Professor: Jackson Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 15 Total Enrollment: 19 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 2 Jrs: 10 Srs: 5 Concs: 11 Non-Concs: 1 Don't Know: 3

Instructor Average: 1.34 Course Average: 1.45

"Comparative Animal Physiology" covers the structure, function, and organization of animal organ systems with an emphasis on vertebrates. Although a wide variety of species are considered, a major theme is the unity and diversity of physiological processes in animals differing both in environmental adaptation and evolutionary history. An intermediate level of biology knowledge, particularly previous experience in physiology (BI 80 or BI 117) was recommended for this class.

By all accounts, Professor Jackson was a great instructor. The only complaint was that at times he moved a bit fast. But this could easily be explained by his high level of knowledge and enthusiasm for the material, which everyone appreciated. Jackson's lectures were easy to follow and organized. He was sensitive to students" level of understanding, and also set the tone for a relaxed classroom atmosphere that was very open to questions and student participation. Outside of class, Jackson was regarded as very accessible, and downright friendly. He made learning fun, and was always willing to help his students comprehend the material.

Students spent approximately five to ten hours per week on this class. There was a great deal of reading from textbooks, and usually three journal articles were assigned per lecture. Many students felt that there was too much reading, and found that the textbook in particular was tedious. There were two midterms and a final exam, along with a final term paper and one presentation. Some felt the exams were fair, while others felt that they were not an accurate test of their understanding. These students also felt the exams emphasized memorization and recitation of facts. Overall, students were happy with most of the material they covered, and were motivated by their intense interest in the subject.

Everyone was happy to take the course. Despite their dissatisfaction with all the reading and with some of the exams, all respondents enjoyed their experience. Every student felt it was worthwhile to learn from an excellent professor such as Jackson, and everyone was glad to have learned so much interesting material. One student even commented that he learned more in this course than from all other biology courses he had taken. The overall experience in this class is great, as long as you are interested in the material and ready to work hard.

View BI/0118 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.