CSCI 540 Advanced Database Systems Fall 2013

Grading Policy

40% of your grade will be homework assignments and quizzes. These will be scored as follows:

93-100: A
90-92: A-
87-89: B+
83-86: B
80-82: B-
77-79: C+
73-76: C
70-72: C-
67-69: D+
63-66: D
60-62: D-
0: F

45% of your grade will be based on the quality of your final project paper. You will be assigned a letter grade corresponding numerically to the upper end of the ranges above. These values will then be incorporated into your weighted final grade:

A (100): You produce a PhD level final paper judged by the instructor as suitable for peer-reviewed publication with minor revisions.
A- (92): You produce a PhD level final paper judged by the instructor as suitable for peer-reviewed publication with substantial revisions.
B+ (89): You produce a solid Masters level project paper with a high level of writing quality that the instructor judges does not make a contribution that is significant enough for peer-reviewed publication.
B (86): You produce a solid Masters level project paper with an average level of writing quality that the instructor judges does not make a contribution that is significant enough for peer-reviewed publication.
B-(82): You produce a shaky masters level project paper with an average level of writing quality that the instructor judges does not make a contribution that is significant enough for peer-reviewed publication.
C (76): You produce a substandard project with significant conceptual flaws, and shoddy scholarship.
F (0): No project is submitted, or plagiarism is detected.

15% of your grade will be based on the quality of your oral presentation. The following grades will be assigned with the above numeric values used in calculating your weighted final grade:

A (100): Your ideas are clearly conveyed, you show passion for your project, your PowerPoint visuals are compelling, and you demonstrate command of your subject. You are prepared to speak at a conference.
B (86): You communicate your ideas acceptably, but need significant polish before you are ready to speak at a conference.
C (76): You present a disjoint mess of a presentation.
F (0): You don't show up

If you fall within one percentage point of the next grade higher, I will look at your grade on the final project. If this grade justifies you being in the next higher category, I will give you the next higher grade.

Example

You score an average of 93 on assignments and quizzes, get an A- in your project paper and a B in your oral presentation. Your grade would be calculated as:

(0.40 * 93) + (0.45 * 92) + (0.15 * 86) = 91.15
You would receive an A- grade since your score falls between 90 and 93.