GRADES FOR ASTRONOMY
Grades are determined by a point system in which you receive points for various activities:
|
ACTIVITY |
POINT VALUE |
COMMENTS |
3 Tests |
300 points |
100 points per test |
Final Exam |
200 points |
This is a comprehensive exam, which covers the whole course. |
Labs |
about 200 points |
Depending on the number of labs at 10 or 20 points each. |
Quizzes |
about 100 points |
Quizzes are not announced in advance, but the lowest three will be dropped before the grade for the course is computed. Some quizzes will be given at the beginning of a class session, and these will cover material from the class session just before the date of the quiz. Other quizzes will be given at the end of a class session, and these will cover material from the same class session in which the quiz is given. |
TOTAL |
about 800 points |
|
GRADING SCALE
The grading scale is based on the percentage of the total number of points that you receive:
|
97% and up |
A+ |
|
74% to 80% |
C+ |
|
93% to 97% |
A |
|
66% to 74% |
C |
|
90% to 93% |
A- |
|
60% to 66% |
C- |
|
87% to 90% |
B+ |
|
57% to 60% |
D+ |
|
83% to 87% |
B |
|
53% to 57% |
D |
|
80% to 83% |
B- |
|
50% to 53% |
D- |
|
|
|
|
under 50% |
F |
ATTENDANCE AND MAKE-UPS
Points are not given just for attendance. However, the tests, exams, etc. are based very heavily on classroom work. Therefore you run the risk of missing something necessary for a test if you miss class.
Make ups for
|
1. QUIZZES: |
These are not allowed. However the lowest three quizzes will be dropped. |
|
2. LABS: |
It might be possible to make up a lab that you missed, if you had a good reason to miss it. However, there is no guarantee about such make-ups. It depends on the availability of equipment and rooms, the weather, and on finding a large enough block of time for the make up. In order to have the lab graded, you must come to the lab and perform the lab work. |
|
3. TESTS AND EXAMS |
An effort will be made to schedule a make up if you had a good reason to miss the test or exam. The make-up must be completed before the test or exam is given back to the class. |
DEADLINES
Deadlines will be established for various kinds of work. This can vary depending on conditions, but labs will usually be due one week after the lab work is completed. Complete details will be announced in class. Late labs will be accepted for up to half credit. There will be a FINAL DUE DATE for all work after which NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED. This final due date will be close of business on the last day of classes before the final exam schedule begins.