The project and survey paper are both due on Feb. 19. Let me know if you need an extension.

Test 2 will be held in class on Feb. 18, with a take-home part (same format as Test 1). To help you practice for Test 2, a problem set has been posted.

As a reminder, Test 2 is now optional. If you write test 2, you will be graded under the original marking scheme; otherwise, your grade will be calculated as follows: Test 1, 33.3%; survey paper, 33.3%; and project, 33.3%.

If you wish to write Test 2, you must let me know in advance. If you do not let me know, I will assume that you do not want to write Test 2, and you will therefore be graded under the new marking scheme.

Here's the plan for COSC 6222 following the resumption of classes (whenever that is):

• No new material will be covered. All remaining lectures will be converted into tutorials. (All the required material from the course's calendar description has been covered already; however, we will miss the optional material.)
• The survey paper and project will be due on the last day of fall term classes, likely in mid to late January.
• Test 2 will occur at a date to be announced, and will have the same format as Test 1.
• <hi>Test 2 is optional. See above.</hi>

I'm open to your suggestions for the remediation plan. I hope to make the transition back to class as easy as possible.

It's official.

In the event of a strike by CUPE 3903 (the union representing teaching assistants and contract faculty), all York University classes will be cancelled. The earliest possible strike date is Thursday, November 6, 2008. You are advised to check the York University web site and local media for further details of strike action.

Following a strike, plans will be made to make up for the lost time; these plans will depend on how long the strike lasts.

NOTE: Any due dates that happen to fall during the strike will be automatically changed to the first day of classes following the strike.

Course project details are here.

In case you need it, Test #1 is here.

Problem sets have been posted.

UPDATE: If p(x) = 0, you should let p(x) log 1/p(x) = 0.

Test #1 will take place in class on Wednesday, October 15. It will be an open-book exam: any printed resource will be allowed. Non-programmable scientific calculators will also be allowed.

Following the in-class portion of the test, you will have an opportunity to submit revised answers to the test questions as a take-home assignment. The take-home assignment will be due at 5 PM on Friday, October 17. You will not be allowed to consult with other students (or anyone else) when completing the take-home part.

You may choose not to submit a revised answer for any question; for example, you may think your in-class answer was correct. Your test will then be marked as though you submitted the same answer for that question in both the in-class and take-home parts. Also, it is possible to lose marks in the take-home part; for example, if your in-class answer is correct but your revised answer is wrong.

The answers you provide in the in-class part will be worth 65% of your test grade, and the revised answers in the take-home part will be worth 35% of your test grade.

Please consult me if you have any questions about the format of the test.

Class is cancelled on Sep 15, as I will be away at a conference.

The first meeting of COSC 6222 will take place on Wednesday, September 3.