Professor: McKeown, Laney Course format: Lecture w/lab w/section Number of respondents: 90 Total Enrollment: 177 Class Composition: Froshs: 17 Sophs: 73 Jrs: 55 Srs: 29 Concs: 38 Non-Concs: 32 Don't Know: 17

Instructor Average: 2.30 Course Average: 2.08

“Genetics” is an introductory course in which students learn about “genetic phenomena at the molecular, cellular, organismal, and population levels.” The course is taught in lecture format, with one laboratory session and one discussion section per week. The official prerequisite for this course is Bio 20, although some students felt that basic knowledge of genetics could also be helpful.

The course was team-taught by Professors McKeown and Laney. Professor McKeown received very positive reviews from his students. Respondents praised his enthusiasm and willingness to take their needs into account. They loved his eagerness to answer questions and his clear presentation of the material, although some complained that he often moved through the material too quickly. Most class members also found Professor Laney very enthusiastic and approachable, commenting that “he makes time after hours to help you.”

The assessments for this course consisted of three exams, twelve homework assignments, and seven labs, which most students viewed as a somewhat unreasonable expectation. In general, reviewers had mixed feelings about the textbook. Some people thought it corresponded well with the lectures, but others thought it was redundant and unnecessary.

Most of the survey respondents said that they spent up to twenty hours a week on the work for this class, which was greater then the time commitment they expected. Students did say that the workload did increase during exam weeks. Most people thought the course was interesting, but extremely difficult. Many respondents said that this course should only be taken for a grade if “you’re pre-med, or need the class for your major.”

View BI/0047 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.