The final grade is computed out of 100 points using the following letter mapping:
100-97 A+; 96-93 A; 92-90 A-;
89-87 B+; 86-83 B; 82-80 B-;
79-77 C+; 76-73 C; 72-70 C-;
69-60 D; < 59 F
Laboratories 30 %
The lowest scores will be disregarded. Students can elect to perform the labs individually or in a group of two. Once formed, groups cannot be changed. Some of the laboratories are assigned as homework, while others are required to be executed in class. Laboratories are always due at the end of each laboratory session, weather assigned as homework or as do in class.
Quizzes / Homework 5 %
Homework and surprise quizzes might be handed out through the semester. The homework might include being able to answer a few questions about the book chapter which students are required to read before the lecture. The labs assigned as homework count towards the lab grades, and not the homework grade.
Weather Picture 5 %
Students are asked to take one digital picture of one of the weather phenomena discussed in class. The students must turn in the picture, and a short description of what it represents.
1st Midterm Exam 10 %
The midterm covers material from both lectures and labs. This is an individual, in class exam.
2nd Midterm Exam 15 %
The midterm covers material from both lectures and labs. This is an individual, closed book, in class exam.
3rd Midterm Exam 15 %
The midterm covers material from both lectures and labs. This is an individual, closed book, in class exam.
Final Exam 20%
This is a comprehensive exam, which is heavily based from both lectures and labs. This is an individual, closed book, in class exam.
Policy on Absence
Students are expected to actively participate in the lecture, lab and class discussion. When a student misses a lecture, he/she is invited to let the instructor know in advance. The student is still responsible for the material and assignments covered in the lecture.
The midterms and the final exam are mandatory. There is no make up exam, unless for extreme circumstances. If a student does not take the midterm exam, he/she will receive an immediate 0 score. If a student does not take the final exam, he/she will receive an F grade.
Honor Code
Students must strictly follow the honor code, both for individual and team work. No exception will be made. University policy requires that faculty members report incidents of Honor Code Violation. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to plagiarism (reference your sources and quotations), copying others' work, limiting others' access to course materials, sabotaging others' work, turning in the same paper or project for two classes without permission from all instructors, and many other things. You are responsible for the GMU Scholastic Honor Code, found in the GMU University Catalogue.
Homework
Students are required to read the book chapter relative to each lecture BEFORE coming to class. Questions about the text will be asked during the lecture, and students are expected to be able to answer them. Additional homework might be assigned through the semester.