Grading
Quizzes (3)
100 points each
300 points
Homework (Best 7 of 8)
20 points each
140 points
Projects (2)
50 points each
100 points
Final
200 points
200 points
Total
740 points
If there are any problems with the grading of assignments or quizzes, students should submit the paper along with a written statement describing the points in question. Papers submitted more than 2 weeks after grading is finished will not be considered.
The typical grade distribution for this class is 10-20% A's, 30-40% B's, 30-40% C's, and 10% D's and F's. A-F grades will be given for the quizzes so that you know where you stand. The final grade will be based on accumulated points, not an average of quiz A's and B's. We do not follow strict numerical divisions (such as 90-100 = A) in converting numbers to letter grades. In borderline cases, performance on the quizzes and final will be the most critical factor. When the final grades are calculated, consideration will be given to cases in which a single grade is significantly lower than the others.
One of the skills we try to teach in this course is the ability to check your answers. As a result, in class, we often will not tell you if an answer is correct, but ask how you checked it. In addition, you can lose extra points for propagating an error through a problem, or for obtaining results that are clearly wrong.
Late homework will generally not be accepted since we post solutions shortly after they are due. Points will be subtracted from late design problems.
Except where noted below, you are encouraged to work with other students on take-home assignments (homework, design problems, and take-home portions of quizzes). You can get help from anyone you wish and use any source materials you can find. It is essential that engineers learn to work effectively with their colleagues and not try to do everything themselves. It is recommended that the groups be kept small (2-4 students) to maximize your learning. Simple copying of other's work without an honest effort to learn does not qualify as collaboration. However, since it can be difficult for us to distinguish when this occurs, we do not intend to police this situation. Remember that it is only by doing problems that you really learn the material. If you don't learn the material, it will show on your quiz and final grades.
For assignments due at the beginning of class, we will usually discuss the solutions during the class. Students who have seen the solutions to an assignment are not allowed to discuss the assignment with students who have to turn in the assignment later.
Absolutely no collaboration is allowed during in-class quizzes.
Solutions to all quizzes and homework will be posted on the handout page. Old assignments and solutions can also be found there.
After grading, your design problems, homework and quizzes will be returned in class. Class preparation assignments will also be returned in class.
Class grades will be posted on the announcement page, usually starting after the first quiz. Grades will be listed according to alias, rather than real names. Your alias will be written on one of your early assignments. If you wish to change your alias, please e-mail or see Mrs. Hayner.
The relationship between student and teacher, like the relationship between any professional colleagues, is built on trust.