3/25/08: Test and class results

Here is the histogram for final class scores, based on all tests and assignments. The mean is 80, standard deviation is 10. I used these scores to assign letter grades, generally bumping folks up half a grade from a standard scale if there was evidence of consistent attendance and completion of all assignments, improvement on tests, or other indicators of strong effort or engagement.

Here is the histogram for final exam. The mean was 148 (74%) and the standard deviation was 22 points. The distribution is bimodal, with about half the class having mastered many of the topics about which questions were asked, and the rest of the group struggling with one or more topics. Most folks turned in their tests early, so I think that this test gives a good sense of how the class stands as a whole. Many of those who did not do well on the test did better on the assignments, which helped with final grades (see graph above, note the shift in the overall distribution to the right).

Here is the histogram for midterm exam. The mean was 73 and the standard deviation was 8 points. Although this test was a bit long for the time available, it gave a good sense of where the class was with respect to the main concepts. Based on results from the final, I'm not sure that more time would have helped most people very much.

Text books and error in the reader

I talked to the bookstore people - there are PLENTY of copies of the required text. Please get it by class tomorrow, Friday 1/11/08.

There is an error in one paper in the reader that will cause confusion if not corrected:

The equation on p. 9 of the paper by Lee and Cherry (p. 72 of the reader) is INCORRECT. The numerator of the main equation should end with this:

......(1 + mL/D)²)^0.5]

Please update your copy of the reader!!!

Welcome to Eart146: Ground Water

Please attend class during the first week to be sure that you are registered and have a space, as this class is chronically over-subscribed and there will be limits placed on the size of the main class and the labs.

Earth and Planetary Sciences 146, Ground Water, is a quantitatively demanding class covering saturated and unsaturated fluid flow, well hydraulics, resource evaluation and development, an introduction to modeling, field techniques, geochemistry, and contaminant transport and remediation. The class comprises 3.5 hours of lecture and one three-hour lab session per week. Students were evaluated on the basis of eight home work assignments, eight laboratory exercises, a field trip, midterm and final examinations, a final paper and class presentation, and preparation for and participation in class and lab sessions.

Eart116 (Hydrology) and Earth146 (Ground Water) are normally taught in Winter in alternating years. Andy Fisher will teach Eart146 (Ground Water) in Winter 2008 and Eart116 (Hydrology) in Winter 2009. These courses share about 25% of the same content. Hydrology uses algebra and a bit of calculus whereas Ground Water uses calculus and differential equations.

Please watch this space for announcements and other news...

Eart146 syllabus