Vertebrate Biology: Grading

GRADING

Grading for Biol/ AEcl 365 will be based upon work in both the lecture and the laboratory. The lecture will count for 75% of the final grade (maximum of 450 points), and the laboratory will count for 25% of the final grade (scaled to a maximum of 150 points). See lab syllabus for details of lab grading. Grading for the lecture will be based upon three exams, one comprehensive final and additional class activities.

The three lecture exams are scheduled during regular lecture periods, and the comprehensive final will be given during the final exam period. Lecture tests will consist of a combination of short answer, multiple choice, and discussion questions. NOTE: the instructor has a strict policy of no make-up exams, except under very exceptional circumstances.

Class activities will be centered upon small-group discussions of a reading assignment. There will be no make-ups for class activities as part of the purpose is to monitor class participation and presence.

Students are also required to attend at least one research seminar on some topic relevant to vertebrate biology. To receive credit, students must email Dr. Adams prior to attending the seminar, and submit a 1-paragraph summary of the seminar on WebCT GOLD by 5:00 pm the MONDAY following the seminar. Seminars in the EEOB Department (Thursdays 4:00 pm: 210 Bessey) or the NREM Department (Fridays 3:00 pm: 164 E Lago) can be used for this assignment (see Dr. Adams for an alternative assignment if you have a schedule conflict).

Grades will be assigned based on the number of points earned out of a possible 600 points, 450 from the lecture and 150 from the lab. A “curve” will be used to determine grades, but breaks between major grade groups (A, B, etc.) will probably be close to 90%, 80%, etc. The plus/minus grading system will be used.

There will be no extra credit. Any questions regarding the grading of lecture exams should be addressed to Dr. Adams within 1 week of the time that the exams are returned to students.

Points for Lecture Activities
Activity Points Percent (%) of Lecture Grade
Exam 1 100 22.5%
Exam 2 100 22.5%
Exam 3 100 22.5%
Final Exam 100 22.5%
In-Class Activities (3) 35 total (for 3) 7%
Seminar Write-Up 15 3%

Iowa State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Any student who may require an accommodation under such provisions should contact me as soon as possible, and no later than the end of the first week of class or as soon as you become aware. No retroactive accommodations will be provided in this class.

Return to Syllabus Main