` MATH 425 Spring 2015 Course Grading
Penn Math Math 425, Partial Differential Equations I Spring 2015

Homework and Course Grading

Exams: There will be two exams:
  * Tues, March 17 (just after Spring Break), 12-1:20
  * Final Exam: Thursday May 7, 9-11
You may always use one 3"x5" card with handwritten notes on both sides

Homework
It is often smart to discuss the homework with others in the class -- but counterproductive to be a parasite.

The grading for each homework will comprise of two independent scores: a "completion score" based on how many problems you honestly attempted, and a "success score" based on how many problems you successfully solved out of the ones the TA chooses to grade.

One goal of your work is to communicate, so neatness counts. PLEASE staple/paperclip your homework. If your homework is not stapled together, the TA will take off 2 points from your homework each time..

Late homeworks will not be accepted. If a Homework Set is not submitted, it will automatically receive a grade of 0. Since we all have a few bad weeks, your two lowest homework scores will be dropped.

Bonus Problems
In some weeks a Bonus problem may be offered. They are primarily intended as a challenge to the best students.
It would be poor strategy to spend lots of time on the Bonus problems at the cost of not learning the basic material. The scores on the Bonus Problems will not be used in a numerical computation of course grades. However, if you are between two grades and have done well on some of the Bonus Problems, then you will likely be pushed to the higher grade.
Note that it is possible to receive an "A" in this course and not solve any Bonus Problems.

Course Grades:   Homework: 25%,   Exam 1: 30%, Final Exam 45%
In giving grades, I act more as a secretary. Most students get the same grade the other students in the class would have given them.
I certainly do not just mechanically do a numerical calculation based on the above percentages. That gives only a crude first approximation. If someone's grades have improved significantly, their course grade gets a boost. Alas, I get a contrary impression if the score on exams later in the semester are significantly lower. At the same time I factor in additional information I may have from the TA, my own personal contact data, and work on Bonus Problems.