Biology Seminar Programme

Visiting lecturers are frequently invited to the Department. Whenever public seminars or lectures are arranged, it is the general policy of the Department that third and fourth year students majoring in Biology are expected to attend. Attendance is mandatory for Honours students. These seminars will also prove interesting and beneficial to first and second year students, and they are also encouraged to attend. The faculty considers that these seminars are an important part of your education, for guest lecturers allow you to assess your own knowledge and your ability to envisage a different part of the discipline. 

The Quality of Written English

English is the medium of instruction at Mount Allison, and in most courses students will be expected to write reports, assignments and examination answers clearly, concisely and accurately in that language. Failure to do this is often a major reason for loss of marks. Errors in spelling, grammar, usage and logic justify an instructor in reducing the grades awarded. In addition, they may create sufficient confusion over the ideas that the student wished to convey, that actual knowledge goes unrecognized and hence unrewarded. It is also common experience that students who write badly often read with difficulty and also may be unable to take full advantage of lectures, tutorials, laboratory instructions and other aspects of the teaching process.

In recognition of the importance of adequate English, Senate has adopted the following resolution:

That the University administration (academic), heads of departments, and individual instructors clearly state that evaluation of students' written work includes evaluation of the quality of the written language as well as of the basic subject material.

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Academic Policy

Students are reminded that plagiarism and other instances of academic dishonesty are not tolerated at Mount Allison, and are subject to discipline by the Academic Judicial Committee (see Calendar Regulation 6.13).

 

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Equipment and Facilities Policy

Policy for use of equipment and facilities of Flemington and Barclay Buildings Biology laboratory facilities are located in the Flemington Building and the first two floors of the Barclay Building.
1. Students may not use laboratory facilities outside formal laboratory periods without permission of the appropriate faculty/staff member.
2. NO equipment is to be removed from any laboratory without express permission of the faculty/staff member responsible for that laboratory. Borrowed equipment must be returned immediately after use.
3. Students must not use any equipment until they have satisfied a faculty/staff member that they are completely familiar with its operation.
4. Equipment and working space must be thoroughly cleaned immediately after use.
5. Report any equipment malfunctions, breakage or shortage immediately. Remember that scientific equipment is very expensive and must be used with maximum care.
6. Students with door keys entering the building at times when the doors are locked must ensure that the doors are locked behind them.
7. Any student who does not conform to the above regulations will be denied access to the Flemington and Chemistry Buildings, except when in attendance at lectures and formal labs.

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Animal Care Policy

In the course of our research and teaching activities, faculty and students frequently work with live animals. All work involving live animals in done in strict accordance with the guidelines established by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). All work with animals in this Department has been examined and approved by the Animal Care Committee of Mount Allison University. Approvals for all work must be renewed yearly and all new projects are subject to approval before commencement.

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Requests for References:

For students requesting references for applications to Graduate Programmes, Medical School, for summer jobs, for graduate employment here or elsewhere, etc., please note the following:

• Select your referee with care; choose someone who has had a chance to know you.
• Ask the proposed referee if he/she will agree to have his/her name used as a referee on your application form, etc. before you proceed.
• Do not leave applications until the deadline approaches. We cannot guarantee punctual completion of forms reaching us on a rush basis.
• Be sure all applicable parts of any accompanying form are properly completed. Check especially your name, etc., and job applied for on the top of any confidential forms required.
• Hand in all forms and appropriate postage to the faculty member involved and we will then forward all, together with our comments, to the appropriate agency. Some medical schools prefer that application forms precede reference letters -- that is, of course, quite acceptable but, nevertheless, we would like to get the information requested below.
• List, for our guidance, all undergraduate societies in which you are a member -- particularly where offices are held -- also significant hobbies, extracurricular activities like music, sports, etc.
• Be prepared to discuss your future plans with the person who is to support you.
• List your last exam grades, and your approximate average since coming to Mount Allison.
• Be sure your name is on all sheets.
• Please keep us informed of the eventual results of your application.