Grading

Final grades will be assigned based on performance in three areas of the course:

  1. Semester attendance (40% of the final grade)

  2. The topic presentation (20%)

  3. The paper (40% total)

    • Rough draft (10%)

    • Final draft (30%)

The attendance grade will be computed individually. Presentation and paper grades will be assigned to each group.

Paper Grades

50 pts - Grasp of relevant scientific literature, accuracy of physics/science

30 pts - Clear communication (including proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation)

15 pts - Original thought

5 pts - Formatting (including references)

Scale

A 100-86

B 85-71

C 70-56

D 55-40

F 39-0

Presentation Grade

A student researched the topic well, understood the topic, and communicated that knowledge to the other students using good presentation skills

B student's performance was generally good, but could use refinement in presentation or content

C student's understanding of the topic and/or presentation style noticeably lacked in one or more areas

D student demonstrated a lack of effort, comprehension, or ability to communicate

F student failed to give presentation

Attendance Grades

A missed two or fewer meetings

B missed between three and four meetings

C missed more than four meetings

If you have an unavoidable conflict, an illness, conference, or other reasonable excuse for missing a class - email the TA (mwk@rice.edu) at least 24 hours in advance and you will be excused. Excused absences do not affect your attendance grade.

Communication

Course communication, including email, should use proper spelling and grammar, and be composed for a professional audience. Please avoid abbreviations.

All grading will be done in accordance with the Rice University grading guidelines.