Grades Explained
The grades you achieve at Macquarie University are descriptive rather than numeric. They range from High Distinction to Fail, and are officially defined in the Handbook (pg 154). We set assessments, as well as conditions on your performance (attendance, completion, etc), to help us decide which of these descriptive grades applies to your work for the entire unit.
A number also appears on your results. This number is known as the Standardised Numerical Grade (SNG). The SNG gives you an indication of how you have performed within the band for your descriptive grade.
As the SNG is the result of scaling the weighted sum of your raw marks, you won't be able to:
(a) work out your exam mark based on the assignment marks you already
know and the SNG
(b) determine that you were "one mark away" from a different
grade.
Read on to find out more about:
:: What Your Grade Means
:: How We Decide Your Grade
:: Making the Most of the Assessment Process
:: Appealing Your Grade
What Your Grade Means
The grades you achieve at Macquarie University are descriptive rather than numeric. They range from High Distinction to Fail, and are officially defined in the Handbook(pg 154), as follows:
HD High Distinction which denotes work of outstanding quality. This may be demonstrated in areas such as criticism, logical argument, interpretation of materials or use of methodology. This grade may also be awarded to recognise a high order of originality or creativity in student performance; D Distinction which denotes work of superior quality in the same areas of performance as above. This grade may also be awarded to recognise particular originality or creativity in student performance; Cr Credit which denotes work of predominantly good quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of content together with efficient organisation, selectivity and use of techniques; P Pass which denotes a clear pass and satisfactory achievement of unit objectives; PC Conceded Pass which denotes a pass which is marginal; F Fail which denotes that a candidate has failed to complete a unit satisfactorily.
How We Decide Your Grade
We set assessments and conditions on your performance (attendance, completion, etc) to help us decide which of these descriptive grades applies to your work for the entire unit.
The process of assigning descriptive grades starts with the raw marks you've achieved for your assessments. We combine your raw marks from assessments into a weighted sum. The weighted sums for the whole class are ranked, and compared with rankings for the same unit in previous years and across other units in the current semester to check for consistency. This process of comparison allows us to identify any unusual influences on class performance that might warrant the weighted sums of marks being scaled to compensate.
After the decision to scale has been made, we determine the numerical cut-offs for each descriptive grade. We take into account the guidelines established by the University's Senate, which provides broad parameters for the proportions of each grade type that can be assigned to a class.
When you receive your results you will notice there is a number next to the descriptive grade you've achieved. This number is known as the Standardised Numerical Grade (SNG). We determine the SNG to match your descriptive grade by standardising the weighted sums of raw marks to match standard scores out of 100, as follows:
HD 85-100 D 75-84 Cr 65-74 P 50-64 PC 45-49 F 0-44
The SNG gives you an indication of how you have performed within the
band for your descriptive grade. As the SNG is the result of scaling the
weighted sum of your raw marks, you won't be able to:
(a) work out your exam mark based on the assignment marks you already
know and the SNG
(b) determine that you were "one mark away" from a different
grade.
It is our professional responsibility as your teachers to assign you
a descriptive grade that accurately reflects your performance in a unit.
Our grading decisions are subject to scrutiny from our academic colleagues
within the Department, as well as within the Division. Grades for each class
are then examined and approved by the University Senate, before your individual
grades are released to you.
Making the Most of the Assessment Process
We encourage you to seek feedback on your performance from your lecturers and Unit Convenor throughout the semester. Use your assignment marks and feedback to improve your performance and work towards the grade you want to achieve for the unit.
Once you have received your final results, we will provide you with a histogram of class performance so you can compare your efforts with the rest of your peers. If it's of interest, you can also request a discussion with your Unit Convenor on your exam or overall performance.
Appealing Your Grade
If you are uncertain about your final grade, please discuss it with your Unit Convenor as soon as possible. You must follow strict methods and deadlines to establish a formal appeal, which includes first speaking with your Unit Convenor. The University will only allow an appeal against your grade on procedural grounds.