As I write this (a week before classes start), I envision four homework assignments, each worth 15% of the semester grade, a midterm worth 15%, and a final exam worth 25%. If we get behind schedule, we'll actually do fewer assignments than this. I'll try to keep an up-to-date schedule on my Web page.
Exams must be taken at the scheduled time, unless arranged in advance or prevented by a documented medical or family emergency. If you have three or more exams scheduled on the same date, or a religious holiday that conflicts with an exam or assignment due date, please notify me in writing within the first two weeks of the semester in order to receive due consideration. Exams not taken without one of the above excuses will be recorded with a grade of 0.
Homework and hardware assignments will be accepted late, with a penalty of 1/5 per 24 hours or portion thereof after they're due. An hour late is 20% off, 25 hours late is 40% off, etc. No matter how late you are, however, it's better (both for your education and for your grade) to do the assignment than not to do it at all.
The majority of assignments in this course will be on paper, i.e. non-programming; I also hope to assign a few "hands-on" problems to be implemented with chips, wires, etc.