The course is set up so that you can miss a term exam if you must.  Do not miss two.  If you miss an exam, you must make sure you do the project as well as all the other exams.  Otherwise, what you miss well be factored in your grade as zero and hurt your average badly.

If you miss one exam, there is no need to contact Professor Manly. 

If you must miss two term exams for very good reasons, contact Professor Manly.