Professor: Connors and Stein Course format: Lab Number of respondents: 14 Total Enrollment: 25 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 0 Jrs: 5 Srs: 15 Concs: 9 Non-Concs: 0 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.13 Course Average: 1.30

If you are a neuro concentrator and would like hands on experience in a lab, Neuro 100, 'Experimental Neurobiology,' is just the right course for you. The course is lab only, with an emphasis on cellular neurophysiology. In addition, there were informal lectures to supplement the labs. The prerequisites are Neuro 1, 102, and Physics 3 (or the equivalent).

Although the professors only gave informal lectures, respondents were quick to note the enthusiasm and availability of the very knowledgeable Professor Connors. Professor Stein also was listed as teaching the course, and although there were no specific allusions to him, there were also no complaints about the professors in general. The professors were complimented thoroughly and some respondents even emphasized how it was nice that the professors worked together with the students for a change, instead of formally lecturing.

The course had an average workload of two to four hours a week, not including the time spent hastily writing up the three lab reports during the semester. Many students noted that the length of the lab varied depending on the results. All reviewers agreed that the labs were an immensely good experience in actually applying the neuroscience they had learned previously.

Respondents really liked the course, not only because of the hands-on experience, but also because of the helpfulness of the professors. Students warn, however, that patience is a definite virtue in the lab, as experiments did not always perform as they should have, leaving students in the lab for hours on end. They all recommend taking the course if one is not easily frustrated, and if one plans on pursuing neuroscience in the future. The professors observed Reading Period, except for an ice cream social during that week.

Though a small class, this lab course received rave reviews and was strongly recommended. In the words of one student, Neuro 100 is 'a cornerstone class in the neuro curriculum.' So, if you're interested in neuroscience and have fulfilled the prerequisites, definitely think about taking this course.

View BN/0100 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.