Biology
Roger Downer has been teaching biology at Waterloo since his first appointment as a lecturer in 1969. His research is in entomology, and he has become widely known for his published work in that field. He was promoted to the rank of professor in 1981. Professor Downer has been a successful teacher at all levels, from first year biology to postgraduate courses; in all class sizes, from over 300 to small groups, in service courses and honours courses, and by different media, including this University's correspondence program in which lectures are recorded on audio cassettes and mailed to students off campus. He works very hard at his teaching, and he expects his students to work hard, too. According to the chairman of biology: “He is demanding and rigorous in the classroom but, this notwithstanding, is still one of our most popular teachers. He clearly enjoys the challenge of teaching and the contact and interaction with students that teaching entails, and his enthusiasm for his subject matter is infectious.” A colleague writes: “His lectures are the epitome of lucidity, and combined with his Irish wit, a force to be reckoned with.” The comments from undergraduate students amplify these remarks. One letter contains this paragraph: “As a first-year student, I was impressed by Dr. Downer's abilities as a professor. In my second year that impression turned to an appreciation for his personable, humorous, and thoughtful way of teaching. Dr. Downer is an approachable intellectual who has that unique ability to teach rather than [just] lecture.” Contact with Roger Downer has been an important influence on many of his students. Here is an example in the words of a former graduate student talking about a fourth-year course taught by professor Downer: “Until fourth year, I had no intention of proceeding to graduate school; it was a direct result of my exposure to Roger through his course that I approached him about becoming his graduate student.” This student has since followed a successful career in research. The students who take Roger Downer's correspondence course never see him; he is only a voice on a cassette. However the reaction of these students to his teaching is very similar to that of the students whom he teaches on campus. Here are some comments. From a nurse: “I have to admit I have been slightly apprehensive as to the content and detail of the material covered in the recommended readings. But then when I listen to your tapes, things tend to fall into place and I feel much more at peace with myself.” And from another: “As a grade 13 biology teacher, I must say I was extremely pleased with the exam. I found it fair and challenging.” All the students evaluating the course called Roger Downer an excellent teacher, and many of them want to meet him in person. We shall give the last word to a correspondence student who ended the comments about professor Downer's course sci. 351 with the line ”very time-consuming. I feel educated, but exhausted.”