Professor: Patrick Course format: Lecture w/Lab Number of respondents: 51 Total Enrollment: 71

Class Composition Froshs: 0 Sophs: 6 Jrs: 31 Srs: 26 Concs: 33 Non-Concs: 13 Don't Know: 1	Instructor Average: 1.90 Course Average: 2.10

"Introduction to Neuropharmacology and Synaptic Transmission," as the title implies, introduces students to the life cycles of various neurotransmitters and their systems and also to pharmacological assaying techniques. Neuro 1 is a prerequisite and many respondents recommend neuro 92 and a background in biochemistry before taking this class.

Respondents praised Professor Patrick as being well-prepared which facilitated his organized presentation of material. Students also appreciated his awareness of the level of understanding of the class. Many felt that he went at a leisurely and reasonable pace though some thought he would have gone faster. Some students, though, felt that Professor Patrick's lectures were dry and boring. Add the fact that the class met at nine in the morning made it a tough battle for some to remain cognizant.

The workload for this class consisted of five lab reports, three exams, one 10 to 15 page paper, a oral presentation (not graded), and a final exam. Class members found the labs to be tedious to write up. And many were discouraged by how exacting the professor graded the labs. Students found the reading assignments of moderate to little relevance. The exams covered also exclusively the notes given in class so people studied for the tests accordingly. Generally people spent about two to six hours a week on this course.

Most students were not blown away by the lectures but at the same times most people said that they learned a great deal from this class. An interest in the subject material is definitely a factor in how much each class member enjoyed the class. Some found the subject matter to be fascinating and consequently relished the course while others merely endured what they felt to be drudgery. So basically it boils down to whether or not you want to learn about drugs and neurotransmitters and how they affect the human body. If the answer is a resounding yes, the class is right up your alley.

View BN/0167 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.