BIO 208 MICROBIOLOGY - Extra Credit Options and Schedule

Students wishing to make up for poorer than expected exams, or to boost scores, can do extra credit options to earn a maximum of 20 points added to the total course points, if the work is acceptable and meets the appropriate deadlines. 

Essays - You may write short (1-2 pages, double-spaced) essays on microbiology related topics at any time during the semester. Essays should include at least two citations to literature, not textbooks or internet sources. Each paper submitted on time will earn up to 2 points added to the course grade, as follows:

·         2 points - good work, appropriate references

·         1 point - basically acceptable content but marred by mechanical problems such as incorrect spelling or grammar, or lack of clarity in explaining the topic, lack of or inappropriate references,

·         0 points - unacceptable or plagiarized.

**Any evidence of plagiarism will result in zero points for all students involved and denial of any extra credit points otherwise earned in the course.

Newspaper/magazine articles - There are frequently articles concerning microbiology in newspapers and magazines, which can be used for extra credit during any week. Each submission should include an appropriate reference to the newspaper (Ex. "Area Woman Dies of Mad Cow-like Disease" Detroit Free Press, February 23, 2001) or magazine (Ex. "Why Antibiotics Fail" Parent Magazine, February 2001).

·         1 point - a written 1 paragraph summary of the article, appropriately cited.

Television programs - Often there are news segments or entire tv programs concerning microorganisms that can be used for extra credit during any week. Each submission should include a complete reference to the program (Ex. (and these are made up) "Antibiotic Resistance" Dateline March 16, 2001 or "In Search of Viruses" NOVA April 2, 2001).

·         2 points - a written 1 page summary of a TV program devoted to a microbiology related topic, appropriately cited

·         1 point - a written 1 paragraph summary of a news segment on a microbiology related topic, appropriately cited

Book reports - Visit this website for a list of books that have a heavy microbial theme.

·         4 points - good work,

·         2 points - basically acceptable content but marred by mechanical problems such as incorrect spelling or grammar, or lack of clarity in explaining the topic,

·         0 points - unacceptable or plagiarized.

**Any evidence of plagiarism will result in zero points for all students involved and denial of any extra credit points otherwise earned in the course.