Grades
The course is graded out of 450 total points, earned on quizzes and exams:
- Quizzes (6 x 10 points each, lowest dropped): 50 points
- Exam 1: 100 points
- Exam 2: 100 points
- Final Exam: 200 points
In addition, up to 10 extra credit points may be earned through postings on the class discussion board.
There is no set grade scale for the class, because exam difficulty and grading nuances vary from quarter-to-quarter and exam-to-exam. Instead, the quality of answers relative to exam scores is assessed by Dr. Nelson for each exam, and grade ranges are determined. Grade ranges for each exam will be announced in class and posted here after the exams are graded.
Spring 2011 grade scale out of 450 points:(lowest score of the range listed)
| A+: 405 | B+: 348 | C+: 276 | D+: 211 |
| A: 385 | B: 323 | C: 253 | D: 191 |
| A-: 373 | B-: 298 | C-: 231 | D-: 171 |
Regrade policy
You may submit a quiz or exam for a regrade if there are clear errors in grading. Grading errors are simple mistakes made by the grader; these do not include differences in interpretation of a question or answer.
Examples of grading errors:- Points that are totaled incorrectly
- A question that was not graded
- An answer that is clearly correct based on the key, but was not awarded full credit. (This is subject to review by Dr. Nelson.)
- Regrade requests must be made using the regrade request form.
- Requests must be typed, stapled to the front of your quiz or exam, and signed.
- Requests must be handed to Dr. Nelson or placed in her office within two weeks of the quiz or exam being returned. Note that this time frame is based on when the exams are made available, not when you actually pick up your exam.
- Each quiz or exam may be submitted for regrade only once in the two week period. Be sure to review your entire exam before submitting it.
- Dr. Nelson will evaluate all regrade requests; course TAs are generally not involved in this process.
- ANY alteration to the quiz or exam disqualifies it from eligibility for regrading; this includes added answers that were copied off of the key, or any additional marks, made with the same or a different writing utensil. Altered exams may be submitted to the Dean of Students Office to be reviewed for academic dishonesty. (Please note that quizzes or exams may be photocopied before they are returned.)
- Once submitted for regrade, your entire exam may be reviewed for grading errors. Resulting corrections could lead to a decrease in your total score.
- Insufficient or incorrect reasoning in your explanation for deserving a regrade may result in points being deducted. (Don't waste my time by not having thought through the correct answer.)
- All regrade scores are final and non-negotiable.