TEXTBOOK & SUPPLEMENT:

Textbook required for the course is Essential Genes by Benjamin Lewin. There will be handouts, most of which will be available for downloading from this web as pdf files.

COMPUTER ACCESS:

You will need a student IF account for many services, such as certain off campus access to the computer network. If you do not have one already, follow the steps.

• All students must have a University of Texas electronic mail account, available at no additional charge. (Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, etc. are unreliable for communication required in this class. Use a recognizable version of your formal name, not a nickname.) The use of the World Wide Web (a.k.a. "the Web") and email is required for this class.
  • One of the uses for email is sharing questions and discussion of relevant topics throughout the class.
  • Also, important information about class changes may be posted there (as well as on the Announcement page of the class web).
  • Public computer terminals are available in in ESB 101  and PAI 1.32 and in the Undergraduate Library (Flawn Academic Center) SMF, or by modem and telephone (or broadband) connections from off-campus locations.
  • I will subscribe you to the class mailing list, which is called "supergenes." You may receive help from classmates (who receive credit for their effort) and you may also get credit for insightful and significant questions asked. If you do not have a UT email address, I will subscribe you using the one from the roster, but it should be replaced quickly as soon as possible when you get one on the UT system. Let me know asap.
  • Exam questions may be derived from posts and discussion on supergenes.
     
• For writing assistance, you have access to the Writing Laboratory in the FAC, second floor.

Email is the most efficient way to communicate either with Peg Wallace, your TA, or me for help or in making an appointment. However, you may telephone (471-4128) or make an appointment if you prefer. You may also leave voice mail if I am not in the office when you call. For return calls, speak clearly and slowly when leaving your name and number. 

ATTENDANCE, HOMEWORK, WRITING ASSIGNMENTS, OTHER OUTSIDE ASSIGNMENTS:

Attendance: (lecture and scheduled discussion sections) = 10% (1pt deducted from final grade per excess unexcused absence up to 10pts; you are allowed one unexcused absence without penalty. Attendance is taken in the first 5 minutes after the lecture or discussion session begins.)
Exams: average = 55% (2 exams during semester plus final, see Note below*)
Writing assignments = 25% (one revision is allowed for maximum of 3 assignments)
Homework = 10% final grade credit when complete at time due; loss of half credit when late or incomplete. (HW is handed in at time of first exam and second exam, or as discussed in class.)

*Note: There are no makeup exams or re-exams. However, your total exam credit may be your final exam grade if it is higher than your exam average provided that --

• you have no more than 4 unexcused class absences, and

• your homework requirements are COMPLETE, and

• you have no unexcused absences in discussion sections (makeups in another session during the same week is acceptable).

• Seats will be assigned Sept. 6 and attendance records will begin this day. 

• Homework assignments are found on the web at the end of each chapter supplement (linked from the Class Schedule).

• Writing assignments will be found on the Class Schedule. Modifications will be announced on the Announcements page.
   

You have extensive reading in the text and the supplemental materials (i) distributed in class or (ii) downloaded from this web site. These web materials and class handouts have the same weight as your text book reading. Lectures and class activities will cover only selected segments of this material. If you fall behind, it is difficult to catch up!  

• Homework assignments must be written in a sewn lab book. (available at the University CoOp and elsewhere)

• These notebooks are handed in twice during the semester, when you have an exam (or ASAP if you miss the exam). 

• HW is checked to see that assignments are current and complete. Any assignments completed before the books are handed back may be taped into the proper place of your notebook before continuing, or you may recopy your work into the notebook.