Professor: Mierke Course format: Lecture w/lab Number of respondents: 8 Total Enrollment: 9 Class Composition: Froshs: 7 Sophs: 2 Jrs: 0 Srs: 0

Instructor Average: 1.84 Course Average: 1.90

"Proteins: Primary Molecules of Life" focuses in detail on the structure and function of polypeptide chains. Intended to introduce students to particular topics in biological sciences, students felt that a background in Chemistry would prove to be useful.

Taught by Professor Mierke, respondents described him as enthusiastic, knowledgeable, entertaining, and interesting. His use of overheads reinforced understanding of difficult concepts. Although not very clear in explaining every topic, Professor Mierke was open to answering questions in class and would in turn ask questions to the class to make them think about the concepts at hand. Students strongly advised to speak with the instructor after class or attend office hours if further clarification was necessary.

Students were assigned readings from the course textbook and occasional articles. They reported the specialization of the text as complicated, and they were split on its relevance towards preparation for the course's two exams. Some respondents felt the readings were too dense for the exams, while others felt that the text was very relevant and useful. Every other week students worked on a two-hour lab and turned in a five page final report in outline form. There was also a final exam.

On average, students spent four to six hours per week and this figure rose before exams. Respondents emphasized the importance of grasping key concepts and thinking about the course material. The course does go into specific detail, but students attest that working with Professor Mierke after class or during office hours will elucidate the topics at hand.

View BI/0019 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.