Unfair grading?

<p>So I'm currently taking a math course that contains both graduate level math students and undergrad.
Prof has stated that she intends on curving the class the same for both graduate and undergrads. </p>

<p>The issue is that the graduate students all have a considerable amount of experience in the area (entrance into the program requires 2 semesters of probability theory). The undergraduates by and large do not.
The only prerequisite for the course is a basic semester long combined statistics and probability course.</p>

<p>The has shown remarkably in student's performance.
I believe the median for undergrads was around 35 on the last test whereas it was over 70 for the grad students.
All things considered, the professors curve has been pretty generous (35 worked out to around a c+ which is by no means unreasonable).
The issue is that the highest undergrad grade is currently a low B. </p>

<p>Does this sound unreasonable or am I making a big deal out of nothing?</p>

<p>If you can’t handle the work, then why are you taking the class?</p>

<p>I agree with PRiNCESSMAHiNA. I took my fair share of grad level math classes as an undergraduate, and I was always graded by the same standards as the grad students in the course.</p>

<p>To clear up any confusion, this is not a grad level math course.
This is required for an undergrad stats majors. </p>

<p>Due to I’m guessing the size of the stats department at our school, the phd candidates are in the same class and take the same tests as the undergrads. </p>

<p>To avoid future snarky comments, I’ll rephrase the question.
Is it reasonable for the top undergrad student in a course to get a B because 3 or 4 phd candidates scored above the in a course?</p>

<p>Why not? Presumably, you both have access to the same resources. People constantly come into classes with different backgrounds.</p>

<p>While that is most definitely true, I do feel like grad students aren’t exactly on the same level. Perhaps I’m wrong, but in my mind, the expectations for grad students should be greater.
They’ve obviously devoted their lives to mathematics whereas most undergrads have no intention of pursuing it at a higher level.</p>

<p>As a grad student I had to take a math course cross-listed with undergrads as well (required for them). The only difference was I hadn’t taken a math class in four years, never had to do proof-based problems, and hadn’t taken a few of the pre-reqs for the course. I was graded on the same curve as them, got a B, and finished happily.</p>

<p>Why are you asking a bunch of strangers on the internet? Ask the math department of your school.</p>

<p>I’d agree that the grading sounds a bit fishy. When you have courses that have two humps, t he cause should be closely examined.</p>

<p>If it had been a graduate or advanced-topics course, then I’d agree with not taking it if you aren’t ready. However, as a required undergraduate course, the curve does indeed sound unfair.</p>

<p>You should bring up the concern with your professor and escalate it to the department if it’s truly an issue.</p>

<p>At my university, most courses in your situation are graded the following ways:

  • The curve is calculated without graduate students, but everyone is evaluated on the curve.
  • An absolute grading scale is used and grading ranges are adjusted by the prof’s subjective judgment.</p>

<p>Definitely do discuss it with the professor though; it has worked in several of my classes when several students brought up a common concern about these types of grading issues.</p>