APMA 3100

Note: I took this with Prof. Shen in Fall 2023, not 2022.

Course:
From what I've heard, our section was completely different in every regard except for actual content covered. It's a typical lecture based math class with occasional worksheets, weekly WebWorks, 2 midterms, 2 projects, and a final. The tests are difficult, but fair. I'd say that most students that show up every day and put in minimal to decent effort will get roughly Cs or Bs on tests but close to 100 on everything else, so it works out. You will not do well if you slack off, especially if you don't show up. In Class Assignments (ICAs) are handed out roughly half of the lectures (akin to pop quizzes, you don't know in advance which days will have an ICA). They are typically a single printer paper with only 2 or 3 problems that are just difficult enough to keep working until the last few minutes of class. You are encouraged to collaborate with neighbors and use whatever notes/materials you'd like. Exam questions are often very similar to ICA questions. Your 2 lowest ICAs are dropped. Do not miss class unless you want to risk losing one of your ICA drops. The final was difficult and pushed me from borderline A to a low B+. I will say that I prioritized studying for other classes and knew going in that I wasn't at all fully prepped. The TAs are somewhat generous with partial, so never leave a problem blank.

Prof:
Cong is very straightforward and overall good. No free grade boosts or extensions, but fair. He clearly lays out all the information you need to succeed. He will often probe for student feedback to adapt the course as needed and provide accessible materials. His lectures aren't that engaging, but full of content and the occasional intriguing tidbit about how something is applicable in real world.

Grading Breakdown from Syllabus:
In-Class and Pre-class Work: 12% (we had 12 ICAs and 2 PCAs total)
WeBWorK: 12%
Projects: 15% (2 person max, not difficult)
Tests: 36% + 4%
Final Exam: 25% + 4%
Student Notes: + 1%
Midterm Course Eval: + 1%
* Bonus question is added to each exam, essentially to boost grades.