Self Organizing Patterns in Nature
1.0
creditsAverage Course Rating
The manifestations of all biological structures and related functions are the end effect of the formation and maintenance of complex molecular and cellular patterns. These patterns (macromolecules, cellular organelles, cells, and tissues) are assembled from their constituent parts under fundamental rules not too dissimilar to those that govern the formation of snowflakes or the dewdrops on a spider web. This course (lectures and student presentations) attempts to describe these common rules and to explain the formation and function of significant biological assemblies.
Spring 2015
Professor: E Moudrianakis
The best aspects of the course included the interesting content and the professor’s enthusiasm. Students appreciated the interactive nature of the class that focused on discussion and encouraged collaborative learning. Some students found that the grading system was anxiety inducing and did not provide them with enough opportunities for grades throughout the semester. Thus, students suggested supplying a rubric that clearly stated presentation requirements, and providing more feedback on presentations. Prospective students should be prepared to participate actively in conversations.