Term Test Keys | Past Term Tests | Sample Final Exams | Policies | Test Tips

Term Test Keys

Keys to the term tests will be provided here. As an aid to learning, I encourage you to self-mark your test

Term Test 1 Key [pdf]
Your raw percentage scores will be adjusted upward by 2.5 percentage points. Please note that any test or grade re-assessment will not include the 2.5 percentage points.

and in annotated form [pdf]

to check your self-marking, here are the last five digits of student IDs and test scores (the adjustment has been included) [png]
Term Test 2 Key [pdf]
Students did very well on the second term test ( a mean of 59.6, a median of 62.5, in the 80th percentile for students taking the second term test since 1998), so there will be no adjustment. Very nicely done!

and in annotated form [pdf]

to check your self-marking, here are the last five digits of student IDs and test scores [png]
If you want to get some idea about how you are doing in the course overall, final exam averages are usually the same or a bit better than averages for the term tests. So, a calculation (0.15 X [lowest term test] + 0.25 X [highest term test] + 0.20 X [term test average] + 0.4 X [lab average]) should provide you with reasonable guidance.

Past Term Tests (annotated) as is

Please be aware that the annotated term tests may be useful as a study guide, but the questions on any term test will certainly be different and/or modified in some way, so please avoid over-reliance on the annotated term tests.

2014 Term Test One [pdf]
2014 Term Test Two [pdf]
2013 Term Test One [pdf]
2013 Term Test Two [pdf]
2012 Term Test One [pdf]
2012 Term Test Two [pdf]
2011 Term Test One [pdf]
2011 Term Test Two [pdf]

Sample Final Exams:

The sample final exams (in pdf format) are provided as a study aid. Please be aware that they are provided as is, without assurance that questions on the term tests or final will be the same or similar. An answer key is also provided, as is.

Final Exam One
Final Exam Two
Final Exam Three
Final Exam Four
Keys

Policies:

It is expected that all students will be familiar with (and abide to) York University's Policies regarding Academic Integrity.

If you miss one of the term tests with a documented legitimate reason (e.g. illness), the term test exemption form must be submitted, and the weight of that test will be added to your final exam. The exemption form must be handed in as soon as possible after the missed term test. If you do not hand it in prior to the final exam, you will receive a 'zero' for the missed term test. There are no makeup term tests.

Students who do not write the final exam must make arrangements to see me for permission to write a deferred exam. It is Senate Policy that "Normal requests for deferred standing must be communicated within one week following a missed examination, or on the last day to submit course work". Please check out the Deferred Standing FAQs for more details. (Note - I will only sign DSAs if there is valid documentation and if the student has completed all term tests, etc during the term. Otherwise, students must petition for permission to write a deferred exam.)

Tips for tests:

A general resource provided by the University is the Learning Skills Services. It includes online resources as well as workshops that provide advice and strategies to students for everything from note-taking, studying techniques, to how to take a test. Bethune College offers a variety of services to support students, from peer mentoring to tutoring, that may also be helpful to students in Plant Biology.

Different people approach exam preparation in a variety of ways. The following tips are things that I hope may help you, but you are also encouraged to find out what methods work best for you!

Tips:

Attend class. Many studies have demonstrated how students learn better through an active learning process, which includes attending lectures and note taking. I think you will find that note taking is an excellent skill useful in your future careers. The textbook offers an excellent source for studying, both before and after the pertinent lectures. Reading the appropriate chapters (detailed in the syllabus) is a wonderful study strategy and an enriching learning experience. Speaking of which ...
Identify how you learn best. Common learning practises include reading, listening, making notes, summarizing key points aloud. Identifying effective learning techniques will be of great help to you in your studies, and will allow you to have a better idea of how much time will be required in your studying.
Begin studying early. Some people only study right before an exam. However, people learn more (and have better retention) if they study frequently, and early. This may be as simple as reviewing your notes on a weekly basis. (I actually suggest that you try to paraphrase your notes weekly.) If you begin studying early, unexpected events the week before an exam are less likely to have a detrimental impact on your performance.
Try to predict the test questions. This is an aquired skill, and it takes practise! Often, lecture material lends itself to certain types of questions. (Of course, if you have access to past exams in a course, they can be very useful in this regard!)
Form study groups. Many people learn best in a collaborative setting. Participating in a small study group (3-5 people) will allow you the opportunity to discuss confusing concepts, and identify where you need to improve. Many people find that they learn best when they have to teach a topic to another person, and in a study group, you can have this opportunity. (Sometimes it is helpful just to observe the study habits of other students, too!)
Make the connections. During the course, and while you are studying, make an effort to find the connections between the lecture material (and chapters within the lectures), the lab, and even other courses you have taken. An understanding of the bigger picture can be very helpful, especially in dealing with exam questions that require more than simple recall. (Some questions will require you to apply your knowledge, and/or integrate concepts from different topics.) Chances are, what you've learned in other courses will help you.
Ask questions. If you are finding something particularly confusing, your first step should be to consult the text. However, if you are still in need of clarification, you can talk to the professor or TA. (There are very few "stupid questions" ... especially if you have at least looked in the textbook first!)