Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1) Who has to take the assessment tests?

    a) Any student who wants to take BIOL2304/2101 Human Anatomy lecture and lab must pass the Anatomy (Biology) assessment test before they can register for the course. This test covers basic high school level biology with emphasis on the basic building blocks of the body (e.g. cells, proteins).

    b) Any student who wants to take BIOL 2305/2102 Human Physiology must pass the Physiology (Chemistry) assessment test before they can register for the course. This test covers basic high school level chemistry.

    c) There is no assessment test required for enrollment in BIOL 2404 Intro to A&P.
* NOTE: BIOL 2404 Intro to A&P is NOT the same as BIOL 2304/2101 Human Anatomy and will NOT substitute for that course. It will NOT serve as the prerequisite for BIOL 2305/2102 Human Physiology. BIOL 2404 is a course designed specifically to meet the A&P requirements of certain Health Science programs (e.g. EMT, LVN). Taking BIOL 2404 does NOT does not exempt you from taking and passing the anatomy assessment test if you later take BIOL 2304.*

2) When will the assessment test be available and where do I take it?

     The assessment tests will be given starting approximately a month before registration begins and ends 2 days before registration ends. The tests will be offered in the Assessment Centers located on every campus. The schedule of when the Assessment Centers will offer the tests may be found here. Taking the test earlier is much better than later.

3) If I've taken BIOL 1406 do I still have to take the biology assessment test? If I've taken CHEM 1305 or CHEM 1311/1312 at ACC do I still have to take the chemistry assessment test? If I've taken chemistry or biology in high school or college do I still have to take the test?

   Yes, yes and yes.

4) If I've taken Anatomy and Physiology before do I have to take the test?

    Yes.

5) Are there any exceptions to or exemptions from the assessment tests?

    No. Under no circumstance can anyone take Anatomy or Physiology without passing the appropriate assessment test.

6) What if I'm out of the country or state during registration?

   The Biology Department is quite willing to have another school's testing center proctor the exam if they are willing. We have sent the test to schools around the United States and Europe. You must find a school and make arrangements with them then have the school contact us and work out the details. They may email Mark McCaffery at mmccaffe@austincc.edu for information.

7) How do I prepare for the assessment test? What if I need a refresher before I take an assessment test? How can I learn the material needed to pass the assessment? What if I don't pass the assessment test?
 
   The best guide for studying or preparing for the assessment is the test objectives. These are a guide to material and concepts students are expected to be familiar with in order to succeed on the assessment tests. The objectives may be found at www.austincc.edu/biology/humanind.

       There are a range of options for students to learn the material before taking the assessment or retaking it if unsuccessful. Links to all these are found at www.austincc.edu/biology/humanind.

         a) You can take a CE class. The Biology department will offer a number of short "prep" courses in conjunction with Continuing Education to refresh students' knowledge.

         b) You can study on your own. The department has an online self prep course for Anatomy (The chemistry version is in develpment). Working through it is an excellent way to learn or refresh the material. The Biology Department has also posted a list of recommended books to review.

         c) You may take a college course:

         -BIOL 1308: Biology Concepts for Health Pre-Professionals--Fundamental principles of living organisms including physical and chemical properties of life, organization, function evolutionary adaptation, and classification. Concepts of reproduction, genetics, ecology, and the scientific method are included. This course is designed to prepare students to take BIOL 2304 or BIOL 2404. Skills: R ( ) Course Type: T

8) How often may I take the assessment test? How many times may I take the assessment tests?

    There is currently no limit to the number of times that a student can take the assessment test. In order to serve more students, however, it may become necessary to give priority seating to students who are taking the assessment test for the first time over students who are retesting. If you are not successful on an assessment test, you need to consider whether you need additional help to master the material before retesting. If you do need additional help, self-study materials, CE courses or full-semester credit courses are available as explained above.

9) How long do I have to take Human Anatomy or Human Physiology after I pass the appropriate assessment test?

    A) Human Physiology:    Passing is 70%

   You must successfully complete the Human Physiology course within two (2) years. After two years, you must pass the assessment test again before you may enroll.

   B) Human Anatomy: There are two levels of passing

           Provisional Pass:   Grade between 50% and 69%

You have permission to register for the Human Anatomy for that semester only

           Pass: Grade of 70%    

               You must successfully complete the Human Anatomy course within two (2) years. After two years, you must pass the assessment again before you enroll.