The "Important" Stuff
Grading in this course will be based on the following criteria:
- In Class Activities: (10%)
- In lecture I will introduce new topics and work examples. We will
also (I hope) have some in class active learning activities to help
make some of the more abstract concepts in the course more familiar. Attendance
at lecture and participation in lecture is strongly encouraged.
Problem Sets: (50%)- Modern physics covers topics that are typically outside of our everyday
experience and as such can be quite challenging to to develop an
intuitive feel for. The assigned problem sets are crucial to developing
your mathematical skills and physical intuition. I encourage
you to exert all reasonable efforts in tackling the problem sets
I assign. You must be clear about your line of thinking and
show not only mathematics, but write out your reasoning. Full
credit on problem sets will only be given to students who clearly
show me not only their mathematical approach to the answer, but clearly
state their reasoning.
- I will provide solutions to all the problem sets shortly after they are turned in.
- ON COLLABORATING WITH
OTHERS: You may work together to check each other’s work. However,
the work you present must be your own. You will get little
out of the problem sets if you just copy someone else’s solutions. To
avoid the appearance of plagiarism, I would also strongly suggest
you state clearly if you work with someone on your homework.
- Exams: (10% for each midterm, 20% for final)
- There will be two mid-term exams during the semester in addition to the final exam. Study Guides showing the list of topics covered or each exam will be provided. The final exam is Thursday, May 7, 12 noon - 2PM.
Course Grading Policy
- You are expected to turn your
work in on time.
- Grades will be assigned according
to your percentage score. Plusses and minuses will be used. The
initial grading scale is shown below (I reserve the right to adjust it
as necessary)
A
B
C
D
F
89.9%-100%
79.9%-89.9%
65%-79.9%
50%-65%
0-50%
Academic Honesty
From the Student handbook (online):
The University expects all students to represent themselves in an honest fashion.
In academic work, students are expected to present original ideas and give credit for the ideas of others. The value of a college degree depends on the integrity of the work completed by the student. When an instructor has convincing evidence of cheating or plagiarism, the following actions may be taken: assign a failing grade for the course in which the student cheated or instructors may choose to report the offense, the evidence, and their action to the Dean of their college or the Vice President for Academic Affairs. If the instructor (or any other person) feels the seriousness of the offense warrants additional action, the incident may be reported to the Student Conduct Committee through the Student Support Services Office. The Student Conduct Committee will follow procedures set out in the Student Conduct Code. After its review of the case and a fair, unbiased hearing, the Student Conduct Committee may take disciplinary action if the student is found responsible (see Student Conduct Code for details).
A student who has a course grade reduced by an instructor because of cheating or plagiarism, and who disputes the instructor’s finding, may appeal the grade, but only by using the Grade Appeal Policy, which states that the student must prove the grade was arbitrary, prejudicial, or in error.
In this course, all instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of the College of Social and Natural Sciences for informational purposes. Any academic dishonesty believed to be intentional will result in a failing grade for the entire course.
Special Accommodations
Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this class are encouraged to contact Greg Toutges, Coordinator of Disability Services at 477-5859 (Voice) or 1-800-627-3529 (MRS/TTY), CMU 114 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.