Penn Math Math 312: Linear Algebra Fall 2012

Homework and Course Grading

Homework will be assigned regularly. The grade 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 those the TA chooses to grade. Carefully doing and making sure you understand the homework problems is absolutely essential for your success!

Exams There will be two in-class exams, from 12:00-1:20 on

You may always use one 3"x5" card with handwritten notes on both sides.
Missed exams will count as zero, except for reasons such as serious illness, family emergency, etc. I may (rarely) excuse other absences if notified far in advance. In these cases, your grade will be based on your performance on the other exams.

Course Grades:   Final grade based on four components: 22% for Homework and each of the two midterm exams, 34% for the Final Exam.

In giving grades, I act more as a secretary than a judge. Most students get the same grade the other students in the class would have given them.

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.
We will not consider changes to your score on a homework or exam more than two weeks past the due date.

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.

Since we all can be sick or have a bad week, your lowest two homework grades will be dropped (late homeworks will not be accepted).

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.