Workload
Some of you have a fair amount of background in the brain, biology, or cognitive psychology. For others, there is quite a bit of reading and studying you may need to do to get a firm grasp on these background areas. Everything you need to pass will be covered in the course, but make sure you work hard learning and understanding this material so you can keep up! Note that this is an upper division science course. This course will be difficult. The material is advanced and the pace will be fast. The exams will be very challenging. See the course website for what students have said about the level of difficulty of this course. Nevertheless, I expect that any student who does the readings, shows up to class, and asks questions should be able to master the material and succeed in the course.
Credits = 4 Generally speaking, each credit is an hour spent in class plus 3 hours outside of class. For example, a 4-credit course would be 4 hours in class and 12 hours homework per week. In actuality, you have <3 hours in-class time for this course per week, and should budget at least 9 hours per week for studying for this course. That said, putting in the time does not guarantee that you will learn the material. You need to be sure your studying methods are effective, that you self-assess your own knowledge, and that address any weaknesses by seeking out assistance from my or your GTFs in a timely manner.
Grading
| Point distribution▪ 20% — Homework assignments/Problem sets▪ 10% — Clicker Questions, Attendance, Participation▪ 20% — Project▪ 25% — Midterm Exam
▪ 25% —Final Exam
|
Letter Grades▪ A+ >= 99.0%▪ A = 90-98.99% (typically the top 20-25%)▪ B = 80-89.99%▪ C = 70-79.99%
▪ D = 60-69.99% ▪ F = 0-59.99% |
Except for the [A+], the plus [+] or minus [-] is awarded for the upper and lower third of points within each category.
| W – Drop after April 6th | I — http://registrar.uoregon.edu/incomplete_policy |
Homework/Problem Sets (20%): Due by 12:00 p.m. the day of each lecture
We expect you to do the assigned reading before each lecture. After you’ve completed the reading, log onto Blackboard/Canvas and complete the required online Problem Set. Late problem sets will not be accepted, and there are no make-ups. I will drop your two lowest-scoring Problem Sets, so don’t worry if you miss one or if you added the course late.
Clicker Questions, Attendance, Participation (10%):
We will use iClickers for answering in-class questions to review topics and encourage attendance and participation. iClickers are available for purchase at the UO Bookstore or elsewhere online. If cost is an issue, note that the iClicker2 can be sold back to the bookstore for about half the cost. The iClicker1 is also fine but cannot be sold back. You can also borrow a friend’s, as long as they aren’t enrolled in this course. You must register your Clicker to your Blackboard/Canvas account: log on to Blackboard, go to Course Documents, select iClicker Registration, and fill out the form with your name, Duck ID (this is your username, NOT your student ID number), and the clicker ID number located on the back of the clicker. I recommend that you put a piece of clear tape over the ID number so that it doesn’t rub off. Please remember to bring your iClicker to class. Clicker questions will count for 10% of your total grade. Each day, about half of the clicker points are awarded regardless of whether you get the answers correct, as long as you attempt to answer at least 75% of the questions. The remaining half of the clicker points are awarded for correct answers. I will drop your two lowest-scoring days of Clicker points, so don’t worry if you forget your clicker once or twice.
Objectives of Problem Sets and Clicker Questions:
- Lots of relatively easy points (if you’ve done the reading) distributed daily throughout the term. This takes some pressure off the exams, in case you have a bad exam day.
- Motivation to do the reading, show up to class, and pay attention.
- Review concepts and material to help prepare for the exams.
- Feedback to me about how much you’re understanding, and what concepts need more emphasis in class.
Term Paper/Project (20%)
The paper, or project write-up if you choose to complete a project, should be 8-10 pages, double spaced, and is due at the beginning of class on Day 12 (see Schedule Table for exact date). Submit your paper through the Assignment on Blackboard/Canvas. Do NOT email your paper to the instructor or TAs. Emailed papers will not be accepted. A set of guidelines for project topics, format, expectations, etc. are posted on Blackboard/Canvas. Read these guidelines carefully. Regardless of which topic you choose, you must submit the topic for approval by Day 8. The filename should include your last name, for example: smith-psy348.doc. Include page numbers. Include a header with your name and a shortened title (~25 words or less). Use .doc or .pdf
Midterm (25%)
The midterm exam will be in-class, on Day 10 (see Schedule Table for exact date). It will be open book, open notes. You may use your laptop. A word of advice about the midterm exam: even though it is open book, you should definitely study to prepare for the exam. The exam will test your understanding of concepts, rather than memorization. You will not have time during the exam to read and understand all the material for the first time. The more familiar you are with the material, the easier and faster it will be to refer to it during the exam.
Final (25%)
The final will be a cumulative take-home exam, open book, open notes, will cover the material from the entire course, and will be available on Blackboard/Canvas after the last class (Day 20; see Schedule Table for exact date), and due by 5 p.m. on the following Monday (see Schedule Table for exact date).