A few words about how we evaluate your performance. There are three components to the final grade: Conference, mid-term exams and the final exam. They contribute 20%, 40% and 40% respectively to the final letter grade. Your TA will explain how he determines your conference grade. Typically your homework solutions count heavily but participation at conference solving quizzes etc. weigh in as well. There are three mid-term exams. These exams are milestones for your progress. They should be occasions to review what we have been doing. Of the three exams however only your two best performances count towards the final grade. In other words there will be no record of the one you did worst one. The final exam is a three hour written exam and it counts 40% of the final grade. All exams are closed book exams but you will be given a formula sheet. For your information I have left copies of last years formula sheet at the entrance to the auditorium.
The class will be graded on a curve and the class average will be approximately a B-. If you do significantly better than the average you get an A. If you do significantly worse you get a C. If you have not understood much at all you get a D. For homework problems you will just get a numerical score back which you can compare with the max possible score. For all exams we will both give the numerical score and a letter grade so you can see where you stand. If you cannot make an exam because of illness you must see academic advising to be officially excused. However there will only be make-up exams in the unlikely event that you miss a second mid-term exam or if you have to miss the final. Any questions on this?
Now this is a fast paced course in which each new subject we cover builds on what we have already been through. Therefore please if you feel you are falling behind get in touch with me or your TA or academic advising sooner rather than later. We'll work with you to get you back on track! I can be found in Bloomberg 345 one level up from here. If you take the main stairway up it is on the gangway immediately to the left. You can come any time though you might find my busy with something else except for Tuesdays 1-2 pm. which I have reserved for you guys.