While this course is test heavy with 90% of your grade relying on two multiple choice, online tests, the course is still enjoyable. The first test was on ecology (I got a 78%), and the final was on evolution (I got an 89%). Class averages were high so there was minimal rounding. He tells you exactly what to expect on tests (45 questions each)
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.
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
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.
just horrible no standards unclear instructions and cares more about technicalities then learning. makes me want to kms and drop out
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.
The first half of this class has a different professor, Dr. Even jokes and kind of rambles then loads a lot of vocabulary quickly in lectures. Tests used lecture concepts but also had to understand specifics a person could google for vocabulary matching questions
Unpopular opinion, Alice is an incredible professor. I just finished the entire intro biology series + labs and honestly, I think she did everything that she could to be helpful throughout the series. Yeah there were a few errors on her end- but cut her some slack, the woman manages the ENTIRE intro bio department. IDK why she gets so much hate.
great professor…. If I was bald like him. his tests are way too long. the final was near 100 questions. he tries to be cool by making jokes in video modules we have to watch but he tries too hard and just adds to the time of the videos to make it seem like we are learning. i spend only like 2 mins writing notes out of the 30 mins when he talks blah
It's ok, he likes to rant a lot and go off topic in lecture. The lectures are twice as long as they need to because of this.Exams are hard and will trick you, but gives a good amount of time for it. lot of discussion is different topics and the readings come from news articles so I get confused how to connect it to the lectures slides.
Visually and systematically well-formatted for online,but content deviates heavily from neutrality to partisanship.This course aims to set a platform to indoctrinate rather than educate, discouraging academic exploration or open discussions on complex topics.Students are forced to align answers with course agenda on linguistically confusing tests.
This professor was not willing to work with students. Her expectations are not reasonable. She asks more of students then she asks of herself. For example me and (over 10 other students) were completely unable to reach her. I think this is unacceptable behavior from a department head at a University such as UCSB.
This professor was not willing to work with students and made herself unavailable for comi
Really enjoyed his lectures! Fun class, but definitely have to study. Tests make up the vast majority of the grade.
I understand the rough reviews, however, she is understanding and gives second chances. She is always willing to help and just wants to see your dedication to the class. She helped me write my final poster. Tough but fair and kind at the end of the day. Go see her in person for help as much as possible.
Professor Even's lectures are engaging and he clearly cares about his students' success. Prepping with unstuckstudy and the free textbook should help you ace his challenging but fair exams.
Very poorly written/designed. Instructions could be way more clear. Lab videos are not in order/skips steps so it's more confusing than it needs to be and generally just not that helpful. Makes me miss gen chem lab because at least everything was clear.
His lectures are very detailed and easy to understand. The way he formats the class though feels like it can be a lot of work sometimes, and the time limit for quizzes and the tests can be intimidating. There are quite a few things due each week but it wasn't bad. His exams are hard but if you study and really understand, you should be fine!
Alice is literally so terrible and mean. She wants all the bio students to suffer and I truly feel like she wants to weed out as many people as she possibly can. I feel really sorry for you if you have to suffer through one of her classes. She has made me absolutely hate my major. So thanks for that!
Dr. Even is just amazing. His style of teaching is unmatched and is probably the most informative and engaging way for students to learn. His midterms are extremely fair and considering the means for both midterms were above 80%, you can tell his teaching is effective and grading is fair. love him and his bald head.
