Not bad, but doesn't deserve a rating this high. He explains things clearly, but focuses on basic stuff, so its hard to get left behind, but there is not much meat for more advanced students. Also he is convinced his tests test "understanding" not rote knowledge, but to get good marks you legit have to basically memorize his explanations of things
Honestly this was my favorite class that I have ever taken in my entire college career. I'm just bummed that I had to take it online because of covid. He makes the class interesting and I looked forward to learning new things every week. You should definitely take this class if you get a chance!
He's an extremely straight forward professor. He tells you what is going to be on the test. The material was interesting and easy to grasp with some time. The class is memorization heavy, but if you put in the work you will get an A. He monitors his tests through Zoom.
Half the class was accused of cheating on the last day of the quarter so no one could do anything about it. She didnt respond to the emails. Left us in the dark. Some got letters saying it was a mistake on their end. All exams had multiple mistakes they refused to fix. Waited to very last minute to submit final grades so we could not protest.
Very nice and accommodating with the online format of his class. Probably the easiest class of my life, spent about an hour or 2 max on this class a week
Latto is one of the rare professors that can make you put effort in out of pure interest. I've taken two Covid-induced online classes with him and both times he made getting an A as easy as showing up (metaphorically because there was nowhere to show up). But I still spent a bunch of time on the classes just because it was so fun. He's so good.
Lectures were recorded last year, helping with the pacing of information! There were weekly COVID connection videos, which helped tie things together with pandemic. Short weekly quizzes on the lectures, and weekly creative forum assignments (sometimes w/ small research component) made the entire grade. This class was a breath of fresh air!
BEST professor out of all the classes I've token at UCSB. I took his INT35 History of Infectious Disease over summer, which is perfect for my Bio&Sociology double major, and that was such an amazing experience. I truly enjoyed every single class and section. Professor Latto, if you are reading this, I want you know that you are amazing!
The class wasnt well run but not necessarily that difficult besides that. Dr. Nguyen didnt do her PhD in a molecular biology field, which was apparent when she tried do discuss even intro molecular biology topics, and especially more obvious in hindsight as you go on to upper div MCDB classes. Not the same level of quality as other UCSB profs.
Dr Even is one of my favorite profs at UCSB. Even though the quarter was online I felt I still received a UC quality class and experience. His lectures were engaging (even on zoom), and it is clear that he cares about his students. I recommend listening to what he says in lecture (dont just memorize slides, learn the concepts) to get a higher grade
Very understanding of the ridiculous situation we had to deal with due to COVID. Made it incredibly to get an A (couple ungraded assignment/week), yet still managed to get me to put in a good amount of work purely out of interest for the material and the quality of the lectures.
I wish John could teach all of my classes. Hes so easy to pay attention to and makes anything sound interesting. His little anecdotes here and there make it easy to remember certain topics and he doesnt bore you with slides full of words. He clearly enjoys what he teaches and has made me consider switching my major bc of how much I like his class
They changed the format of the bio labs, and I had hoped that they would be better, but in fact, they have become worse! The grading scales are harder, and the lab practicals are no easier than before. Unfortunately there's no way to avoid this class if you're a bio major, so good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor tbh.
His lectures are amazing. Homework and tests are reasonable.
Class isn't that difficult, very practical material. No busy work or extra readings, mainly lecture-based info. A few quizzes (worst grade dropped) and one-page responses, but nothing major. Funny and approachable guy, cares about students. Personally have a hard time with science so it took more work for me, but very doable. Easy Area C class.
Totally unorganized, making the material which was clear in lecture more confusing. Many of the questions she writes dont feel fair and her grading policy is rigid for a 1 unit class. If you every have her, Im sorry
He is absolutely amazing. He is so knowledgeable. Everyone, regardless of major, should take this class. Not only is it doable, but you learn so many important things you can use in your actual life. His lectures are amazing he is so funny, I am sad I missed some. I feel honored to have taken his class, I will take any other classes he teaches.
Best prof! super funner and interesting topics. midterms and lectures all based on lecture, but he posts video lectures online making studying and catching up simple! straight forward midterm and final, easy points during section.
Lattos lectures are very interesting, he's a great lecturer I recommend! The midterm was very straightforward based on the information he gave us.
The actual worst, she overcomplicates the lab practicals to the point where they're more difficult and time consuming than the actual classes. The lab manual is disorganized and barely corresponds to lectures anyways. Probably the worst person they could have chosen to organize the intro bio labs.
If I could rate her a zero I would
Latto is the best instructor I have had so far at UCSB. Really no bad things about the class besides that it does not fulfill any great GE or Area requirements. Super nice and funny guy, great accent, easy and interesting class. Take him if you have the chance!
Professor Latto is a really great lecturer. He makes jokes and is engaging. I didn't always go to lecture and did fine, but I would highly recommend attending as it makes it easier. There were quizzes every section, as well as weekly reading, but it is all relatively easy. 1 Midterm & 1 Final, as usual.
Amazing professor teaching super interesting material, what more could you want? The entire grade is based on one midterm, the final and weekly quizzes in section but it's all really easy. No textbook and powerpoints are sparse so attendance is a must, but lectures are entertaining so it's fine.
