Physiology 335
About the Examinations
Please notify the course coordinator within 2 weeks of the beginning of the course if you have a conflict with one or more of the exams.
Precise grading scheme varies between semesters, and the syllabus handed out on the first day of class will provide the exact numbers. In general, though, four multiple-choice exams will each be worth approximately 20% of the final grade. The final is NOT comprehensive. Laboratory quizzes will constitute 20% of the course grade. The following absolute standards of achievement in final percentage score will guarantee at least these grades:
90-100% A
89-89.99% AB
80-88.99% B
79-79.99% BC
70-78.99% C
60-69.99% D
These are absolute standards of achievement, and we will not limit the numbers of students that can fit into any grade category (i.e., a curve will not be used to restrict the number of A's received in the class). You are therefore NOT in competition with your peers and we strongly urge you to work together to learn the material and succeed. We may, however, reduce the final percentage required to achieve a given grade (i.e., to "lower the scale"--not the same as "curving"). This right may be exercised if exam means are low.
University policies on academic misconduct will be strictly observed, and documented instances of dishonesty will result in the severest possible penalties.
BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBERS OF STUDENTS IN THIS CLASS, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE NUMEROUS STUDENTS WHOSE FINAL PERCENTAGE SCORE IS WITHIN A TENTH, OR EVEN HUNDREDTHS OF A POINT FROM THE SET GRADE BORDERLINES. MOVING THE BORDERLINES DOWN TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE STUDENTS ONLY LEAVES A NEW GROUP OF STUDENTS DISAPPOINTED. THUS, THE ONLY POLICY THAT WILL ENSURE FAIRNESS TO EVERYONE IS TO STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE GRADING SCALE. THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF EXTRA CREDIT, AND NO SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO CONTACT THE STAFF ABOUT A PROBLEM ONLY AFTER AN EXAM OR ASSIGNMENT HAS BEEN GRADED. SADLY, IN A CLASS THIS SIZE WE ALSO CANNOT TAKE YOUR EFFORT INTO ACCOUNT IN GRADING--IF YOUR EFFORTS DON'T TRANSLATE INTO PERFORMANCE ON EXAMS AND ASSIGNMENTS, THEY CAN'T BE INCORPORATED IN A FAIR AND OBJECTIVE WAY. WE SINCERELY REGRET THE DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THESE NECESSARILY RIGID GRADING POLICIES MAY CAUSE; IN ALL OTHER WAYS THE COURSE STAFF WILL ENDEAVOR TO TREAT YOU AS A PERSON, AND NOT A FACELESS NUMBER IN THE CROWD.