Professor: Stein Course format: Lecture w/lab Number of respondents: 63 Total Enrollment: 113 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 35 Jrs: 56 Srs: 21

Instructor Average: 1.32 Course Average: 1.38

"Principles of Physiology" focuses on basic physiology emphasizing mammals. Students learn about the maintenance of homeostasis from the level of cells to organ systems. With a prerequisite of BI20, students thought Neuro 1 would be helpful, although not necessary.

Respondents adored Professor Stein. They enjoyed his lectures because of his clear, straightforward, and effective explanations making the course work interesting to the students. His use of overheads, hands-on demonstration, effective use of the board, and precise language allowed different styles of learners to follow concepts. Students also noted the professor's availability for student's questions and encouragement to attend office hours.

Students said the course textbook was quite detailed. Some found this to be effective in providing a proper background of Biology and integrating various body systems while also backing up lecture effectively. Though the reading could be heavy, students said attending lecture was key to at least general ideas covered in the course's three exams. The course did not have a final exam (yay!), but most students did not enjoy the five labs described as "busy work". Students complained about the length of the lab reports, chewing time away from course reading.

Generally, students spent anywhere from two to three hours per week, six to eight hours per week, or even up to ten hours each week on readings; all of which devoted much more time on course work before exams and on lab reports. Even though students did find readings to be either necessary or bogged down in unnecessary detail, they emphasized the importance of attending lecture where the Professor Stein serves the meat of the course. Students enjoyed Professor Stein's teaching style and the interesting course material. If you wonder how the body works many students simply say go for it. As far as teaching, one student says, "It's Stein, how much better can it get?"

View BI/0080 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.