University of Hawai'i eCAFE

eCAFE: Course and Faculty Evaluations

Instructor: Daniel Jenkins

Available Survey Results

BE 120, Spring 2012
BE 420, Spring 2012
BE 191, Fall 2009

Daniel Jenkins: BE 120, Spring 2012

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Molecular Biosci & Bioengr
Course:	BE 120 - Intro to Quantitative Biology	Crn (Section):	89150 (001)

1. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.5	6	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (50%)	3 (50%)

2. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
2.83	6	0.75	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)

3. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
2.83	6	1.17	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)	0 (0%)

4. I gained a good understanding of concepts/principles in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.83	6	1.17	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	2 (33%)

5. I learned to apply principles from this course to new situations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	6	1.03	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)

6. I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	6	1.26	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)

7. I developed enthusiasm about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	6	1.26	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)

8. I developed a clearer sense of professional identity.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	6	0.52	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	4 (67%)	0 (0%)

9. I felt that this course challenged me intellectually.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	6	0.52	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	4 (67%)

10. What did you find most valuable and helpful about the course?

The course opened up my vision of biological engineering.

The guest presenters were really interesting...learning about things you can do with Biological Engineering.

The wide range of topics covered and the equations used to solve complex problems.

Learning the science behind many biological and chemical processes.

I found the applications of calculus and chemistry in thermodynamics interesting, it showed me ways to view other subjects and understand them better. the amino acid sequencing was an interesting topic.

11. What did you find least valuable and helpful about the course?

The course material was unorganized.

The derivation of equations; unless that is what we as Biological engineers are supposed to do.

The setting and way in which they were taught.

Going through a lot of derivations.

There was no textbook given for reference. the material covered was well beyond a chem 161 student requirement however, comprehensible when deep thought was given.

12. The instructor makes good use of examples and illustrations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.5	6	1.38	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)

13. The instructor stresses important points in lectures/discussions.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.17	6	0.98	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	2 (33%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)	0 (0%)

14. The instructor acknowledges all questions insofar as possible.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.67	6	1.03	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)	1 (17%)

15. The instructor encourages constructive criticism.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	6	1.26	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	3 (50%)

16. Assignments make students think.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	6	0.82	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	2 (33%)	3 (50%)

17. The guest lecturers were interesting and stimulating.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.17	6	1.6	Freq(%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	4 (67%)

18. Exams are creative and require original thought.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	6	0.63	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	4 (67%)	1 (17%)

19. The exams concentrated on reasoning and applying concepts.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	6	1.1	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	0 (0%)	3 (50%)	2 (33%)

20. Grades are assigned fairly and impartially.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.5	6	0.84	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	1 (17%)	1 (17%)	4 (67%)	0 (0%)

21. Other comments:

Better organization and actual equation material on slides would help alot. There is too wide a range of topics covered in this class that it may scare away prospective BE's wanting to pursue such a major. The difficulty of lectures are easy, but the exams are brutally difficult for a 100 level class. A couple of ways to improve this would be to: a) concentrate on less overall material and choose what is the most important. Although they may all seem important, only the basics of most material is usually needed; precise and most in-depth equations/concepts should only be explored conceptually, not mathematically. Not everyone can fully understand and follow along with the more difficult mathematics. b) devote more than one class period to the more challenging concept. having only 75min to comprehend (especially new) concepts and expecting us to fully understand it is a little too difficult. Going over the basic basics of the intended difficult material will help to build a foundation in which the more difficult material can build upon. c)include more actual biology concepts into the curriculum. The technical mathematics background of the concepts is fine, but it may be more interesting to learn the biology behind them as well. d) devote more time to prepare for this class. The slapped-together slides did not help with comprehension of material. Good, organized slides will allow students to grasp the concepts quicker and easier.

the course at a "120" level course being substituted for biology 172 is kind of unfair, the concepts covered a far more thermodynamically based and biochemistry than it was similar to biology 172.

Daniel Jenkins: BE 420, Spring 2012 Back to top

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Molecular Biosci & Bioengr
Course:	BE 420 - Sensrs & Instrum for Biol Syst	Crn (Section):	87430 (001)

1. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	3	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (100%)

2. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	3	1.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	1 (33%)	1 (33%)

3. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	3	1.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	1 (33%)	1 (33%)

4. I learned to apply principles from this course to new situations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	2 (67%)

5. I developed the ability to solve real problems in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (67%)	1 (33%)

6. I developed creative ability in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	2 (67%)

7. I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	3	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (100%)

8. I was stimulated to do outside reading about the course material.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	2 (67%)

9. I developed skills needed by professionals in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (67%)	1 (33%)

10. This course was helpful in developing new skills.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	2 (67%)

11. I felt that this course challenged me intellectually.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	2 (67%)

12. What did you find most valuable and helpful about the course?

hands on to do what I wanted to do.

By far the most fun and interesting class I've taken. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to build complex electrical circuits, learning how to use a new software (Eagle), drafting, and building. Dr. Jenkins was always helpful at explaining the various elements of our projects and flexible with deadlines. I feel I've gained the most technical skills out of this course. It inspires me to build different sensors for other biological processes.

The statistics review during the first half of the semester and the hands on work for the final project.

13. What did you find least valuable and helpful about the course?

I would have to say that the text was very useful but there weren't enough examples to match the exam/quiz questions. I struggled just to understand what the questions were asking for on the tests and how to apply the equations in the text.

Lectures often lacked structure.

14. The instructor makes good use of examples and illustrations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.67	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	2 (67%)

15. The projects were valuable in understanding the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
5.0	3	0.0	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (100%)

16. The instructor's examples and demonstrations were clear and concise.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (67%)	1 (33%)

17. The instructor carefully explained each step of new processes and techniques.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	3	1.15	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (33%)	0 (0%)	2 (67%)

18. The instructor has a realistic definition of good performance.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.33	3	0.58	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (67%)	1 (33%)

19. Other comments:

Greatest class ever

I think that the class time should be extended. We always seemed to run out of time to finish our work for the day. Also, if the department can provide laptops that students can use in the class to draft their designs and build their circuits; that would be helpful.

More circuit examples and explanations in lecture would be helpful.

Daniel Jenkins: BE 191, Fall 2009 Back to top

Campus:	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Department:	Molecular Biosci & Bioengr
Course:	BE 191 - Intro to App in Biol. Eng.	Crn (Section):	78857 (001)

1. The instructor demonstrated knowledge of course content.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

2. The instructor fulfilled the goals of the course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

3. The instructor communicated effectively.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.2	5	0.84	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	2 (40%)	2 (40%)

4. I learned to apply principles from this course to new situations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.2	5	0.84	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	2 (40%)	2 (40%)

5. I deepened my interest in the subject matter of this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.8	5	0.84	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	2 (40%)	1 (20%)

6. I increased my awareness of my own interests and talents.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
3.8	5	0.84	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	2 (40%)	1 (20%)

7. I developed skills needed by professionals in this field.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	5	0.71	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	3 (60%)	1 (20%)

8. I have become more competent in this subject area during this course.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	5	0.71	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	3 (60%)	1 (20%)

9. The instructor makes good use of examples and illustrations.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

10. The instructor is not confused by unexpected questions.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	5	0.71	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	3 (60%)	1 (20%)

11. The instructor stated the course objectives clearly.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.4	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (60%)	2 (40%)

12. The instructor was able to clarify difficult course topics.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

13. The instructor maintains an atmosphere of good feeling in class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

14. The instructor encourages constructive criticism.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

15. The instructor was easy to talk with and available for consultation.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.8	5	0.45	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	4 (80%)

16. The instructor was consistently well-prepared and organized for class.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

17. The amount of material covered in the course is reasonable.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.4	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	3 (60%)	2 (40%)

18. Assignments require a reasonable amount of time and effort.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

19. Laboratory assignments are interesting and stimulating.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.0	5	0.71	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	1 (20%)	3 (60%)	1 (20%)

20. The instructor was fair in grading and criteria of grades.

Mean	N-Size	Std Dev		Strongly Disagree	Disagree	Neutral	Agree	Strongly Agree
4.6	5	0.55	Freq(%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	0 (0%)	2 (40%)	3 (60%)

21. Which aspects of the course did you like the best?

The wide array of applications and use of engineering in a variety of different ways to improve the world around us. Also the investigative parts of the course, disassembling motors, sensors and mechanical device, seeing how bio-diesel is made and participating a little in the process. Too bad there wasn't a car we could put it in at do a test run with the fuel.

We engaged different topics of bioengineering. Such topics as bio-diesel, infrared sensors, water heat exchange, light waves, and fiber optics. He showed us a large spectrum of bioengineering.

Learning about resources I'd have to use in my field (ex. computer design programs, how to find scientific literature, etc.). Reverse engineering. Small class.

the only thing I liked was that i was able to see what engineering was all about

Dr. Jenkins always have examples and demonstrations used in class, and most of them are very interesting.

22. Which aspects of the course did you like least?

The aspect I like the least was that it's such a good course to take for any engineering student yet it's only worth one credit hour.

class times were late, and credits weren't sufficient

Although lecture topics were listed in the course syllabus (some specifically and others generally), sometimes I didn't know what to expect (i.e. what I should look up before class), so I came unprepared to lectures. I think I would have learned more from lectures if I knew about (and researched) the lecture's specific material before class, then use part of class to ask questions about the material.

the fact the it is only worth 1 credit and we put more work into that class that's definently worth more credits

Laboratory assignments are somewhat harder than expected, but they are highly relevant to the topics discussed.

23. State in two or three sentences how this course could be improved.

For the amount of time and topics covered it could be worth an additional credit. I got more out of this course than some 3 credit courses.

More credits More topics begin with a starting point of bioengineering something students can easily grasp on to

There wasn't very much effort on my part (especially in the beginning) to learn or ask about the material we were studying. To encourage such student involvement, I suggest noting at the end of each class (by writing on the board, for example) what specific lecture topics will be discussed next class (not necessary for labs because there are handouts given). I don't think it would scare the students, but help those who'd like to learn, learn better.

either make it less strenuous and time consuming or make it worth more credits

The topics discussed in the course are very broad. They are mostly condensed to fit in one lecture class, resulting in concepts getting summarized. This is understandble for a class with limited time though, and the examples and demos are all very helpful. This course can be improved if there is more time or days alloted for instruction.