MIT Subject Evaluations

8.515 - Biological Physics
Fall 1998 Summary

Lecturer: Professor George Benedek
Recitation Instructor: Professor Felix Villars -

Enrollment: 23
Number of students responding: 10

8.515 is designed to provide seniors and first-year graduate students with a quantitative, analytical understanding of selected biological phenomena.

Students commented that 8.515 was very narrowly focused. Several students stated that the class spent too much time discussing hemoglobin, allowing other topics to fall to the wayside. However, while most respondents felt that the content of the course needed to be broadened, they disagreed as to what the class should focus on. One respondent wanted to focus on the biological implications of the physics; while another wanted to incorporate more chemistry into the course, taking a more molecular viewpoint of biophysics, yet another wanted to focus on the more purely physical aspects, such as protein folding.

Suggestions for improving 8.515 included broadening the scope of the class and moving through the material at a faster pace. Another student suggested that more figures of biochemical pathways be provided in the notes. In addition, one respondent felt the homework grading was too harsh, especially since the class average was 97 with a 3 point standard deviation. Overall, students seemed to enjoy 8.515,but wished they had gotten more out of the class.

Professor Benedek received high marks for his clear explanations and excellent lecture notes. Students felt that he spoke well, and that in general 8.515 was very well taught. The main suggestion for improving lectures was to include more visual demonstrations, since the 1.5 hour lectures tended to get a little dull.

Respondents were divided on the teaching style of Recitation Instructor Professor Villars. While a couple students felt that he spoke well and explained the material clearly, others felt that recitations were very disorganized.