Final Exams
Written and oral options
You may take the written final or choose an oral final instead.
Both exams follow the same format as your quizzes and midterm: a selection of your homework problems, with possible minor variations or extensions.
| Written final | Oral final | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours | A 30-minute block, with 25 minutes for the exam itself |
| Questions | Approximately 6-10 | Approximately 3-4 |
| Format | Classic written exam | A discussion of your reasoning and solutions |
| Dates | December 21, 2026 | Anytime after the last lecture on December 10 |
| Scheduling | Scheduled course final | Arranged at least two weeks in advance; bookable times TBA |
Written final
The written final follows a classic Tufts final format: you work through the questions and submit written solutions within the two-hour period. Expect approximately 6-10 questions; the exact number may vary. Location to be determined, but it is on December 21st.
Oral final
I’m not looking to see you mow through the solutions, the emphasis in grading is on the discussion and the quality of your reasoning. Explain your thinking as you work.
The oral final is scheduled in a 30-minute block, with 25 minutes for the exam itself. Expect approximately 3-4 questions, with time to explain your approach and discuss the solutions you work through. Oral finals take place after the last lecture on December 10th and must be scheduled at least two weeks before your exam date. The available block of oral-final dates and further details will be announced in November.
