Ron Prywes

Definitely take this class. Prywes and Songtao both teach Molecular Biology similar to the way Stockwell/Tong teach it. Prywes is a better teacher than Songtao, but he likes to write on the board a lot and his tests are harder, but it's all curved in the end extremely extremely generously. Remember, Prywes and Songtao both test on designing experiments and understanding scientific papers rather than memorization from the book. Anyway, Molecular Biology is an entirely different experience from other science classes, so it's a nice break. The curve to this class is between B+ and A- so it's a very high mean grade.

It is a worthwhile replacement for Biology Lab. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: BIOLUN3510_001_2025_1-INDEPBIOLOGICALRESEARCH-REC : BIOLUN3510_001_2025_1 - INDEP BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH - REC Instructor: Ron Prywes

We learned about the fundamental concepts as well as some current topics related to central dogma

I wish i had a better advisor. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2022 Course: BIOLUN3500_001_2022_1-INDEPBIOLOGICALRESEARCH : BIOLUN3500_001_2022_1 - INDEP BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH Instructor: Ron Prywes

Just say no. This man cannot organize lectures, is not well versed in modern biology techniques and is not helpful inside or out of class. He seems like a very nice person, but I was completely disappointed in him as a lecturer. If you have to take Molecular Biology for the Biochemistry major (like me) - I wish you the best. Be prepared for ridiculous exams and painful lecture. If Molecular Biology is optional for you, steer clear. I am writing this review hopefully in time before others chose this class - I was just made aware that Prywes didn't have a review. I wrote him a really, really, long CourseWorks review last semester - I wish I still had it saved somewhere!

Learned experimental methods for tracking translation

If you are starting research for your first semester, I don't recommend as it will be hard to write a comprehensive paper at the same time you're learning new techniques. If you've been in the lab for a while or you do work which easily generates lots of data, then I recommend the course. This course has little work outside of hours spent in lab until the paper writing, which takes an extensive amount of time and is expected to be written to a high standard. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: BIOLUN3500_001_2021_3-INDEPBIOLOGICALRESEARCH : BIOLUN3500_001_2021_3 - INDEP BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH Instructor: Ron Prywes

Patience, problem solving, and owning a project.

4 exams...2 for songtao and 2 for prywes....all weighted the same. Homework probably factors about 5% of grade.

I had a fantastic rotation in the Barnhart lab. I gained a vivid understanding of the research done at the lab and was trained in many experimental/bench skills that were previously new to me. I learnt how to setup Drosophila genetic crosses, dissect and stain adult Drosophila brains, and use the lab's confocal microscope for my exploratory project on neuronal and glial morphology.