The exact set of assessments, and the weights as a part of the course grade, are determined semester-by-semester by the course coordinator. In particular, please note that the model indicated below is not guaranteed to be that for the current term; if you are enrolled in Math 116 this semester, please see your Canvas course page for the authoritative description of the course assessment in your course.
Course Assessment has historically included some combination of the following:
- Midterm Exams and a Final
- Gateway Assessments, which are repeatable assessment opportunities that occur throughout the semester
- Web Homework, including work to prepare for class,
- Section Classwork, which may include Team Homework, which is worked on by groups of students, Quizzes, and other work in class.
We consider these in greater detail below.
Assessment Descriptions and Sample Weights
The descriptions and course-grade weights here are representative, but may not reflect the course as offered in any given semester! For actual course information, consult the current course coordinator or Canvas course site.
| Course Component | Description | Typical Course Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm(s) and a cumulative Final | These are hand-written assessments that provide students the opportunity to demonstrate deep conceptual understanding of the course material, and some of the background mathematical skills that students learn in the course. Sample exams are available in ExamShops. | Midterm 1: 20% Midterm 2: 25% Final: 30% |
| Integrals Gateway | This is an assessment that students can take as many times as needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material. Students can practice the assessment as many times as they like, and then must take the assessment in a proctored lab and get at least six of the seven problems correct there to get credit for the gateway. Gateways may be retaken as many times as needed (with a limit of two attempts per day) before the deadline to get credit. | 5% |
| Web Homework | There are regular web homework assignments for Math 116. These assignments are provided to help students gain a baseline understanding of the course material and expected skills and calculations, and to direct reading and learning before class. | Reading homework (due before class): 5% Section assignments (due ~1 week after class): 10% |
| Section Component | The section component comprises the parts of the course assessed by the instructor of your section, such as quizzes and team homework. | 5% |
At the end of the semester, after all the above scores have been calculated, a course scale is created, and used to convert your numerical score into a letter grade. After this letter grade is determined, students who did not pass the Entrance Gateway incur a penalty of one third of a letter grade (e.g. from B- to C+ or from C+ to C). The course scale takes into account the difficulty of all three exams from the semester. It is important to note the course scale for Math 116 is typically significantly more generous than a “traditional high school scale” (90% or above for an A, 80% or above for a B, etc.).
