Homework questions will be assigned but not collected or graded.
There will be homework quizzes consisting of problems very similar to those in the homeworks. A much larger number of problems are found in the book.
You are encouraged to team up and discuss the problems with your friends. The importance of working on the homework problems to your satisfaction cannot be overstressed.
This is a course in which very basic concepts are introduced and very important skills are developed. You cannot expect to learn the subject matter properly without trying your hand out at some problems.
This is the type of course where previous exercise and experience has a great effect on exam performance.