Physics 435: Lectures, Reading Assignments, Homework, Problem Sessions, Exams and Grading Policies

P435 Lectures and Reading Assignments

  1. It is EXTREMELY important that each student has read/worked through the assigned material in Griffith's book BEFORE we discuss this material in the P435 lecture.

Homework

  1. Homework is an extremely important aspect of this course and is assigned weekly (except for weeks that we have in-class exams).
  2. Homework sets are assigned at the Friday P435 Lecture each week. They will also be written on the Schedule.
  3. The P435 homework assignments are due the following Friday *before* 11 am , unless otherwise stated.
  4. Homework sets are to be deposited (only) in the Physics HW 435 dropbox before 11 am on the day they are due.
    The P435 HW dropbox is located on the 2nd floor of Loomis, north of the central corridor, by the interpass between Loomis and the Materials Research Laboratory.
  5. P435 Homework sets will be collected from the dropbox promptly at 11 am on the day they are due. If they are deposited after this time, they will be considered late.
  6. Students should contact Prof. Mason in case of difficulties that prevent them from handing in the homework on time.
  7. Graded homework and homework solutions will be handed out in class one week after the due date.
     
  8. Late HW Policy:
    1. Homework deposited between Friday 11 am and Monday 5 pm will receive a 20% penalty (i.e. 20% of the earned grade will be deducted).
    2. Homework deposited between Monday 5 pm and Wednesday 5 pm will receive a 40% penalty (i.e. 40% of the earned grade will be deducted).
    3. Homework deposited after Wednesday 5 pm will not be graded.

Discussion/Problem Sessions

  1. You and the P435 Discussion TA will together work through a set of problems relevant to the homework for the week.
  2. The intent of the discussion sessions is not to go over the P435 homework itself, but to help you with the general problem solving techniques that are required for doing the homework problems.
  3. No grade is given for participating in these sessions ... they are offered to you as an additional resource.
    However, we STRONGLY encourage you to attend/participate in the weekly P435 Discussion Sessions.

P435 Hour Exams and Final Exam

There will be three hour exams and one final exam. The hour exams will be held during the lecture section in Loomis 144 (the regular friday lecture room). The location of the final exam will be announced at a later date. The dates of the exams are:

  1. Hour Exam 1: - Wed, Feb 17, 11:00-11:50 am
  2. Hour Exam 2: - Wed, Mar. 17, 11:00-11:50 am
  3. Hour Exam 3: - Wed, Apr. 21, 11:00-11:50 am
  4. Final Exam: - TBA: ???day, May xx, x:00-y:00 pm

Grading

Your final grade for the P435 course will be based on your performance on the P435 homework assignments, the three P435 hour exams and the P435 final exam. The approximate weight assigned to each part of your grade is:

  1. P435 Homework: 30% of final grade.
  2. Each P435 Hour Exam: 10% of final grade (total 30%).
  3. P435 Final Exam: 40% of final grade.

Academic Integrity

Giving assistance to, or receiving assistance from another person, or the use of unauthorized materials during University Examinations can be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the University.

Please be aware that prior to, or during an examination the instructional staff may wish to rearrange the student seating. Such action does not mean that anyone is suspected of inappropriate behavior.

Return to the Physics 435 Homepage