Exam Preparation Notes

Exam Structure and Logistics

• Calculators are permitted, but not programmable ones.

• One A4 page of handwritten notes (both sides) is allowed.

• Scribble paper and three 10-page booklets will be provided.

• The exam is split into four sections, to be answered in the provided booklets.

  • Section 1: Multiple choice questions (answer sheet provided).

  • Sections 2, 3, and 4: Short answer questions (one section per booklet).

• A 40% hurdle is required in the exam to pass the course.

  • If the exam mark is below 40% but the overall course mark is above 50%, a supplementary exam will be offered.

Exam Results

• Students failing the hurdle are typically offered a PX grade if their overall course grade is above 50%, necessitating a supplementary exam.

• The course generally has a low failure rate (5-6 students out of 190 last year, after PX exams).

Exam Content

• All questions are derived from lectures and tutorials.

  • Online lab book, while detailed, contains some content not covered in the course.

Lab Integration

• Lab content may be integrated into exam questions.

Allowed Material

• Double-sided A4 page must be handwritten.

  • Typed printed notes are not allowed.

  • Handwritten notes on an iPad and printed out are allowed.

  • Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis (contact Simon).

• The A4 page serves as a study guide to consolidate key information.

• The A4 page will be reviewed during the exam.

Multiple Choice Section

• Fill in your U number on the multiple choice sheet by shading the corresponding numbers and writing it numerically.

• Use a pencil to fill in the answer.

• Example Question: "Which of the following is the correct order of the electron carriers in the electron transport chain?"

  • Correct Answer: E

• Exam multiple choice questions will focus more on knowledge recall.

Short Answer Sections

• Designed to test knowledge and understanding.

• Section 2 (15 marks): Christina's Lectures

  • Answer three questions out of four.

• Section 3 (20 marks): Simon's Lectures

  • Answer four questions out of five.

• Section 4 (15 marks): Stefan's Lectures

  • Answer three questions.

• Indicate the question number being answered on the script book's front cover.

• Short answer questions vary in difficulty to differentiate knowledge levels.

• Questions directly relate to 1-3 slides from lectures with integration of knowledge across multiple lectures.

Study and Exam Strategies

• Revisit lectures, focusing on summary slides and main takeaways.

• Practice questions in the textbook and other biochemistry resources.

• Review quizzes and understand the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers.

• Anticipate potential exam questions from lecture material.

• Review tutorial questions and materials.

• Utilize the A4 page of notes as a study aid.

• Start with short answer questions to build momentum.

• Use scribble paper during the 15 minutes reading time.

• Answer all multiple choice questions.

• If stuck on a question, move on to maintain momentum.

• Provide any relevant answer, even if incomplete.

• Time management is crucial.

• Only provide one answer per multiple choice question.

• Clearly indicate any changes to multiple choice answers.

• For multiple-choice questions, eliminate obviously incorrect answers to improve chances.

• Write something for every short answer.

• Use dot points if preferred.

• Ensure handwriting is legible.

Course Feedback

• Complete the CELTs feedback form to provide suggestions for course improvement.

• All feedback is read and used to make course adjustments.

• Thanks for your engagement, and good luck with the exam.

Research Opportunities

• Consider research projects such as the Biology Research Project at the Research School of Biology.

  • Involves working in a lab, conducting novel research with PhD students, postdocs, or PIs.