Frequently Asked Questions

I need an enrollment code/enrollment is too limited/I’m on the waitlist/I have a time conflict/etc.
Who should I contact for enrollment-related questions?
What are the prerequisites?
When and how are lectures and discussions run?
How are homeworks structured, and when are they due?
How do slip days work?
Are there alternate exams?
What is the graduate final project (CS 289)?
How is the course graded?
How do regrade requests work?
What is the collaboration and academic honesty policy?
How do I get help or contact staff?

Below are quick answers to common questions. For full details, see the Syllabus. The Fall 2026 offering will follow a similar structure to Fall 2025.

I need an enrollment code/enrollment is too limited/I’m on the waitlist/I have a time conflict/etc.

See the next question.

Instructors and course staff won’t respond to enrollment-related questions for the course. If you have any questions regarding prerequisites, enrollment restrictions, or extra capacity for the course, please contact cs-enrollments@berkeley.edu or cs-advising@cs.berkeley.edu. Instructors will not make any exceptions to the policy and won’t respond to any enrollment-related questions.

What are the prerequisites?

Multivariable Calculus (MATH 53), Linear Algebra (MATH 54 or equivalent), and Probability/Discrete Math (COMPSCI 70 or equivalent). You should be comfortable with vector calculus, matrix operations, probability, and Python programming. The enrollment system does not check for prerequisites, so you might be able to join without satisfying all of them, but you are expected to be comfortable with the listed prerequisites through self-study or other courses that cover similar topics.

When and how are lectures and discussions run?

Lectures are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00–6:30 PM. Participation is via in-lecture polls (synchronous) or an asynchronous link after the lecture; graded on completion. Discussion time slots are still not finalized; ungraded but highly recommended.

How are homeworks structured, and when are they due?

There are 5 homework assignments. Each has two parts: Part 1 (Warmup) and Part 2 (Main). Both parts are released together. Deadlines are 11:59 PM Pacific on posted dates. Submit on Gradescope (written and/or coding portals as applicable).

How do slip days work?

You have 10 total slip days across all homeworks, with a maximum of 4 per homework. Slip days apply automatically based on the submission timestamp; any amount late up to 24 hours counts as 1 slip day. After 4 days late, submissions aren’t accepted without approved accommodations.

Are there alternate exams?

No. There are two in-person exams (Midterm and Final). The exam midterm and final exam times will be announced later.

What is the graduate final project (CS 289)?

A team-based project in the second half of the semester; details announced mid-semester.

How is the course graded?

The grading scheme for Fall 2025 has been as follows: CS 189/289A: Homework (35%), Midterm (25%), Final (30%), Lecture Attendance/Participation (10%). CS 289: Homework (30%), Midterm (25%), Final (25%), Lecture Attendance/Participation (10%), Grad Project (10%). You must earn at least a 50% weighted average across the midterm and final to pass. It is very likely that we will use the same grading scheme.

How do regrade requests work?

Allowed for written and autograded components where the rubric/application is incorrect. Submit within one week of grade release (Gradescope for written; a form for autograder issues).

What is the collaboration and academic honesty policy?

You may discuss ideas/approaches with peers, but all solutions and code must be your own. Do not share solutions or use unauthorized resources. See Syllabus → Collaboration Policy. This section also includes the AI usage policy.

How do I get help or contact staff?

Office hours will be posted on the website. The course will use Ed for Q&A and announcements. For sensitive matters, email the staff at cs189-instructors@berkeley.edu. This email will not be monitored for enrollment question purposes.