The best aspect of the course was its open forum style. Students were al owed to take control of the class by initiating and leading the discussions. The worst aspects of the course included the often repetitive information and un-engaging conversations students were permitted to initiate themselves. Many students felt like the course could have been improved if the professor offered students a variety of materials to help them learn the subject as opposed to just having student presentations. Future students should be aware that this class is mostly based on class discussions and presentations. They should endeavor to always be present in class and do the readings as the professor is able to tel who has come to class prepared and who has not.

Students praised this course for having an interesting subject matter that spurred “engaging peer discussion.” Issues with the course were few, although some students complained that the experience could be dragged down when some students didn’t do the reading. Suggestions for improvement included adding more varied topics for class discussion. Other students wanted the instructor to have a firmer role in the course either by giving more traditional lectures or guiding the class discussions. Prospective students should know that the class is virtual y all discussion based and requires students to be actively engage. Students who didn’t do the reading or weren’t engaged were easy to spot.

Students praised this course for having both a knowledgeable instructor and engaging seminar-style lectures that led to stimulating conversations among students. Perceived issues with the course varied; some students found the in-class discussions to be boring, particularly when some students hadn’t done the reading. Other students found in-class discussions could often wander off topic into philosophical areas. Suggestions for improvement centered around a desire for the course to have more focused readings that focus on biological rather than philosophical concepts. Prospective students should know that reading the material prior to attending class is essential to ensuring that group discussions are productive.

The best aspects of the course included the class discussions and the interactive atmosphere. The worst aspects of the course included the student-led discussions as not everyone always participated in them. The readings were very lengthy and the class sessions became repetitive and dul for many of the students. The course would improve if there were better guided discussions so that everyone could participate and be excited about participating. Prospective students should expect a generalized bio course with lots of in-class discussions and presentations.

The best aspect of this course was the thought-provoking discussions. Many students liked the way the professor led discussions because it made them think about biology in a different way. Students also said that the readings for this course were dense and class period heavily relied on participation. In addition, a great amount of the course material was abstract and difficult to understand. Suggestions for improvement include: interactive presentations, a variety of readings, and a smaller class size. Prospective students should know that the course readings are long and class time is discussion based.