I. Goals of the course

You can look back for a detailed list but in brief:

• Make progress towards independence
• Distinguish observations from mere assertions
• Grasp the basics of molecular biology as a useful tool

Do you now have an understanding of these goals? Do you consider them worthy?

Your thoughts on independence?

Your thoughts on observations/assertions (and paying attention to the experiments behind observations)?

Your thoughts on molecular biology?

II. The Means of the Course

These goals were to be achieved through means you can review in detail.
Please consider whether they helped you achieve the stated goals of the course:

1. The classroom experience
   Look back on the on-line notes (example), companions (example), experiment simulations (example) -- all done (in theory) outside of class, followed by discussions in class driven by responses to questionnaires (example). Consider:
   • Few people bought into this idea. While I'm convinced that in theory it is a far better strategy to attain the goals of the class than lecture, in practice... well, it wasn't often put in practice.
      
   • There was a significant core fraction who came to class but it certainly constituted a minority. I take that as prime evidence that most people judged that going to class was not the best use of their time.
      
   • And long before the end of the semester, the number of meaningful questionnaire responses had dribbled to near nothing.
      
   • Few people took serious whacks at the simulations until the week of the exam. The name of this course is "Molecular Biology Through Discovery" in large part because of these simulations.
      
   • I would very much like a theory that is put into practice, class activities that are so worthwhile that class is worthy of your time, and discovery simulations that actually promote discovery, because people actually engage in them and discover (or, failing that, some other route that achieves the course's goals). I wonder how to get there. Attempt to compel these activities? That would work against one of the main goals of the course. Besides, you should know better than I the best use of your time.

   Your thoughts?
   
    

2. Results vs conclusions
   The focus on primary research articles throughout the semester, supplemented by exercises in class, the summary of an experiment, the research proposal, and constant harping throughout the semester, were all attempts to help you see the difference between results and conclusions and the importance of understanding the experiment that led to a result. There were also many guides to help you develop strategies to cope with confusion, an inescapable part of science.

   The research proposal will be considered in a moment, but besides that, your thoughts?
   
    

3. The research project
   I saw this as an opportunity to view research as something more than science fairs, to see how questions are raised by prior experimental results, and -- most important -- to engage in a scientific dialogue with a mentor who sees science not as a classroom lecture but rather a lifelong calling. I tried to spread the activity over the semester, but for many this didn't appear to happen.
   • What did you gain from the written research proposal and from the presentations?
      
   • What did you gain from the panel discussion of your proposal?
      
   • Few people mounted a sustained effort starting from January to the end of the semester (see the time line). Most relied on a burst of creative activity during the last week or two.
      
   • More than a few mentors commented on the scarcity of meetings suggested by their mentees.

   Your thoughts?
   
    

4. Help and feedback
   Most problem sets you turned in resulted in extensive feedback from either Akhil, Vince, or me. Akhil and Vince also had regular (and often extra) help sessions. I met with you individually during each of the last two exams. There was also written feedback for the first two exams (but not the last), your summary of an experiment, and drafts of your proposals and presentations. Some feedback came from your peers. There was also feedback during class. How did this work for you? Did you feel you had adequate opportunity to get the help and feedback you needed?

   Your thoughts?
   

III. Bottom line

1. What advice would you give someone entering the class?
   
    
2. Three things you'd advise that this class never to do again?
   
    
3. Three things you'd advise that this class keep doing at all costs?
   
    
4. Three ideas that would make the course better for those that come after you? (I know... make shorter questionnaires)
   
    
5. Did you get what you wanted out of the course? If so, what? If not, what did you miss?
   Do you feel more proficient in some way? If so, how?
   What if anything do you think will still be with you from the course in five years?

A LONG questionnaire... Thanks!

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