IS100 Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL
I cannot drop IS100 course. Why?

2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students cannot drop the course because of METU Regulations.

Where can I find the course materials/slides?

You can find your course materials on ODTUClass. You can also directly access the course slides at https://ii.metu.edu.tr/presentations-and-notes.

How IS100 Online courses are conducted?

IS100 Online sections will be followed on ODTUClass (https://odtuclass.metu.edu.tr). There are no weekly class hours. Course presentations, assignments and quizzes (TestYourself) will be published in your corresponding Online Section page on ODTUClass. Each section is administered by a teaching assistant who will inform the students of the requirements at the beginning of the semester.

When does IS100 course start?

IS100 course starts in the week classes begin. You can check the week of the current semester in METU Academic Calendar: http://oidb.metu.edu.tr/en/academic-calendar.

Who is the contact person for the questions that are not listed here?

You should contact your teaching assistant via is100@metu.edu.tr e-mail address by writing your student ID, name, surname, and grade (year).

I didn’t receive any response to my question. Why?

The teaching assistants are not expected to reply to questions that have already been answered clearly in this frequently asked questions. If you still think your question is not answered here, please visit the IS100 helpdesk at the Informatics Institute.

If I fail IS100, can I apply for a minor or double major program (çift anadal veya yandal) or undergraduate transfer (yatay geçiş)?

No, you cannot. If you are planning on applying for those programs, you have to pass the course. Dropping the course will be disadvantageous to you because you have to complete every course successfully (including IS100) to apply for those programs.

If I fail IS100, can I still complete the semester/year?

In principle, yes you may. However, some awards and scholarships require the students to complete all courses successfully. IS100 course may not prevent you from completing a semester, but this situation does not change the fact that you cannot graduate without passing the IS100 course. We are not responsible for any problems you may face.

Can I withdraw IS100 course?

No. Course withdrawal is not possible for non-credit courses.

Can I get a certificate for IS100?

There is no special certificate for IS100.

How can I substitute my previous course for IS100 course?

Students who want to replace a previously taken course with IS100 should leave the detailed syllabus of the course and the course replacement forms to the helpdesk during work hours. After examining whether the course is equivalent to IS100, students are informed by e-mail and they can receive the approved or unapproved course replacement forms from the helpdesk.

I can't register IS100 since capacity is full?

You can check other available sections in "View Course Capacity 158" program at Student Panel.

I have passed IS100 course before. But it looks like I need to take it again?

You can consult to Student Affairs of your department!

Is there summer school for IS100 course?

You can check Student Panel program "64"!

IS100 course is not automatically registered. How can I register IS100 course?

You can add IS100 course at register.metu.edu.tr!

Which IS100 sections are online?

All sections are online!

Which sections can I enroll for IS100?

You can enroll any available section you want.

PROFICIENCY EXAM
How many times can I attend proficiency exam?

Students can take the proficiency exam at most twice before their departmental group are assigned to take the course. The departmental groups are presented on the webpage: http://ii.metu.edu.tr/proficiency-exam-regulations. For instance, engineering students who skip the preparatory class are assigned to take IS100 on their first semester at METU, hence they have only one chance to take the proficiency exam at the beginning of the fall semester whereas a student in the school of education would have two chances to take the proficiency before his/her designated semester..

I have not taken the proficiency exam up to now. Can I take it at a later date?

You can take the proficiency exams up to the assigned semester of your departmental group. The departmental groups are presented on the webpage: http://ii.metu.edu.tr/proficiency-exam-regulations

When will the proficiency exam be held during the academic year?

The proficiency exams are held three times in a year; September, February and May. The exams in September and February are held right before the interactive registrations. The exam in May is held before the final exams. The exact dates are announced in METU academic calendar (http://oidb.metu.edu.tr/en/academic-calendar).

Where can I find the exam date, time and place?

The exam date is announced at https://odtuclass.metu.edu.tr and via e-mail. All IS100 exams are online, so you can take the exam wherever is convenient for you.

I took the course and I failed it. Can I take the proficiency exam for the following semesters?

No. Once you take the course, you cannot take the proficiency exam.

How long do the exams last?

Proficiency exams take 35 minutes.

How to apply for Proficiency Exam?

You do not apply for the proficiency exam. An e-mail containing the necessities is sent to the METU mail addresses of the students who are eligible to take the exam according to the rules at https://ii.metu.edu.tr/proficiency-exam-regulations. This e-mail is sent about one week before the exam (this time may vary, please check your METU mail frequently when the date of the exam approaches). You should also check the IS100 web site at https://ii.metu.edu.tr/is100 before the exam.

I want to register Proficiency exam but I haven't received any e-mail?

1. Review the rules at https://ii.metu.edu.tr/proficiency-exam-regulations. Students usually do not receive an application mail because they aren’t eligible to take the exam according to the rules in the given link.

2. If you satisfy the conditions at https://ii.metu.edu.tr/proficiency-exam-regulations, we will send you an e-mail about one week before the exam.

3. If you believe that you satisfy the conditions;

• If your grade (year) is 2 or higher, you cannot take the exam according to the rules.

• If you are a new student and your student number/e-mail address have not been activated, you should contact Computer Center.

• Try to log in to the ODTUClass system at https://odtuclass.metu.edu.tr/ with "e" at the beginning and the first six digits of your student number. If you have just finished/exempted the preparation class and cannot log in to the ODTUClass system, it means your grade information may not be updated in the student system. You should update your grade information by consulting Student Affairs and Computer Center if necessary. When your grade information has been updated, you should send an e-mail to is100@metu.edu.tr describing your status and your student number. If you satisfy the conditions we will inform you about the exam.

I am eligible to take the Proficiency Exam, but I haven't received an e-mail.

• If you satisfy the conditions at https://ii.metu.edu.tr/proficiency-exam-regulations, we will send you an e-mail about one week before the exam (this time may vary, please check your METU mail frequently when the date of the exam approaches).

• Please also check your Spam/Bulk e-mail folder.

I transferred from another department/university. Can I take the Proficiency exam?

Transfer students have the right to take the proficiency exam once, regardless of their grade, provided that they have not taken the course in the past. In order to apply for the proficiency exam, follow the IS100 web site (http://ii.metu.edu.tr/is100) and send an e-mail to is100@metu.edu.tr describing your status and your student number two weeks before the proficiency exam.

I don't have an active student number yet?

You need to contact the Computer Center.

What is the time for my exam?

Eligible students will be informed about the time of the exam via e-mail.

GRADING
How can I object to my grade?

Grading is done automatically via the computer system. You cannot object to any of your grades.

What is the minimum grade to be exempt from IS100 course?

You have to score at least 60 points in the proficiency exam to be exempt.

What is the minimum grade to pass IS100?

To pass the IS100 course you need to collect 60 points or higher.

What is the overall grading of IS100 course?

Coursework will be weighted as follows:

- Midterm exam: 30%

- Final exam: 35%

- Assignments: 25%

- Attendance / Quizzes: 12%

What is the percentage (weight) of quizzes in total course grading?

Quizzes are like attendance in online sections. You get 1 point for each quiz that you score 6 or higher. The total effect is 12%. Most students fail the course within a margin of 10 points. So quizzes make a big difference.

What is the percentage (weight) of midterm exam in course grading?

The percentage of midterm exam in total course grading is 30%.

What is the percentage (weight) of assignments in course grading?

The percentage of two assignments is 25%. Most students fail the course within a margin of 10 points. So assignments make a big difference.

What is the percentage (weight) of final exam in course grading?

The percentage of final exam in total course grading is 35%.

My overall point is 59,XX. Can I pass the course?

No, you need at least 60/100 point to be successful.

TEST YOURSELF (QUIZ)
I missed a quiz. Can I take it at a later date?

No. You have to take the quiz within the allocated week.

I missed some of the quizzes. Can I still take the midterm exam?

You must submit at least one of the first six quizzes in order to take the midterm exam. If you did not, you will not be allowed to attend the exam.

I missed some of the quizzes. Can I still pass the course?

You must submit at least one of the first six quizzes to be allowed to take the midterm. You may pass the course in the end if you can collect 60 points in total.

What is the percentage (weight) of quizzes in total course grade?

The total effect of the quizzes is 12%. For each quiz that you score 6 (out of 10 points) or more, you get 1 point. Most students fail the course within a margin of 10 points, so quizzes make a big difference.

I cannot do the quiz because I cannot log in to ODTUClass / the system is down, can I take the quiz at a later time?

No, you have to submit the quiz within the allocated week. You should not leave it to the last minute since system errors may occur.

I have a medical report. Can I be exempt from the quizzes?

No. You have to submit the quizzes within the allocated weeks. You do not need to be on campus for this.

What is the material that we need to study for doing the quizzes?

It's the lecture notes of the corresponding week.

Where can I find the quizzes?

Quizzes are found in ODTUClass under each week.

ASSIGNMENTS
Although I completed and uploaded my homework, why did I get 0 (zero) points?

1. The assignment files are prepared specifically for each student. Students who share their files with others receive 0 (zero) points.

2. Not following the upload directions, as well as uploading the file late will result in 0 (zero) points.

How can I download the assignment file?

You may see the necessary details in ODTUClass, under your IS100 section page. The details are also announced via e-mail. Please read those instructions before contacting your teaching assistant.

How can I object to my grade?

You cannot object to your assignment grades. However, you may contact your teaching assistant if you are not satisfied with your grade and want to be informed about your mistakes.

I can't make any changes on the Word/Excel assignment file. The file is read-only.

The assignment files are prepared in a compressed format (e.g. zip or rar extension). After downloading the files, you must first extract the file by using applications such as WinRAR. Then you can "enable editing" and then edit the file.

Is it possible to upload the assignments after the deadline?

The system allows uploads after the deadline. Such assignments will be graded with a penalty of up to 50% within the first 24 hours. We urge all students to upload early, not to wait for the last minute to avoid any last minute system glitches.

What is the percentage (weight) of assignments in course grade?

The total percentage of two assignments is 25%. Most students fail the course within a margin of 10 points. So assignments make a big difference.

Can I do the assignments using platforms other than Windows and MS Office?

No, correct evaluation of the assignments done on other platforms is not guaranteed. IS100 team takes no responsibility if the automated tool cannot read the homework file correctly. If you don't have Windows or MS Office Programs, then you can use the computer laboratories on campus.

I don't have Windows or MS Office in my computer. How can I do the assignments?

If you don't have Windows or MS Office Programs then you can use the computer laboratories on campus.

What do we need to do for the assignments?

You may see the necessary details in ODTUClass, under your IS100 section page. The details are also announced via e-mail. Please read those instructions before contacting your teaching assistant.

Where should I upload my final assignment file?

You may see the necessary details in ODTUClass, under your IS100 section page. The details are also announced via e-mail. Please read those instructions before contacting your teaching assistant.

EXAMS
Where can I find the exam date, time and place?

The exam date is announced at https://odtuclass.metu.edu.tr and via e-mail. All IS100 exams are online, so you can take the exam wherever is convenient for you.

How are the exams held?

The exams are held online on ODTUClass. The exams have multiple-choice test questions. Students should use a device capable of running modern browsers such as Firefox, Chrome and Safari. Students can take the exam wherever they see fit.

How long do the exams last?

Proficiency exams take 35 minutes, whereas Midterm and Final exams take 20 minutes.

I have another exam at the same time. Can I take the exam at another time on the same day?

No. You can apply for the make-up exam by sending an e-mail to your teaching assistant. Please note that you must specify your Student ID, Name, Surname, Course Section, and Reason/Conflict in your e-mail. If it is approved, you will receive an e-mail before the make-up exam.

I was assigned to duty by METU Administration (such as sports competitions) Can I take the exam at another time on the same day?

No. You can apply for the make-up exam by sending an e-mail to your teaching assistant. Please note that you must specify your Student ID, Name, Surname, Course Section, and Reason/Conflict in your e-mail. If it is approved, you will receive an e-mail before the make-up exam.

I couldn't attend the midterm/final exam because I was assigned to duty by METU Administration (such as sports competitions). What should I do?

1. You should document your duty and get a signed paper from your supervisor at METU.

2. Your petition for make-up exam should include your name, student ID and section number.

3. You should present your report to IS100 Office.

I couldn't attend the midterm/final exam because of health problems. What should I do?

1. You should have a medical report covering the exam date.

2. METU Medical Center prepares two hard copies, one for the student and the other one for the department. You should present your copy to the IS100 Office.

3. Your petition for make-up exam should include your name, student ID and section number. If you have the medical report from another medical institution, you should have it approved by METU Medical Center. Then, you should present your approved copy to IS100 Office.

4. If you are hospitalized for a long time so that your medical report covers more than a week after the date of the exam, you should send an e-mail to your teaching assistant as soon as possible and indicate when your report will be over. The make-up exam is held at a time that will enable all students who have filed their make-up request with necessary documents to be able to attend.

How can I object to my exam grade?

The grading of the exams are done by computer automatically. You cannot object to your exam grades.

Can I take the exam at home?

Yes. You should use a device capable of running modern browsers such as Firefox, Chrome and Safari. You can take the exam wherever is convenient.

MIDTERM EXAM
What is the coverage of the midterm exam?

All the chapters studied until the exam week will be covered in the exam.

When will the midterm exam be held?

The exact date of the midterm exam is announced at https://odtuclass.metu.edu.tr or via e-mail. Tentative midterm exam date: weekend of 7th week.

When will the midterm make-up exam be held?

Midterm make-up exam is held right after the midterm week. The students with documented excuses such as a medical report should bring a petition to the Informatics Institute with the documentation attached between the announced time interval. The exact date of the make-up exam is announced to students via e-mail.

Who may attend the midterm exam?

All students who have attended at least one quiz before the midterm exam week may take the exam.

I couldn't attend the midterm exam. Can I take the following quizzes and final exam?

Yes. When you miss the midterm, you lose 30 points and you have to collect 60 points over the remaining 72 (Assignments: 25, Quizzes/Participation: 12, and Final Exam: 35) to pass the course.

I couldn't attend the midterm and midterm make-up exams. Can I attend the resit (bütünleme) exam instead of the midterm exam?

No. The resit exam replaces only the final exam. Also, note that resit exam is only for the 4th grade students that are in their last semester.

FINAL EXAM
What is the coverage of final exam?

The final exam is comprehensive, hence covers all subjects. But the majority of the questions will be on chapters that were not covered on the midterm.

When will the final exam be held?

The exact date of the final exam is announced at https://odtuclass.metu.edu.tr and via e-mail. Tentative final exam date is the weekend before the beginning of the METU Final Exams Period.

When will the final make-up exam be held?

Final make-up date will be announced at http://ii.metu.edu.tr/is100 and via e-mail.

I couldn't attend the final and final make-up exams. Can I attend the resit(bütünleme) exam instead?

No, you cannot. Also, note that resit exam is only for 4th grade students that are in their last semester.

MAKE-UP EXAM
Who can take the make-up exam?

Only the students who have a medical report or assigned to duty by METU Administration can take the make-up exam.

Can I take the make-up exam at another time?

No. The make-up exam is held at a time that will enable all students who have filed their make-up request with necessary documents to be able to attend. There is no make-up of a make-up.

I couldn't attend the midterm / final exam because of health problems. What should I do to take the make-up exam?

1. You should have a medical report covering the exam date.

2. METU Medical Center prepares two hard copies, one for the student and the other one for the department. You should present your copy to the IS100 Office.

3. Your petition for make-up exam should include your name, student ID and section number. If you have the medical report from another medical institution, you should have it approved by METU Medical Center. Then, you should present your approved copy to IS100 Office.

4. If you are hospitalized for a long time so that your medical report covers more than a week after the date of the exam, you should send an e-mail to your teaching assistant as soon as possible and indicate when your report will be over. The make-up exam is held at a time that will enable all students who have filed their make-up request with necessary documents to be able to attend. 

When will the midterm make-up exam be held?

Midterm make-up exam is held right after the midterm week. The exact date is announced at https://odtuclass.metu.edu.tr or via e-mail. The students with documented excuses such as a medical report should bring a petition to the Informatics Institute with the documentation attached.

When will the final make-up exam be held?

Final make-up date will be announced at http://ii.metu.edu.tr/is100 and via e-mail.

RESIT (BÜTÜNLEME) EXAM
Who can take the resit (bütünleme) exam?

In principle, 4th grade students who are in their last semester, have at most two remaining courses to graduate and whose letter grade is U on their report card can take the resit exam. However, only students who can reach an overall average of 60% after the resit exam can pass the course.

How can I apply for the resit (bütünleme) exam?

If you fulfill the necessary conditions (you are a 4th grade student in your last semester and you have at most two remaining courses to graduate), you can apply for the resit exam by bringing a written petition (dilekçe) that includes your name, student ID and section number to Informatics Institute.

- Note that resit exam only replaces the final exam. The students who cannot reach an overall average of 60% after the resit exam cannot pass the course.

What is the coverage of the resit (bütünleme) exam?

The resit exam covers all lecture notes on ODTUClass. However the emphasis will be on the second part of the course as in the final exam.

When is the resit (bütünleme) exam held?

The date of the resit exam will be announced at http://ii.metu.edu.tr/is100