Attendance at the class is highly recommended and is the single most important
way to ensure success in this course. It will be difficult to pass
this class without attending the discussions. Please get the textbook. The textbook
contains everything you need to know for this class and more.
Readings: Assignments given in class
Reading the assigned materials before each
discussion is critical for having productive class time. You are not
expected to master the material before class. However, you are
expected to know the vocabulary introduced in the reading and to come to
class prepared to discuss the material and ask questions.
Exams: There will be two one-hour exams and a final
exam. These exam scores will
make up the 50% of your total grade. Exam questions will be
drawn from both class material and reading assignments.
Homeworks will make up the remaining 25% of your grade.
There is a project which makes up 25% of your grade.
The exams will test concepts and some basic math ideas; they are
designed to test your understanding.
Makeup exam policy: Makeup exams for the two midterms will be given. For the
final exam, we will follow SUNY Oswego guidelines.
Homework: There will be four-five
homework assignments, worth 25% of the final grade.
Academic Honesty is expected of all scientists, and also
of all students of science. Cheating on an exam will result in a grade
of zero for that exam. This zero will not be dropped as one
of your low exam grades! Cheating on homeworks or in-class exercises
will result in the reduction of one letter grade in your final grade.
Failure to observe the rules of academic honesty may result
in a failing grade for the entire course.
Common Courtesy Guidelines
For the benefit of your fellow students and your instructors, you are expected
to practice common courtesy with regard to all course interactions. For example:
- show up to class on time
- do not leave class early and do not rustle papers in preparation to leave before class is dismissed
- turn off your cell phone
- Be attentive in class - stay awake, don't read newspapers, etc.
- If you must be late or leave early on any particular day, please inform your instructor
or TA in advance.