List of frequently asked questions from students along with responses will be posted here.
Click on the question to reach its answer.
QA1. What does MIPS stand for?
QA2. How can I download SPIM?
QA3. Can you provide me with a sample SPIM program?
QB1. Do I have to use my Prism account for email?
QB2. Is there a particular style that I must adopt in my programs?
QB3. What is the policy on academic dishonesty?
QC1. What if I cannot come to the test due to a conflict?
QC2. What should I bring with me?
QC3. Can I write the test in pencil?
QC4. What happens during a test
QC5. When will the test results be announced?
QC6. What if I think there is an error in the marking of my test?
QC7. What if I missed a test?
QD1. How do I find out the date / place of the final (lab)test?
QD2. Can I write the final test in pencil?
QD3. When will the final results be announced?
QD4. I think there is an error in the marking of my final (lab)test!
QD5. What if I missed the final (lab)test?
A1. MIPS is an acronym for Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages. It is a 32-bit, reduced instruction set architecture with MIPS-32 used as a 32-bit architecture and MIPS-64 used as a 64-bit architecture as the latest versions.
A2. SPIM can be downloaded from SPIM's website of Prof. James Lazarus.
A3. Click on multiply.s to download a program that multiplies two positive numbers and displays the result. A more advanced program sum1toNv3.s that adds N numbers and displays the result is also available.
B1. Yes. It is required that you send email to instructors, TA, etc. from your Prism email account and to check its in-box often. Messages received from non-cse accounts might be filtered out. At a minimum, make sure the string CSEn/X is in the Subject line, where n = course number and X = your username on red.
B2. Yes, you must follow the coding style described style.pdf. Following a coding style makes your code more readable and, hence, improves maintainability. Style will be taken into account when evaluating labtests.
B3. We take matters related to academic dishonesty seriously. To that end, measures to detect irregularities are in place and are continually upgraded. For example, tests are photocopied before being returned to the students. More about academic dishonesty can be found here.
C1. Test and labtest dates will be announced during the first week of classes. If a test or a labtest is scheduled outside the regularly scheduled times and its time is in conflict with something else, inform your instructor during the first 10 days of the term.
C2. Bring a photo ID and optionally a (non-electronic) dictionary. You may not bring any sheet of paper (blank or not). For written tests, an answer booklet will be provided.
C3. Yes, you can write your answers in pencil.
C4. Seating may be pre-arranged, and if so, make sure you sit in the seat assigned to you. No questions are allowed during the test - answer the questions as best as you can. Leave your photo ID on the desk in front of you so that it can be inspected by invigilators. A sign-up sheet will be distributed and by signing it you acknowledge that you are registered in the course and are indeed the owner of the ID. For labtests, all workstations will be in labtest mode.
C5. The results of a test are typically posted on ePost within two weeks of the test and before the drop deadline (if applicable).
C6. If you believe there are errors in the marking of your test, print a copy of this reappraisal form, fill the form, staple it to your test, and hand it to the instructor. It is essential that you explain clearly why you think the test should be re-marked; otherwise, the test will not be re-marked. Note that the entire test will be re-marked, and your mark may be increased or decreased. Note also that the deadline for re-marking is one week after the marked test have been handed back to the students. No re-marking request will be considered after that deadline.
C7. No make-up tests will be given. If you miss a test for reasons beyond your control, inform your instructor as soon as possible. If approved, the weight of the missed (lab)test will be distributed to later (lab)tests in the course. It is recommended in this case that you ask your instructor for a copy of the (lab)test so you can attempt it at home.
D1. The date/place of the final (lab)test are set centrally by the registrar office, and posted on its website (accessible from the main York site) about five weeks before the last day of classes in the term.
D2. Yes, you can write your answers in pen or in pencil. (Note that the final test is not returned to the students; only a photocopy can be requested.)
D3. The results are typically posted on ePost within 20 days of the final (lab)test.
D5. Wait until you get your official grade by regular mail from York (nothing can be done before that). Within three weeks of receiving them, go to CSEB-1003 and request a copy of your final (lab)test. If you spot errors, either in marking, or in addition, or in the overall grade computation, petition by submitting a special form called "Request for Grade Reappraisal" available from CSEB-1003.
D5. If you miss the final (lab)test you must contact your instructor as soon as possible. Failure to do so in a prompt fashion may result in you missing the deferred (lab)test (if any will be held). You must obtain the Deferred Standing Agreement Form - taking it and the documentation of the reason for missing the (lab)test to your instructor as soon as possible. Your instructor will consider the documented reason for missing the (lab)test and decide whether or not he/she agrees that you should have deferred standing.