How Grades are Calculated - Oceanography

Point scores for each graded item are converted to a Grade Point (GP) scale, and to an equivalent letter grade to facilitate assignment of overall course grades.  Exam scores may be curved, at the discretion of the instructor (Grade points reported on WebCT already include the effect of a curve, if any).  The scale for the in-class activity grade points and exam grade points are listed below.
 

An in-class activity score of:

4

3

2

1

0

Is worth a GP of:

4

3

2

1

0

Grade Points (GP) of:

4.30
to
4.50

3.70
to
4.29

3.50
to
3.69

3.30
to
3.49

2.70
to
3.29

2.50
to
2.69

2.30
to
2.49

1.70
to
2.29

1.50
to
1.69

1.30
to
1.49

0.70
to
1.29

0.50
to
0.69

0.00
A letter grade of: A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F

Your overall grade for the course is calculated based on a weighted average of you two highest midterm GPs, your final exam GP, and the GPs from your in-class activities, as follows,

   Course grade points    =    0.26*(Sum of two highest midterm GPs) + 0.36*(Final Exam GPs) + 0.15*(Average of in-class activity GPs)

At the end of the semester, your course grade points is converted to a letter grade (using the table above) and reported on the official University grading scale, which will include pluses and minuses for the first time in Fall 2005.  Students who never attend or who stop attending will receive grades of NF or SF in accordance with University policy.

 

Example:  Nemo's class grades were as follows...
Midterm 1    =    3.47 grade points (a B+, but very close to a A-, keep trying Nemo!)
Midterm 2    =    3.80 grade points (an A!  way to go Nemo!)
Midterm 3    =    2.20 grade points (a C, but Nemo had two other exams the same day - it's a good thing Nemo will drop this exam!)
In-class activity scores = 4.0, 3.0, 4.0, 3.5, 3.5, 3.75, 4.0,0.0  (an A, B, A, A-, A-, A, A,F - Nemo missed the last activity because he overslept - be sure to set your clock Nemo!)
Average in-class activity score =  3.17
Final exam  =    3.95 grade points (an A! nice job Nemo!)
Nemo's course grade points = 0.26*(3.47 + 3.80) + 0.36*(3.95) + 0.15*(3.17= 3.79
Nemo's grade for the course is...  an A!  Bet you know a lot about the ocean now Nemo!

Graphic:  Two-banded clown fish - Amphiprion bicinctus in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea.  Mr. Mohammed Al Momany, photographer, courtesy of NOAA.