The best aspects of the course were the engaging lectures, the professor, and the interesting material. The worst aspects of the course were the hefty reading assignments, ineffective section meetings, and occasionally disorganized lectures. The course would improve if there were more exam study guides and assignments for students to boost grades. It would also improve if the TA section meetings were more effective, engaging, and inclusive of guiding questions. Prospective students should know that it is essential they do all the readings and attend all the lectures because the professor goes over vital information in class.

Prospective students looking for independent study where they can pursue new options and participate in research should enroll in this course. Many students agreed that they were able to apply all the knowledge that they have been building upon for the past three years to their senior thesis. Also, students were given constant guidance throughout and the organized timeline made by the professors was helpful to students. However, this course was extremely time consuming and there was a decrease in structure and guidelines during the second semester. To improve this course, it was suggested by students that there be mandatory meetings so that the professors can provide direction and more bio statistical support for data analysis.

The best aspects of the course included the invested instructors who wanted the students to succeed, and the experience of going through the process of writing a research paper. Students felt that it was difficult to coordinate with external advisors in order to gain feedback. Suggestions for improvement included having specific due dates for research paper sections and scheduling more consistent class meeting times. Prospective students should be self-motivated and have a research project or idea in mind prior to enrolling in the course.