Exam 1 will count 20% toward your final grade. The final exam will count 30% toward your final grade. The final exam will replace exam 1, if it improves your grade. Your best 3 of 4 quizzes will count 20% toward your final grade. The 8 Problem Sets will count 30% toward your final grade. The grades will be determined as follows:
| Grading Procedure | |
|---|---|
| Exam 1 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Best 3 of 4 quizzes | 20% |
| Problem Sets | 30% |
Remarks: Physics is best learned by "doing" it, that is by using the general principles learned in class to solve problems. The ability to solve problems can only be acquired through practice, and the homework and quizzes are designed to give you plenty of practice. A significant portion of the exams will be very similar to the assigned problems and to the problems done in class. Cramming for exams and memorization is not very effective in physics. Keep up to date with the reading and the problems. If you fall behind it is very difficult to catch up! Although solutions to the problems are available, it is much better to work the problems yourself, rather than just reviewing the solutions. Becoming a successful engineer or scientist involves training yourself to be a "problem solver". Physics is fun!