Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Lecture 1 - Introduction

Lecture 1

We get things started by outlining the course and watching "Secrets of the Mind".

This lecture also has the contact information for your grader/markers.

SAS Note Taking Volunteers.

Student Accessibility Services requires volunteer note-takers for this class. If you would like to volunteer, and receive recognition on your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) for your time, please login to JUMP and click on the Student Accessibility Services link on the top left-hand side of the page (in the Quick Links section). Volunteering is now easier than ever, you can upload notes directly to JUMP with the SAS scheduler. Thank you

FAQ

I've created this FAQ because most of the emails I get from students deal with the topics detailed below.  I thought this would save everyone some time.  As a general rule, when in doubt, check the course webpage first and then check the course syllabus on UMLearn.  They typically have the information you are looking for.

1. Textbook

The Bookstore carries an e-version of Carlson's Physiology of Behavior (13th Edition) with Revel.  You can also buy it directly from Pearson using the link below.  Use whatever is the better deal.

Every year, I get asked if an old version of the textbook is acceptable. This is up to you but I wouldn’t go earlier than the 11th or 12th edition. I also get asked if another neuroscience textbook can be used.  Again, up to you, if it were me, I’d stick with this one.

Revel is an online study guide.  While Revel isn't required, I have been told by students that it is a really useful study guide because it includes practice quizzes and videos.  So, if you decide to get a hardcopy textbook through Amazon etc..., realize that it may not come bundled with Revel.

Revel Access: https://console.pearson.com/enrollment/wedj44

1. Sign in to your Pearson Account or create one.

2. Redeem your access code or purchase instant access online. 

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 78.9% to an 80%. 

4. Composition of tests

Each test is out of 60 total marks. The composition of the tests is listed below.  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 (40 marks)
3 figures (20 marks total)- arrows pointing at things and you name them.  No word bank provided.  Yes, it should be spelt correctly.

2nd test

40 multiple choice (40 marks)
5 3-line definitions (20 marks total).  I give you 12 terms, you define 5 of them.  You have a maximum of 3 lines of the text box per definition. The definitions are worth 4 marks each, so pack those 3 lines with as much information as you can. Remember, you define 5. 

3rd and 4th tests

45 multiple choice (45 marks)
Word bank questions (15 marks total). I provide a word bank and sentences with blanks in them.  You fill in the blanks with the right words from the word bank. Spelling counts.

5.  Grader markers

You have 2 grader markers for this course. Their contact information and office hours are listed on the course webpage in Lecture 1.  They are happy to go over course material with you.  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. 

If you would like to review one of your tests, you can book a Zoom appointment with your grader/markers.  These appointments should be booked within 2 weeks after the test grades are uploaded to UMLearn. You will not be allowed to copy the test but they can certainly go over issues with you. 

At the end of the term, we will not participate in a hunt for marks by going through previous tests. 

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. What happens if I miss a test?

Students who are unable to meet a course requirement due to medical circumstances are currently not required to submit medical notes. However, students are required to contact their instructor or academic advisor by email to inform of the missed work.

In this course, the value of a missed test will be spread across the other 3 tests.