Your Final Grade

• Your final grade is calculated as follows. If you receive less than 40% on the final exam, then you will receive an F. If you receive at least 40% on the final exam, then we calculate the number X between 0 and 100 according to the following weights:
  
  

  Midterm Exams:	45% (each midterm 15%)
  Final Exam:	55%

  
  Your final letter grade will then correspond to X.
• There will be three midterm exams, scheduled during the usual class time, on February 4, March 4, and March 25. Each midterm has a weight of 15%.
• Your lowest midterm grade will be replaced by your score on the final exam if this is to your advantage. Note that for a missed midterm this rule applies only if you provide an appropriate justification of your absence (e.g., a doctor's note). You must provide your documentation within two weeks of the missed midterm.
• There are no supplemental midterm or final exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find a list of important questions about the policies and resources of this course which are frequently asked by students. You are highly recommended to check this section before sending an e-mail to the professor. There is a good chance that you obtain the answer to your question more quickly.

• I missed my midterm. What can you do for me? In the calculation of your final grade, your lowest midterm grade will be replaced by your score on the final exam if this is to your advantage. However, this policy is implemented only after you provide justification for your absence, e.g. doctor's note. This policy is meant to reduce the negative effect of the missed midterm. Unfortunately, there is nothing else I can do for you.
• Where can I find my grades? Your grades will be posted on Blackboard Learn.
• Am I allowed to bring a calculator or a formula sheet with me to the exams? No. You are not allowed to bring and use formula sheets or calculators during exams.
• Are there any other policies pertaining to the exams to keep in mind? You may not enter a test after, or leave before, the first 20 minutes have elapsed. You may not leave an exam during the final 10 minutes. You must present your student card during the midterm and final exams.
• What should I do when I find a topic on the course material difficult, or when I cannot solve a recommended exercise? You have three resources: The DGD sessions, the Math Help Centre, and the professor's office hours. When you seek help from any of the above, you cannot expect to receive a complete solution. Rather, you will receive guidance to reach the complete solution by yourself.
• What is a DGD? The DGD is an integral part of the course. In the DGDs, the teaching assistants will work through examples supplementing the material covered in the lectures and present solutions to some of the suggested exercises. This is an excellent chance for students to ask questions and learn the course material in a hands–on way. In addition, the problems worked out in the DGDs will be similar to the problems on the midterm and final exams.
• What is the Math Help Centre? Along with the professor's office hours, the Math Help Centre, located at STEM 207, is an excellent resource to receive help regarding course material and practice exercises. From January 6 to April 4, except during the Study Week, the hours of operation of the Math Help Centre are:

  Monday–Wednesday:	10:00—19:00
  Thursday:	10:00—17:00
  Friday:	10:00—15:00

  During the Study Week (February 17–21) the Math Help Centre will be open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The centre will be closed on Monday February 17 and Tuesday February 18.
• What does the letter grade I have received mean? An explanation of grades in the Faculty of Science can be found here.
• How can I get the most out of the Math Help Centre? The coordinator of the Math Help Centre has put together a list of helpful tips for students. I highly recommend that you read these tips before going to the Math Help Centre.
• What is the policy with regards to collaboration and cheating? Students are encouraged to discuss general strategies for approaching the homework problems with other students. However, you should solve the problems yourself and all written work should be your own. Copying from another student is cheating and will not be tolerated. In addition, be assured that it doesn't help you in the long run.

  Students found cheating will be reported to the university. Punishment can range from receiving a zero grade, to failing the course, to being expelled from the university. Allowing another student to copy your work is just as serious as copying. So if you copy from another student, you are putting their university education on the line as well.

  There is lots of help available to you (office hours, DGDs, and the math help centre), and therefore there are no valid reasons for cheating.