EXAM FORMAT: Short essay and problem-solving (no short-answer questions. The final exam is not cumulative and will cover only the material since Exam 2. Exams will include only material covered in lecture. Therefore, regular attendance is a must.

HOMEWORK: There will be 8-10 research-based homework problems assigned over the course of the semester. Each will be designed to enhance your understanding of major concepts covered in lecture. Students are allowed to work together in solving these problems. "Working together" means that each student involved in a group effort must make an intellectual contribution to solving the problem. Simply copying the answers from another student, with or without consent, is considered cheating and, as such, will be handled as a violation of the FSU Academic Honor Code. The lowest homework grade will be dropped before calculating the homework score and its contribution to your final grade (see below).

MAKE-UP POLICY: Students who miss an exam for any reason will be allowed to take an oral make-up exam as soon as mutually convenient for the student and instructor. Homework assignments will not be accepted after the announced due date except in extreme, documentable circumstances.

REVIEW SESSIONS: There will be a special review session before each exam.

GRADING POLICY: Exams 1-3 will be worth 100 points each and the homework will be worth 50 points (350 total points). Grades will be based on the following ranges:

90-100% - A range (A- to A)
80-89% - B range (B- to B+)
70-79% - C range (C- to C+)
60-69.9% - D range (D- to D+)
<60% - F

*The instructor reserves the right to lower these standards.

TEXTBOOK: The textbook, "Molecular Cell Biology, Fourth Edition" (by Lodish et al) is recommended but not required.

HOW TO OBTAIN HELP: If there are points covered in lecture that are unclear or confusing, please do not hesitate to ask questions or request a clearer explanation: There are 5 ways to obtain help:

1. Ask questions before, during, or after lecture (don't be bashful, I like questions).

2. Make an appointment to see the instructor (contact Jo-Ann Falcon at 644-4424) or the TA (334 Bio I, 644-9817). We prefer appointments to drop-in visits so that we can set aside time to meet with you.

3. Contact either of us by email (roberts@bio.fsu.edu) or (buttery@bio.fsu.edu).

4. Contact either of us by phone (numbers above).

5. Attend a help session.