BI/0111 (sec
1)
Microbial Ecology in Aquatic Environment
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Professor: Coleman Course format: Lecture w/lab Number of respondents: 10 Total Enrollment: 12
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BI 111 is an intermediate level course about algae, protozoa, fungi, and other freshwater and marine microorganisms. There are no stated prerequisites, although respondents strongly suggested having a background, at the very least, equivalent to BI 20. Additional classes in cell biology, marine biology and ecology could be helpful.
Professor Coleman spoke clearly and had an extraordinary knowledge of the subject matter. However, her presentations could be improved. Sometimes she was organized, but more often then not, she was disorganized, scattered, and confusing. At times, this made it difficult to take notes. Despite this, Professor Coleman was well liked. Students were motivated by her obvious passion for the subject and her desire to help them enjoy the material. This helped make the class environment fun and free of unnecessary pressure.
The coursework was very hands-on. All students were required to collect specimens from nature, as well as to isolate, grow, and characterize one organism in a laboratory. There was a fair amount of reading from texts and supplemental handouts, in addition to two hard midterms and a final. Students were also required to complete either a 10 page term paper or an experimental lab project followed by an oral report to the class. Overall, the work was moderately difficult. Most students devoted an average of 3-5 hours per week to the course. They felt that the means of evaluation was fair, and they commended Professor Coleman for encouraging them to be independent learners.
Virtually every student was happy to have taken the class. They not only learned a great deal but they felt good that they learned about a subject that was somewhat unconventional. A number of students also felt that BI 111 provided a good synthesis of a broad range of subjects such as ecology, geology, cell biology, biochemistry, and evolution. If you need to fulfill an area 3 requirement for biology or if you simply want to learn more about nature, this could be a satisfying course.
View BI/0111 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.
