Lab Grading Information

  • An overall grade on a \(100\) point scale will be reported to Professor Msall.
  • Lab Write-Up grades count for \(70\%\) of the total.
  • Your Lab Grade Interviews count for \(30\%\) of the total.

Lab Write-Up

Lab Write-Ups are due by 5:00 PM EST on the Saturday of the week in which the Lab is assigned.  They are graded by your lab instructor. We use a ✓ +, , ✓ – scheme in this course with the following criteria:

  • All data recorded neatly and with proper units
  • All equations written in proper form; solve for the desired variable on the left-hand side of the equation before substituting numerical values
  • Complete and correct sample calculations with units
  • Complete and correct error reporting and error propagation
  • All final values reported with correct units, significant figures, and uncertainty
  • All graphs are large, legible, and titled. Axes are properly labeled. Error bars are shown. Points used to calculate slopes are marked.
  • All questions answered correctly showing clear evidence of understanding of the lab material covered.
  • Neatness

✓ +

  • All of the above criteria met

  • Questions are answered but with some lack of understanding of the lab material
  • Minor errors in format, units, sample calculations, uncertainty, etc.
  • Lack of neatness

✓ –

  • Major errors in answered questions that indicated a lack of understanding of the lab material
  • Omitted answers to questions
  • Major errors in format, units, sample calculations, uncertainty, etc.
  • Lack of neatness

If you have questions about how ✓ +, , and ✓ – grades are converted to numerical grades, please ask your lab instructor for details.

Lab Grade Interviews

The Lab Grade Interviews will take place live through Zoom and last about 10 minutes.  The Lab Grade Interviews are a chance for you to explain why you found some aspect of a Lab or Labs particularly interesting, frustrating, or whatever.  The Lab Instructor may ask you some follow-up questions.  The Lab Grade Interviews are also an opportunity for you to practice your oral communication skills when it come to presenting technical information.

This semester there will be two Lab Grade Interviews, each worth \(15\%\) of the final lab grade.

  • The dates of the Interviews are listed on the Lab Schedule.  Individual scheduling, the extent of material coverage, and other details of the Interviews will be announced in advance of the Interviews.
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