strictly enforced except for unavoidable cause affecting the whole class.  Normally the due date is a class day, and in that case the set is due at the start of class; if it is a non-class day, the time due will be stated explicitly. If class on the due date is canceled for any reason, the next class meeting becomes the due date.

How homework counts in your course grade

Homework sets constitute 20% of your course score.  Some problems you turn in will not be graded at all, while others will merely get a “checkoff” as to whether you made an honest attempt to solve them. Of course, all papers will be treated alike in this regard.

Only the best 80% of homework set scores are counted.  This is to allow for all reasons that problem sets are not handed in on time, including illness, emergencies, officially excused absence from campus, and absence for religious observance.

Late homework will not be graded! This includes sets not turned in on time due to absence for any reason.  That's why only the best 80% of problem sets are counted.

Homework set format

• Use 8.5-by-11" paper and write legibly with a pen or dark pencil.
• There should be no “frizzies” along an edge due to removing pages from a notebook (but punched holes are OK).
• Leave at least a 1" right margin on every page, so the grader can write there.
• Identify each problem from the textbook or notes with its number, e.g., “Exercise 1.5.1 (d”) or “Proof of Theorem 1.1.10”; or, for problems not from the text or notes, with at least a brief version of the problem statement.
• Do not do different problems side-by-side in two or more columns on a page
• Arrange your solutions in the order in which they are listed in the assignment.
• Put your name at the top right of every page.
• On the top right of the first page, just below your name, write “Math 455” then the set number.
• If possible, staple the pages together in their upper left corner only; do not use any cover or folder.

Computer work

Many problem sets will require you to use the course software.

Where you need to use Mathematica, turn in printed input and output:

• turn in only what’s directly relevant, not any preliminary work you did to arrive at the relevant input expressions (the grader cannot be expected to wade through such preliminary work!);
• collate the printed computer pages with written pages (do not collect all the computer pages together at the beginning or end of your paper); but
• where possible, place the associated written work directly upon the printed pages (making sure it’s neat and easy to find); or even
• if you wish, use Mathematica as a word processor by typing what would otherwise be written work into Mathematica text cells

For some homework you may be asked to provide me with a Mathematica notebook containing your work. When I do, you should do so by uploading the file to your UDrive. sharing it with me, and e-mailing me the URL and e-mail me the appropriate URL.

To share with me, first add me to your UDrive Contacts List.

• My ID is murray and my Display Name is Murray Eisenberg.
   
• My e-mail address is murray@math.umass.edu (and not any UMail address!)

Details about sharing UDrive files is available from OIT at www.oit.umass.edu/udrive.

Unless and where I indicate otherwise, do not substitute such electronic submission for printed input and output!

Collaboration and plagiarism

You are encouraged to work in a group of two or three.

Indeed, for some or all of the homework sets, you will be expected to work collaboratively in a team of 2 or 3. (Aside from the general benefits of collaborative learning, this is likely to be necessary due to the large class size and limited time available for grading, whether by a grader or by me.) For such team homework sets:

• a single paper is submitted on behalf of the entire team, and all members of the team receive the same grade;
• for each set, the teams must be disjoint from one another, and there should be no cross-discussion between different teams; and
• the teams may change from one homework set to another.

In any non-team homework sets, even though you may still work in a group, you must turn in a separate paper of your own, on which you name any collaborators and acknowledge everybody (except me) from whom you received any significant help. You must be explicit in indicating on which problem(s) you received help of what kind from whom.

In all cases, team or non-team, you must explicitly cite any sources you use other than the textbook, your own Math 455 class notes,  handouts in class, materials available on this web site,  documentation accompanying Mathematica, or help from me.

In all cases, team or non-team, you may not receive help from students who have taken Math 455 previously, nor search on the web or otherwise for solutions to homework problems from previous offerings of Math 455.

Representing somebody else’s work as your own is plagiarism, for which there can be severe penalties under University policy.