Frequently asked questions
Q: What are the prerequisites for the course?
A: Students are expected to have good programming skills. Knowledge of Java is especially important since you will be writing lots of Hadoop code. In addition to programming basic knowledge of probability/statistics and linear algebra is required as well. You can find a more detailed description of the prerequisites on Course information.
Q: I have a time conflict with this course and cannot attend the lectures in person. Is it still possible for me to take it?
A: Yes it is. This class is recorded and televised by SCPD, and so you will be able to watch the lectures online.Watch video lectures on SCPD. Stanford students can see them here.
Q: How do I know learn my grades?
A: You can learn your grades on GradeScope.
Q: How do I submit my assignment?
A: All students (SCPD and non-SCPD) submit their assignments via GradeScope. You can typeset or scan you assignment. Make sure that you start answer for each question on a new page.
To register for GradeScope,
- Create an account on GradeScope if you don't have one already.
- Join CS246 course using Entry Code 92B7E9
Students also need to upload their code at http://snap.stanford.edu/submit. Put all the code for a single question into a single file and upload it.
Q: How do I submit code?
All code used should be submitted via the submission site: http://snap.stanford.edu/submit.
If you upload multiple files for the same question, they will all be kept for evaluation as long as they have different names or file extensions. If you upload a file for a question with the same filename and file extension as a previous submission, it will be overwritten in the submission folder.
You also have the option to put all code for a particular question into a single file and upload the parts together as one file.
We will run your code using Moss, a system for detecting software plagiarism.
If you do not have SUNetID use: <your_legal_lastname>_<your_legal_firstname>
Failure to upload the code will result in a 5 point penalty.
Q: How do I submit a regrade request?
We take great care to ensure that grading is fair and consistent. Since we will always use the same grading procedure, any grades you receive are unlikely to change significantly. However, if you feel that your work deserves a regrade, please submit a written request within a week of receiving your grade. In your request, indicate which components of your submission you would like regraded, and prepare a clear and concise argument why you feel we should regrade those components.
Submit your clear and well written regrade request via Gradescope.
However, note that we reserve the right to regrade the entire assignment. Moreover, if the regrade request is unjustified and thus not honored, then every future unsuccessful regrade request will be penalized 5 points.
Q: Will the recitation sessions be recorded?
A: Yes. The recitation sessions will also be available along with the other recorded lectures.
Q: How do I register to Piazza?
A::Navigate to https://piazza.com/stanford/winter2016/cs246 and register. You should be able to use any email address you like.
Q: How do I scan and create a PDF from a set of handwritten notes?
Many printers and photocopiers have a create PDF feature. You can also use smartphone apps such as the Genius Scan app for iphone and android to create a PDF. Note that the PDF size should be smaller than 40MB.