Grades, Policies and Exams

Mathematical Methods in Physics (PHY 230) - Fall 2009

Homework Assignments (60%)

• 10 problems sets.
• One will be dropped, therefore 60/9 = 6.667% each.
• Policies:
  • Late homework will be penalized at 5% per day unless a prior extension is granted.
  • The homework assignments are the same as last year. Use of solutions manuals or old solutions is prohibited. Discussion with senior students is also prohibited.
  • It's OK to let Mathematica help with the algebra, etc., as long as you make it clear how you'd do it by hand.
  • Collaboration or study groups within your class are OK, and probably good, but
    • you should think about each problem before you talk with other people, and try to find the main idea if you can; and
    • you must write out your own independent solution and understand it yourself.
  • You must give references if you have used some books, internet, etc., outside the course. Include the author, title, year and pages or from the URL:

    

Tests (20%) and Final Exam (20%)

• Test 1 (10%): in class. A sample exam is here.
• Test 2 (10%): in class. A sample exam is here.
• Final Exam (20%): 24-hour take-home during FINALS week. A sample exam is here.
• You can use old tests/exams for preparation, and there will give some samples before each of the tests/exams.
• In the tests and the final exam, you can use your notes, the McQuarrie book, mathematical handbook (Schaum's or like that), handouts, assignments & solutions, sample problems & solutions, and labs & solutions.
• Discussion and collaboration of any kind on the tests and final exam is prohibited. You must do these exams completely by yourself.
• The final exam will be a 24-hour take-home exam. You may pick up the final exam from me after 10 am on Monday, 7 December 2009. You have to hand your exam back to me within 24 hours of your pickup. The latest pickup time will be 12 pm on Thursday, 10 December 2009.

Computer Labs

• Problems may be used in the assignments, tests, and (especially) the final exam.

Base grades:

A+	95-100
A	90-95
A-	85-90
B+	75-85
B	60-75
B-	50-60
C	25-50
F	<25