Study Notes for Life Science Exam Procedures and Expectations
Life Science Course Prerequisites
- Two Years of Life Science:
- Requirement to enroll in the course.
- Acceptable courses include:
- K101 (Introductory Biology)
- High School Biology
- AP Biology.
- Risk of Enrollment:
- Students without two years of biology education are considered at risk in this course.
Exam Structure
- Exam Composition:
- Total of 53 questions.
- Majority are fill-in-the-blank without a word bank.
Exam Procedure
Arrival Time:
- Students need to arrive by 10:25 AM.
- Exam will be opened at this time.
Seating Arrangements:
- Row-wise seating:
- 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 available if more than 30 students are present.
**Device Regulations:
- Students must turn off and put away all devices before the exam, with one exception:
- Birth Control Alarms:
- If it goes off, students should leave to take their pill and then return to their seat.
Instructions for Late Arrivals:
- Late students (after 10:30 AM) will not be allowed to enter, and knocking will lead to penalties:
- First Knock: Ignored
- Second Knock: "Go away" shouted.
- Third Knock: Firm reprimand.
- Fourth Knock: Exam stoppage and confrontation.
Exam Start:
- Once the door closes, late arrivals receive a score of zero.
- No exceptions for late entry will be granted.
Exam Execution
Question Navigation:
- Students begin answering questions starting from question 9 all the way to 53.
- Each question has a designated position:
- Movement follows strict instructions after a minute and fifteen seconds.
- Row Navigation:
- Movement to each station is directed towards walls based on row number.
- Cycle through until all questions are completed.
Use of Additional Time:
- After completing questions, a waiting period is allocated.
- Students may utilize ten additional minutes if desired to review questions.
Important Instructions During the Exam
Silence is Mandatory:
- No talking or questions during the test.
- Students are instructed to keep eyes down or up, without looking around.
Behavioral Expectations:
- Prohibition of model touching and noise.
- Instructor has a history of enforcing rules through strictness; vocal reprimands are common.
Instructor's Teaching Experience
- Background:
- 57 years of teaching experience, 35 years in high school.
- Familiar with methods of cheating from personal experience.
- Awareness of Student Conditions:
- Recognizes signs of ADHD and dyslexia but does not comment adversely on them.
Personal Anecdotes and Considerations
- Health Updates:
- Shares personal health experiences, including heart condition check-ups and ongoing cancer screenings, reflecting the realities of aging.
- Discusses the challenges of grading handwriting, emphasizing clear writing for easier assessment.
Assessment and Grading Practices
Assessing Student Work:
- Multiple answers are accepted for open-ended questions but must adhere to clarity in writing.
- Instructor keeps strict standards for misspellings and legibility, including using magnifying glasses for difficult handwriting.
Exam Review:
- Post-exam review procedures and student attendance during reviews are crucial for understanding errors.
Exam Distribution Observations
- Outcome Expectations:
- Historical grading trends suggest a split of grades:
- Approximately half of students receiving C's, B's, or A's,
- Remaining receiving D's or F's.
Closing Remarks
- Students are encouraged to trust the instructor's guidelines for success.
- Final Note:
- Reminder to follow all stated instructions to avoid negative consequences during the exam.
- Upcoming assignments have been posted, indicating the progression of the course.