Funny and awesome professor. Posts slides and gaucho casts online. Moves very quickly but very helpful. Memorize all the info and you will do well on exams. Exams are pretty straightforward, but make sure to read each question and answer choice CAREFULLY as some are tricky and one word can mess you up.
Really funny. Class doesn't count for any GEs besides basically units but Low cares about and loves teaching. Lectures are posted online so never went to class. Memorize lectures to do well on section quizzes and you will do well. Basically memorization. Short answer and multiple choice tests.
Dr. Finkelstein is a nice lady, but her lectures are so dry and scattered. You should really watch videos/go to CLAS to get a basic understanding of the material before you go to lecture -- that way all the confusing stuff she says makes sense. Her test is hard, but it works just the same way as the first half of the class. It's just memorization.
Dr. Low is a very funny woman that gives engaging lectures -- given that, she speaks extremely fast. However, her lectures are very clear, and if you go to CLAS and study your notes/lecture slides, you'll do well. The class is straight memorization. Loved her lectures, so that really helped me do well in her class.
I really liked Dr. Low's lectures! She makes class more interesting and I manage to always stay awake for her lectures. Her tests are pretty hard and tricky so definitely study hard, also based on memorization
This class was really not that bad. I consistently did well above the average on tests by writing flashcards for every slide, as well as things she said in class, and memorizing them starting a week before the test. The people who are saying this class is hard are just lazy and don't know how to properly study for bio classes.
its a great ge to take while trying to balance difficult classes. Dr. Low is funny and sweet. My ta was awesome and section only lasted around 10 min each week. I would take this class again!
The tests are poorly written and focus on memorization more than the larger concept. Tough and inconsistent grading... submit regrades. Section is a journal club and a waste of time but you have to show up because it's 14% of your grade. Memorize every seemingly worthless piece of information on those slides. Thrower teaches it in summer.
Low is mildly funny and has good lectures. Sh posts them on line with less detail but lectures aren't mandatory. Sections have a quiz every week which make attendance matter. Sections also have summaries due weekly but they are only a page and very easy. Overall the class was very interesting and I enjoyed it.
By far my favorite professor at UCSB. Everyone complains about how 1B is way harder than 1A, but with Low, she makes the course so entertaining. You have to work your ass off for a good grade but it's worth it. Tests are very tricky so watch out for the trick questions. Material is very interesting, I personally loved this course!
Great professor. One of the rare ones that actually cares about the education of her students. She has hard tests, but if you show interest then she really makes an effort to help you do well. Even if you ask her questions that aren't pertinent to her research, she will look up answers for you and is more than happy to discuss the material with you
Don't "memorize everything." I tried memorizing everything, it wasn't possible. It's much more important to memorize and understand processes and content that she emphasizes. Don't waste your time trying to memorize trivia, it's much better to lose 3-6 points than to lose 20 points because you didn't memorize every detail of every process.
Everyone on here is being very dramatic. Her exam was difficult, but you get THREE HOURS to complete it. Therefore, if you redo the test multiple times, any tricks she incorporates should be identified and resolved. The primary issue with this course was that a bunch of people (in the Greek system) studied off of former exams and ruined the curve.
Her lectures are confusing and she can be boring at times. Her final is extremely difficult; you need to know alot of details.
Her lectures are clear and she is hilarious. Her midterm is extremely difficult.
Her lectures aren't great, because she ineffectively rambles on and on. Unfortunately, this is one of those classes where you will have no chance at passing if you don't pay attention in lecture and take notes about everything she says. Study those notes in addition to the lecture slides from Day 1, and you'll be okay. Time management is key too.
Hard class, very lack-luster lectures. That being said, she's taught this class for 20 yrs. so it makes sense. EXTREMELY helpful outside lecture, super friendly woman!! Do practice tests, go to office hours, and don't go to lecture stoned.
Dr. Finkelstein is a very knowledgeable lady. She is however not a very good teacher. She has very basic concepts on her lecture slides and what you get tested on is a lot more specific and difficult.
I've never been left with questions after her lectures because they're so specific and she teachers so well. There's an ocean of information to learn but she keeps it interesting and structures the progression of the class well. It's 100% lecture based and every single detail is fair game for the midterm. Also she's hilarious and the curve is big.
Oh Seng. Funny and adorable as a lecturer. But when it came to the midterm she went Senghis Khan on us. Dang. know everything about everything and yes about everything
Everyone I talked to who went to lecture said she talked way to fast. Since the lectures are online I watched them and could pauserewind to my needs. I think she is hilarious and thought she explains clearly. Start studying right away because there is a ton of information. Overall great professor.
This section of MCDB 1B is really really hard. Her tests are 100 percent memorization. Not only know everything from the lecture slides, but you also need to pay attention in lecture and copy down any additional information she talks about. It's fair game unfortunately. Make flash cards for vocal terms, and start studying ASAP.
Go to class and highlight the things she says twice! That is what will be on the midterm and test. Memorize the PowerPoints; I suggest making notecards and studying those. Make them every week and study them before the quiz in section. If you don't like your TA the 1st day then switch! Answer all ?s she gives for summary so you get max points.
Dr. Low's lectures are pretty entertaining and her slides are well put together. For the most part the textbook is not needed. The TA's were not helpful until the final exam. The exams required your ability to memorize every bit and detail on the slides versus your ability to apply concepts. Furthermore exams were harshly graded and get regrades!
