Professor: Lederberg Course format: Lecture w/lab Number of respondents: 7 Total Enrollment: 11 Class Composition: Froshs: 2 Sophs: 4 Jrs: 1 Srs: 4 Concs: 6 Non-Concs: 1 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 2.85 Course Average: 2.16

If you are interested in understanding the tiniest specks of living matter on this good green earth, then "Microbiology" might just be the course for you. The only prerequisites are Bio 20 and Chem 10, but a background in genetics or biochemistry would also be helpful.

Professor Lederberg seemed to have trouble judging the comprehension level of his students. Many felt that he spent too much time on the easier parts of the lecture, while rushing over the more difficult topics. However, his overheads, many of which were taken from the book, were always clear and pertinent.

This class had two midterm exams and one final. One of the nicest aspects of the professor's grading system was that he counted the better score of the two midterms twice, and then dropped the lower grade. Reviewers spent an average of five hours per week on this class, although this number increased significantly before an exam.

Students found the material interesting, but stressed the importance of self-motivation for fulfillment within the class. Some found the assignments long, and felt they could have been more pertinent to the material that was covered on the exams.

Do you want to learn about microbial makeup and the methods of microbial infection? Then you should check out this course. Be warned, however, it might make you a paranoid slave to antibacterial cleaning supplies.

View BI/0051 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.