Professor: Braun Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 26 Total Enrollment: 36 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 0 Jrs: 15 Srs: 21

Instructor Average: 1.40 Course Average: 1.50

"Biological and Social Context of Human Disease" uses an interdisciplinary approach to understand a social perspective in which disease exists. This course introduces new ideas and concepts most science students are never exposed to, which most survey respondents found quite broadening. Due to its interdisciplinary approach, prerequisites are BI20, and students suggested a prior course in Immunology, Community Health, or Public Health Policy as helpful.

Class members enjoyed Professor Braun's teaching style. She presented a variety of topics in an organized manner to analyze scientific readings, relating them in a larger context. She evenly divided time between lecture and discussion, providing students with an opportunity to consider more angles of the disease context. Students voiced a concern with the lack of Biology emphasized in the class. This prevented comprehensive understanding of the diseases, requiring review session attendance for exposure to biological course material.

Survey respondents noted the course's high workload, consisting of many readings in a course packet. They all felt the diseases were covered very well, providing theoretical framework and practical examples, all necessary to complete. Throughout the semester, students conducted research on a disease and put together a group presentation along with two commentary papers. There were two in-class exams, as well as three video viewings, and weekly response papers to packet readings, begrudgingly completed by class members because they proved to be helpful.

Most students spent up to ten hours per week on readings, research, and response papers; a course load made clear by Professor Braun in the beginning of the semester. Large amounts of reading and writing are required by this course and students felt this was required for integration of hard sciences with social sciences. Students encouraged others with prior interdisciplinary experience to take this course in order to fully grasp the breadth of human disease and all its implications.

View BI/0085 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.