Grades and Policies

Mathematical Methods in Physics (PHY 230) - Fall 2005

Homework Assignments (60%)

• 10 problems sets, 6% each.
• Due on Tuesday: Sep 6, 13, 20; Oct 4, 18, 25; Nov 8, 15, 22; Dec 5.
• 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.
  • Collaboration is 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 the solution yourself and understand it yourself.
  • You must give references if you have used some books, etc., outside the course. Include the author, title, year and pages.
  • 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.

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

• Test 1: Tuesday, September 27 (10%).
• Test 2: Tuesday, November 1 (10%).
• Final Exam: 24-hour take-home during week of 12/12-12/16 (20%).
• 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+	80-85
B	70-80
B-	60-70
C	30-60
F	<30