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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.