A problem set, sometimes shortened as pset,[1] is a teaching tool used by many universities. Most courses in physics, math, engineering, chemistry, and computer science will give problem sets on a regular basis.[2] They can also appear in other subjects, such as economics.
It is essentially a list of several mildly difficult problems or exercises based on material already taught, which the student is expected to solve with a full written solution. There is no further research involved, and the goal is to learn and become familiar with the material and solving typical problems.[3][4] They are usually issued once every week or two weeks, and due one or two weeks later.[4][5] If used as part of a summative assessment they are usually given a low weight,[6] between 10% and 25% of the total mark of the course for all problem sets put together,[3][5] and sometimes will count for nothing if the student receives a better grade on the exam. Alternatively, problem sets may be used purely for formative assessment and do not count towards a degree.
Many students work in groups to solve them and help get a better understanding of the material,[6][7] but most professors require each student to hand in their own individual problem set. Some professors explicitly encourage collaboration,[5][6] some allow it, and some explicitly disallow it[3] or consider it cheating. Most, however, do not disallow collaboration, because they see the goal as primarily pedagogical.[6] This is to be distinguished from larger, more important assignments, for which students are still expected to work independently.
Collaboration on problem sets has caused controversy, including a media storm around a student of Toronto Metropolitan University, Chris Avenir, who started a forum on the social networking site Facebook for others to post their solutions.[6][7] The professor failed him for his actions and recommended him for expulsion; the university faculty appeal committee overturned the recommended penalty and instead gave a zero grade for the assignments that were done through the course of the semester.[8]