The Critical Review
BI/0044 (sec 1) Plant Organism

Prev Next
Index of courses

Professor: Holowinsky
Course format: Lecture w/ Lab

Number of respondents: 14
Total Enrollment: 16
Class Composition:
Froshs: 0 Sophs: 5 Jrs: 6 Srs: 3
Concs: 4 Non-Concs: 7 Don't Know: 3

Instructor Average: 1.85 Course Average: 1.90
Graph Legend Graph

"Plant Organism" provides a general overview of the biology of plants, including their evolution, structure, and environmental adaptations. Bio 20 or an equivalent level of general biology is needed for this course, although any background in plant biology is also helpful.

Andrew Holowinsky's teaching style consisted mainly of lecturing. His lecture style was clear, and he always made a point of slowing down if the class expressed confusion. He made good use of visual aids and aided students" note-taking by providing pertinent handouts. Respondents were also very appreciative of Professor Holowinsky"s expertise in the subject matter.

Reviewers spent an average of four hours outside class for this course each week, a number that increased before an exam. There were two midterms and one final exam, as well as one final paper. Students were also expected to maintain a lab manual throughout the semester. There was a disproportionate amount of work due towards the end of the semester, but in general deadlines for assignments were somewhat flexible. The professor held three classes during Reading Period, and scheduled a second midterm just prior to it.

Though many complained about the 9 a.m. meeting time for this class, most students were glad to have taken it, for they learned much about the biology of plants. Take it if you are interested in the subject matter.

View BI/0044 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.


The Critical Review / Index of courses