Course Information and Grading Policy

One problem set at the end of each chapter (Chapters 1 & 2 combined).
Work on problems from each day's class to avoid forgetting before the problem set is due.

Three chapter exams: 40% of the final grade (each exam is slightly more than 13%).
Missing an exam results in a significant grade reduction (approximately a letter grade due to a zero, which is a 13% cut).
Laboratory: 30% of the final grade.
Seven problem sets: 9% of the final grade (each problem set is worth a little more than 1% of your grade).
Quizzes: Approximately five or six quizzes throughout the semester; the lowest one is dropped. All quizzes combined average to 1% of the final grade.
Final exam: 20% of the final grade. The final exam can replace one of the chapter exams, making it even more significant.

Grades are posted on Canvas daily.
Problem sets and exams (except for the final exam) are graded on a partial credit basis.
Partial credit is awarded for correct steps shown in problem-solving, even if the final answer is incorrect.
Show all equations, algebra, and substitutions, even without a calculator.
Underline the answer and include the units and significant figures.
Setting up the problem correctly, showing all equations, substitutions, units, and significant figures can minimize point deductions.

Work through the problem sets, as exam problems will resemble them.
During the exam review, specific problem set problems that are similar to exam problems will be identified.
Two ways to submit problem sets: hard copy or online.
Four attempts are allowed for each problem set (three online attempts and one hard copy).
Work through each problem on notebook paper after each lesson to keep up.
Use the online quiz version (which may break longer problems into steps) to input answers.
The online version is due at midnight the day before the hard copy is due.
If unsatisfied with the online grade, turn in a hard copy.
Avoid maxing out the online version before submitting a hard copy.
Assigned lesson problems: Generally, you're gonna end up with an a or b on the course.