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

10% - Quiz 1
20% - Midterm Exam
15% - Quiz 2
20% - Homework
30% - Course Project
5% - Attendance, class participation

1. Tests
There will be three tests. Quiz 1 (in class, closed notes/books), a midterm exam (take home), and Quiz 2 (in class, closed notes/books). The exact dates of these will be posted in the Lecture Schedule. The anticipated dates are mid February (Quiz 1), early - mid March (midterm exam handed out before spring break, due ~2 weeks later, or handed out right after break and due 1 week later), and early April (Quiz 2).

2. Homework
There will be approximately four or five homeworks in the first half of the semester. There will be only one or two homeworks in the second half of the semester, in order to allow time for the Course Project. Homeworks and their due dates will also be posted in the Lecture Schedule in a timely manner.

2.1 Late Homework Policy Homework is due at the beginning of class on the due date. You can either bring it to class or drop it in the designated wall pocket next to my office door. After the due date, but before solutions are handed out, homework can be turned in for 50% credit. After solutions are handed out, 0% credit will be issued. You are encouraged to work in groups for homeworks but you will hand in your own solution which you are expected to understand.

3. Course Project
A Project will be done over an approximately four-week period in the second half of the semester. Students will form groups of 1 to 3 by self-organization :-). Each group will submit a project proposal on approximately March 11 (exact date TBD, and as will be posted in the Lecture Schedule). It is anticipated that by that time the major ANN paradigms will have been discussed in class and students will be able to select a project topic, either from a list provided by me, or devise their own. I will review and approve each proposal (or discuss necessary modifications) before students start executing plans. Details, requirements and the characteristics of a successful Project are described here.