Professor: Doeppner Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 37 Total Enrollment: 61 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 0 Jrs: 23 Srs: 29

Instructor Average: 1.44 Course Average: 1.59

The mechanisms governing such systems as Windows and UNIX are clouded in mystery to that average person. "Operating Systems" attempts to lift this proverbial haze and introduce class members to the complexities and principles such systems are founded upon. This is an upper-level lecture-style class consisting of mostly computer science concentrators, and as such prospective students are strongly urged to have taken CS32, and possibly CS31, prior to entry.

Respondents consistently raved about Professor Doeppner's performance, many suggesting that he is easily the best instructor in the department. Review after review indicated that he is extremely clear and open to questioning, while still maintaining a certain degree of discipline in his lectures. He exquisitely crafted Power Point lecture slides, occasionally with animations, which most everyone found to be effective, especially when studying for examinations. The overall consensus reveals that everything from his tone down to the pace of each lecture was tailor-made toward creating an optimal learning environment.

The grading criterion for CS167 consisted of four written homework assignments, which students were given a week to complete, five programming assignments, a midterm, and a final. Survey respondents indicate that these assignments were clear in terms of their objectives and manageable given sufficient effort. However, according to many class members, the programs varied greatly in terms of difficulty and the time commitment necessary to complete them. This course has no required readings since the lecture slides, and the textbook to a lesser degree, contain all the necessary information needed for success.

On average, incoming students can expect to devote anywhere from 7 to 10 hours weekly outside of class to the coursework for the first couple of months in the semester. This commitment greatly increases during the last few weeks of the term, some alumni suggesting that one can easily spend 25 to 35 hours per week during this time period. For those with such dedication and self-motivation, the intellectual gains will greatly outweigh such drawbacks.

View CS/0167 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.