Grading
- Lab Reports (10 reports) varies
- TSCU (10 pts/lab) 100 pts
- Quizzes (9 quizzes x up to 50 pts/quiz) 450 pts (maximum)
- Office Visits (2 visits x 25 pts each) 50 pts
- Midterm Exam ~ 150 pts (maximum)
- Final Exam ~ 250 pts (maximum)
A letter grade will be assigned according to the following grade scale:
A 93—100% B+ 87—89% C+ 77—79% D+ 67—69% F < 60%
A– 90—92% B 83—86% C 73—76% D 63—66%
B– 80—82% C– 70—72% D– 60—62%
Coursework
Canvas
All of your lab reports will be available on Canvas. It is your responsibility to print them off ahead of class time and have the pre-lab work done when you come to class.
In addition to the lab reports, I will often have other items, such as articles, videos, etc., for you to supplement your preparation and learning for class each week.
Everything pertinent to a particular week’s experiment is organized and grouped together on Canvas in the modules section.
Lab Reports
You are responsible for reading the lab description and background, as well as any assigned reading, and completing the pre-lab section of the report before coming to class. If the pre-lab is not totally complete when it is due at the beginning of class, 15 points will be automatically taken off your total score. The 15 points for the pre-lab are given as all (if complete) or none (if not complete).
I require that you use pen to write the majority of the lab reports. The only sections of the report that are exempt from this are the mechanism, calculations, and question sections.
Completed lab reports are due at the beginning of the next class meeting after each experiment. You will be turning in the hard copy of the lab report. Please have your report stapled, with the pages in order, when you turn it in. I will not be responsible for any lost or missing pages/parts.
Quizzes
A quiz covering the lab to be performed that day will be given at the beginning of every class. It is your responsibility to read and understand the lab background, procedure, any assigned reading, Canvas materials, etc. beforehand to prepare. Ensure you know what you are to do and why.
TSCU
TSCU stands for Technique, Safety, and Clean-Up. These are participation points, and you start every lab with 10 points. You will lose part or all of these points if you are not participating, if you break or lose equipment, if you are not following the safety rules, or if you do not clean up your assigned area.
Clean-Up: You are responsible for cleaning up the equipment that you use and the area that you work in every week. This includes the lab bench you work at and your assigned hood. Additionally, I will rotate through the lab benches weekly to also clean the supply worktables and any other shared areas/equipment used during that week’s lab experiment.
Office Visits
You are to complete two office visits during the semester. This is so I can get to know you, know where you can come for questions, review your assignments, etc.
You will need to visit me once before your midterm exam, and once after, for the points to count. The first visit will count beginning the week of the first experiment through the day of your midterm, and the second visit will count starting the day after your midterm through the day of your lab final.
Exams
There will be a midterm, worth up to 150 pts, and a comprehensive final worth up to 250 pts.
Additional Information
You have one week from the date an assignment score is posted on Canvas to discuss the score with me, or it will stand as is.
I do not provide translation services for your assignments, quizzes, exams, etc. If I cannot read/understand what you have written, I cannot accurately assess your work, and as such it may consequently affect the score you receive. This includes using legible penmanship, proper grammar, and full sentences and paragraphs when necessary. (This also applies to a TA/grader that is grading your assignments.)
Per department policy, you will not be permitted to keep your assignments, quizzes, or exams for this course. However, I will keep them in my office through the entirety of the semester for you to come and review.
Canvas/Email: Please make sure you check Canvas regularly for announcements and updates regarding class. Also please make sure your email address is up to date, as these are the main ways in which I will communicate with you outside of class time. When emailing/messaging me, I expect you to use proper email etiquette and format. This includes having a pertinent subject line, an appropriate greeting, and signing your name at the end. (An email/Canvas message is different from a text message/DM/chat, etc. you send to a friend, so please be professional and do not use it as such.)