Professor: Rand Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 62 Total Enrollment: 84

Class Composition Froshs: 7 Sophs: 29 Jrs: 25 Srs: 22 Concs: 38 Non-Concs: 14 Don't Know: 6	Instructor Average: 1.85 Course Average: 1.90

Evolution, huh? A cool topic with fascinating implications in biology, and a totally new way to view life. This course spans genetics to ecology, and surveys a plethora of evolutionary-related natural phenomena. Background in genetics was helpful.

Views about Professor Rand were divided, although generally he was admired and well appreciated. Rand was flawless in his knowledge, and buoyant about evolution. His subtle and slick humour was also a plus. However, a small amount of students felt little appreciation for the way lectures were presented, and were frustrated with rushed material and confusing areas. Although wise, Rand was sometimes unclear in covering some of the most important topics, and students were unable to use section time to clarify material. Many respondents mentioned that the nature of the course requires much mental rehearsal to gain familiarity and mastery of the evolution stuff.

Effort for this course was about four hours a week, although more so for the three problem sets, and much more intense for the two midterms and the last exam. The reading packet contained Rand's lecture notes and was relied on heavily by the students. For the majority of responents, the consensus on the textbook was that "this is not a book to be tossed aside lightly. It is one to be tossed aside with great force!" It was of little value to the midterms or term exam, which were all regarded as partly random. Testing mental quickness and adeptness, the exams seemed to be difficult to prepare fully for, although course respondents nevertheless encouraged rigorous understanding.

The intellectual value of the course varied widely among course respondents. A large group of students found that evolution was not worth waking up for, and others felt it had metamorphisized their interest in biology and inspired them to learn more of evolutionary biology and genetics. Sections were generally liked, as these involved discussions of a scientific article on an interesting topic, and were led by competent TAs.

If you are willing to be interested, take this course. It is not one to take lightly, and competition is noticeable and vivid. Students that worked hard all report enlightenment and an affinity for the professor's lore and style, so be ready to learn much kick-ass material and not be naturally selected out of position if you want a top grade.

View BI/0048 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.