homework
Homework will be assigned and graded on a regular basis. When an assignment is given,
I will generally give you the due date as well. It will be due at the beginning of class on the due date. You will normally be given a chance to ask questions and get help on an assignment before it is due.
Downloadable assignments, due dates and solutions are also posted on the internet on the class calendar page.
Late assignments will not be accepted. Homework will account for 10% of you grade.
lab work
Each unit will include lab work as an integral part. Lab activities are essential in developing the models used. For major paradigm labs, a write up will be required in the style presented in class. For other activities a lab abstract may be required. Write ups and abstracts must be presented in a lab notebook. Lab activities will account for 30% of your grade.
Guidelines for writing physics lab reports.
engagement & reflection
We will have many discussions as a part of this class. You are expected to constructively participate in these during class and/or through your personal journal. Your journal may be used as evidence of personal engagement and reflection.
quizzes and tests
You should expect a few quizzes, both announced and unannounced, throughout the semester. They will focus on recent class and lab work.
There will be periodic exams over all material covered in class, readings, labs and homework. You may be allowed to use your book and/or class notes on these tests. Tests will be announced well in advance of the test day. Tests and quizzes will make up 45% of your grade.
A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the semester and will be counted as a regular exam. |
Make up work
No make up work will be allowed, including quizzes and exams, for work completed or due on days of unexcused absence. In the case of excused absences, all make up work must be completed and turned in according to school policy (see student handbook). Exams will be completed on the first day you return unless other arrangements are made in advance.
Lab sessions that are missed for any reason must be made up outside of regular class time.
Optional assignments will be made available on a periodic basis. These can not adversely
affect your grade, whether you do them or not. More details concerning optional
assignments will be provided during class.
grading
Grades will be assigned based on successful completion of the above mentioned areas.
They will be weighted as follows:
Homework.................................10%
Engagement/Reflection.............15%
Lab writeups.................................30%
Exams and quizzes........................45%
90%-100%: A
80%-89%: B
70%-79%: C
60%-69%: D
below 60%: F
I will round to the nearest percent.
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