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] + 77
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.
NOTE: WE DO NOT ROUND SCORES. AN 89.92 IS ENTERED AS 89.92, N0T 90.00.
*****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!
Taken together, the mid-term examinations will count for 60% of the final course grade. Plan NOW to be present for these exams! During the semester, however, one exam may be missed for any reason whatsoever without penalty. If you take all three exams, we will automatically drop your lowest grade. Failure to take two mid-term exams will result in an automatic F (or, in the case of justifiable excuse, an X) being assigned in 310M/318M. It is particularly important that students avoid any potential conflicts between these scheduled evening exams and any other activities such as laboratory classes. If unavoidable conflicts exist, please come see me immediately. Please note, I am sorry for any inconvenience these out of class two hour exams might cause, but we do things this way for your own protection because:
1) We can use rooms large enough to ensure no cheating is taking place during the exam.
2) The two hour format means we can administer tests that are comprehensive, yet do not have unreasonable time limits. Thus, you will have a chance to show what you know, not just how fast you can write.
Note that for the midterm exam grade that is dropped, the homework points for the weeks leading up to that exam do not count for any other exams. Also, for any exam for which you arrive after the official start time, you will only be allowed to enter the exam room is not a single student has already finished and left. BE ON TIME!!
The final exam, accounting for 40% of the course grade, will be comprehensive in its coverage of the material presented in Chemistry 310N. There will be no make-up exam for the final and it may not be taken at an alternative time for any reason. Specifically, failure to take the final exam at the scheduled time and place without an approved, documented excuse will automatically result in a failing grade being assigned for 310N. A documented, excused absence at the final will result in an Incomplete being assigned for the course. An example of a documented, excused absense is a note from a doctor that states you are physically UNABLE to attend the final. Simply not feeling your best is NOT considered to be an excused absence, as we all have days in which we are not feeling well but must take care of our responsibilities anyway. If you are up and walking around campus on the day of the final, you must take it. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Policy on Exam Coverage:
You will be responsible for all material covered up to the Friday lecture the week before each midterm. That way you will be able to think about the material for almost an entire week before you are tested on it. Also, the pace of the class can vary, so do not be concerned if we are not on the same schedule as descibed below under "proposed exam topics". The bottom line is that you are only responsible for the material covered in the previous Friday's lecture, NO MATTER WHAT THE SCHEDULE IN THE SYLLABUS SAYS ABOUT "UNITS" COVERED ON EACH MIDTERM.
Regrades:
Requests for regrades will be accepted up to one week after each exam is returned. HOWEVER, TO BE REGRADED, THE EXAM MUST BE TAKEN IN INK, NOT PENCIL. In addition, we generally regrade entire exams, not just individual questions. When requesting a regrade on an exam, it is important to attach a brief note on the front of the exam indicating the problem in question, as well as your concern about the grading. Although we generally look over the entire exam, your note will help to direct our attention to where it is needed most. Tip: always check the addition of points on the back of your exam. Properly graded exams can sometimes have their points added incorrectly!!
There will be two kinds of homework assigned in this class. There will be weekly homework sets that will be turned in BEFORE CLASS on the day it is due. These will be graded, and the points you earn will amount to extra credit that is added to your next exam grade as T-score points or Percentage points, whichever is in your best interest. The second type of homework will involve book problems that are assigned, but not collected. These are extremely important, as the only way to master organic chemistry is to work many, many problems over the course of the semester. Click here to see the homework assignment web page. The links will become active when the homework is assigned.
