His tests are literally all trivial facts hidden on his slides, which is easy for many people, but just not for me. I literally considered dropping out of bio major because I put in so much work reading the textbook and the slides and kept getting 80 on tests, just because I cant memorize all details. I had to score 100 on Wiltons part to get A-.
1 group project (presenting medical microbiology research) + 6 quizzes (3-5 questions) that you take every week in your section, as well as 2 midterms and 1 final, which make up roughly 80% of your grade. Midterms were a cakewalk, with 100% being memorization. The final, however, was the hardest I've taken in college, but the curve was fat though!
It sucks I have to rate this class so low, because my TA was really good. The subject matter was not as interesting as MCDB lab, but the exercises were much easier since we got instant feedback/unlimited attempts. Nguyen is not very responsive, you should never ask for help unless really necessary. So many tech issues, and she's not very helpful.
NOOOOOO! She sent out emails about tech issues happening but also still asked for proof of the tech issues, will give you 3+ grading criteria docs before giving any proper instructions on the finals, cannot hold herself accountable to save her life. Screenshot everything because she will blame issues on you before accepting she messed up.
Did not know what kind of class I was getting into. It was more like AP Bio then actually learning about nutrition. Do not take this class if you do not like science. Only reason I passed the class was because of my goated TA Michelle!
would not have gotten an A if it was just her teaching the class. bad lecturer and worse tests. shes the weeder prof for a reason. just dont
reminds me of that one guy from young sheldon. tests were fair and lectures were interesting. just put in the effort and youll be fine. would take again
This whole course is in shambles. TAs are always unclear of how to set up experiments, but it's not their fault, because they aren't properly prepped. Unclear lab directions messed up our research poster project, which was a HASSLE for half the quarter. The actual biology was interesting, but the department honestly needs to scrap/rework this class
Funny professor, yet miserable class. Exams are poorly written and not fully reflective of lectures. She does not curve. Exams are fairly difficult. My biggest tips are to go to office hours and never underestimate the difficulty of the class.
the final highest score was a 74 with an average of 48. Majority of the tests had averages under 60. No one is passing and she does not curve. What does this say about the teacher? If the whole class is scoring poorly?
If I could have her license as a teacher removed I would. She's a poor teacher during lectures, just reads off slides which the slides are just the text book readings she has you do before class so she's not teaching anything. Doesn't offer good help outside of class/office hours. Your tests = stuff she didn't teach. Tests are poorly written.
Her lectures/lecture slides are so unorganized that you have to organize it yourself to make it understandable. Sometimes is funny. You can't understand what point she's trying to make half the time. Yells in order to sound more clear? Doesn't work.
DEMON INCARNATE DO NOT TAKE BIO WITH HER DO NOT DO IT. SHE IS LITERALLY THE RIDDLER. "what cells do _____" is it.... A) right answer with a number off B) right answer with a word off C) right answer. D) right answer but the word is ambiguous so it hints at something else E) C+D F) None of the above Save yourself from her I can only pray for you
I'm currently in her MCDB 1B class rn and I think her lectures are very clear in information, although she can bombard us with a lot of info all at once. She's extremely funny and knowledgeable and I enjoy sitting through her lectures. Her test questions are very hyper-specific though so pay attention to details in the slides and attend lecture!
This course is extremely frustrating. Instructions are very unclear, deadlines are ridiculous. Only given 48 hours to turn in lab workbook despite it taking over a month for it to get graded. Received 0% for an assignment that I spent hours on because of a technicality that was not clear in her horrible directions.
tests have nothing to do with what you learn/read. she doesn't teach, she just reads the slides to you and yaps about it. for what sounds like it should be slight work, this prof. is just not it.
just horrible no standards unclear instructions and cares more about technicalities then learning. makes me want to kms and drop out
Super hard class. She is very funny/entertaining, keeps u engaged. This class takes WORK. Took over summer, 58% on the 1st test. Went to office hours, got some constructive criticism, then locked in. Went to all the TA office hours. 98% on the final, A overall. Anything is possible. LAZER FOCUS to learn this material. Then u know for rest of life!
The entire course is very confusing, with guidelines that are extremely vague. The grading is very tough, and simple mistakes in formatting is harshly punished, regardless of the actual quality of work. She seems like a person who wants to see you fail, and who will make things difficult for no reason in order to ensure that you fail.
Most annoying class I have taken at ucsb. MCDB 1LL is an introductory lab course that is structured like a weeder class. Lots of mindless work. Grading is unnecessarily tough for a class that is so easy. Infuriating to get a 0 on assignments that you put time into because of a technicality. Put due dates in google calendar and you will do well.
Horrible. Expectations for research project in this lab were super unclear. TAs were clearly not communicated to well as they seemed confused too. Missed deadline by 10 min and was counted as a 0 docking a whole letter grade.
My grandma died right before MCDB 1A midterm, i had to fly across the country for the funeral. Alice needed proof she actually died to not get a zero with no leniency. No obituary cause she was buried 24 hrs after death (jewish) & death cert would take weeks to get. I sent a picture of me at her grave, my family was in on it and we had a laugh.
Started online but in person after a month. Slides posted, but she gave additional info in the lecture. Section attendance is mandatory but the lecture is not. Lowkey hard. Take the other nutrition class through the health department. Like no assignments, so both midterms and finals are ur grade. Weekly quiz in section. Didn't expect it to be hard.
Good enough lecturer, and definitely a super nice guy who wants his students to succeed. Exams were relatively difficult, but not unreasonable.
