FAQ's
Grading/Extra Credit
Is this course curved?
Probably not. We prefer a straight scale to allow as many people as possible to receive an “A” (with a curve, only a fixed percentage of the course will receive an “A”). If, however, the median of the final course grade drops below a 75%, we will adjust grades upwards for all students to raise the median score. We have never had to do this.
Is this {particular exam/final} curved?
No. Every point earned during the semester is equivalent to every other point.
Am I required to do any of the extra credit?
No.
Can I make-up missed extra credit?
Although you can’t make up any particular extra credit assignment, we do allow several opportunities throughout the semester to make up points.
Exams
How do I schedule a conflict exam?
Contact the Course Coordinator, Tracey Hickox, by email.
I need to see my scantron, because I think it was graded incorrectly.
Contact the Course Coordinator, Tracey Hickox, by email.
What if I have a really, really, really good reason for missing an exam?
If a student misses one of the six exams for any reason, the missing score will be dropped at the end of the semester and the remaining 5 scores will be used to calculate the final grade. If you miss more than one exam, you must contact Tracey Hickox within 24hours of your absence to discuss your options.
Discussion
Can I make-up a missed discussion section?
Yes, with the following limitations: the discussion section can only be made up within the same week, and you must have the permission of your TA BEFORE you attend another section. Please note that only TAs schedule discussion section make-ups: DO NOT contact the professors or the Course Coordinator with a request about a discussion section make-up.
If you are not able to make-up a discussion, you are still responsible for any material covered, assignments, or announcements that occurred during discussion. You need to contact your TA within 24 hours to receive information on what you missed.
I think my TA does things a little differently from other TAs. Is this a problem?
Each TA uses his or her own teaching strengths to convey the material to you, and each has a unique personal style. In this course, TAs are granted the independence to run their classes as they choose. Pay attention to the TA policy statement you were given on the first day your discussion section met. Tracey Hickox carefully monitors TA grading to make sure that grading is consistent among sections.
Lecture/Readings
Should I read the assigned pages in the textbook before or after lecture?
Both. Your professors recommend a reading of the chapter prior to lecture, so that you can anticipate the topics to be discussed, and answer the pre-lecture quizzes (PLQs). After the lecture, read the chapter carefully, highlighting the themes and examples used in lecture. Some students bring their textbook to class and mark the figures shown so that they know what to emphasize in their studying.
Are the lecture slides posted on the course web site?
Selected lecture slides and a lecture outline are posted on the web site after each lecture as a courtesy. Do not expect that the entire presentation will be posted. The professors feel it is very important for you to attend lecture and to learn to take useful lecture notes.
Miscellaneous
I’m a James Scholar. Can I take IB150 for Honors credit?
Yes. Announcements concerning Honors Credit will be posted on the course web page. Tracey Hickox will assign and grade projects and approve EHCLA forms. Please contact Tracey with any questions concerning Honors Credit.
Do I have to take IB 151?
Not if you are planning to major in biology (either IB or MCB). IB 151 is designed for non-major students who need a biology course with a lab component to meet requirements for graduation or post-graduate program. If you have questions, contact Tracey Hickox.