HOW TO TAKE A FANKHAUSER BIOLOGY COURSE
©David B. Fankhauser, Ph.D.,
Professor of Biology and Chemistry
University of Cincinnati Clermont College,
Batavia OH 45103

This page has been accessed  Counter times since 14 September 2004. 

Successful completion in high school of biology lecture and lab, chemistry lecture and lab, algebra and mastery of English reading and writing.are required for enrollment in this course. See the instructor immediately if you lack any prerequisites.

STUDY HABITS:
COMPLETE READING ASSIGNMENTS PRIOR TO CLASS:  To benefit maximally from this college course, you must possess the requisite study habits.  Disciplined completion of the reading before each lecture will improve your comprehension, provide a foundation for more insightful class discussions and increase our joy in learning.  Slacking off until test time turns interesting assignments into drudgery.
ATTENDANCE is crucial and attendance records will be kept.  Missing even one class will put you out of synchrony with the class, short-change your education and doubtless cost you points on the next test.
CLASS NOTES:  Do not attempt to record lecture material verbatim.  Instead,  concentrate on these elements:
     title your notes each day or new major topic section accurately with CAPITALS at the left-most margin.
     words: Copy correctly spelled all which are written on the board.  Leave space in your notes for explanations.
     definitions of all key words should be filled out in detail when you rework your notes.
     drawings should be carefully copied, label all mentioned structures and processes or effects.
     text book should be brought to each class.  We use its illustrations and tables.  Carefully note them in the text.
     wordstems should be listed on the last page of your notebook with their meanings.  Memorize the new ones prior to
     each test.  Note that these will comprise around 10% of each test.  (See attached cumulative list.)
PARTICIPATE IN CLASS:  Do not be afraid to speak up.  Offer answers to questions posed, ask your own questions.   Challenge my statements.   This participation in class is critical to the proper functioning of the class.
ELECTRONIC GADGETS:  Taping lectures is permitted if it does not disrupt the class. No beepers or cell phones.
REWORK YOUR NOTES AFTER EACH CLASS:  Spend 15 minutes soon after class to rework each day's draft lecture notes.  Compare with your text.  "Flesh out" skimpy material with detail while it is fresh in your mind.  I call for questions at the beginning of each class, so have questions prepared to ask from your reworked notes.
STUDY GROUPS are extremely helpful in the learning process. See separate handout, and earn up to 30 points!
STUDENT NUMBER:  To ease my task of collating and entering grades, you will be assigned a number according to your place in the alphabetized class list.  All class materials which are turned in should carry your name and your number, thanks.
Grade slips are distributed after each test showing your progress in the course. Tape them in a safe place to chart your progress.

TESTS and FINAL EXAM are as comprehensive as possible, worth 100 points per (finals 150+). Use pen on all materials turned in:
    3  or 4 essays, definitions or illustrations of key words or concepts     5 points each
    20 to 25 wordstems                                                                          1 point each
    20 or so fill-in-the-blanks                                                                   2 or occasionally 3 points each
    2 to 4 problems or illustrations on certain tests                                    2 or 3 points each
    Total:                                                                                         ~110 points

YOUR GRADE will be based upon your position on a histogram of student cumulative points, based on (approx): tests 65%, final exam 25%,  study groups 6%, newsnotes 4%.  The class median converts to 80%.  Grades are assigned on the decimal system: 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, <60 = failing .  Within in a given grade range, lower 1/3 = “-”, upper third = “+.”  I.e., 80 to 83.3 = B-, 83.4 to 86.66= B, 86.7 to 89.9 = B+.
Unsatisfactory test scores?   See me about your study habits (listed above).  You should also seek help from the Learning Lab: take your tests, notes, and books.  They will help you, and may provide appropriate tutoring.
For failing students (below 60%),  I will sign drop slips with a WP (without prejudice) prior to the third test.  Failing students who drop after the third test will receive a WF (withdrawal failing).   If you cannot complete the quarter, you must officially drop the course.  The last day to drop: 19 Nov 2000.

HONOR CODE:  I assume that students will support the honor code during testing.  The class shares the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the curve.  Please tell me if the honor system is being abused.  (Names of offenders need not be given.)  Make-up tests are given only in the event of a valid excuse, and should be rescheduled and taken before tests are returned. The penalty for taking a late test is a deduction of 5% for that test.

GRADE SLIPS are distributed each time a graded quiz, test or notebook is returned.  These reflect how well you are progressing in the course. Tape them inside the back cover of your notebook to maintain a complete record.

Unsatisfactory quiz scores?   See me about your study habits (listed above).  You may also seek help from the Learning Lab: take your quizzes, notes & books.  They will help you, and may provide tutoring where appropriate.

Assignment of final grades is based on the decimal system: 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, <60% = failing.  Within a given range, lower 1/3rd = “−”, upper 1/3rd = “+”, i.e.: 80-83.3 = B −, etc.  Grades will be posted at the conclusion of the quarter on the web according to last 4 digits of your Social Security Number unless you request otherwise.  Please do not telephone me to inquire about your grades.

If you cannot complete the quarter:  You must officially drop the course. I will sign drop slips with a WP (without prejudice) prior to the third quiz.  Failing students (<60%), who drop after the third quiz receive a WF.

 DO A JOB OF WHICH YOU ARE PROUD.
 I GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL ALL HAVE A GOOD TIME IN THE PROCESS.