Biology 111 frequently asked questions

Concerning the Biology 111 web page

You said that you posted notes for chapter XXX, but I went online and they are not there.
-Try reloading the web page using the "reload" button if you are using Netscape, or the "refresh" button if you are using Internet Explorer.  Both of these programs store recently visited pages as "cached" or saved files on your computer.  The program may retrieve this stored (and outdated) file if it is having trouble accessing the Campbell web server.  Clicking the reload or refresh button forces the program to load an updated page from the server instead of showing you the outdated stored page from your computer. 
-Also, sometimes the Campbell server goes down (i.e. the computer with all of this information on it isn't working), and you can't access updated information until the server comes back on line (i.e. don't wait until the last moment before the exam to access study materials!)

I cannot access password protected materials
-Username and password are case-sensitive (make sure you are using all lowercase letters)
-Make sure you are using the correct username and password (the course username and password was given to you on the first day of class, and is different from other usernames and passwords you might be using to access other university information)
-Some ISPs (Internet service providers, i.e Earthlink, Juno, AOL, PeoplePC, etc.) provide an embedded web browser in the ISP homepage that comes up when you connect to the internet.  SOME embedded web browsers will not allow access to these password protected materials.  Instead, open a new Internet Explorer window (or Netscape, or Firefox, depending on what your computer has, and what you prefer as your primary browser software), and access the course webpage through it, rather than your ISP embedded browser (if you don't have a clue what all this means, you probably need to start here)
-You might need to alter your web browser settings regarding cookie handling.

Where can I get answers to the sample exam questions?
From your notes, textbook, lecture presentations, your understanding of the material from class and from your personal studying.

I am not able to view the animations that you mentioned/showed us in class.
Your computer must have the appropriate plug-in (a small computer program linked to your web browser) in order to view an animation.  Different animations and video utilize different plug-ins, depending on who created the animation or video.  Among them are Chime, Quicktime, and Shockwave.   All are freely available for download.  Just click on the appropriate link.

I tried to access the sample exams, but they come out illegible when I open them using my word processing program.
The exams are in .pdf format which requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software plugin to view.

I don't know the UserID and password to access the sample exam file.  Could you tell me what it is?
Sure, the UserID is "tmbio111" and the password is, well...how much is it worth to you? (I gave it to you already)

Concerning your course performance

How come you don't return our homework sooner?
Well, you do realize that there is A LOT of homework to grade, and I do have other job responsibilities here at Campbell.

Did you grade our homework yet?
Not if you didn't get it back!

Why don't you accept late homework?
Good question...let me answer it with a question:   If you get to the airport late, and miss your plane, how come it doesn't turn around and pick you up?

What do I need to do (pick one: on the next test/on the final) to (pick one: pass this class/get a "D"/get a "C"/get a "B"/get an "A")?
How about do the best you can at all times and see what happens?  This may involve using some of the resources I provide to you:   study guides, downloadable powerpoint presentations, sample exams.   Do you read the assigned chapters before coming to class?  Do you look at the chapter study guides before reading the chapters before coming to class?  Are you well rested prior to attending class?  Do you come to exam review sessions?   Have you sought an academic tutor (available for free from Student Services)?  Do you study properly (quality studying is more important than the amount of time you study)?  Have you matched your learning style with a good learning method? Do you have a good attitude towards learning?

Could you give me a break and give me a grade of (pick one:  A/B/C/D), I'm (pick one:  trying to get into pharmacy school/on a presidential scholarship/on an athletic scholarship/trying really hard) and I really need the grade or (pick one:  my life will be ruined/my parents will kill me/I'll have to leave school/I'll lose my scholarship)?
I don't determine grades, you determine your grade...I just give you the letter grade that matches the points you've earned during the term.  If you are not happy with the grade you are earning, then change something concerning how you go about doing what you do, and earn yourself a better grade.  You are capable of doing well in this course, and your other college courses--your course achievement is largely dependent on your priorities.  If your course achievement is not satisfactory to you, then consider revising your priorities.  Don't place the responsibility of the consequences of your grade on me...your grade, and its consequences are your responsibility.

I heard you offer extra credit.  When are you going to assign it?
Sometimes...but only if the entire class average dips below 70% (for all work completed, not just say, for one exam).

Could you give me more extra credit so I can get a better grade?
Sorry, as a matter of principle, it would be unfair to other students if I were to offer you extra credit.

Could you offer the entire class more extra credit so that I can get a better grade?
Don't you think it's rather benevolent of me to even consider offering some extra credit, as well as convenient access to study guides, notes, and old exams, and holding exam review sessions?   You should be thankful for what I offer, instead of begging for more!  With the number of students in this class, have you considered how much time it takes me to grade assignments?

Dr. Metz, thank you so much for offering us extra credit and taking time to give us study guides, notes, and old exams, and holding exam review sessions.  I really appreciate it.  Would it be possible for you to give us more extra credit so that we can improve our grades?
No.

Could you make the exams easier?
I could, but then again, I'm teaching a college-level course, and not a high school-level course.  If this course were not equivalent to similar courses offered at other institutions, then I would be doing you an educational disservice.

If I get a good grade in your class, will you write me a letter of recommendation?
That depends...why don't you read my policy on recommendation letters, and then take it from there.

Dr. Metz, I was trying to remember a quotation you showed in class...something about xxx?
Why don't you check my list of quotations shown in class?   It will have most of them.

Last revised:  September 29, 2005