BI 10X is committed to basing grades on achievement of Learning Objectives.

Oregon State University Academic Regulations (AR 17) states "the grade of A denotes exceptional accomplishment; B, superior; C, average; D, inferior; F, failure." The Oregon State University Grading System is a standard 4.0 scale.

BI10X avoids grade inflation by presenting a curriculum that is challenging, fair, and that results in course outcomes and learning objectives being represented by appropriate grades. BI10X grades are a reflection of what someone knows (conceptual understandings) and can do (skills). Grades are not given for effort or attendance, as we anticipate all university students can be expected to put in effort and attend class.

The same grading scheme is used for all students taking BI10X courses. No additional work or grading opportunities are given to specific students, ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to a fair grade. Grading policies and grades are not altered in response to specific student and/or advisor requests.

All BI10X courses are criterion graded, meaning that if the following number of points out of the 200 total points are earned, the indicated grade (barring any extreme circumstances, such as university closures, etc) is guaranteed (see table below). We do not curve, so if a large number of students master the course material, a large number can earn high grades. Students are not competing with each other for grades. The point cut-offs could be lowered if class data indicates that a particular exam question or portfolio assignment was too difficult or poorly worded, which may reflect inadequate teaching or curricular problems. This does not occur frequently, due to thorough proofing of exams and assignments, as well as extensive teaching and curricular preparation.

Points	186	180	174	166	160	154	146	140	134	126	120	<120
Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	D-	F

Note that the average grade in BI103 is higher than BI101 and BI102. Although there is arguably more content covered in BI103, our course data suggests that students who are further along in an academic year (particularly freshmen) have aquired learning skills. The BI10X curricula are designed to teach and reinforce basic learning skills.

BI 10X (BI 101, 102, and 103) is a series of four-credit general biology courses for non-biology majors offered at Oregon State University . Approximately 720-1080 undergraduate students enroll each school year term, primarily to meet baccalaureate core science requirements.