Physics 436: Lectures, Reading Assignments, Homework, Problem Sessions, Exams and Grading Policies

P436 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 P436 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 P436 Lecture each week. They will also be written on the Schedule.
  3. The P436 homework assignments are due the following Friday *before* 10:00 am , unless otherwise stated.
  4. Homework sets are to be deposited (only) in the Physics HW 436 dropbox before 10:00 am on the day they are due.
    The P436 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. P436 Homework sets will be collected from the dropbox promptly at 10:00 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 10:00 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 P436 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 P436 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 P436 Discussion Sessions.

P436 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 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 13, 9:00- 9:55 am
  2. Hour Exam 2: - Wed, Mar 13, 9:00- 9:55 am
  3. Hour Exam 3: - Fri, Apr 19, 9:00- 9:55 am
  4. Final Exam: - TBA: 

Grading

Your final grade for the P435 course will be based on your performance on the P436 homework assignments, the three P436 hour exams and the P436 final exam. The approximate weight assigned to each part of your grade is:

  1. P436 Homework: 24% of final grade.
  2. Each P436 Hour Exam: 12% of final grade (total 36%).
  3. P436 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.

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