Policy
Policies
Grading
The grade that a student receives in this class will be based on the following categories. All percentages are approximate and may change during the academic semester.
| Category | Percentage | Assessment metric |
|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | 10% | check mark grade |
| Exams | 20% | letter grade |
| Lab Assignments | 40% | letter grade |
| Final Project | 30% | letter grade |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Scale
| Letter | Range | Letter | Range | Letter | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 96 - 100 | A- | 90 - 95.9 | ||
| B+ | 87 - 89.9 | B | 83 - 86.9 | B- | 80 - 82.9 |
| C+ | 77 - 79.9 | C | 73 - 76.9 | C- | 70 - 72.9 |
| D+ | 67 - 69.9 | D | 63 - 66.9 | F | 59.9 and below |
Definitions of Grading Categories
- Class Participation: Active participation during class sessions, including questions, exercises, presentations, and leading discussions.
- Exams: Cover material in their associated module(s). Dates are announced at least one week in advance.
- Laboratory Assignments: Explore concepts, tools, and techniques in bioinformatics. Assignments may be completed in teams and may require presentations or demonstrations.
- Final Project: A complete bioinformatics solution to a specific problem. Details are provided approximately two months before finals.
Assignment Submission
We will use GitHub Classroom to collect assignments. It is expected that you can use git to submit your work. Ask peers, Technology Leaders, or the instructor if you need help.
All assignments have a due date and are submitted at the beginning of the lab session. Late submissions are accepted for up to one week with a 15% penalty and must be submitted at the beginning of the session one week after the due date.
Extensions
No assignments are accepted after the late deadline without prior arrangements. If you request an extension, email the instructor before the due date with a valid reason. Extensions are 24 hours and are granted at the instructor’s discretion.
The submission of homework includes the Honor Code pledge. Group assignments require a one-page reflection describing each member’s contribution.
Extenuating Circumstances
If circumstances interfere with your ability to prepare for class or complete assignments, contact the instructor immediately. You may also find these campus resources helpful:
Communication
We will use email, Discord, and the GitHub issue tracker. Install the Discord app to receive timely updates.
The course website stores the syllabus, schedule, and information about the classDocs/ repository. Grades are communicated through a Gradebook GitHub repository.
Bring Your Own Computer
The Department of Computer Science does not provide student machines. Bring a wifi-ready device to class. If the class meets online, make sure your system supports Zoom and other required services.
You will be asked to install software during the semester, including:
Special Needs and Disability Services
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires reasonable accommodations. Students who need accommodations are encouraged to contact Disability Services at 332-2898. Disability Services is part of the Learning Commons in Pelletier Library.
Honor Code
The Academic Honor Program applies to all work submitted for academic credit and includes examinations, laboratory assignments, and the final project. Each student acknowledges the Honor Code pledge:
I hereby recognize and pledge to fulfill my responsibilities, as defined in the Honor Code, and to maintain the integrity of both myself and the College community as a whole.
Discussing work with classmates is encouraged, but submitting work identical to others is a violation. More information is available at the Maytum Center for Student Success.