Summaries of lectures, and materials pertaining to each, are posted here.

Learning outcomes: Click here for statement of learning outcomes

Assignment of grade: Final grades for all students will be determined by establishing an optimal correlation between total points earned over the course (computed according to the preceding table and scaled from 0 to 1000; essentially continuously distributed data) and grade points (4.00 for A, 3.67 for A-, 3.33 for B+, ..., 1.33 for D+, 1.00 for D; quantized results). The highest reasonably achievable score (considered "perfect") and the lowest passing score will be set according to the instructor's judgment and experience maintaining consistency with past offerings of the course, and will typically be ~900 (90%) and ~300 (30%) respectively. An effort will be made to position grade lines at gaps in the distribution of course totals. Click here to see a hypothetical example of this procedure.

Professionalism: Students are expected to turn in homework that is neat, clear and well organized. Significant point penalties will be imposed for messy, disorganized, confusing or otherwise unclear work. Although allowances will be made for the effects of time pressure on exams, points will also be deducted for messy, disorganized, confusing or otherwise unclear solutions of exam problems.

Academic integrity: All students must fully familiarize themselves with University policy on academic integrity. Acceptable and unacceptable conduct will be reviewed on the first day of class. Acts of academic dishonesty, such as plagiarism or other infractions, will not be tolerated. As discussed on the first day of class, the concept of plagiarism applies not only to text per se, but also to mathematical derivations and computer programs. Students will be required to take responsibility for acts of academic dishonesty by bearing penalties resulting from these acts. Suspected instants of academic dishonesty will be investigated thoroughly in accordance with Steps 1-3 of the University’s Consultative Resolution process. If an act of academic dishonesty is substantiated, then a point penalty will be imposed at the first instance, and failure in the course will be imposed at any subsequent instance. Being allowed to continue the course with a point penalty is contingent on offering a reasonable explanation of the infraction. The instructor will be happy to answer questions about what does and does not constitute allowed behavior at any time. The instructors will cooperate fully with any investigation resulting from an appeal of a finding of academic dishonesty. Click here for examples of academically honest and dishonest behavior.

Conduct: Students are required to treat all UB faculty, staff, visitors and fellow students with professionalism and respect. All students are expected to abide by the Obstruction or Disruption in the Classroom Policy. Any instance of disruptive, disrespectful or aggressive conduct in this course will result in the instructor following the steps outlined in this policy. Instructors will consult with the Department, the School, and the Office of Student Conduct and Advocacy as needed. The instructor will cooperate fully with any investigation or disciplinary process resulting from a violation of this policy or the campus Code of Conduct. Disrespectful, unprofessional or otherwise inappropriate conduct toward the instructor or a TA can result in a suspension of office hour privileges.

Accommodations for physical and learning disabilities: Students are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations for equal access to this course because of a physical or learning disability. To do so they must register with UB's Accessibility Resources Office (60 Capen Hall, 645-2608, http://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/who-we-are/departments/accessibility.html). The instructors will fully support students in receiving approved accommodations, e.g., by bringing exams in advance to Accessibility Resources for students entitled to take exams there with extra time, or taking other actions requested the Office.

Support for victims of sexual violence: UB is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking. If you have experienced gender-based violence (intimate partner violence, attempted or completed sexual assault, harassment, coercion, stalking, etc.), UB has resources to help. This includes academic accommodations, health and counseling services, housing accommodations, helping with legal protective orders, and assistance with reporting the incident to police or other UB officials if you so choose. Please be aware that in some situations, UB employees may be required reporters. This means that if you tell me about a situation, the information may need to be reported to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Regardless of whether the information must be reported, you will still have options about how the situation will be handled, including whether or not you wish to pursue a formal complaint. Please know that if you do not wish to have UB proceed with an investigation, your request will be honored unless UB's failure to act does not adequately mitigate the risk of harm to you or other members of the University community. You also have the option of speaking with trained counselors who can maintain complete confidentiality. UB’s Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence provides a full explanation of the resources available, as well as contact information. You may call UB’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at (716) 645-2266 for more information, and you have the option of calling that office anonymously if you would prefer not to disclose your identity. The instructors will fully support victims of sexual violence, e.g., by allowing extra time to turn in assignments, or making other accommodations in consultation with the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Counseling Services, in the interest of providing the best possible support and outcome for the student.

Grateful thanks to Johannes M. Nitsche for use of website and other course materials