EXAM and ID TEST INFORMATION

Only the best 4 exam and best 4 ID test grades will be used to determine final grade; therefore the Final Exam/ID Test is optional IF you took all previous Exams/ID Tests, but must be taken if you did not take all Exam/ID Tests or you want to try to improve the score of one Exam/ID Test.

Please note: because you have a week to take each exam/test, NO EXCUSES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR MISSING AN EXAM OR TEST. Historically, over 75% of my students wait until the last day to take each exam/test, but this is taking a big risk that something might go wrong. I highly recommend taking each exam/test earlier in each exam week so that you have fall back days in case something goes wrong.

How do I study for the exams and identification tests?
First, make sure you either have Microsoft PowerPoint on the computer you are using or download the free Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer. Click on the link to the Self-Quizzes.

To study for each exam, click on the link to each PowerPoint presentation and open the presentation (click F5 to view the presentation). After going through each presentation, you can take a self-quiz on that subject to test your understanding by clicking on the link under "Topic" on the self quiz page. When you are able to do well on all the self quizzes for an Exam, then you should do well on the Exam too. The material you are held responsible for on each Exam comes from the self quizzes.

To study for each identification test, click on the link to the Species List. Go through the web pages for each species, reading the description for each species to get tips on how to identify each species. The pictures used on the test likely will be different than the pictures you are seeing so that you focus on learning how to identify the species rather than the picture. After you have gone through the species, you can take the self quiz for that identification test. Make sure you know the complete, correctly-spelled common name for each species.

How do I take the exams and identification tests?
The exams and identification tests are taken at the West Campus Assessment/Testing Center (see info below) during the week they are scheduled (see above). You must bring a picture ID to the Assessment Center. You do not have to take the exam and the identification test at the same time, but both must be completed by the end of the scheduled week. The WC Assessment/Testing Center hours are below. Please note that the WC Assessment/Testing Center stops handing out exams one hour and 15 minutes before closing, and stops testing 15 minutes before closing. You should allow yourself at least 2 hours to take each combined exam and identification test. If you cannot make these times, please contact me as soon as possible to make other arrangements.

What are the exams and identification tests like?
Exams may have multiple choice, matching, fill in the blank, short answer, and long answer questions. Practicing the self-quizzes is good preparation for taking the exams. The identification tests will ask you to give the complete, correctly spelled, common name of plants/animals pictured (see Species List). Exams/Tests should take about 2 hours to take, depending on your level of preparedness.

Where do I pick up my graded exams and identification tests?
After I have graded everyone's exam and test, I will let you know by email, and you can see your grades online. You can pick up your exam and test from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Division Office at the West Campus, Tortolita Building, Room E-255. Their hours generally are M-F 8:00am-5:00pm. Another option is to leave a large, self-addressed, stamped envelope at the WC Assessment/Testing Center when you take the exam/test, and I will mail your exam/test back to you.

What if I do badly on or miss an exam or identification test?
The exams and identification tests cannot be made up, but your lowest exam grade and lowest identification test grade will be replaced with the Final Exam and Final ID Test grades.

How does the Final Exam and Final Identification Test work?

• The Final Exam and Final ID Test are optional if you have taken all Exams and ID Tests. The Final Exam grade is used to replace your lowest Exam grade (if it is to your advantage) and your Final ID Test is used to replace your lowest ID Test grade (if it is to your advantage). Therefore, if you have taken Exams 1-4 and all ID Tests, and you are happy with your grade, then you do not have to take the Final Exam. If you have missed an Exam and/or ID Test, then you must take the Final Exam and/or Final ID Test to replace the missed Exam and/or Test.
• The questions on the Exam part of the Final Exam are comprehensive and are taken or adapted from questions off of Exams 1-4.
• The questions on the ID part of the Final Exam are also comprehensive, covering all species on your list (even if not on a previous ID Test).

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