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MCDB 1B
LOW S H
Seng Low
2.5
238 reviews
FINKELSTEIN R
Ruth Finkelstein
2.0
105 reviews

343
2.25
MCDB111 . Low S H 11 Months Ago

Human physiology is challenging, despite Dr. Low knowing the materials very well. As a sophomore at UCSB, it's the most difficult course I've taken. I often considered dropping it, but I'm glad I didn't. The final curve was a lifesaver, helping me secure an A+ with 86%. It turned out well despite the difficulties.

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MCDB6 . Low S H 11 Months Ago

ive never had a prof who made me hate school before. until Low. she was so hard to understand (and not necessarily bc of her accent) and did not allow for questions. she was not particularly nice either. lectures were confusing and tests were hard.

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MCDB111 . Low S H 11 Months Ago

literally hands down the worst professor I've ever had for a class I didn't even need to take. she knows her stuff but makes you memorize so much it's impossible to retain every little detail. failing grades for both midterm averages (and probably final) and yet only curved the final grade by one letter. avoid at all costs and take with thrower

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MCDB26 . Low S H 11 Months Ago

She's so funny and sweet. Her lectures were so entertaining and could lowkey come off as borderline offensive LOL The TAs in my quarter carried and wrote the exams, which were all very fair. It was not an easy class — I had to study (since it was basically memorization) — but if you studied well, it's a pretty easy A on the exams.

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MCDB26 . Low S H 11 Months Ago

this is NOT an easy GE. lectures are interesting but the tests are basically a biology test. If you're really into bio i would say take it, but im not a stem person so it was pretty hard. lectures and sections aren't mandatory. very easy weekly quizzes and assignments. tests were honestly the only hard part of the class.

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111 . Low S H 1 Year, 8 Days Ago

First Midterm average was 58% second was 54%. Low is unhelpful and often crass. Despite a multitude of grading errors on both midterms (due to use of AI to grade [supposed to be just students copping out of their work]) she fumes at any regrade request. While I am sure she is capable in her field, this class is a waste of an interesting subject.

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111 . Low S H 1 Year, 23 Days Ago

Average for the first midterm was 58% Half the class dropped. I studied a lot and never went to lecture. She is not approachable at all. Annoyed when you ask her a question, acts as if you are wasting her time, so be prepared to just rely on yourself for this one. Take a different Prof if you can. Needed if you're pre med

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MCDB26 . Low S H 1 Year, 30 Days Ago

DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS. Advertised as an easy GED but consists of extremely hard upper div bio chem concepts. Everyone in my class struggles and the tests have things we hardly talked about in class. Don't take it.

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MCBD6 . Low S H 1 Year, 2 Months Ago

This class is tough, but manageable if you put in the work. The exams are challenging and cover tiny details, so studying the textbook thoroughly and using tools like Quizlet and Unstuck ai are key. The curve helps, but don't rely on it - stay on top of the material.

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MCDB139 . Low S H 1 Year, 6 Months Ago

This class has been relatively easy in comparison to other MCDB upperdivision courses. Everything is 100% memorization based on her slides and what she says so make sure to listen carefully and write everything down. Low is funny and I enjoyed listening to her lectures.

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MCDB111 . Low S H 1 Year, 6 Months Ago

It is hard, ngl. But if you can do well, you will remember content for the rest of your life and will ace any physiology MCAT question. Grind every single slide, every single word until you understand. Watch lectures on full volume because she literally SAYING what will be on exam and gives you an answer. Every time the explains, it will be in exam

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MCDB139 . Low S H 1 Year, 7 Months Ago

her online recordings just make me chuckle

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MCBD6 . Low S H 1 Year, 8 Months Ago

I did the bare minimum and passed, but tbh it was my past biology knowledge and the curve that saved me. This is a difficult class for PBS majors bc it requires gen chem levels of studying which a lot of people don't realize until it's too late. Drill the textbook.

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MCBD6 . Low S H 1 Year, 8 Months Ago

Quizzes and practice exams are NOTHING like the actual exams. The exams are very difficult and be prepared to be tested on topics that are only covered in the textbook or briefly in lecture. Lectures are also very dense in material. The article summaries are an actual assignment that counts for credit, not extra credit like she makes it seem.

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MCDB132 . Low S H 1 Year, 8 Months Ago

I'm typically an A/B+ student but I had to withdraw from this course after the first two midterms were graded so difficultly that I was going into the final with a D+. The worst part is, when I asked her about my exams that I felt were marked down incorrectly, she took away MORE POINTS from other questions on my tests and my grade went down more.

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MCBD6 . Low S H 1 Year, 8 Months Ago

Just don't take this class. trust.

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MCDB132 . Low S H 1 Year, 8 Months Ago

She wasn't as bad as some people had said she was but she wasn't great either. The entire grade is based on exams, and she wants extremely specific answers to her test questions. She goes over the material so fast but all lectures were recorded so you can rewatch them whenever needed.

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MCDB1A . Low S H 1 Year, 10 Months Ago

Honestly her slides and her lecturing for 1B isn't horrible. She does move fast and you definitely have to utilize the recordings because she moves quickly. However, if you go to her office hours and talk to her after lecture she's very dismissive and does not do a good job answering questions at all. Not approachable at all.

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MCDB111 . Low S H 1 Year, 10 Months Ago

grade was determined by weekly section quizzes, two midterms, and a non-cumulative final with averages around 60-65. exams are insanely specific, the frqs are decent in that you can get half credit but the multiple choice section is impossible. go with another professor for this already difficult class

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MCDB111 . Low S H 1 Year, 10 Months Ago

The most nit picky test questions ever. Her slides are poorly organized, hard to follow and she jumps around often. I learned more watching youtube lectures from other teachers than in her class. She is kind and passionate I will say that, but thats the only good thing about this class. 10/10 would not recommend or take again.

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MCBD6 . Low S H 1 Year, 11 Months Ago

Primarily graded by exams, & practice tests give unrealistic expectations vs. what is actually given (watch out!). Midterms were doable through creating Quizlets of quiz questions, practice exam questions, lecture questions, etc. and studying it w/ somebody days before each exam. Make sure to really understand processes. Final was VERY difficult.

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111 . Low S H 1 Year, 11 Months Ago

Average scores were 58% and 64% on midterms. I got a 70% and 75% and still got a C+ in the class so the curve is marginal. She only curves at the end of semester after all points are in so you never know what grade you actually have in the class. Just reads off lectures we have no idea what questions might be on exams so rely heavy on section.

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MCBD6 . Low S H 1 Year, 11 Months Ago

this class made me miss the gen chem series, which i never thought i would. the tests are insanely difficult and off of the smallest details, rather than general concepts. i only started to pull my grade up after skipping lectures and entirely self studying by the textbook. there's a curve, but it isn't as generous as she advertises it to be tbh.

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MCBD6 . Low S H 1 Year, 11 Months Ago

This course was extremely hard, it was impossible to get a high grade on the midterms and final because you have no idea about what she is going to test. The lectures are unorganized and barely helped your learning, most of the slides were copy and paste from the reading.

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