Neuroscience
I've created this FAQ because most of the emails I get from students deal with the topics detailed below. Figured this would save everyone some time. As a general rule, when in doubt, check the course webpage first. It typically has the information you are looking for.
1. Textbook
I've changed the textbook this year because students didn't like that they couldn't get the custom version I had been using on Amazon etc... It was only available through the Bookstore and they kept bumping up the price. So, I've gone with Carlson's Physiology of Behavior (12th Edition).
The Bookstore will carry it but it is also available online through various sources. There are also e-book and looseleaf versions. So, get it wherever you can find the best deal and in whatever format you like. Older editions of the textbook can also work but they probably won't come with the online study aides etc...
2. How to study the textbook.
I often get asked about the best way to study from the textbook because the material is quite dense. I recommend using the lectures as a guide to studying the textbook. If we skip a topic in the lectures, you can skip it in the textbook. But, for topics we do cover, know the details the textbook provides.
3. Grades
The first lecture posted on the course webpage has a breakdown of what I consider an A, B, C etc... I do not round up individual tests but I do round up final grades if you are 1% away from a grade change. So, I will round up 79% to an 80. I will not round up 78.5% to an 80%.
4. Composition of tests
All tests are out of 100 because I like simple math. I will not give hints about test material outside of class (through email, in person etc...). I do often give hints in class.
1st test
40 multiple choice (2-marks each)
3 figures - arrows pointing at things and you name them. No word bank provided. Yes, it should be spelt correctly.
2nd test
40 multiple choice (2-marks each)
5 3-line definitions. I give you 12 terms, you define 5 of them. You have a maximum of 3 lines of the booklet per definition. Any material over the 3 line limit will not be marked.
3rd and 4th tests
50 multiple choice (2-marks each)
5. Grader markers
You have 2 grader markers for this course. Their contact information and office hours are listed on the course webpage. When you want to check out your tests etc..., you can make an appointment with them to see your test. You will not be allowed to take the test or copy it but they can certainly go over issues with you.
Also, they are happy to go over material and help you with questions before the tests. They get paid by the hour, so the more you use them, the more they get paid. They like that. Plus, every year I get a lot of feedback from students that the grader markers do a great job at explaining material etc... So, use them, they are a valuable resource.
6. Office Hours
Even though I don't have formal office hours, mainly because it is impossible to have a time where everyone is free to meet with me, I am certainly available for appointments to talk over course material etc... I am also good about responding to email but please keep in mind with such a big class, using the webpage as a first resource when you have questions about tests etc..., frees me up to clarify course material over email.
7. Questions during or after class??
Have a question during a class? Feel free to ask. I don't often stop to ask if there are questions but am happy to field any questions that come up. I know the material is dense, so am happy to try to clarify a topic if I can. If I don't know the answer, I'll tell you and I will go look it up for next class (or I will post it on the webpage). If you are too shy to ask questions in front of the class, I try to leave a little time at the end of lectures to answer questions after class. Or, email me.
8. Missed tests
As detailed in the course syllabus on this webpage. The ONLY excuse for missing a test is a student illness with a Doctor's note. Once a note has been provided, the weight of the other midterms will be adjusted to make up for the missing test. Don't worry about emailing me that you will miss the test, just take care of yourself. Once you are healthy, bring the note to class.
- Desirable Difficulties
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Neuroscience
FAQ
I've created this FAQ because most of the emails I get from students deal with the topics detailed below. Figured this would save everyone some time. As a general rule, when in doubt, check the course webpage first. It typically has the information you are looking for.
1. Textbook
I've changed the textbook this year because students didn't like that they couldn't get the custom version I had been using on Amazon etc... It was only available through the Bookstore and they kept bumping up the price. So, I've gone with Carlson's Physiology of Behavior (12th Edition).
The Bookstore will carry it but it is also available online through various sources. There are also e-book and looseleaf versions. So, get it wherever you can find the best deal and in whatever format you like. Older editions of the textbook can also work but they probably won't come with the online study aides etc...
2. How to study the textbook.
I often get asked about the best way to study from the textbook because the material is quite dense. I recommend using the lectures as a guide to studying the textbook. If we skip a topic in the lectures, you can skip it in the textbook. But, for topics we do cover, know the details the textbook provides.
3. Grades
The first lecture posted on the course webpage has a breakdown of what I consider an A, B, C etc... I do not round up individual tests but I do round up final grades if you are 1% away from a grade change. So, I will round up 79% to an 80. I will not round up 78.5% to an 80%.
4. Composition of tests
All tests are out of 100 because I like simple math. I will not give hints about test material outside of class (through email, in person etc...). I do often give hints in class.
1st test
40 multiple choice (2-marks each)
3 figures - arrows pointing at things and you name them. No word bank provided. Yes, it should be spelt correctly.
2nd test
40 multiple choice (2-marks each)
5 3-line definitions. I give you 12 terms, you define 5 of them. You have a maximum of 3 lines of the booklet per definition. Any material over the 3 line limit will not be marked.
3rd and 4th tests
50 multiple choice (2-marks each)
5. Grader markers
You have 2 grader markers for this course. Their contact information and office hours are listed on the course webpage. When you want to check out your tests etc..., you can make an appointment with them to see your test. You will not be allowed to take the test or copy it but they can certainly go over issues with you.
Also, they are happy to go over material and help you with questions before the tests. They get paid by the hour, so the more you use them, the more they get paid. They like that. Plus, every year I get a lot of feedback from students that the grader markers do a great job at explaining material etc... So, use them, they are a valuable resource.
6. Office Hours
Even though I don't have formal office hours, mainly because it is impossible to have a time where everyone is free to meet with me, I am certainly available for appointments to talk over course material etc... I am also good about responding to email but please keep in mind with such a big class, using the webpage as a first resource when you have questions about tests etc..., frees me up to clarify course material over email.
7. Questions during or after class??
Have a question during a class? Feel free to ask. I don't often stop to ask if there are questions but am happy to field any questions that come up. I know the material is dense, so am happy to try to clarify a topic if I can. If I don't know the answer, I'll tell you and I will go look it up for next class (or I will post it on the webpage). If you are too shy to ask questions in front of the class, I try to leave a little time at the end of lectures to answer questions after class. Or, email me.
8. Missed tests
As detailed in the course syllabus on this webpage. The ONLY excuse for missing a test is a student illness with a Doctor's note. Once a note has been provided, the weight of the other midterms will be adjusted to make up for the missing test. Don't worry about emailing me that you will miss the test, just take care of yourself. Once you are healthy, bring the note to class.
- Desirable Difficulties
I'm not teaching this semester, so what am I doing? Thinking about teaching. Saw a great lecture last week by cognitive psychologist Robert Bjork (article from UConn Advance) of UCLA. His talk was called "How We Learn vs. How We Think We Learn" (pdf...
- The Art Of Asking A Question
I sat in front of the professor during office hours two days before the midterm exam. As I was flipping through my notes, page after page, I was searching for something that would allow me to ask a question. What were the things that I was at least...
- Free Gre, Mcat, And Lsat Practice Exams On Saturday, Feb. 22!
Free GRE, MCAT, & LSAT Practice Tests Saturday, February 22 10:00 am University of Maryland Armory Building Kaplan is hosting Free GRE, MCAT, & LSAT Practice Tests on Saturday, Feb 22nd, at the University of Maryland in The Armory Building on...
- Psyc 100 At Umd
In Introduction to Psychology you will learn how scientists predict, explain and influence thought, feelings and behavior. We encourage you to preview a course syllabus to get a better idea of how the course is structured and what it covers, but...
- Dissecting The Gre Psychology Subject Test!
The GRE Psychology Exam is a requirement for the majority of Ph.D. programs in psychology. Here are some fast facts about this test to help you prepare! First, you might find this hard to believe for the 21st Century, but the GRE Psychology Subject...