Attendance is the single most important way to ensure
success in this course.
Reading: Assignments in the text (Universe by
Freedman & Kaufmann) for each class will be given at the end
of the preceding class and are required. The relevant chapters
are also listed in the Syllabus by
subject and but the dates may drift a bit so please rely on the
in-class posting.
Exams: There will be three one-hour exams, 2 in class
and 1 during the first part of the University-scheduled final
exam period. These will cover the three major topics described
in the Overview. Each is worth 20%
of the final grade. The second part of the final exam will
cover all topics, also worth 20%. The exam format will
combination of multiple choice, short answers, and diagrams.
Exam questions will be drawn from both class material and
reading assignments. Anything discussed in class or in the
reading may appear on an exam.
Makeup exam policy: Makeup exams will be given
only for documented medical or family emergencies or by prior
arrangement.
Homework: There will be (roughly) weekly homework
assignments worth 20% of the final grade.
Extra credit: There is none.
Late assignments: Late assignments will receive half credit.
Grades will be assigned on a modified straight
scale. Scores will be adjusted upward if the exam is too hard.
The guaranteed minimum grade:
92.5%
A
90.0%
A-
87.5%
B+
82.5%
B
80.0%
B-
78.5%
C+
72.5%
C
70.0%
C-
68.5%
D+
62.5%
D
60.0%
D-
Summary of Components of Final Grade:
2 in-class exams
40%
Topical part of final exam
20%
Cumulative part of final exam
20%
Homeworks
20%
Academic Honesty is expected of all scientists, and also
of all students of science.