ASTR 201
The Sun and its Planets
Spring 2015
Grading
Grades are based on a point scale with different assignments weighted as shown
in the table. The points are distributed across a variety of exercises so
that no single thing will dominate your grade.
However, this also means that it is imperative that you
complete all assignments.
We will drop the lowest homework, but
zeros on multiple homeworks fail to add up in a big way.
| ASSIGNMENT |
Homeworks |
Exam I |
Exam II | Final |
Total |
| POINTS |
150 |
100 |
100 |
150 |
500 |
Letter grades will be assigned based upon your cumulative score.
Here is how
your grade will be determined from your point total in the class:
| Letter Grade |
Course Total | Percentage |
| A |
450-500 | 90%-100% |
| B |
400-449 | 80%-89% |
| C |
350-399 | 70%-79% |
| D |
275-349 | 55%-69% |
| F |
0-274 | 0%-54% |
The point scale makes it possible for everyone in the class to do
well. For example, if everyone scores above 90% in the course, you
would all receive A's. On the other hand, if no one does this well,
I may adjust the number of points required to get a given grade.
Any adjustment will make it easier to get a given
grade, never more difficult (i.e., any curve that is applied can
only benefit your grade).