Homework Assignments

Question: The module overviews tell us to answer various quiz questions and end of chapter problems; what do we do with these answers?

Answer: The module overviews tell you which quiz questions and end of chapter problems will best prepare you for the final exam. Working out these problems with pencil and paper is useful, but it is not required for the course. If you have trouble answering one of the mentioned quiz questions or end of chapter problems, review the material in the text.

Question: Where are the homework assignments and the practice problems?

Answer: The homework assignments and practice problems are posted on the discussion forums.

●    The textbook covers all the material. The on-line course emphasizes the concepts and intuition in the textbook, not memorization of facts or equations.

●    The practice problems provide problems and solutions to the material in the text, often using insurance examples to illustrate the theory. The illustrative test questions provide previews of the types of questions asked on the final exam.

●    Some homework assignments are similar to the practice problems, though the math is straight-forward and the problems are similar to those in the textbook. Other homework assignments apply the theory to insurance scenarios. Homework assignments are problems, not multiple choice questions.

●    The final exam asks multiple choice questions on the same topics as the homework assignments and the practice problems. If you do the practice problems for each module, the final exam is not hard.

Question: What do the homework assignments cover?

Answer: Homework problems are of two types:

Some problems test the basic material in the text; the practice problems show the methods. The final exam tests these problems as well. If you do the practice problems, you should not have difficulty with the exam.

Some homework problems test your understanding of the concepts. These problems have no correct answer; if write a solution that uses the information in the text, you receive credit. The final exam is multiple choice, and does not have essay questions.

Question: Can we send it the solutions to the homework problems by email?

Answer: Yes; see the post on emailing homework.

Question: How do we ask questions about the topics covered or the homework problems?

Answer: The discussion boards have forums for each of the 24 modules in the course. The NEAS faculty reply to questions posted on the discussion board. All candidates can expand on these questions or answers.

Some of the material in the textbook is difficult, particularly for candidates who do not have a background in this subject. We will tell you what parts of each chapter and each section you must know. You are not expected to become an expert in these topics, but you must understand the concepts and be able to work the problems. The final exam questions are based on the practice problems and homework assignments.

Question: If I have not yet registered for the course, can I use the discussion forums?

Answer: Yes; the discussion forums are open to the public. Many candidates have not yet registered for the course but read the text and work through the homework assignments.

Question: Can I ask about other problems in the textbook on the discussion forum?

Answer: If the question relates to material in the homework assignments or that might be asked on the final exam, we respond in full. If the question relates to material that is excluded from the course, we write a briefer reply and note that this topic is not needed for the course.

Question: If I do not finish 80% of the homework assignments, what happens?

Answer: You receive an incomplete for the course, and we do not send a transcript to the SOA / CAS. As soon as you complete 80% of the homework assignments and receive a 70% or better on the final exam, you receive credit and we send a transcript to the SOA.

Question: The on-line courses are eight weeks long. What happens if I don’t complete the homework assignments but I pass the final exam?

Answer: If you don’t complete at least 80% of the homework but you pass the final exam, you receive an incomplete. As soon as you turn in the homework, you pass the course.

Question: Where are the homework assignments posted?

Answer: The homework assignments are posted in the discussion forum for each module.

Homework assignments are posted separately on the discussion forum. The module overviews mention certain textbook questions that you should review. These questions help you understand the material in the text; they are not the homework assignments.