Evolutionary Biology EEB 245 Spring 2006

Course policies
Format:  Each week, we will typically have a lecture followed by a group assignment (intended to be completed by working in small groups in class; groups will be expected to hand in their results or contribute to a discussion at the end of class).  Exams will be given at the beginning of class.

Problem sets:  Problem sets will be assigned every week and are due the following Monday at the beginning of class.  Even if you are unable to attend class, you are responsible for handing in your problem set on time.  Make-up problem sets will not be given, and no credit will be given for work that is handed in after answers are posted on the course website.  Problem sets that are handed in late but before the answers are posted on the web will be penalized 10% per day.  The best ten (of twelve) problem set grades will be used in calculating the overall problem set grade.  Collaboration on problem sets is encouraged, but each student is required to write up his/her own solutions, and the work handed in must reflect the individual's understanding of the material.  Submitting answers that you do not fully understand is a form of cheating, and will lead to a grade of 0 on the problem set, as well as to the possibility of more serious penalties.

Group problems:  Active participation during group assignments will contribute to your learning and that of your fellow students.  Absences (other than excused absences) and lack of participation will count against the group problem grade.  Any student who anticipates missing more than one class should talk to me immediately, as you may find it difficult to master the course material under these circumstances.

Missed exams:  I will give make-up exams only in exceptional circumstances. I must be notified in advance and presented with a valid written excuse or be provided with verifiable evidence of an unexpected emergency to consider any request for a make-up exam.  If I determine that these conditions are not met, the student will receive a 0 on the missed exam.

Academic integrity
Plagiarism and cheating are violations of the student conduct code, and may be punished by measures ranging from a 0 on the assignment to failure in the course to dismissal from the University.   Plagiarism is defined as presenting the work or ideas of others as your own.   Cheating includes, but is not limited to, copying another student's problem set, making your problem set available for another student to copy, and unauthorized use of material on an exam.
For more information, see Section VI of the Student Conduct Code available at the web site of the Dean of Students:  http://www.dosa.uconn.edu/student_code.cfm?from=im&fn=Judicial%20Affairs