The questions are designed to test proficiency of basic material, and not be major challenges that would divert your attention from the day’s work. They are voluntary, but you are encouraged to take them as the course progresses. This will assure you that you are getting the take–home points, and it will let us know if we need to revisit some topics. Your scores on these quizzes will not enter into the calculation of your BOD grade.
Quizzes
An hour quiz, every other week, will be used for an objective assessment of the student's comprehension of the material from the previous module, including the substantive information from the PBL case. Material from the lab sessions will be included and there may be slides or other materials used for identification of material presented in pathology and radiology sessions. The quizzes are scheduled as the first activity (after PBL) on the day after a module ends. Quiz scores will count for 60% of the overall BOD grade.
Remediation Quizzes
If a student fails a module quiz (<65%), we will require that he complete and pass an on-line remediation quiz (available via the Angel courses website, above). The remediation quiz is Pass/Fail, and its score does not contribute to the overall course grade.
Triple Jump Examinations
Punctuating each third of the course, students will undergo an examination based on a case similar to those discussed in the PBL sessions, consisting of three components: a written analysis of the case, overnight independent study, and an oral exam. The exams are composed by the module leaders for the course section: BOD-1 -- heart, lung, and kidney; BOD-2 –GI, endocrine, dermatology, and kidney; and BOD-3 – rheumatology, hematology, infectious disease, and kidney. These exams will be conducted during the PBL time period by PBL tutors familiar with the course material. Triple jump scores will count for 15% of the overall course grade.
PBL Assessment
Each instructor for the PBL sessions will assess each student's skills and attitudes on the basis of attendance, participation in discussions, and quality of contribution. PBL performance will count for 25% of the overall course grade.
Absences
This course will be meeting through the peak of flu season. There is ample historical experience that some students will be ill on the day that a quiz is scheduled. I urge that you not take a quiz while you are febrile, but rather phone (746-6192) or e-mail the office (jam2040@med.cornell.edu), telling us of your situation, and your best estimate for your return date to take the quiz. If you find that you are febrile for more than 3 days, it may be worthwhile to see a doctor.
It may also be the case that a student will need to be away for some other excused absence. Again please notify the office to reschedule the quiz. If you find yourself uncertain about whether a planned absence falls within the “excused” category, please discuss the situation with us in advance.
Note: Excused absentees will be announced at the start of a quiz. If you have an excused absence and are present at the quiz, you need to identify yourself to the quiz proctor.
Best of luck to all!
Alan M. Weinstein, M.D. Course Director
E-mail:amweins@med.cornell.edu
Phone: (212) 746-4027
