Evaluation and grading
The evaluation and grading criteria of the course are presented below. Approximately 50% of the points in each part of the course are required for passing the course. The final grade is based on the total number of points (100).
---------------------------- Part I -------------------------------------------
Evaluation is based on these two individual contributions:
- assignments (5 assignments, max 6 points per assignments => max 30 points; 60% of the total grade from Part I)
- the final assignment (max 20 points; 40% of the total grade from Part I)
=> Maximum points from Part I is 50 points. Approximately 50% of points are required for passing the course.
Assignments are mostly data analysis of space instruments and descriptions of how the used instruments work. The assignment will be given on Wednesdays and they must be returned to MyCourses by Friday next week at 12:00.
The final assignments is the last assignment which is a comprehensive work based on the five short assignments. It will be a summary work based on the expertise obtained and topics analyzed at individual specific assignments.
---------------------------- Part II -------------------------------------------
Evaluation is based on individual and group contributions:
- assignments
- project reports and presentations in groups
- self- and peer-assessment.
Assignments are individually written essays of approximately 2 to 3 pages (A4, normal font size and line spacing) that elaborate on teaching session topics. They are returned to MyCourses within one week from the session. (Definition of an essay on this course: a formal short piece of writing on a particular subject; an article; a short scientific paper.)
Students work on a project in groups. Groups write a project report and prepare a project presentation. The report should include a brief introduction and background section, the main findings and conclusions, and particularly the arguments why certain solutions were chosen. The length of the report is expected to be 5 to 10 pages (A4, normal font size and line spacing). Instructions concerning the presentations will be given later.
Self- and peer-assessment are done in the form of questions and/or multiple-choice questionnaires at the end of the project work. In self-assessment the student evaluates his or her own performance on the course. In peer-assessment the students evaluate the performance of their group members and the team work in general.
The maximum number of points is 50 according to the following table. All contributions must be completed, and approximately 50% of points are required for passing the course.
| Student contribution |
Points | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Assignments | 5 x 5 = 25 in total |
5 assignments, maximum of 5 points each. |
| Project report and presentation | 2 x 10 = 20 in total |
Each group member receives the same amount of points, depending on the quality of the group effort. |
| Self- and peer-assessment | 5 |
Points are given for the quality of the assessment. If a particularly
low (<2) or high (>4) peer evaluation is given to a student, this
has the potential of lowering or increasing the final course grade (i.e. do not be lazy in your group). |
COURSE GRADES