The Physics Department supports all aspects of the Gettysburg
College
Honor
Code. While the general requirements of the Honor Code apply to all
your work, it is important for you to understand what constitutes "authorized
aid" for problem assignments, laboratory work, and computer exercises.
First of all, it is standard practice for physicists to discuss their
work with each other. The Physics Department encourages you to work with
other students, because these interactions are often stimulating and productive.
At the same time, it is very important for you to take responsibility and
credit for your work and not that of others. The guidelines below are intended
to promote a free and stimulating atmosphere, while insuring that the Honor
System functions effectively.
 Problem assignments play a major role in most physics courses. The
problems you submit for correction and grading should represent your own
work. You will want to and should discuss problems with other students,
but you should not show or ask to see any written solutions. Whenever you
have obtained substantial aid in solving a problem, you must acknowledge
this aid. Write out and sign the honor pledge on each assignment that counts
toward a grade.
Laboratory work is often performed by students working together.
Close cooperation between you and your partner(s) is essential. Again,
the Department recognizes help from other students in laboratory work as
"authorized aid". If you and your partner turn in identical laboratory
reports, you will not be accused of cheating. You will, however, receive
a low grade because of your poor scholarship. Signing the Honor Pledge
on a laboratory report means that you were present when the experiment
was performed and that you actively participated in taking data, performing
calculations, and answering questions. Active engagement is how one learns,
and anything short of that is wasting your time, talents, and resources.
Computer assignments follow a pattern not too different from problem
assignments. Variations among courses, however, are extensive enough to
require separate rules for each course. Your responsibility is to be very
sure that you understand and follow the particular rules in each course.
If there is anything you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask your professor,
who is there to guide and assist you in every way possible.
"There can be no greater or lesser mastery
than over oneself" -Leonardo
DaVinci
"In the long run men hit only what they aim at."
-Henry
David Thoreau
"It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain
why you did it wrong." - Henry
Wadsworth Longfellow
Back to
Guide to Physics
/j2
|
