Working through difficult problems is an important part of learning. Even after giving a problem a fair attempt, however, you may still need help.
If you are stuck or have any concerns, please ask questions early. Several kinds of help are available, depending on what you need.
Level 1: Search the Course Resources
Start by searching this site and Canvas to see whether your question has already been answered. You can use the search bar at the top left of this site.
Learning to find and make sense of existing information is an important skill. We may answer your question by directing you to an existing resource. We are not trying to be unhelpful. We want you to become confident in finding information independently.
Level 2: Ask on Canvas Discussions
Use Canvas Discussions for questions that other students may also have or would benefit from seeing answered publicly. The system is anonymous, so you do not need to feel shy about asking a question.
This is the best place for:
- conceptual questions;
- setup or programming-environment issues;
- clarifications about exercises, tutorials, notes, or deadlines; and
- errors that other students may also encounter.
Level 3: Contact Your TA
Contact your lab or tutorial TA for more specific or in-depth questions. Remember that your TAs are students too and have busy schedules, so use the contact method they prefer, such as email or Telegram. Use this route for:
- situations where you are finding it difficult to work out what to ask;
- specific matters that your TA discussed with you during a lab or tutorial;
- anything you do not feel comfortable posting on the course forums; and
- attendance or medical leave matters that your TA needs in order to record your attendance correctly.
Level 4: Contact the Course Coordinators
For sensitive or private matters, or matters involving course administration or coordination, email both course coordinators:
Our emails and doors are always open, regardless of the levels described above.