Each of the three main lab blocks has an associated defense coefficient, a multiplier between 0 and 1.2, which scales the homework points you earned within that block:

1. Correspondences (Labs 3, 4, 5)
2. Neural Networks (Labs 6, 7, 8)
3. Retrieval (Labs 9, 10, 11)

For example, if your Neural Networks coefficient is 0.9, all points from Labs 6, 7, and 8 will be multiplied by 0.9.

Note that some labs fall outside these three blocks and are not affected by the coefficient system.

Missing defenses: If you do not defend one block, that block's coefficient defaults to the mean of your other two coefficients. If you defend only one block, the remaining two undefended blocks both default to that single coefficient. If you do not defend any block, all coefficients are set to 0.

A TA will ask you a few questions (1-5) (the session lasts roughly 5-10 minutes) about assignments from the block being defended (either assignments you have already finished, or assignments whose BRUTE submission deadline has passed). For example, the questions may ask you to explain a specific part of your code, or to reason about a hypothetical change (e.g. “What would happen if you changed this parameter to X?”). The coefficient is assigned by the TA based on your overall performance.

There are two ways to participate in a defense:

• Volunteer: during the last 30–45 minutes of some lab sessions, you can tell the TA you want to volunteer for the defense of the current block. Which regular lab sessions will have time for defenses depends on how the session goes and will not be announced in advance. Another opportunity to defend will be during the dedicated Assignment Defense Lab on 22 April 2026 - full session, multiple TAs present, possibility to defend any of the three blocks.

• Random selection: you may be selected by the TAs to defend. You will be notified of your selection at least the evening before the scheduled defense (on forum).

Since there are three blocks, each student can be asked to defend at most three times in total across both modes. Each block can be defended at most once; retakes are not supported, but exceptions may be made on a case‑by‑case basis if time permits.