The best aspects of the course included the stimulating and applicable topics, as well as the professor’s straightforward and enthusiastic teaching method. The worst aspect of the course was the papers as many students felt they were kind of thrown into the course and not well thought out. Also, the exams were somewhat difficult and were not preceded by any review sessions. The course would improve if the written papers were eliminated and if students were given practice exams or review sessions to help them prepare for the exams. Prospective students should ensure they keep up with al the readings and

Students loved the hands-on labs that al owed them to dissect and study parts of the brain, which they felt was the best aspect of this course. They thought the low-key lab work and felt that they really learned the materials well. Many students wished there were more opportunities to earn a grade instead of simply relying on three memorization-based exams. Suggestions for improvement included providing structured study sheets before each exam, and giving additional assignments to help boost grades. Students also wanted to perform more dissections, which they felt were very helpful in learning the materials. Prospective students are advised that the work in these labs is chal enging but interesting, and that students should be willing to study hard before each exam.

Students broadly praised this self-driven course that gave students a hands-on approach to learning. Multiple students mentioned the aplysia dissections as a highlight of the course. Perceived issues with the course centered on a general feeling among students that it was difficult to get feedback on how well they were doing which meant that students who were having an issue continued to repeat mistakes on labs and exams. Suggestions for improvement largely centered on a desire among students to receive more feedback so that they could better know how well they were grasping the material. In addition, students asked for additional materials that they could practice on while others asked for a class session dedicated to studying and preparing for exams. Prospective students should know that students found this course to be a fun and that it drew on knowledge from earlier classes they had taken. 247

The best aspects of this course included the applicability of the material to the lecture section and the organization of the labs. Also, students appreciated the hands-on experience. Some students felt that the practical was too intense and difficult. Some students felt that more time could’ve been spent on the electrophysiology portion of the class and that more guidance regarding the practical could have been provided. Prospective students should know that engagement is pertinent, they should be prepared to memorize the material, and that the exams are difficult, but the labs are fun.

The best aspects of this course were by far the hands on experiments. Students give high marks to the sheep brain this semester. Most students rated the lab manual and the difficult practical as the worst aspects of the course. An updated lab manual was a suggestion for improvement, as was a shorter time spent with aplasia. Keeping up with the anatomy, which was the first half of the semester, was the key to doing well on the first practical. Prospective students should know that while you don’t need to be a zombie to take this course, you should love brains.

Students’ favorite part of this course was the hands on learning with engaging and passionate professors. Students reported that they enjoyed the lab procedures (especial y the dissections) and that the labs reinforced concepts learned in class. Many students were frustrated with the inability to study for the lab practical, which accounted for 50% of their grade. This class could have been improved by having more practicals and shortening the segment on Aplysia. Prospective students should know this course is better suited for students that have experience in this field. Al students by the end of the semester will gain a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the brain and how some of its functions work.