Biology

This class is an essential course in Biology/ConBio/ECSC, as the content material covers all mammals, their paleogeographic distribution, evolution, migration, and human-animal interactions and conservation efforts. While Alexis heavily emphasizes the lack of memorization and exams in this class, there is much more to do in terms of projects and group work. The lab reports are lengthy, so make sure to visit her office hours or see her for feedback, as the formal grade will take a while to return to you. The science communication aspect is really fun and engaging, especially getting to work towards the goal of teaching children. The TAM project is really interesting, although the group work can become tedious. I would say that passion and energy in the course material is essential to performing well, as the effort required for the many different assignments will feel fruitless if you're uninterested or apathetic about the class. However, Alexis is also incredibly kind and understanding, so definitely reach out if you have problems or need any extensions. She responds to emails really quickly (and at almost any hour of the day, it seems), so don't be shy about emailing her either. Overall, I wish I had more warning about the workload for this course and I am not likely to take another class with her, but I would love to do independent research or work one-on-one with her instead.

This class is an essential course in Biology/ConBio/ECSC, as the content material covers all mammals, their paleogeographic distribution, evolution, migration, and human-animal interactions and conservation efforts. While Alexis heavily emphasizes the lack of memorization and exams in this class, there is much more to do in terms of …Read more

Personally, this course was incredibly interesting, but Prof Spatafora's teaching style is not for everyone. I was lucky to have had a good understanding in general of most of the topics covered, so i had an easier time understanding her lectures, but without a foundational understanding of biology, it is really difficult to interpret her slides and to understand what she is trying to teach. She is incredibly kind though and the TAs are pretty helpful, but I would not take this class lightly.

Personally, this course was incredibly interesting, but Prof Spatafora's teaching style is not for everyone. I was lucky to have had a good understanding in general of most of the topics covered, so i had an easier time understanding her lectures, but without a foundational understanding of biology, it is really difficult to interpre …Read more

Putnam is a great professor. Exams were untimed and really straightforward. She is not trying to stump you and wants you to do well in the class. And you can earn points back. Her expectations for all assignments are pretty clearly outlined. The readings, if you do them, can take some time, but exams are based on class material, so the reading can be more of an aid if you are confused after the lecture. Classes are lecture-based, but there are also a lot of opportunities to turn and talk to people around you. I would say the main thing that she cares about is attendance and being on time. It keeps you accountable, but if you miss class, there is additional work.

Putnam is a great professor. Exams were untimed and really straightforward. She is not trying to stump you and wants you to do well in the class. And you can earn points back. Her expectations for all assignments are pretty clearly outlined. The readings, if you do them, can take some time, but exams are based on class material, so t …Read more