Detailed Grading Policy

PROFESSOR B. IVERSON

CHEMISTRY 310N

The raw scores earned on each of the exams in this course will be converted to Standard T-Scores. The Standard T-Score is computed as follows:

T = [(x-X/s) •10] + 80

where:

x = your raw test score

X = the class mean score = S x/N

N = number of test scores

s = standard deviation = [S (x-X)²/(N-1)]^1/2

Using Standard T-Scores allows an effective averaging of grades without introducing a bias in favor of tests with the greatest standard deviations. Since it is based on a normal (Gaussian) distribution, it generally represents the fairest way of grading. (Nearly all national exams such as the SAT, MCAT, and GRE use a similar form of Standard T-Scores)

 

Your final course grade will be calculated as 30% of your best midterm T-score, 30% of your second best midterm T-score and 40% of your final exam T-score. There will be three midterms during the semester, so this means that your lowest midterm exam T-score will be dropped OR you will be able to miss one midterm for any reason with no penalty.* The following conversion table will be used to calculated final course grades:

T-Score ........................Letter Grade

90.000 < T .............................A

80.000 < T < 89.999 ..............B

70.000 < T < 79.999 ..............C

60.000 < T < 69.999 ..............D

T < 60.000 .............................F

*Missing two midterms or the final exam without a documented, valid excuse will result in a failing grade.

*****Important Notice****** In general, using T-scores increases everyone's grades compared to using absolute percentages. Nevertheless, we will keep track of your percentage scores on every test. If the percentage scores are ever higher than your T-score, we will use the percentage score for your course grade calculation. Thus, if everyone does extremely well in this course, no grade will be lowered by using a curving system!