Professor: Bertness Course format: Lecture w/lab Number of respondents: 18 Total Enrollment: 23 Class Composition: Froshs: 1 Sophs: 6 Jrs: 10 Srs: 5 Concs: 12 Non-Concs: 4 Don't Know: 1

Instructor Average: 1.33 Course Average: 1.53

Students can expect to learn about the evolution and physiology of invertebrates by taking "Invertebrate Zoology." Respondents felt that knowledge of basic biology, such as BI 20, was sufficient background and that an ecology course, such as BI 42, would be helpful.

Professor Bertness received high praise from his students. They found him to be enthusiastic, friendly, open to questions and knowledgeable. Class members found the lectures to be clear, interesting and organized. Respondents appreciated the good use of visuals and slides, though a few students noted that it was difficult to take notes from the slides and that printed copies would have been very helpful. Some people felt that lectures moved a little fast, a necessary evil to cover the large amount of material involved. However, respondents felt that Professor Bertness did a good job of making clear what were the important points to know. A few class members also noted that the TAs did a good job.

Coursework included textbook readings, weekly labs, two 5-page papers, 2 exams and a cumulative final. In addition, the class went on two field trips and had about 3 quizzes. Class members found the readings to be lengthy, dense and too detailed for scope of class; a few people felt the reading were unnecessary, since tests focused on what was learned in lecture. A couple of students felt the exams were too long. Several people found the field trips to be fun and allowed for theory to be put into practice. Students spent from three to ten hours per week on the course. Reading period was observed.

Class members generally put a lot of effort into the class. They found motivation in their interest in the material, the professors, the TAs, and the desire to understand and to do well. Discouragement came from the memorization for the exams and from the tedious reading from the textbook. Students were generally very glad they took the class. They learned a lot, enjoyed the class environment and found the material to be interesting. So, if you are interested in the subject and want to have a great professor, look into the class, just make sure you go to lecture.

View BI/0041 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.