Policies:
Letter grades will be based on logical break points in the class distribution, but will be no lower than A for 90% or greater, B for 80% to 90%, C for 70% to 80%, and F for less than 70%. For borderline cases, We reserve the right to consider such things as consistency of scores, class participation, perceived effort, attendance, etc.
Students must be aware of safety procedures and laboratory hazards. We wish to establish emergency procedures, to minimize hazards, and to create a safe working environment. A safety quiz based on the material given in the Safety section must be passed with a score of at least ninety (90%) before a student may perform any experiments. The quiz may be repeated during the first two weeks of class; however after three failing attempts, you will be dropped from the course.
Students are responsible for all material announced/presented in class, sent by E-mail, and presented on the Web site. E-mail will be used to distribute class announcements, corrections to assignments, etc. Attendance is required; unexcused absences and unexcused tardiness will reduce the overall grade. Excused absences and tardiness must be arranged prior to scheduled session, except in cases of emergencies and sudden illness (which must be documented by the student). Make-up sessions will be at the instructors’ discretion. A student may be dropped for excessive absences or unsatisfactory work as specified in Student Academic Regulations.
Expectations of students are specified in Student Academic Regulations. Misconduct includes academic dishonesty such as plagiarism and cheating, failure to follow laboratory safety practices, damage to laboratory equipment, disruption of classroom or laboratory activities, etc. Seek the instructors’ guidance on what is acceptable collaboration, the proper use of equipment, and safe laboratory behavior. You are responsible for writing your own assignments and for preventing others from copying your work. You are responsible for equipment that is damaged carelessly, willfully, or maliciously.
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty. The American Heritage College Dictionary, (3rd ed., Houghton Mifflin Company, 1993) defines plagiarize as "to use and pass off as one’s own (the ideas or writings of another)." Clearly identify and reference any material that is not your own.
All forms of academic dishonesty and other misconduct will result in a grade of zero for the assignment and other penalties (including failure of the course) at the discretion of the department! The department can also recommend expulsion from the university to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs.
The exam will closed book and closed notes. All significant steps to answers must be shown. All answers must be shown in appropriate units. A review sheet will be distributed before each exam.
A make-up examination will be at the instructors’ discretion. It must be arranged PRIOR to the scheduled test date, except in the event of emergencies and sudden illness (which must be documented by the student). If no prior arrangements are made, the missed examination will receive ZERO CREDIT. The questions on a make-up examination may be different than those on the regular examination.
The project will include a written report and oral presentations. The report must be submitted at the beginning (first five minutes) of the class period for which it is due. The oral presentations must be presented at the scheduled day and time. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND WILL RECEIVE ZERO CREDIT. Make travel, vacation, and employment plans accordingly.
Ten minute quizzes may occasionally be given at the beginning of the class period. These will be announced in prior class periods or by E-mail. If prior arrangements are not made and approved, missed quizzes will receive ZERO CREDIT.
A variety of assessment activities will be included and must be completed. Failure to complete the assessment activities will reduce the overall grade. Make-up sessions will be at the instructors’ discretion. In particular, the midterm and finals week assessment will be given at the time scheduled unless all students and I agree to a change. Make travel, vacation, and employment plans accordingly.
HOMEWORK AND TECHNICAL MEMORANDUMS
Homework and Laboratory Technical Memorandums will be regularly assigned. It must be submitted at the beginning (first five minutes) of the class period for which it is due. LATE WORK WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND WILL RECEIVE ZERO CREDIT. If you cannot attend class, the work must be turned in early for credit. Solutions to the homework will be available on file in the library. You may work together on the homework and laboratory activities, but the solutions and the writing must be substantially your own. Incidents of plagiarism and copying will result in zero credit on the entire assignment for everyone involved and may result in other disciplinary action at my discretion. All solution steps must be shown in a logical sequence. All requested information must be included. Quantities must be shown in appropriate units. Failure to follow these instructions will result in reduced credit.