  I briefly review some measures of star formation rates in galaxies and
discuss their respective uncertainties before outlining the range of star
formation rates encountered in starbursts from isolated dwarf through massive
gas-rich interacting systems. I present our current understanding of molecular
cloud masses and structures and on star formation processes and efficiencies in
starburst and interacting galaxies. Star cluster formation is an important mode
of star formation, in particular in strong star formation regimes. I discuss
the role of star clusters and their properties in helping us assess the
question if star formation is a universal process allowing for considerable
scaling or if there's two different regimes for normal and violent SF.
