Grading

Grade Breakdown:

The final class grade will be broken down as follows:

  • 30% on Homework Assignments

  • 10% on Class/Piazza Participation

  • 15% on Exam #1

  • 15% on Exam #2

  • 30% on Final Exam

Grading Process:

Grading (except for the final exam) is done by a number of class graders, under the direct supervision of the Teaching Fellow(s). If you have an issue with a grade (homework or exam), please contact the Teaching Fellow(s). If your issue is not resolved, then (and only then) please contact me. In doing so, please note that (to ensure fairness and grading consistency) it is seldom the case that the I will overrule a Teaching Fellow.

This class is not graded on a curve, i.e., there is no prescribed proportions for specific grades. This means that if everybody's performance in the class deserves an A, then everybody will get an A. The converse is also true! Therefore, don't be satisfied with an "average" grade because that average could well be less than what you expect.  Being a "gateway" to all other (more advanced) CS "systems" classes, you should expect this class to be competitive. Thus, make sure you work hard from the very beginning.

In previous years, the average grade for this class was around B/B-. The minimum grade for this course to count towards the CS concentration is C.

An instructor is not allowed to give W (withdrawal) grades. One can get such a grade only by dropping this class by the deadline specified by the registrar office for withdrawals with or without a W grade (check the registrar's office calendar for the exact date). Also, an instructor is not allowed to give an I (incomplete) grade except if a student misses completing assignments and/or misses taking tests due to circumstances beyond their control.