Text

Campbell, N., Biology: Concepts and Connections (4th ed), Benjamin/Cummings, 2002.

Grading

§ The grade you earn in this class is based entirely on your performance relative to your classmates on the 4 exams (i.e., I grade on a curve). Each exam is worth 50 points.

§ The exam format is multiple-choice. You will need a Form 882 Scantron (short form) and a #2 pencil for each exam. I prepare the exam questions from my lecture notes. Your text is an important back up for the lecture material; use it to expand and help you understand the lecture material. I can also help you; so make use of my office hours. If you miss a lecture, be sure to get the notes. It is your responsibility to know of any changes to the scheduled lecture topics, reading assignments or exam dates announced in class.

§ Make up exams, if necessary, must be arranged with me; they are 100% essay. If you miss an exam due to illness or an emergency, you must contact me by phone or email no later than the day after the exam with your excuse. There is no possibility to take the final exam at anytime other than the scheduled one

§ Exam scores will posted by SS# with student permission

Prerequisites

Concurrent registration in Biology 100L (recommended)

Administrative Details

§ The University deadline for adds and drops is Monday, February 2. After that date, it will require a “serious and compelling reason” with documentation to late-drop the class.

§ According to University policy, incompletes are reserved for students who, for some sound reason, cannot complete the course requirements (eg., the final exam). Incompletes must be negotiated between the student and the instructor before the final exam. Enrolled students who do not take any exams will receive a U (counts as an F if withdrawal not official). An exam not made up (or not permitted due to a “lame” excuse) will result in a zero for the missed exam.

§ The lowest grade that a C/NC student can receive and still get credit is a “C”

§ The lowest passing grade for the course is a “D-“

§ Cheating will not be tolerated. Anyone caught in the act of cheating will receive a zero for that exam. To avoid any suspicion, keep your eyes on your own paper!

Formula for Passing the Course

• Attend lectures regularly, take detailed notes, and obtain notes for any missed lectures promptly.
• Keep up with the reading as we go.
• Learn the material as we go (i.e., don’t wait until the review session or the night before the exam). Use techniques such as recopying your lecture notes, annotating them with material from the book, answering questions at the end of chapters, etc. See the instructor early about material you don’t understand.
• Take the practice exams