Point Distribution
Tests: 50%
There will be four tests, including the final. The current plan is for the "final" to be "just another test" (i.e. non-comprehensive). This may change before the end of the semester, but you will have ample warning if this happens. The tests may or may not be done during the lab period on Thursday, to give you a bit more time. Except for extraordinary circumstances, there will be no make-up tests. For slightly less extraordinary circumstances, (e.g. you get elected governor of California, or have to accept a Nobel prize) I might consider letting you take a test early.
Since my tests are rather challenging, I will occasionally grade tests on a curve. However, the curve may be based partly on the performance of previous classes. I will think about assigning final grades on a curve (up, but not down). The curve may require additional work on your part, so it will be important to attend classes before and after tests to clarify procedures. This issue is TBD.
Lab 30%
The lecture course, and the lab course must be taken simultaneously. Overall, the lab work will make up 30% of your grade. If you are passing both the lecture and the lab, then your grades will show up separately, as appropriate. However, I will tie the grades together such that it will be hard to pass the class if you are not passing the lab. Generally, missed labs cannot be made up. I will, however, count the lowest grade from all of your lab grades as a "point reduction bonus" onto your final test. (You can miss a lab, but doing all of the labs will reduce how much the last test is worth, but details are TBD.) The format for the lab write-up can be found here.
Homework, Reading Quizzes, Class Participation, and Instructor TBD 20%
Homework problems will be listed on the Assignments web page. Some of the homework problems will be worked out during class time. There will be occasional reading quizzes in class over the assigned reading for the day. (I may decide to grade the homework via these quizzes. Otherwise, I will do "spot grading" on the homework. That means I will verify that you have done the problems, and then grade in detail one or two of those problems. Late homework assignments WILL NOT be accepted. I will, however, count the lowest grade from all of your homework/quiz grades as a "point reduction bonus" onto your final test.) I will also evaluate class participation via personal folders and three minute papers, as will be explained in class. You will regularly be asked to present example and homework problems to the class.
You must obey the following guidelines on all homework assignments turned in, or potentially lose points (typically 1 point out of 10 per infraction):
Final Note
The instructor reserves the right to pro-actively change the
class schedule
and grade distributions during the semester. In other words,
at some point
I might have to change the
remainder of the term, if it is determined to be in
the best interest of
both the students and the professor. Percentages on
already-completed work
will not be retroactively modified.