Your Grade will be based on four exams (20%), a journal (40%), class activities and class participation (20%) and a research project (20%). A multiple choice exam will be given at the completion of each unit. You will be given a choice for the format of your research project - a research paper, a media presentation (video, slide show), a visit to a company (coal plant, solar cell plant, etc), a live interview with an authority on one of the course topics, or perhaps you have an idea of your own to propose. The research project will be due at the end of the course.
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 90% |
| B | 80% |
| C | 70% |
| D | 60% |
| F | below 60% |
| I | *Incomplete |
| ADW | **Administrative Withdrawal |
| NSW | ***No Show Withdrawal |
*"I" (Incomplete) are non-grades received by students who have actively pursued the course and are doing passing work at the end of the course, but who have not completed the course's final examination and/or other specific course assignments.
**ADW (Administrative Withdrawal). Any student who is not actively pursuing the course objectives will be administratively withdrawn from the course at mid-term. An ADW will be given if a student does not complete at least 70% of all assignments; homework, exams, laboratories, quizzes due prior to mid-term by the mid-term date. Since make up work is NOT permitted this means that attendance is extremely important and excessive absences will most likely result in an ADW.
***NSW (No Show Withdrawal). Any student who misses the first two classes and does not discuss with me the circumstances of these absenses will be given an NSW after the second class. A student who attends the first class and then fails to attend the next two classes and fails to discuss with me the circumstances of these absences will be given an NSW. Any student who misses more than half of the classes in the first two weeks of the term will also be given an NSW if we do not discuss the circumstances of these absences. In my discussion with you I will determine if it is feasible for you to sucessfully pursue the course objectives under whatever circumstances are causing you to miss class. Your success is very important to me and I know, from years of experience, that your success depends on your commitment and ability to attend the class and participate in all activities.
Make-Up Policy
Make-Up work is not permitted under any circumstances. This includes but is not limited to hospitalization, deaths in the family, illness, family emergencies. Life happens to everyone. This is why one exam will be dropped from your grade with no penalties. If circumstances arise that prevent you from actively participating in all aspects of this course please let me know. There is no substitute for attending classes regularly and on time. Please choose someone else in the class that will be able to exchange notes with you in the event either of you misses class. You are responsible for all missed announcements, assignments and class work. Please do not use the phrase "I didn't know" to excuse any missed work. Check the website often. Announcements and assignments are posted and updated regularly.