There have been some corrections made to the Appendicular Skeleton Practice Practicum.

Because at least one of you is having a problem with the VBR MP3's, I've replaced the High Quality versions of the lecture recordings with CBR's. If you've had any problems, then go back and download the replacements. If you don't know whether there's a problem, because you haven't yet downloaded any lectures since the last test, then you are way behind, and you should expect your next test score to reflect that.

See the new link about sound files cutting off (under Technical Issues).

I picked up the Klean Kanteen that was left in the lecture room on Thursday. It's now in my office. The owner should remind me to return it.

The problematic skull-lab lecture (that no one let me know about until today) is now fixed.

I'm sorry about not recording last night's laboratory lecture, and I hope you find the "Greatest Hits of Fall Semester" versions helpful. Also, be aware that there is an error on the practice practicum. The question for Station 14 (#4) should NOT include "in the orbit". Cross that out.

I've scrapped the idea of posting WAV's and MP3's on the Lectures page. All lectures are now MP3's, and you have a choice of High and Low Quality. The Low Quality recordings are the same as the MP3's were before. The High Quality recording are the same quality as the WAV's were, but since they're now MP3's, you should be able to use them on portable players.

There will be an open laboratory session for BIO201 students Friday morning (06 February) from 0930 to 1130. If you want to take another look at things in the laboratory (cadaver, etc.), stop by between those times.

You'll now find information about Practicum 1 under Official Information.

I'm glad that some students are already using the Anonymous Comments link. But I've received a couple of submissions that were questions needing answers. Keep in mind that the form is anonymous, meaning that I don't know who is sending it, and I therefore cannot respond. The form is there for you to speak your mind. If you have a question to which you need a reply, you will need to email me. Enjoy the weekend.

You should consider attending an information session that's being held Friday 23 January in DB223. It's about the expectations and rigor of the BIO201/202/205 classes and how to succeed using the various resources available to you, including the Success Center. Even if you can't make it to this 11:00 session, you should be aware of the Success Center.

Under Course Materials, I've added links to skeletal practice practica that you can use at home. Each practicum comes in answered and unanswered versions. DON'T make the mistake of thinking you don't need to practice in the laboratory with real bones!

I've added the official Laboratory Schedule to the website. Also, I've slightly changed the syllabus and the textbooks page:
http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/Biology/thoffman/CommonGlobal/textbooks.html

I've added a randomization feature to the vocabulary pages. I think this is important, because people tend to memorize terms in a list based on their positions in the list. Don't underestimate the importance of vocabulary. If you don't know the meanings of biological terms, you won't be able to make sense of many of my test questions. On the other hand, if you know the terms WELL, you'll probably realize that many of my test questions are really quite obvious. This can have a big effect on your grade.

I've added the Course Syllabus for Spring 2009, but don't consider it to be engraved in stone yet.

If you're trying to get into one of my closed sections for Spring Semester 2009, use this form.

IMPORTANT:
Examination 6 is at 4:00 on 16 December, NOT 5:30. It's hard to imagine that there could be students who still don't realize that, but I'm telling you again just to be sure.

IMPORTANT:
If you accept Examination 6 into your hands, you will no longer be allowed to withdraw. This means you will receive a letter grade, and it will affect your GPA. If instead you choose to withdraw, you need to tell me before Examination 6 is handed out. In that case, you will receive a W, which will NOT affect your GPA. Look closely at the class standings to determine whether it is possible for you to pass. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

I've added the breakdown of questions for Practicum 4 (under Official Information). See it.

I've added information to the Class Standings page, and I've amended the explanation. Be sure to see both.