Professor: Martin Course format: Lecture w/lab Number of respondents: 26 Total Enrollment: 27 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 0 Jrs: 6 Srs: 6 Concs: 24 Non-Concs: 0 Don't Know: 1

Instructor Average: 1.88 Course Average: 1.79

"Advanced Biochemistry" is for students with an interest in research. While providing in depth coverage of the principles of biochemistry, the course emphasizes literature analysis and experimental methods. The official prerequisites are BI 28 and a semester of organic chemistry, although it is most important to have a solid foundation in biochemistry. Students also added that it would be very helpful to have taken BI 47 and BI 105.

The course was co-taught by Professor Beale and Professor Martin. Considering the dense, complicated nature of the material, students were generally happy with both professors. They were both clear lecturers who were enthusiastic and able to tie together difficult themes. Both instructors also adapted well to the learning rate of the class and were receptive to questions. Sometimes the class seemed to drag a bit under Professor Beale, and occasionally Professor Martin spoke too quickly.

The extreme demands of Advanced Biochemistry surprised even some who expected a difficult course. Everyone cautioned against underestimating the requirements. At the very least, students spent 8 hours a week on the course and some spent more than 20. There was no textbook. Coursework consisted of 3-5 journal articles per week, a quiz every class session, as well as 6 very time consuming lab reports. In addition to three midterms, there was a cumulative final exam for which reading period was observed. A majority of the students were concentrators, and they were highly motivated to work hard. Non-concentrators can fit in too, but a passion for the subject matter and research is essential. Generally the class atmosphere was very intense.

By the end, students had no doubt that advanced biochemistry was one of Brown"s most demanding courses. Since the students were motivated by the subject matter, almost everyone was highly satisfied overall. There was a consensus that a tremendous amount of current and practical material was learned. This was due in large part to the focus of the course on modern research, which helped everyone to come away with a better understanding of how to apply and integrate biochemical concepts. In retrospect, all the effort was worthwhile.

View BI/0127 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.