Every effort will be made to assign grades fairly and equitably. If you do not understand the procedures, ask for clarification immediately. Consider this to be a formal contract between you and me. You will get the grade you have earned. Any reasonable challenge (to a question, grade, etc.) is welcomed. Be prepared to defend your challenge.

COMPONENTS OF YOUR GRADE:

Your final semester grade is based on the following:
Exam Average (best 2 out of 3) 50 %
Family Pedigree 20 %
Final Exam 30 %
100 % total

--IN CLASS EXAMS: Exams will have a variety of objective questions designed to evaluate your understanding of and ability to use concepts, ideas, processes and techniques discussed in lecture and in your texts.

There will be three scheduled in class exams. Conceptually, each exam covers the material since the last exam. In reality, the material from different sections of this course are dynamically interconnected and can be appreciated at various levels of sophistication.

When computing your exam average, only your two highest exam percentages will be used; your lowest exam grade will be "dropped". If you are absent for one exam, it will be your "dropped" exam; if you miss two or more exams, that percentage (i.e., 25% or 50 %) will be assigned to your final exam. Exams are always on the date scheduled unless a change is agreed to beforehand. This system tends to negate make-ups. See me if you think that a make-up is appropriate to your circumstance.(SEE FINAL NOTE below).

******Your exam average equals approximately 50% of your grade.******

--FAMILY PEDIGREE: During the course of the semester, you will draw your family pedigree for all of your first and second degree relatives. It will include a minimum of three generations. You are the propositus. The details of this assignment will be reviewed in class. Begin work, correspondence, making data forms, etc. early in the semester to insure you are prepared to hand-in this assignment on time. DUE DATE: Wednesday, December 4, 1998.

If there is a reason why you are unable to complete this assignment, see me for an alternative assignment before October 9, 1998.

All pedigree data is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and will be returned with a written evaluation at the time of the final exam.

******Your family pedigree equals approximately 20 % of your grade.*******

--Final Exam: The FINAL EXAM is mandatory and cumulative. It will emphasize major concepts and interrelationships. The FINAL EXAM is scheduled for Friday, December 18, 1998 beginning at 10:30 A.M.

*****The FINAL EXAM equals approximately 30% of your grade.******

BONUS POINTS:

Bonus points equivalent to 1/2 -- 2 point(s) <> toward your final average will be awarded for:

(1) completion of homework assignments;

(2) two or fewer unexcused absences;

(3) participation in out-of-class activities;

(4) circumstances at my discretion.

When and how bonus points are accrued are exclusively at my discretion. Specific information on bonus points will be explained.

FINAL NOTE:

If your final exam score exceeds your exam average, your final exam grade, rather than your exam average, will be used to compute your final average.

COMPUTING FINAL GRADES:

Your final grade will be assessed after computing your final average. Your final average will be computed by:
Multiplying your exam average (0-100) x .50 plus, (50 pts. max.)
Multiplying your final exam grade (0-100) x .30 plus, (30 pts. max.)
Adding your family pedigree grade (0-20 pts.) (20 pts. max.)

.... yielding a final average that will range from 0-100 total points. *

Your final letter grade for the course will be assigned roughly according to the following percentage scale:

A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
E: 0-59 %

* Final averages may exceed 100 if a superior Research Paper &/or Book Review is prepared (see below), or from being awarded BONUS POINTS.

GRADING PHILOSOPHY

I endeavor to assign grades fairly and equitably. When assigning grades, the distribution of final averages will be evaluated. As appropriate, grade break points will be based on real numerical break points in the distribution of the final averages. I reserve the right to "curve down" (e.g., an "A" could be 88-100 %, "B" 75-87% and so forth). Plus/minus grades will be used, as appropriate. I have no pre-conceived grade distribution; everyone could earn " A's " !

OPTIONAL RESEARCH PAPER--EXTRA CREDIT (0 - 5 possible points)
You can choose to write a research term paper. This must be a semester long project, and to receive any extra credit, it must be of superior quality. If you wish to research some area of interest in genetics, set-up an appointment with me to discuss a topic. Come prepared with some ideas and preliminary library work.

Deadlines:
October 2: Hand-in preliminary topic for approval. Include at least 10 specific references.
November 2: Hand-in detailed outline with bibliography (at least 20 references) December 2: Hand-in completed paper.

All research papers must be typed or machine printed.
Papers will be assessed as follows:
Below B- will receive zero points; B-/B = 2 pts.; B+/A- = 3 pts.;A- = 4 pts.; A = 5 pts.

OPTIONAL BOOK REVIEW-- EXTRA CREDIT (0 - 2 possible points)

You can choose to write a critical review (600-1200 words) on one of the books listed below or some other book. Books other than those listed below must be cleared with me. You may not write a review for any book that you have read already. Your review should follow the general style of N.Y. Times Book Reviews. Reviews must be typed or machine printed. Due by December 2, 1998.

Brackman, A.C.

(1980) A delicate balance: The strange case of Charles Darwin and Alfred Russell Wallace.

(1859) Origin of species
(1871) Descent of Man

(1988) The blind watchmaker;
(1990) The selfish gene
(1995) River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life.

(1951) Genetics & the origin of species
(1973) Genetic diversity & human equality

(1996) The mismeasure of man. 2e.; (any of Gould's books!!),
(1987) Evolution & human equality
(1996) Full House many

The Descent of Woman;
(1982) The Aquatic ape

Reviews will be assessed as follows: Below B- = zero pts.; B- thru. A- = 1 pt.; A = 2 pts.

READING ASSIGNMENTS

You can double your learning experience simply by reading the text before class. Try it! Also, most people need to read text more than once. Help yourself by using your text to your best advantage. Budget time to read text at least twice (once before lecture and once before exam). Many will benefit from additional readings and reviews of the text.