>Janki

Dear Janki and friends,

Fear not, we are not asking you to memorize every complicated population genetics formula. BUT, we do expect you to understand the background and assumptions in the theory of population genetics THAT WE COVERED. So, if there is a complicated formula I want you to use, you will almost always find it given in the theory question. I do, of course, expect you to understand and memorize some of the very basic things in population genetics, like the Hardy-Weinberg, and how to test it statistically.

As for the difference between section A and B, you are right that the main difference is the amount of time you have; you have exactly half as much time for the short answer questions. We try to give questions which require more straightforward answers in the short answer section, and those requiring more thoughtful, "multidisciplinary" answers in the longer essay section. But there is clearly overlap.

If you haven't done so already, you should definitely look at the website I have put up which has 2007/B7 exams back to 1995 (the college site is less complete):

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/~ucbhdjm/courses/2007/Exams/Exams.html

This should be particularly helpful for theory question protocol, and the types of questions in the earlier sections. DON'T believe that you can work out from these past papers what SUBJECTS we will do! That might be a big mistake, though there are often common themes.

Most importantly, remember that examiners get bored by standard answers (at least as bored as the students are when they write them), and, in essays, people who display sparks of interest, intelligence, wide reading, and understanding of more difficult areas, as opposed to regurgitation ability, get much better marks, in this course at least! Apart from that, as in all essay exams, a well constructed and thought out argument, attention to grammar, and readable handwriting are all important, in roughly that order.

Hope this helps,

Jim