Exam

Biol 213: Genetics (Fall 2000)
Exams

How to Prepare for Exams
Nature of Exams
When, Where
Answer Keys
Back to: Genetics Home, Course at a glance?

Nature of Exams & How to Prepare for Them: Let us be clear on this. If you spend every waking moment extracting the last drop of meaning from the text and are able to cite chapter and verse on every word we have uttered in class... you will probably do poorly on the exams. If, on the other hand, you spend your time contemplating extraterrestrial life forms or playing volleyball on the beach, but have somehow managed to figure out how to solve the problems on the problem sets,... you will probably do very well on the exams.

Don't misunderstand. Sweat beats raw intelligence in this class as in most situations, but there's good sweat and bad sweat. Hours of work asborbing the text like it's Holy Writ will get you no place. Hours of work piecing together concepts to solve problems (and figuring out those concepts well enough to use them) will get you every place.

The exams are open book, open notes, open anything-you-like, so long as you are not in communication with another living being. But DO NOT FALL INTO A TRAP! The book is not likely to do you much good at the time of the exam. Your notes on the problem sets and certain information from this Web page and your course packet are much more likely to be useful.

Nature of Exams
Each exam will consist of the following components:

One or more survey questions: soliciting your view on how the course is working so that we may make adjustments
Questions taken from the problem sets: disguised to a minor extent, conditions changed so that the answers aren't the same
Questions inspired from research papers we assign (Exam 3): We will provide guidance when the time comes as to what we're after
Summary of research paper you find (Exam 2): You will find a paper and write a summary, as described elsewhere
Occasional opportunities for extra credit: Perhaps of an artistic nature, perhaps exercising your ethical capacities

In addition, you will receive one point for every quiz you have turned in during the period covered by the exam. Quizes are offered prior to each class (except problem sessions) and must be turned in prior to the class, no later than 7:00 A.M.

When?

Exam I: Monday 25 September 7:00 P.M.
Exam II: Monday 23 October 7:00 P.M.
Exam III: Monday 13 November 7:00 P.M.
Exam IV (a normal exam, not a comprehensive final):

(Section 1) Thursday 14 Dec, 2:00 P.M.

(Section 2) Saturday 16 Dec, 2:00 P.M.

We recognize that some of you have schedule conflicts with Monday night exams. If you know that you can't make an exam time, tell us in advance, as soon as you know, so we can make alternative arrangements.

Where?

The auditorium is no place to work. Since rooms are more available at night, we've arranged nicer accomodations for you. Click here for room assignments.

Exam Keys:
Suggested answers to exam questions will be posted at this site as soon as possible after everyone has taken the exam. To find them, click on Exams at the main menu. If you think your own answer is underappreciated, then you are invited to send one of us a cogent argument (with citations as appropriate) outlining your position.This should be done in writing or by e-mail.

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