FAQs About MCB 150
What are the goals of MCB 150?
MCB 150: The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life (www.life.uiuc.edu/mcb/150) is offered each
semester to freshmen in the Biological Sciences Program as well as students from other colleges
and disciplines. This course is unique in that while students are exposed to theories of molecular
and cellular biology and modern biological techniques, they are also asked to read about, write
about, and debate with their peers the scientific, social, political, and ethical aspects of
these topics. Students are encouraged to think critically about issues and the sources of information
they use when making personal decisions regarding these topics. Discussion classes in this
course help students develop respect for and understanding of views that are different from
their own. Whenever possible, students are exposed to ethical principles and well-defined standards
which apply to research and other knowledge-building activities including learning and teaching.
Some topics of discussion and debate in MCB 150 are stem cell research, the Human Genome Project,
genetically modified organisms, forensics, and viruses.
What types of exams and assignments will comprise my grade in MCB 150?
There are a total of 1000 points in MCB 150. Sixty percent of these points will come from three
150-point lecture exams and one 150-point final exam. The exams in this course will be in the
multiple-choice format, and will focus on the theory and application of molecular and cellular
biology. Forty percent of these points will come from pre/post lecture questions, LON-CAPA assignments,
written assignments, and points for attendance and participation in discussion. Student scores are entered
on the Web Gradebook for the course and are available at all times via the internet
https://gradebook.atlas.uiuc.edu/courses/mcb150/fall09/index.html
Can I make an appointment with the instructor outside of office hours?
The rule for MCB 150 is that what we do for one student, we must be willing to do for every student.
Therefore, it is not possible to schedule appointments outside of office hours to ask questions
about lectures, or inquire about exam questions. In a course of more than 600 students, there
simply are not enough hours in the week to accommodate every student's request. On the other
hand, there may be times when you would like to speak to the instructor about a topic outside
the realm of lecture material. Mr. Mehrtens is happy to schedule appointments with students
under these circumstances, so please email him at
mehrtens@illinois.edu.
Can I earn honors credit in MCB 150?
MCB 150 is not an honors course in the traditional sense, but honors credit
can be earned through enrollment in the honors section OR the use of Honors
Credit Learning Agreements. The honors section is only available to James
Scholars. The HCLA agreements are only available to James Scholars and
are arranged with the lecturer in the course. See the College of LAS Web
site,
Honors Programs, Honors Credit Learning Agreements section (www.las.uiuc.edu/students/honors/types/james/hcla)
for more details.
Is there a proficiency exam for MCB 150?
MCB 150 will offer a proficiency exam during fall and spring semesters.
The exam will be comprehensive and will be offered during the first two
weeks of the semester. No proficiency exam will be offered during summer
sessions. See the College of LAS Web site,
Advanced Placement and Proficiency Examinations section (www.las.uiuc.edu/students/requirements/special/advancedplacement)
for more details.
If I got a 5 on my AP Bio exam, should I try to skip MCB 150?
We are instructors as well as academic advisors, so we would like to offer
one word of caution. Many students have historically assumed that a good
score on an AP Bio exam means they are ready for MCB 250 or 252, and this
is rarely the case. Even a great high school biology class is still a
high school class, and the jump from MCB 150 to MCB 250 or 252 is an even
larger step than from H.S. to MCB 150. AP biology courses cover many more
topics than we will, in much less detail. You will be exposed to fewer
topics in MCB 150, but in much greater detail. This is true for MCB 250
and 252 to an even greater extreme. So we would suggest that you use your
performance on the proficiency exam as a better yardstick than the AP
Bio test as to your preparedness for the advanced Core Courses in MCB.
And if you're a freshman, you will learn more about just being a college
student and how to excel in college courses this year than you probably
realize, so a year to "prepare" for those very challenging
courses might not be such a bad thing.
Where do I go for help with MCB 150 lecture material and assignments?
Anytime a student feels lost or has questions that have not been answered during regular class
periods, we urge you to do one or more of the following things:
- Visit Mr. Mehrtens during his office hours. These hours are posted on the
MCB 150 Web site under the Instructor Information link. Melissa Reedy, Course
Coordinator (342B Natural History Building; 265-6379; murray@life.illinois.edu)
is also available to answer questions.
- Visit your Teaching Assistant during their office hours. These hours are posted on the MCB
150 Web site under the TA Information link. If you cannot attend your teaching assistants office hours, you are welcome to attend any of the MCB 150 Teaching Assistants during their office hours.
- Make use of the materials available on the MCB 150 Web site and the e-Books for the course,
including detailed lecture notes, Powerpoint Presentations from lecture, animations,
tutorials, and practice exams.
How can I find Mr. Mehrtens' office?
My office is located in Burrill Hall. That outer door says 164, and inside that door are 3 additional doors. The first
one on your right is 164A, the other two doors are D and E. Inside 164A
is a small, carpeted computer room with two additional rooms against the far wall, 164B and 164C. My office is
164C. When I am in my office, I generally have not only my door open but also the door to 164A so you
can get through to my office. If 164A is not open, I'm probably not around. If A is open but
my office door is closed, I may be in my office anyway and you are welcome to knock.
How can I find the MCB Core Curriculum office?
252 Davenport can be a challenging room to find, so we've prepared a map for you
on
this web page.
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