Exam Preparation
Timeline
Week 14-15
- Review all materials
- Create comprehensive notes
- Practice problems from all modules
- Form study groups
Week 15
- Practical component released
- Start working immediately
- Budget 10-15 hours
- Ask questions early
Week 16 (Exam Week)
- Written exam: Closed-book review
- Practical due: Final testing/documentation
- Oral exam: Review random topics
Written Prep
Study Strategy
- Review lecture slides (all 16 weeks)
- Redo homework problems without solutions
- Practice test problems under time pressure
- Memorize key theorems and proofs
- Create formula sheet (then DON’T bring it—memory aid only)
Focus Areas
| Topic | Priority | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Boolean minimization | HIGH | Karnaugh maps, Quine-McCluskey |
| Natural deduction | HIGH | All rules, proof construction |
| Equivalence/order | MEDIUM | Properties, examples |
| Cardinality | MEDIUM | Arguments, key theorems |
| Set laws | LOW | Basic operations |
Practice Plan
- Week 14: Review modules 1-2
- Week 15: Review modules 3-4
- Week 16: Mixed practice, timing
Oral Prep
Possible Topics
You might be asked about any major concept. Common ones:
- Equivalence relations ↔ partitions
- Cantor’s theorem
- Functional completeness
- Soundness vs completeness
- Boolean duality
- Natural deduction rules
Preparation
- Explain aloud: Practice with study partner
- Anticipate questions: “Why?”, “Example?”, “Proof?”
- Know connections: How topics relate
- Have examples ready: Concrete instances
During Oral
- Take a breath before starting
- Organize thoughts (30 sec OK)
- Start with definition
- Give example
- Explain significance
- Be honest if unsure
Practical Prep
Getting Started
- Read problem carefully
- Plan approach before coding
- Test with simple cases
- Document as you go
- Leave time for writeup
Common Pitfalls
- Starting too late
- No test cases
- Poor documentation
- Overcomplicated solution
- Not asking for clarification
Submission Checklist
- Code runs without errors
- Test cases included
- README with explanation
- Approach documented
- Edge cases handled
- Time complexity noted
Study Resources
Official
- All lecture slides
- Homework with solutions
- Test problems
- TM questions
- Textbook chapters
Additional
- Office hours (increased before exam)
- Review sessions
- Study groups
- Telegram channel
Week Before Tips
- Sleep: 8 hours nightly
- Exercise: Reduces stress
- Eat well: Brain needs fuel
- No cramming: Spaced review better
- Stay calm: You’ve prepared all semester
Day Of
Written Exam
- Arrive early
- Bring writing materials
- Read all problems first
- Manage time (15 min/problem)
- Show all work
Oral Exam
- Review notes once lightly
- Stay relaxed
- Listen carefully to question
- Think before speaking
- Ask for clarification if needed
After Exam
Grades posted within 1 week. If you have concerns:
- Review grading rubric
- Check your work
- Attend office hours
- Discuss specific points