BIOL2040 · Biology
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
A 3-credit laboratory course designed to introduce students to the core techniques and experimental strategies of modern molecular cell biology within the context of an original research investigation. Students will learn to construct testable hypotheses, design experiments, and critically analyze experimental results. During the course of their investigations, students will gain proficiency in microbial cell culture, molecular cloning, genetic analysis, and molecular characterization. Students will also gain proficiency in scientific communication and the use of biological databases.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.7 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.6 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.8 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
4.6 / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
~5
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect only recovered evaluations connected to this course.
Student perspective
Recovered and new anonymous comments are shown as written and may reflect different course formats.
Apr 16, 2026 · Historical comment
Lab is definitely difficult, but you learn a lot. Warner is very available for his students during office hours. The concept exams I found hard. Mini reports and presentations are very often, but the work is manageable.
Across time
Section-level results available in the recovered archive.
Spring 2025
16 sectionsFall 2024
16 sectionsSpring 2024
16 sectionsFall 2023
16 sectionsSpring 2023
16 sectionsFall 2022
16 sectionsSpring 2022
16 sectionsFall 2021
32 sectionsSpring 2021
24 sections