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Course Policy |
Homework. Practice problems will be assigned daily (you'll find them on the web). They will not be collected but your work will be evaluated through quizzes and group assignments (see below). Also you should come to class each day having attempted the practice problems for the section covered in the previous class. You should be ready to ask questions about those you have been unable to solve.
Quizzes. There will be a 5-10 minute quiz once or twice a week, unless otherwise announced. The purpose of the quizzes is to be sure that you keep up with the homework. Most of the time the quiz problems will be taken from the list of practice problems. The lowest quiz may be dropped.
Group Assignments. Group problems will be assigned every day and due every week (Friday, unless otherwise announced). They will be taken from the list of practice problems but are likely to be more advanced than the average. Therefore do not start group homework until you have completed most of the practice problems.
Do the group problems with the members of your group. You should have a regular meeting schedule, at least twice a week. Look over the problems and think about them before you meet as a group. Once you have solved a problem, appoint a group member to write it up. After it is written, it's a good idea to have the other group members read it to verify its correctness and clarity. Remember: all group members are fully responsible for the content of the assignment, as well as for the timeliness of its submission.
Mathematical Writing. I expect you to write in complete sentences, including all formulas (e.g., if a formula does not have an "=" sign, the "sentence" lacks a verb!). Read this note by Rick Holmgren.
Exams. We will have three 50-minute exams. The exams will be based on the homework.
Final Exam. It will be comprehensive and cumulative. The problems will be similar in nature to the ones in the exams.
Grading Policy. I will give partial credit if you've made meaningful progress in the problem. Providing explanations is crucial. A correct answer with insufficient explanation will earn only a small partial credit. An incorrect answer with no explanation (and no opportunity for me to see the significance of the error) will earn no credit.
I use a spreadsheet for keeping scores and you should also keep track of all your grades. For the letter grades I use the following table:
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<60 |
60 |
70 |
72 |
78 |
80 |
82 |
88 |
90 |
92 |
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F |
D |
C- |
C |
C+ |
B- |
B |
B+ |
A- |
A |
The scale may be adjusted (very slightly) after all scores are in. There will be no curving.
Missed Assignments and Exams. You may allowed to turn in a late homework, take a make-up quiz or exam only if all of the following three conditions are satisfied:
Attendance. I don't generally take attendance, but you should make all efforts to be there. Expect a high degree of "continuity" from one class to the next, so that if you miss a class (for any reason) next time you may feel lost unless you work out the lesson at home.
In Class. We will have lectures, discussions, individual and group work on practice problems. During lectures, feel free to interrupt me at any time if you want to ask a question, or if you feel that I am moving too fast. In fact, I expect you to participate in class work by asking questions, answering questions, correcting mistakes, making suggestions, comments (in class or in the office), possibly solving problems on the board, etc.
Getting Help. Come see me during my office hours. You can ask for help with your homework, explanations, hints, etc., but not for actual solutions. I will be in the office most of the afternoons (unless I teach) and I often stay until 6 - 7 p.m., so use it.
Tutors. By the end of the second week of the semester, math tutors will be available during Sunday through Thursday evenings, in the Tutor Room, Carr 215.
Computers and Calculators. You may use computers for your homework. You can use Mathematica, MAPLE, or a graphic calculator. You won't need calculators for exams and quizzes, but you will be allowed to use ones of the "arithmetic" type, i.e., with +, -, *, / but with no graphic or algebraic capabilities.
READ THE BOOK!! I expect you to read the section of the text to be covered on a given day before coming to class. Class activities should help clarify what you have read, but you will probably have to read it a second time after class. This is not unusual. Reading a math book takes time, practice, and patience. Don't expect to understand something the first time through it. Sometimes you may need to read something three or more times before fully getting it. Read this note: General Advice for Calculus students.
Class Page: From the Mathematics department web page follow -> Faculty -> Peter Saveliev -> Personal Page -> pick the class. Or type http:\\saveliev.net, then go to the class page. Bookmark it! Or even better, create your own web-page with a link to the class page. This way you can find it quickly from any computer.