Indeed. Many of my technical undergrad courses were very exam heavy. Typically 3-5 midterms and one final. Sometimes the final was as little as 10% of the grade. The idea was that if you'd done well throughout the semester you can relax during finals weeks.

Homework was assigned but not graded.

Periodic tests is the way to go.

I hated courses where the final was more than 30%. Forget 100%.