For a class that covers so much material, Janusonis does an awesome job. He's open to answering any questions and very approachable. He provides review sheets prior to tests. He makes difficult topics really easy to understand. As long as you attend lecture and pay attention you should be fine. The text can also be helpful for clarification.
There is a ridiculous amount of information for the 40 percent midterm and 60 percent final, but the tests are straightforward if you put in the effort. He will clear things up and answer questions in office hours, but that is it. Not much of a social guy otherwise. Overall, it is a good class and don't be overwhelmed by the information at all.
I came into the class thinking it would be difficult because of what I've heard from everyone else. Honestly, if you attend lecture and actually pay attention, do the suggested readings, and do the study guide, you are fine. 40% of your grade is the midterm, the other 60% is the final. He talks about ways to get ahead and tips for med/grad school.
A lot of info to memorize. Lecture is extremely boring and he has a thick accent and never uses the microphone. Barely ever used the book, almost everything comes from lectures. Midterm and Final = 40% and 60% of grade. Takes a lot of study time. One of the hardest classes I've ever taken. Not a very nice or welcoming person.
Very hard class. Slightly easier if you've taken chem and/or are good at learning science. Hardest prereq for the psych major by far. Professor is helpful and enthusiastic though. Has a fun accent.
The class was alright. If you suck at memorizing things then good luck. It's not hard to remember everything if you start studying early, though. The material is interesting but lecture was so boring. I slept like 60% of the time. Even though its not mandatory to go to lecture you should go because the professor elaborates on his slides
Professor's alright, slightly difficult to understand but he does teach the material well and gives the midterm/final preparation you need. However, the class is incredibly difficult, 100% test based, and the amount of material that you need to memorize is mind blowing. Old take this class if it's absolutely required.
I LOVE him. Janusonis is an amazing professor, and he really makes difficult material digestible and interesting. He obviously has a deep understanding of the subject and wants his students to suceed. Some people complain that he teaches things that we don't need for the exams, but this is because he wants us to learn the material.
What a great class, and what a great professor. Grades were generously curved, professor was VERY clear as to what would be on both the midterm and final exams. Not to mention the material was very stimulating. Highly recommend taking this course
The best psy 3 professor out there. Makes everything so much simpler. Take psy 3 over summer with him,he always teaches it then, you will not regret it. My second time taking the class and I understood it so much more because of him
This guy is the bee's knees, my friend. Take him and you wont regret it. His accent sorta reminds me of dracula. But he's mad dope, extremely passionate, genuinely interested in students (if your actually being a good student). Yes you have to study but it's NOT grueling in any way, and the material is super fun.
Took it for summer, it was really hard, hes the brain state professor and is really detail oriented on the test and there is a lot of material to cover so he wants you to know everything in depth. Its possible to get an A if you study ALOT.His study guides arent too helpful because he just puts up concepts that you need to know, not all the details
Great professor! He really knows what he is talking about and is there to help students as much as he can. Lectures can be slow, but he posts everything online. He also gives students a study guide that gives exactly what will be on each exam. I hardly ever used my textbook (maybe 2 times) and I got an A.
Skirmantas is one of the best professors i've had. He is extremely nice and helpful and definitely knows that he is talking about. If you have any questions go to his office hours and he will help you. Tests are really long (100+ questions) but are easy if you memorize everything on the study guides he gives you. He's amazing.. take this class!!
Awesome professor! Truly wants everyone to succeed and is so helpful during office hours. He gives you review sheets with every concept you need to know, making the class completely reasonable. Just keep up with the material as you go along, as it's still a decent amount of memorizing if you wait until the last minute.
extremely helpful, posts a midterm and final exam review sheet and tells you EXACTLY what you need to know, doesn't pull any punches. one of the better intro psych professors, plus he's really approachable. definitely take psy 3 with janusonis if you can
Very enthusiastic about the material and explains it clearly. Welcomes students to discuss the topics in his office. Has a great perspective on psychology. Awesome teacher!!!!!
Material was scattered and all over the place, as if it had been pulled from random Psych classes. The title "Brain States" is a misnomer. Prof unhelpful and arrogant. Overall bad experience.
Don't take "Brain States" if you are actually looking for a class about the anatomy of the brain. Januisonis is very high and mighty while the class is very remedial (Psy 3 was more challanging). If you show up late for a test, he'll fail you (as what happened to my friend). Overall, just not a good class.
Great professor, really cares about his students. Provides great information about his field for those interested but still keeps his lectures very on-topic for those only interested in the grade. It's not particularly hard, just a lot of things to memorize so start studying early.
Not an easy class, but if you study the study guides he provides you'll do very good. He is very clear, and the textbook helps ALOT, makes the material way easier to understand. The most interesting class I've taken at UCSB.
He's a really good teacher and his class isnt that difficult if you go to his lectures and take good notes. He gives a study guide and as long as you know everything on it, it's an easy A! Highly recommend the class.
He is a great professor. He really knows how to explain the material. It is a hard class though and requires a lot of time if you hope to succeed. Interesting material, just tough
Hard class but super interesting material. He gives you advice about grad school thats extremely helpful. He's a great professor. One of the few classes that I'll retain the content for the rest of my life. recommended if youre willing to work hard!