Grading
Grading is a difficult, but necessary part of the learning process. If done well, it allows me to assess where you're at, what needs to be re-emphasized, and how I can improve my content and delivery in our course and future courses.
I do ask that you share responsibility in the grading process with me. Our Canvas course is set up so that you will see your grades as soon as I post them (generally within 1 week of submission). Please check to ensure I haven't made a mistake and that your grade is reasonably close to what you expected. I am happy to discuss how I grade and address any errors or changes that are brought to my attention in a timely manner (don't wait until Week 10 to ask about a grade in Week 2).
I strive to have all assignments graded within 1 week of submission. However, I prioritize quizzes and exams for grading, sometimes at the expense of laboratory assignments. For that reason, laboratory assignment grading may sometimes lag behind this schedule. You can generally assume you will get 100% on labs if you have followed the instructions and made a good faith attempt to answer the questions.
Grade Distribution
Lecture will account for approximately 2/3 of your grade and lab for 1/3. These are set in Canvas and each assignment will fall into one of the below categories. Please use the hypothetical grade feature in Canvas to anticipate your final grade throughout the term.
Lecture - 70%
Lecture Exams - 60%
Exam 1 - 175 pts (17.5%)
Exam 2 - 175 pts (17.5%)
Exam 3 - 250 pts (25%)
Exams will consist of a mix of multiple choice, true/false, short answer and essay sections.
Exams may be given in class at the normal class time during Weeks 4, 8, and during Finals week (see Final Exam Schedule for date and time). Exams cannot be retaken.
You must earn an average of 70% or higher on your exams to pass BI112 with a C or higher. A grade of D is the highest grade that can be earned if exam scores average less than 70%
Lecture Quizzes - 10%
Seven lecture quizzes will be given weekly at the beginning of class except for Exam weeks. You may use a physical copy with hand written notes (not electronic) of the course workbook as a resource during the quizzes.
The lowest lecture quiz score will be dropped from your grade calculation.
Lab - 30%
Each week you will have a lab quiz at the beginning of class beginning on Week 2. Lab quizzes will cover the previous week’s lab material. Your lowest lab quiz score will be dropped at the end of the term. There will be a portion of the quiz with no notes and a portion of the quiz where you may use a physical lab with hand written notes.
The lowest lab quiz score will be dropped from your grade calculation.
You must earn 65% or higher in lab in order to pass with a C or higher!
Grade Scale
While the individual points for assignments in our class may vary, the final total is calculated based on the weighting system above. The gradebook in Canvas will be set up to reflecting this weighting system.
89.5%-100%: A
79.5%-89.49%: B
69.5%-79.49%: C
59.5-69.49%: D
Below 59.5%: F