Professor: Miller Course format: Lecture with lab Number of respondents: 321 Total Enrollment: 364 Class Composition: Froshs: 243 Sophs: 68 Jrs: 29 Srs: 22 Concs: 62 Non-Concs: 153 Don't Know: 80

Instructor Average: 1.50 Course Average: 1.75

"The Foundation of Living Systems" is a broad introduction to biological processes and systems including biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology, ecology, evolution, and development. Although it's the introductory course in biology for many concentrators, it's also designed for non-concentrators. No prerequisites are needed for success in this class.

Professors Miller and Stein made a strong team. Both were praised for their effective teaching styles, which included expertise in the subject matter and clear visual presentations. Both professors were friendly and accessible, and took questions during lecture despite the large class size. Outside of class they were always available for extra help. Miller and Stein"s enthusiasm for the subject matter was motivating, and students commented favorably on their sense of humor. There were suggestions from some respondents that, in the future, Professor Miller teach at a slower pace. Also, noted some, Professor Stein could vary his presentation style to make it a bit less monotonous. But overall Miller and Stein received excellent reviews.

This class required weekly lab meetings, lab reports, and homework assignments. The lab assignments were relaxed and didn"t take too much time. There were also several chapters of weekly reading, which were good but not necessarily complementary to the lectures, confusing students as to what was most crucial. There were three midterms and a cumulative final, and the lowest midterm score was dropped. The exams were challenging and a good portion consisted of multiple-choice questions, about which many students were unhappy, because they found the questions tricky and not the best test of their understanding. Students spent about six to eight hours per week on this class.

Most people were satisfied with their experience. There was hard work needed, but most students were motivated by their interest in the subject matter and the two great professors. Most commented that they came away with a strong foundation in biology, claiming that this course is a good starting point for anyone interested in the field. Those with high AP Biology scores should consider taking another biology course, however, because they will already have credit for Bio 20.

View BI/0020 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.