Grades and Policies

Mathematical Methods in Physics (PHY 230) - Fall 2006

Homework Assignments (60%)

• 10 problems sets.
• Due on Mondays/Tuesdays: Sep 4, 11, 18; Oct 2, 16, 23; Nov 7, 14, 21; Dec 5.
• 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.
  • Use of solutions manuals or old solutions is 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 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%): Tuesday, September 26.
• Test 2 (10%): Tuesday, October 31.
• Final Exam (20%): 24-hour take-home during week of 12/11-12/15.
• 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.

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