Lab Exam 1

Introduction to Exam Instructions

  • The instructor is addressing students prior to an upcoming exam on Wednesday.

Importance of Following Instructions

  • Warning: Students are instructed that failure to follow instructions will result in failure on the exam.

  • Historical Context: Half of students failed the first lab exam in previous years; despite varying grades (A's, B's, C's) among the successful group.

Prerequisites

  • Life Science Requirement: Students are required to have two years of life sciences, which may include:

    • K103 course

    • High school biology courses (standard or AP).

  • Students without this background are considered at risk for the exam.

Structure of the Exam

  • Exam Format: 53 questions, primarily fill-in-the-blank without a word bank.

  • Timing: Students are instructed to arrive by 10:25 am. The exam begins sharply at a predetermined time.

  • Seating Arrangements:

    • Row Assignments:

      • Row 1: Seats 1-6

      • Row 2: Seats 1-6

      • Row 3: Seats 1-6

      • Row 4: Seats 1-6

      • Row 5: Seats 1-6

  • Additional Stations: If attendance exceeds 30, additional standing stations will be provided.

Device Policy

  • All devices must be turned off except for specific instances such as a birth control alarm.

  • If an alarm goes off, students must excuse themselves promptly and quietly return to their seats.

Late Arrivals

  • Zero Policy: Students arriving late will receive a zero.

  • Knocking on the Door: Instructions on consequences for knocking:

    • First knock: Ignored

    • Second knock: "Go away"

    • Third knock: Instructor will react aggressively, emphasizing that being late is unacceptable.

Exam Procedure

  • Question Navigation:

    • Students shall begin with questions 1-8, and are instructed not to talk or wander eyes during the exam.

    • After the first questions, students will have to rotate through stations within a specific timeframe, moving according to verbal cues.

  • Moving Between Stations: Students will have 1 minute and 15 seconds at each station to complete their assessments.

  • Final Review Period: After completing the exam, students will have an additional 10 minutes for review.

Do's and Don'ts During Exam

  • **Prohibited Actions:

    • Talking

    • Touching models**

  • Possible Consequences: The instructor will enforce rules strictly, using a commanding presence to ensure compliance.

Instructor’s Background and Perspective

  • The instructor has extensive teaching experience spanning 57 years and has seen various types of student behavior.

  • Insights into why some students may glance around or be distracted based on personal observations of classroom dynamics.

Additional Context

  • The instructor mentions personal health, sharing experiences with medical professionals while drawing parallels to the students' need for thorough preparation and focus.

  • Emphasizes the need for clear handwriting on exams, as difficulty in reading responses could lead to misinterpretation of answers.

Final Thoughts

  • Encourages students to take the exam seriously, do their best, and reinforces trust in their potential performance.

  • Conveys that the majority will pass if they adhere to guidelines and put forth genuine effort.

Conclusion

  • Encouragement: Despite a strict atmosphere, the instructor expresses hope for successful outcomes, promoting a sense of responsibility among students.

  • Devices are confirmed to be off, signaling the end of instructions and preparation for the exam itself.