Lectures where definitions, initial results and examples are presented. It is necessary to study the theoretical results covered in these sessions, as they will form the core content of the assessment tests.

Problem-solving sessions where these examples are explored in depth, and where students are expected to attempt to solve the problems independently before attending the session.

To achieve a positive result in this module, it is highly recommended to follow the following steps when preparing for your studies:

(i) Read the theory notes posted on the Virtual Campus beforehand. Identify any concepts that you may find more difficult.

(ii) Attend the corresponding theory sessions. Students are expected to participate actively, asking any questions they may have at all times. All questions are welcome (and encouraged) during the theory sessions.

(iii) Reading and attempting to solve the corresponding problems. It is strongly recommended to first make an active, individual effort to solve the problems. In a second iteration, working in groups to solve the problems is a good idea. Finally, once you have attempted them individually and as a group, you may resort to (though it is by no means essential) AI tools for assistance. It is important not to alter this order of operations and not to start by using this tool directly. In fact, for this module, it is recommended to avoid using generative Artificial Intelligence tools, as current models tend to agree with and confirm the user's hypotheses, which can create a false sense of mastery over the subject matter.

(iv) Attendance at the problem-solving sessions corresponding to this block. Active participation from students is expected, asking any questions they may have at all times. All questions are welcome (and encouraged) during the problem-solving sessions.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

During the course, 3 assessment components will be evaluated:

1. During problem-solving classes and/or seminars, the content of certain sessions will be assessed. These sessions will be announced sufficiently in advance. This results in a grade S.
2. A midterm exam will be held approximately halfway through the semester, resulting in a grade P1.

A second midterm exam covering the course content not assessed in the first midterm will be held at the end of the semester, resulting in a grade P2. If min(P1, P2) < 3.5, the student must take the resit examination. Otherwise, the final grade is calculated using the formula N1 = 0.1·S + 0.4·P1 + 0.5·P2. If N1 < 5, the student must take the resit examination. If N1 ≥ 5, the student passes the course with a final grade of N1.

For the resit examination, four possible cases are distinguished:

(a) If max(P1, P2) < 3.5, the student must take a comprehensive resit examination, resulting in a grade R. In this case, the final course grade will be N = 0.1·S + 0.9·R.

(b) If condition (a) is not satisfied and P1 < 3.5, the student has two options and must choose one on the day of the examination.

Option (b1): Take a resit examination for the first midterm, resulting in a grade R1, and obtain a final course grade of N = 0.1·S + 0.4·R1 + 0.5·P2.

Option (b2): Take a full resit examination, resulting in a grade R, and obtain a final course grade of N = 0.1·S + 0.9·R.

(c) If neither condition (a) nor (b) is satisfied and P2 < 3.5, the student has two options and must choose one on the day of the examination.

Option (c1): take a resit examination for the second midterm, resulting in a grade R2, and obtain a final course grade N = 0.1·S + 0.4·P1 + 0.5·R2.

Option (c2): take a full resit examination, resulting in a grade R, and obtain a final course grade N = 0.1·S + 0.9·R.

(d) If neither condition (a), (b), nor (c) is satisfied (that is, P1 ≥ 3.5 and P2 ≥ 3.5, but N1 < 5), the student has three options and must choose one on the day of the examination.

Option (d1): take a resit examination for the first midterm, resulting in a grade R1, and obtain a final course grade N = 0.1·S + 0.4·R1 + 0.5·P2.

Option (d2): take a resit examination for the second midterm, resulting in a grade R2, and obtain a final course grade N = 0.1·S + 0.4·P1 + 0.5·R2.

Option (d3): take a full resit examination, resulting in a grade R, and obtain a final course grade N = 0.1·S + 0.9·R.

In the case of partial resits, the resit grade will only be considered if a minimum score of 3.5 is obtained in the resit component. Thus, in cases (b1) and (d1) , R1 > 3.5 is required, and in cases (c1) and (d2), R2 > 3.5 is required. If this minimum score is not achieved, the course will be considered failed with a final grade of min(N, 4.5).

Students who have opted for the single-assessment modality must complete an oral theory examination and a final written examination covering the entire course syllabus. These will take place on the same day that continuous-assessment students take the second midterm examination. The student’s final grade will be the average of these two assessments.

Students will be considered Not Assessed if they attend only one or none of the assessment activities.

Any irregularity committed during any of the assessment activities described above (academic fraud, plagiarism, or improper use of AI) will result in a grade of 0 for that assessment activity. If multiple irregularities occur across different assessment activities, the final grade for the course will be 0. In addition, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who commits such irregularities.