There wasn't enough time to adequately answer all of the questions on the very last exam we took. I also believe that this isn't a matter of "give me an A in this class" it's a matter of the amount of work put forward into this class, isn't well reflected in the grades due to a severe lack in the amount of time given to complete assignments such as group work and exams. It us also. It fair that some TAs would grade assignments much more harshly, and other would simply give students A's on the assignment from another group. Overall, the layout and structure of the class needs to be reevaluated.
N
Nikki Futrell
8 years ago
Featured
I really enjoyed the class. I have learned a lot. I spent many hours studying, going to SI, and to drop in tutoring. My exam scores do not reflex this because of the way many of the questions were worded. Also, the test covered too much information then what could be reasonably be done within a 50 min time frame. The free response took more time then need to figure out what was being asked. I am hoping that you will give this consideration. Thanks, Nikki
J
Jim Peterson
8 years ago
This clas was incredibly difficult for even the brightest students. In no way shape or form would any student have the knowledge or resources to percorm competetively under the instruction of both professors.
N
Niecy L
8 years ago
I had a great semester with you all and it really makes me sad that many had such a hard time in the course. Hopefully this is a learning experience for both professors and students.
Any Biology student is fully aware ahead of time that genetics is one of the toughest biology courses especially at VCU. We're honestly lucky we were given any extra credit, SI, or homework at all. Sure, tweaks can be made on the professors' ends but at the end of the day they don't give out grades. They just keep score. We were given multiple attempts at grade reconciliation, whether that be homework or preceptor sessions. By curving the entire course, they would be messing with the integrity of the class, which is even worse than getting a B or having to retake in the grand scheme of things. Pre-health students: what are med/dent/pharm school professors supposed to think if you receive a higher or passing grade due to a curve but not due to effort? How's VCU going to look? How are you going to look? Think about it. We should be appreciating the immense hard work it takes to be successful in this class, as it was definitely achievable to get an A. Hard af but achievable. We should be stretching upwards to reach that goal as a class, not asking the goal to be lowered. None of the errors caused by the professors (if any) were enough to bump someone an entire letter grade down.
That being said, I agree that it was more challenging to complete the free-response-heavy exam 4. Was it difficult enough to warrant a curve though? I dunno, someone do a Chi-squared test or something and let me know. All we can do now is hope for a few added points due to the mercy of our professors at this time, like those so graciously given to us on Exam 3. But that would be only because they feel kind enough to do so, as everything on the exam was taught both in class and in the book. Even the extra credit.
The toughest, most humbling lesson you're going to have to learn in college is that trying hard en
D
Disappointed Student
8 years ago
The response about genetics being a difficult course and it having a 40% fail rate is understandable but should not be a crutch for allowing students grievances to go unnoticed. If almost half the class now has signed a petition with a common issue, that should tell you something's wrong. I agree with most of the comments on here that exams were not very indicative of lecture, homework, or other materials. On occasion they were similar but overall the short answer didn't seem fair. Many of us come to class consistently, go to review sessions, spend time studying so that we conceptually understand the informations (as opposed to regurgitating it), yet still didn't do well/ as well as we hoped. Like others have said, we like Dr. Merk and Dr. Prosser. They know their material well, but I think with it being their first semester here there clearly has been an issue with how the material was translated to students. Hope this petition works in someway to help us or future students!
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
I got an A but i hope it works out for all of you.
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
WAH WAH WAH everything about me. It was hard I deserve an A. WAH WAH WAH
IM SO ENTITLED. I NEVER GET B's IN OTHER CLASSES SO TEHREFORE IM SMART.
ya'll are some stupid idiots
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
" : (((( please change my C- to a A this class is so unfair"
"i have work so TA session and office hours should have to work around my schedule"
-every cry baby in this class
First of all if this is your third time taking genetics, the problem is not the teacher or the class. The problem is YOU.
This is a 300 level college course. If you can't get an A in Genetics you should probably rethink whether medicine is right for you. Most of you are saying that the tests are hard or that you feel as if the material was difficult to understand. Have you stopped to think that maybe most of you are just stupid as hell?
Im praying that the class is not curved and also very happy that most of you bozos will most likely have to retake the course. Less competition for me and for those who actually study the proper way.
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
I agree completely with what everyone has said. I have studied countless hours and been able to attend the preceptor sessions but I still felt completely unprepared. In class we would soend multiple days going over a section only to see a few questions on it and then have a 10 point free response question on a topic we barely covered and we're expected to "apply our knowledge" and know specific details that we have no way of knowing. I liked the lectures taught but it can get confusing when corrections have to be made for multiple portions.
A
annoymous
8 years ago
I didn't do so bad, but this class needs a curve for those who need it.
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
Completely agree with everything being said.
J
Jamie LaFaub
8 years ago
I strongly agree with so much of what has been said here. I took this course with Dr. Greene before and got a D. I finished her class feeling like I could have spent more time studying and felt my grade was a clear reflection of my performance. I kept that in mind and I went into this semester knowing it was a tough course and spent countless hours studying for every test. I am also a full time student with a job and was unable to attend any of the review sessions which were our only opportunity to earn extra points. I did well on the homeworks and group work assignments, and felt like I really understood the material that was taught in class but the tests do not reflect that. I ran out of time on every test, either rushing to fill in bubbles, or to scribble something for a short answer question when I knew that if I had more time, I could've answered correctly. The free response questions were graded very harshly and worth most of the test. It should be a sign when the class average is so low. As it is, I'm right on the border between earning a C or a D. I absolutely feel this grade does not reflect the amount I learned or the time I put into the class. I would hate to have to fork out even more tuition to take this for a 3rd time.
T
Tyler B
8 years ago
BIO 310 - I agree that the lectures are good, but I feel like the test just comes out of nowhere with what's focused on and what isn't and just doesn't reflect the lectures much at all. Some of us try so hard and still can't be successful...
C
Claire Samaco
8 years ago
I completely agree with this. I couldn't attend any of the extra credit sessions cause I have work and/or class during those time. I wish there were more opportunities to earn more for the people who have a full load and/or working at the same time.
The TopHat questions could've been better and I think should be used more throughout the lecture instead of just 1 or 2 questions. Also there were some days there weren't any TopHat questions at all which is very discouraging since TopHat is worth money and a little of our grade.
The amount of material we had to learn for each test was very unbalance. For example, Exam 3 was very rushed and contained a lot more material than any other test. Dr. Prosser and Dr. Merk knew their stuff and I did enjoyed their lectures but the exams created just didn't reflect what they taught. The Exams just seem unfair and way too specific. I also think that most of these exams were too lengthy, especially the short answer portions, and I struggled trying to complete my test on time. By the end of each exam, I still see the majority of the class still present trying to turn in their tests. I completely agree that there should be some sort of curve in this class.
A
Ashley-Kristian Green
8 years ago
The course exams are just too much to complete in one hours ! And there is so much material on each exam, if we bomb the exams there is no way to still pass the clas . Some people aren’t good test takers it’s just not fair.
R
Ryheem Wharton
8 years ago
I definitely think there should be some type of curve at least on the last test if nothing else. I have formed a study group throughout the semester and we all have done adequately well in this class. However, this last test was something of a nightmare for many of the students, including me. It was incredibly difficult even with weeks of studying. I know that this is an interesting position that the professors and the biology department face, however I think that the hard work and them voice of the students should be taken into consideration. Most of the comments that have been circulating is that the tests are not indicative to what is learned in lecture, and unfortunately this is sometimes accurate. If a class of 200+ upper level bio students can’t get at least a 70 percent average, like the typical bell curve, I think that there should be something done.
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
Featured
I completely agree with the original posts and other posts students have made. The information provided by Dr. Prosser and Dr. Merk was rich but was rushed. The exams did not reflect the material they presented. In class work was saved for at least the last 30 minutes of class but the questions asked would require more time than the amount allotted.
A
Anonymous
8 years ago
Please
L
Leilani O'Connor
8 years ago
Not to mention they also did not even teach the three point cross right and it was a major part of our exam. They got confused in class and had to email everyone after class, basically a tutorial on how to do it when they could not teach it well. They also assigned in class work that most people didn't finish and would have to stay after class and turn i t into his office which was very hard to work around for those that had class after or people that had to work.
-
There wasn't enough time to adequately answer all of the questions on the very last exam we took. I also believe that this isn't a matter of "give me an A in this class" it's a matter of the amount of work put forward into this class, isn't well reflected in the grades due to a severe lack in the amount of time given to complete assignments such as group work and exams. It us also. It fair that some TAs would grade assignments much more harshly, and other would simply give students A's on the assignment from another group. Overall, the layout and structure of the class needs to be reevaluated.
I really enjoyed the class. I have learned a lot. I spent many hours studying, going to SI, and to drop in tutoring. My exam scores do not reflex this because of the way many of the questions were worded. Also, the test covered too much information then what could be reasonably be done within a 50 min time frame. The free response took more time then need to figure out what was being asked. I am hoping that you will give this consideration. Thanks, Nikki
This clas was incredibly difficult for even the brightest students. In no way shape or form would any student have the knowledge or resources to percorm competetively under the instruction of both professors.
I had a great semester with you all and it really makes me sad that many had such a hard time in the course. Hopefully this is a learning experience for both professors and students. Any Biology student is fully aware ahead of time that genetics is one of the toughest biology courses especially at VCU. We're honestly lucky we were given any extra credit, SI, or homework at all. Sure, tweaks can be made on the professors' ends but at the end of the day they don't give out grades. They just keep score. We were given multiple attempts at grade reconciliation, whether that be homework or preceptor sessions. By curving the entire course, they would be messing with the integrity of the class, which is even worse than getting a B or having to retake in the grand scheme of things. Pre-health students: what are med/dent/pharm school professors supposed to think if you receive a higher or passing grade due to a curve but not due to effort? How's VCU going to look? How are you going to look? Think about it. We should be appreciating the immense hard work it takes to be successful in this class, as it was definitely achievable to get an A. Hard af but achievable. We should be stretching upwards to reach that goal as a class, not asking the goal to be lowered. None of the errors caused by the professors (if any) were enough to bump someone an entire letter grade down. That being said, I agree that it was more challenging to complete the free-response-heavy exam 4. Was it difficult enough to warrant a curve though? I dunno, someone do a Chi-squared test or something and let me know. All we can do now is hope for a few added points due to the mercy of our professors at this time, like those so graciously given to us on Exam 3. But that would be only because they feel kind enough to do so, as everything on the exam was taught both in class and in the book. Even the extra credit. The toughest, most humbling lesson you're going to have to learn in college is that trying hard en
The response about genetics being a difficult course and it having a 40% fail rate is understandable but should not be a crutch for allowing students grievances to go unnoticed. If almost half the class now has signed a petition with a common issue, that should tell you something's wrong. I agree with most of the comments on here that exams were not very indicative of lecture, homework, or other materials. On occasion they were similar but overall the short answer didn't seem fair. Many of us come to class consistently, go to review sessions, spend time studying so that we conceptually understand the informations (as opposed to regurgitating it), yet still didn't do well/ as well as we hoped. Like others have said, we like Dr. Merk and Dr. Prosser. They know their material well, but I think with it being their first semester here there clearly has been an issue with how the material was translated to students. Hope this petition works in someway to help us or future students!
I got an A but i hope it works out for all of you.
WAH WAH WAH everything about me. It was hard I deserve an A. WAH WAH WAH IM SO ENTITLED. I NEVER GET B's IN OTHER CLASSES SO TEHREFORE IM SMART. ya'll are some stupid idiots
" : (((( please change my C- to a A this class is so unfair" "i have work so TA session and office hours should have to work around my schedule" -every cry baby in this class First of all if this is your third time taking genetics, the problem is not the teacher or the class. The problem is YOU. This is a 300 level college course. If you can't get an A in Genetics you should probably rethink whether medicine is right for you. Most of you are saying that the tests are hard or that you feel as if the material was difficult to understand. Have you stopped to think that maybe most of you are just stupid as hell? Im praying that the class is not curved and also very happy that most of you bozos will most likely have to retake the course. Less competition for me and for those who actually study the proper way.
I agree completely with what everyone has said. I have studied countless hours and been able to attend the preceptor sessions but I still felt completely unprepared. In class we would soend multiple days going over a section only to see a few questions on it and then have a 10 point free response question on a topic we barely covered and we're expected to "apply our knowledge" and know specific details that we have no way of knowing. I liked the lectures taught but it can get confusing when corrections have to be made for multiple portions.
I didn't do so bad, but this class needs a curve for those who need it.
Completely agree with everything being said.
I strongly agree with so much of what has been said here. I took this course with Dr. Greene before and got a D. I finished her class feeling like I could have spent more time studying and felt my grade was a clear reflection of my performance. I kept that in mind and I went into this semester knowing it was a tough course and spent countless hours studying for every test. I am also a full time student with a job and was unable to attend any of the review sessions which were our only opportunity to earn extra points. I did well on the homeworks and group work assignments, and felt like I really understood the material that was taught in class but the tests do not reflect that. I ran out of time on every test, either rushing to fill in bubbles, or to scribble something for a short answer question when I knew that if I had more time, I could've answered correctly. The free response questions were graded very harshly and worth most of the test. It should be a sign when the class average is so low. As it is, I'm right on the border between earning a C or a D. I absolutely feel this grade does not reflect the amount I learned or the time I put into the class. I would hate to have to fork out even more tuition to take this for a 3rd time.
BIO 310 - I agree that the lectures are good, but I feel like the test just comes out of nowhere with what's focused on and what isn't and just doesn't reflect the lectures much at all. Some of us try so hard and still can't be successful...
I completely agree with this. I couldn't attend any of the extra credit sessions cause I have work and/or class during those time. I wish there were more opportunities to earn more for the people who have a full load and/or working at the same time. The TopHat questions could've been better and I think should be used more throughout the lecture instead of just 1 or 2 questions. Also there were some days there weren't any TopHat questions at all which is very discouraging since TopHat is worth money and a little of our grade. The amount of material we had to learn for each test was very unbalance. For example, Exam 3 was very rushed and contained a lot more material than any other test. Dr. Prosser and Dr. Merk knew their stuff and I did enjoyed their lectures but the exams created just didn't reflect what they taught. The Exams just seem unfair and way too specific. I also think that most of these exams were too lengthy, especially the short answer portions, and I struggled trying to complete my test on time. By the end of each exam, I still see the majority of the class still present trying to turn in their tests. I completely agree that there should be some sort of curve in this class.
The course exams are just too much to complete in one hours ! And there is so much material on each exam, if we bomb the exams there is no way to still pass the clas . Some people aren’t good test takers it’s just not fair.
I definitely think there should be some type of curve at least on the last test if nothing else. I have formed a study group throughout the semester and we all have done adequately well in this class. However, this last test was something of a nightmare for many of the students, including me. It was incredibly difficult even with weeks of studying. I know that this is an interesting position that the professors and the biology department face, however I think that the hard work and them voice of the students should be taken into consideration. Most of the comments that have been circulating is that the tests are not indicative to what is learned in lecture, and unfortunately this is sometimes accurate. If a class of 200+ upper level bio students can’t get at least a 70 percent average, like the typical bell curve, I think that there should be something done.
I completely agree with the original posts and other posts students have made. The information provided by Dr. Prosser and Dr. Merk was rich but was rushed. The exams did not reflect the material they presented. In class work was saved for at least the last 30 minutes of class but the questions asked would require more time than the amount allotted.
Please
Not to mention they also did not even teach the three point cross right and it was a major part of our exam. They got confused in class and had to email everyone after class, basically a tutorial on how to do it when they could not teach it well. They also assigned in class work that most people didn't finish and would have to stay after class and turn i t into his office which was very hard to work around for those that had class after or people that had to work.