Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions can be found in the course syllabus and the course timetable.   You should read them and use them as your first sources of information.   If you have questions about the next test date, the reading schedule, the make-up policy, or office hours you will find the answers in these online documents.   The questions below are additional items of concern for many students.

Are the tests hard?

If you don't pay attention in class, do the assigned readings, and study diligently every week they will be very hard.   Ask your friends - most students who have taken the course will tell you that they were surprised by the first test.   Don't let it happen to you.   Arrive on test day expecting to be challenged.   Remember, most of the test questions will be completion, calculation, or short answer.   These types of questions require a different study strategy and much greater knowledge than the typical multiple-choice questions that only require you to pick the correct term.

When you arrive on test day, you should have a deep understanding of everything in your notes and everything in the assigned readings.   Everything!   You can do it. Start studying early and make this your goal.

How much work will I have to do?

Let me be honest and tell you that this course has a workload that is twice as high as any other course that I teach. Be ready for significant homework assignments for almost every class. This is a quality course and you will go away from it with some great resume items and a sense of accomplishment. Those kinds of things are not given away, they are earned.

What kind of grades do students earn?

That depends upon you.   If you maintain perfect attendance, pay attention in class, take good notes, review them regularly, do all of the readings, complete all of the assignments, and study a few hours before every test, you are preparing well and should have a good opportunity to earn an "A" or a "B."   If you skip some of the classes, blow-off most of the readings, and procrastinate study until the night before, you will be in deep trouble on test day.

Can I do an extra-credit assignment to bring up my grade?

No, extra credit assignments are a waste of everyone's time.   I used to give them until I discovered that they were done by two different groups of people... students who didn't need the points and students who were blow-offs throughout the semester and then - about two days before the final exam - wanted to do some busy work that would do something miraculous for their grade.   Your time will be much better spent studying.

If you want to earn a good grade, start studying now for the next test, do all of the readings and come to class knowing everything in your notes.   Utilizing your professor's office hours, and visiting the tutor can both be part of a solid plan.   Start today, accept full and early responsibility for your learning.   You can do well if you try.

Do I really have to spell correctly on tests and assignments?

Yes.   This is a college-level course and correct spelling is a sign of an educated person.   Incorrectly spelled words and numerical answers without correct and complete units will be treated as wrong answers.

Can I have an extension on the computer assignment?

Sorry!   You had plenty of time to do that assignment.   Your classmates sacrificed their leisure and other important opportunities to finish it on time.   If I give you an extension, I will dishonor their admirable work.   I will not do that!   When you decide to flirt with deadlines you take a risk that something unexpected will interfere with your work.

I always try to set my policies based upon what would happen in the work-place under similar situatons.   There, if you deliver a product late, you do not lose a sale, instead you lose a customer.   In that situation, late work has negative value.   So, a zero on your assignment is pretty lenient in comparison.

... But the server was down last night and I couldn't access the assignment!

Hey, down servers are a fact of life.   You need to consider that possibility when you are planning your work. You had plenty of time to do that assignment.   Learn from this to start early next time.

How much math will I be expected to do?

This is almost a math course. You will do calculation and graphing problems that are so large that you will need a spreadsheet program to handle them. The level of math is rather basic, however, involving only addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and scientific notation.

My dog ate my homework!

He did? You need to go straight to the store and buy your dog a 50-pound bag of dog food. And, don't forget to feed him some.   Now, back to your homework - your score is a zero.