PL3232 FAQs 1

Dear Students,
You will find below a set of FAQs that I have compiled from several semesters of teaching PL3232. Do
read up on these FAQs to find answers to most commonly asked questions. Only if you cannot find your
answers here, then you can e-mail me. I will not respond to emails that ask questions to which answers
can be found here.
These questions are not biological psychology content-related, for content-related questions that you
may have, please post directly on IVLE Discussion Forum.
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FAQ #1: For the midterm and final exam, are we responsible for materials from textbook that are not
covered in lecture?
YES. If the chapter is assigned as your reading, you are responsible for everything in it, be it lectured or
not. The reason why some materials are not lectured is, pure and simple, time constraint. I only have
limited time for lecture every week, and there are many materials to cover. Thus, in each chapter, there
will always be parts that are not included in lecture. However, you are responsible for these parts as
well.
FAQ #2: Is it possible to have MCQs for the midterm and final exam?
NO.
FAQ #3: Is it possible to have open book exams?
NO.
FAQ #4: What are study tips for PL3232?
To study for PL3232, I would advise against blind rote memorization. Understanding the content is
important in order to be able to answer questions in exams. You will not score well if all you do is blind
memorization and then regurgitate everything on the exam without much thinking process. Yes, you
have to memorize the names of the structure (e.g., hippocampus, amygdala, optic chiasm, superior
parietal lobeetcetc), but that is pretty much the heaviest memorization that you have to do the
rest is comprehension of the concepts and processes.
Know what works for you in terms of studying and plan ahead. Do not try to cram everything last
minute.
Read the assigned chapter(s) prior to lecture it really helps in giving you some basic idea of the chapter
and this will contribute toward comprehension of the lecture materials.
PL3232 FAQs 2

Consult with me early when you have problems with understanding materials. Do not wait till Week 13 /
Reading week to try to clarify any confusion.
FAQ #5: If I miss the midterm exam, can I have a makeup exam?
Make up midterm exam will only be considered on a limited, case-per-case basis.
Do note these rules regarding the makeup midterm inquiry:
1. The student is solely responsible to initiate contact with the lecturer, within 48
hours of the original midterm exam, to inquire as to the possibility of a makeup
midterm and submit the necessary documentation. Any inquiry made after 48
hours will not be entertained.
2. Formal documentation of reason(s) of absence must be provided (both original
and 1 copy) in order for makeup midterm to be considered.
3. If makeup midterm is granted, it will be done at the day and time set by the
lecturer, and it will have completely different set of essay questions from the
regular midterm.

FAQ #6: If I miss the final exam, can I have a makeup exam?
Final exam is an entirely different ballpark. The deans office will be the one handling all final exam
absence-related matters. You will have to submit a special consideration request form (aka. The Yellow
Form) and wait for the deans offices decision. Dr. T as the lecturer has no authority over special
consideration request for final exam.
FAQ #7: If I miss any of the components of the CA (except the midterm exam, which has been detailed
in FAQ #5 above), can I have a makeup?
In general, no. You miss it, you miss it. However, as the lecturer, I reserve the right to make exception on
case per case basis (e.g., if the student has a solid excuse, with proper documentation, as to why he/she
misses the assignment deadline).
FAQ #8: Can I use an older version of the textbook (e.g., 10
th
edition)?
In general, yes. However, one disclaimer is that if and when the exam material comes from textbook, it
will be from the most recent edition (the one we officially use in the module).
On another note, this semester (Sem 1 AY14/15) we are using the Kalats textbook 11
th
edition e-book
version. This is because some changes in copyrights law which now makes the hardcopy version super
expensive for student budget.
If you prefer to have the 11
th
edition textbook in hardcopy, there may be some used, 11
th
edition
hardcopy textbook floating around out there as I have used the same textbook (hardcopy version) the
PL3232 FAQs 3

last time I taught PL3232 (Sem 1 AY13/14). Therefore, if you have any contact with seniors, you may
want to check if you can buy/borrow the 11
th
edition hardcopy from them.
FAQ #9: Is there RBR version of the textbook?
YES. There are two 11
th
edition Kalats textbook (hardcopy) RBR in the Central Library.