Important Course Information

Professor John Blamire

Note: this information applies only to those sections of this biology course taught by Professor Blamire. Other students should consult their individual lecture and laboratory instructors.

Important Dates

• Students should consult with Prof. Charlene Forest regarding the times and dates of all exams and other important matters relating to this course.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I miss a class?
   If you are particpating in a traditional lecture/laboratory class, you must attend all assigned classes. This is especially important in the laboratory classes. Attendance is taken by the laboratory instructor and there is a penalty for missing laboratory exercises.
   If you are participating in a virtual, asynchronous or OnLine class, you must read, study and complete all assignments (research and concept questions) before the appropriate examination or as and when requested.
2. But if I'm ill and cannot come to a class?
   If you are ill, and in a traditional lecture/laboratory class, you must do three things;
   (a) get a note from your doctor describing your illness, which you must show to your lab. instructor
   (b) attend another laboratory class that is performing the same exercise
   (c) get a note from the lab. instructor which you must then show to your regular instructor so he/she can mark you as present for that exercise.
3. What kind of tests do you give?
   Both lecture examinations (mid-term and final) consist of 34 multiple choice questions.
   You will NOT be asked to make any drawings or diagrams.
   At the discretion of the instructor, additional work may be required that will be part of the mid-term and/or final exam.
4. What is on the test?
   The material on the mid-term and final exams comes from;
   (a) all the readings from the special, online, e-text book.
   (b) additional material termed "e-learning modules".
   (c) research investigation and concept question topics at the discretion of the instructor.
5. Is the final accumulative?
   Yes and No.
   The questions on the final exam are based on material from the mid-term examination onwards, but you will need to know and understand most of the material covered before the mid-term exam (i.e. DNA, RNA, amino acids, proteins, etc.).
6. If I don't do well on the mid-term can I still pass the course?
   Yes. Your lecture instructor will show you how the course is graded (and you can see the grading formula on these WEB pages). Even with a poor score on the mid-term exam you can still pass the course.
7. Can I take this course Pass/Fail?
   Yes. But for a complete set of rules on this issue please consult a councelor.

Science at a Distance
© 2003 Professor John Blamire