Course information: Clickers, Tutorials,Exam Structure & Grades

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COURSE INFORMATION:  This a 3 credit course designed around active learning.  It is also a natural science elective.

This "flavor" of MCDB 1150 uses on-line notes & readings, in-class tutorials, "clicker"-based questions (and discussions) and to help you learn the basic concepts of modern biology.

exclaim This course may be different
from what you are be used to.
  • There is no textbook.  All study materials are on the course web site. If you must have a text book, we can recommend some useful references .
  • You are expected to have read and worked through the study materials before class;
    a substantial percentage of your grade     depends upon it.
  • Class time is used primarily for questions, discussion, and tutorials – not for conventional lecturing.
  • You will be expected to answer questions and explain concepts in class.
  • Class participation counts toward your final grade (if you are not in class, you cannot participate, obviously).
 
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CLICKERS:  You are required to purchase and register an iClicker; clickers are on sale at the bookstore. 

We will start using clickers beginning with the second class period. We will use them extensively to evaluate your preparation for class period, to identify concepts that are proving difficult, and as part of in class learning exercises. 

10% of your grade will be based on in class participation. 

 
TUTORIALS:  
Would will be expected to hand in your tutorial responses at the beginning of each class. Tutorial responses will count for 10% of your final course grade.
Thinking about these questions will help prepare you to learn (like stretching exercises!).
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EVALUATION (GRADES) : Your grade is determined by four independent measures. 

  1. Preparation, in class participation and tutorials. 20% of your grade will come from responses to clicker questions, tutorial assignments, and other in class participation.
  2. Exams:  You exam score will account for 80% of your grade. We have 4 exams over the course of the semester.  You will also have an opportunity to take up to three "I Know It Now" (IKIN) exams during the final.  Each IKIN exam will be worth a maximum of 20 points. Points from these exams will be added to your previous midterm score.  Exams are not curved. 

Summary: A > 90%, A- > 85% B > 80%, B- > 75, C+ > 70 C > 60% D> 50%. F < 50%
 
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Exam structure: 

We use a rather different type of exam.  You score the maximum number of points for a confidently correct answer, and you loose the maximum number of points for a confidently incorrect answer.  For midterms, you can admit that you do not know that answer, and so avoid negative points. In many cases, it is possible to get full points by clarifying the assumptions behind your answers.

 
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