MATH 230: Probability

Grading Components

Grading Policies

Cumulative numerical averages of 90 - 100 are guaranteed at least an A-, 80 - 89 at least a B-, and 70 - 79 at least a C-. The exact ranges for letter grades will be determined after the final exam.

Grades may be curved at the end of the semester. The curve is designed so that it will never lower your final grade (i.e. it can only help). The more evidence there is that the class has mastered the material, the more generous the curve will be.

There will be no make-ups for homeworks or quizzes.

In order to reduce stress and to facilitate learning, we have two weighting schemes for the midterm and final exams. We will calculate each individual's final grade under both weighting schemes and pick the higher one for you automatically. Suppose you didn't do well on the midterm, all hope is not lost. You can make up for it in the final.

Homework policy

We will assign 1-2 homework problems every day. You are encouraged to attempt these problems on the same day that they are assigned. The homework problems for a given week are collectively due on the following Monday at noon on Sakai. Homeworks must be submitted in pdf format. If your submission involves any scans/photos of handwritten homework, make sure your handwriting is clear and legible.

There will 6 homework assignments. The lowest homework score will be dropped.

Each homework question is graded on a 0-4 scale.

• If you get everything correct (up to some minor typos/careless mistakes), you get a 4.

• If you get almost everything correct but made a crucial mistake somewhere, you get a 3.

• If you get the general idea or strategy right, but are missing some components here and there, you get a 2.

• If you gave the problem a reasonable attempt, you get a 1.

• If you don't attempt/submit the problem you get a 0.

Late work will receive no credit. The homeworks are turned in on Sakai. The grades for these are on Sakai under Gradebook.

Exams

The midterm and final exams are online examinations that last 70 minutes each (allocate 60 minutes for completing the exam, 10 minutes for printing and uploading the exam on Sakai). They are open-book and open-notes, but you are not allowed to consult any person (other than the teaching staff of this course) or the internet during the examination. More details will be announced in class.

Quizzes

The quizzes will be completed at the beginning of class every day via Sakai.

The daily quizzes consist of around around 3 to 5 simple and quick conceptual True or False and multiple choice questions. They are meant to help you assess your own conceptual understanding of the materials, so that you can identifiy any weaknesses and rectify them immediately. They are graded based on completion. As long as you show up to class everyday and give a reasonable effort at the quizzes, you will receive full credit.

Math Help Room

The Math summer help room will be up and running starting Wednesday, May 11th and running through June 22nd. The help room provides drop-in tutoring for all students taking math courses this summer. There are four help room TAs. Two will be in person in 150 Physics, and two will hold their hours via Zoom. The schedule is attached below.

HR Schedule: https:docs.google.comspreadsheetsde2PACX-1vSUJsNuOwZ9T-726aPsANMIpSZcKguNc0J3DnyUdl8l2jnDi-PBOyjmVBdM1GTQZy4FXX16nh1JImxJ/pubhtml?gid=503555093&single=true

Diversity & inclusiveness

The Duke University Community Commitment states:

“Because diversity is essential to fulfilling the university’s mission, Duke is committed to building an inclusive and diverse university community. Every student, faculty, and staff member —whatever their race, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage or nationality; religious or political beliefs; sexual orientation or gender identity; or socioeconomic, veteran or ability status—has the right to inclusion, respect, agency and voice in the Duke community. Further, all members of the University community have a responsibility to uphold these values and actively foster full participation in university life.”

Academic Integrity

Duke University is a community dedicated to scholarship, leadership, and service and to the principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and accountability. Citizens of this community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic and non-academic endeavors, and to protect and promote a culture of integrity. Remember the Duke Community Standard that you have agreed to abide by: To uphold the Duke Community Standard:

• I will not lie, cheat, or steal in my academic endeavors

• I will conduct myself honorably in all my endeavors

• I will act if the Standard is compromised.

Cheating on exams and quizzes, plagiarism on homework assignments and projects, lying about an illness or absence and other forms of academic dishonesty are a breach of trust with classmates and faculty, violate the Duke Community Standard, and will not be tolerated. Such incidences will result in a 0 grade for all parties involved as well as being reported to the Office of Student Conduct. Additionally, there may be penalties to your final class grade. Please review Duke’s Academic Dishonesty policies.

Accommodations

Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Student Disability Access Office at (919) 668-1267 as soon as possible to better ensure that such accommodations can be made.Excused Absence Students who miss graded work due to a scheduled varsity trip, religious holiday or short-term illness should fill out an online NOVAP, religious observance notification or short-term incapacitation notification form respectively. If you are faced with a personal or family emergency or a long-range or chronic health condition that interferes with your ability to attend or complete classes, you should contact your academic dean’s office. See more information on policies surrounding these conditions here, and your academic dean can provide more information as well.

Regrade requests

Regrade requests must be made within three days of when a report is returned. These will be honored if points were tallied incorrectly, or if you feel part of your report is correct, but it was marked wrong. No regrade will be made to alter the number of points deducted for an issue. When a regrade request is evaluated, if new errors are identified, additional points may be deducted from the grade. The last day to file a grade change request is June 21.