Professor: Bear Course format: Lecture w/Section Number of respondents: 220 Total Enrollment: 411

Class Composition Froshs: 167 Sophs: 144 Jrs: 62 Srs: 36 Concs: 25 Non-Concs: 119 Don't Know: 56	Instructor Average: 1.50 Course Average: 1.57

"The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience" is the basic introductory course on the brain and the nervous system. It covers topics such as the structures of the brain, function and parts of the neuron, the major sensory systems, control of movement and speech, learning and memory, emotion and diseases of the brain. There are no formal prerequisites but an introductory biology course such as Bio 20 is recommended.

The class was team-taught be a number of professors. Students found the variety to be refreshing but some lamented that when they finally got used to a particular instructor, a new lecturer would invariably take over. Professor Bear, the main course instructor, was overwhelmingly lauded as a fabulous lecturer. Many commented on his clear and often humorous lecture style. Some students wondered why he did not teach more of the course. Professors Simmons, Carskadon, Patrick, Paradiso, Stein, and Bowen also received kudos for their performance. A number of respondents commented though, that Professor Stein was sometimes uninspiring and Professor Bowen seemed disorganized. Professor Sanes received mostly unfavorable reviews as students found him condescending and confusing. Students found all the professors enthusiastic and willing to take time to answer questions during class. Some instructors integrated their own research into the lectures which many class members found fascinating.

Course work consisted of two midterms and a final exam, all of which were multiple choice. Don't be lulled by this fact though, for the tests were by no means a breeze. Students found them difficult since massive amounts of information were covered on each exam. Weekly reading ran from about 30 to 60 pages. People spent anywhere from four to ten hours a week on this class.

All the students commented on the large amount of material covered by this class. Most said that they learned an inordinate amount of knowledge concerning their central nervous system. Some even thought that they learned too much information. The large majority of students though, thoroughly enjoyed the class and recommends it highly to those considering taking it. Some words of warning though: Be ready to work hard but it's definitely, definitely worth it.

View BN/0001 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.