MAE 124/ESYS 103 Past Exams

MAE 124/ESYS 103: Environmental Challenges: Science and Solutions

Midterm: What to Expect

Exam questions are broad reaching and similar to our in-class discussions. We do not wish to test your memorization abilities, so do not expect questions involving trivia, factoids, or quantitative percentages. Instead, you are advised to understand and objectively consider multiple viewpoints for the issues addressed in class, in readings, and by our guest lecturers. The exam will gauge the breadth and depth of your knowledge on issues we have covered so far. Also, we seek to test and further develop your scientific reasoning and critical evaluation skills through this exam. We strongly suggest you complete and/or review all past readings. You would be wise to discuss and/or get notes for any regular classes or guest lectures that you missed.

The midterm exam will be held Friday, April 29th in class. In the past, we have supplied blue books, and we will make an announcement about this in advance. The exam format consists of several short answer questions and perhaps one, longer essay-type question. This will likely be an open-note (but NOT open book) exam. This year, we plan to allow you to use up to one 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper (two sides) of notes that you have handwritten or typed yourself. (You can't just copy your friend's cheat-sheet.) This will give you an opportunity to synthesize and make notes on the key concepts in the class. We will ask you to turn in your notes with your exam.

Final: What to Expect

The final exam will be Monday, June 6, from 8:00 to 11:00, in our regular lecture hall. We will supply blue books. The format will be similar to previous years' exams. Again, the exam will likely be open note, but not open book, and we will limit you to a single sheet of paper of notes (two-sided, 8.5x11 inches). You may use only notes that you have handwritten or typed yourself. Please turn in a copy along with your exam. The exam will be cumulative, although with a stronger emphasis on the second half of the course.

In accordance with UCSD policy, no allowance will be granted for students arriving late to an exam.

Past Exams