CSE131 Grading Policy

We recognize that students enter CSE131 with a wide variety of backgrounds. Therefore, CSE131 strives for a non-competetive learning environment. Our aim is to help you learn, not filter you out. To avoid putting you in competition with your classmates, we will not compare students in the determination of grades for CSE131. No "means" are used and there are no "curves."

Your semester letter grade will depend upon

Your average quiz score
The number of module lab assignments you have completed
The extensions you have completed

as described below.

Quizzes

Almost every module has a quiz that will be given in class, as shown on the course calendar and syllabus. Each module includes practice problems so you can prepare for the quiz. Also, help and recitation sessions are available, as described on the first day of class.

Each quiz is graded on a 100-point scale. Your quiz score average is computed, using 0 for quizzes not taken, and that average is a bound on the best grade you can earn in this course.

If you did poorly on a quiz and you meet the specified conditions (see attendance policy), then you may take or retake quizzes at the announced quiz make-up sessions around midterm and during finals.

The following table states the best grade you can obtain in this course, based on the average of your quiz scores:

Grade	Minimum Avg Quiz Score
A	90
B	80
C	70
D	60

Note that the quiz score does not guarantee you the specified grade! You must meet the requirements below concerning completed module labs and earned extension points.

Module Labs and Extension Points

This course is organized as a sequence of modules. The labs and extension points are graded simply on a demo and pass/fail basis. Most modules include tests that you can run yourself so you can know whether you will pass or fail the given assignment when you commit your solutions.

Each extension is worth a stated number of points. An extension of average difficulty is generally valued at 5 points. You can choose how to earn extension points, by solving the easier or harder problems.

As allowed by your average quiz score (see above), your semester letter grade in this course is determined by the following table:

To earn this grade... complete this many modules... and earn this many extension points...

A 10 40

B 9 30

C 8 20

D 7 0

To earn this grade...	complete this many modules...	and earn this many extension points...
A	10	40
B	9	30
C	8	20
D	7	0

Modules 0 and 11 do not count toward the above module tally

A module is complete based on its lab and studio components:

If the module has a studio component, then you must have participated in the studio and cleared by a TA.
A module's lab component is complete if it passes our automatic tests and been cleared by (i.e., demonstrated to) a TA.
Labs are due as specified on the course calendar and syllabus. You are given a certain number of late lab coupons as specified in the late policy.

Extensions can be submitted at any of the following times:

At the time you demo/submit the module related to the extension.
During any of the extensions fests that are held during the semester. These are shown on the course calendar and syllabus.

There is no required midterm or final exam. However, during the midterm and final exam periods, make-up quizzes will be given for those who are eligible and wish to take them.

Strive to do a high quality job on the work that you turn in. The +/- part of your course grade will be based on the quality of your work and the quality of your class participation.

Pass/fail option: If you are taking CSE131 on a pass/fail (or credit/no-credit) basis, then the requirements for a C in the above tables are the minimum requirements for passing.