Julie Simpson

12 reviews
Clear grading criteria Caring Test heavy Tough grader Respected Participation matters Amazing lectures Graded by few things Accessible outside class Skip class? You won't pass. Gives good feedback Inspirational Hilarious
Past quarters
MCDB 254
12 / 25 Enrolled
Advanced Topics in Neurobiology
Julie Simpson 4.0
T
10:00 AM - 11:50 AM
MCDB101B . 3 Months Ago

I have never loved a class more. I took her 101BH section too and felt like it helped contextualize everything. She has so much passion for what she does and has a great way of organizing her lectures. I have wanted to go to medical school my whole life, but she made me consider going to graduate school for genetics. Take her if you have the chance

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

Genetics is a very challenging course. She brings in real life examples to keep her students motivated. It was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken, nonetheless, she is an amazing professor and is willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed. But if you don't need to take the class, I recommend not taking. It was really hard.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

Lecture covers general concepts but not how to apply them to problems. This is the biggest issue with this class since the exams are entirely problem based. You’re given the bare minimum and expected to answer complex genetics problems. Also not given anywhere near enough time on exams to solve these complex problems. Unrealistic expectations

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

Gave us many resources, but did not provide us with the knowledge needed to effectively use those resources. Lectures felt like a waste of time because she focused on conceptual or random genetics-related material, while the exams were all problem-solving. Not enough time given on exams. Definitely one of the hardest classes I've taken.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 2 Years Ago

In lectures she talks about random things then on the tests pulls out the hardest thing she can think of. I was not tested on how well I know the material I was tested on how quickly I can solve problems not related to the material we were taught. It is just completely unrealistic.

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 3 Years Ago

Good lectures + well-done, thorough slides. Weekly assignments and MC quizzes, 2 FR midterms, and a FR final. Lectures emphasize concepts over calculations, so do practice tests/book problems to do well on tests! Mandatory TA sections. Patient and understanding in manually readjusting final grades due to errors. Overall, a kind and generous prof!

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 3 Years Ago

She was really responsive to emails and helped me out when gauchospace was not giving me credit. Love her!!!

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 4 Years Ago

Dr. Simpson is a good lecture, and really cares about her students. She clearly defines expectations from the beginning and works hard to make sure everyone understands the material. However, the tests are too long. They require extremely fast problem solving, and are full of tiny details that can easily mess you up. She does curve, which helps.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
MCDB101B . 5 Years Ago

Dr. Simpsons mostly lectures on concepts in genetics. However, she mostly tests on abilities to solve problems rather than concepts, so focus more on doing practice problems from her online problem sets , from the textbook, and from practice exams. Overall the class was slightly difficult, but doable, as long as you keep up.

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
101B . 6 Years Ago

One of my favorite professors at UCSB! Very kind. She is an expert in her field but will admit if she doesn't know something and will find the answer. The class is early and it's difficult to pay attention but there are tons of practice material. Big curve. No memorization. This class was much more enjoyable than 101A.

2 helpful 1 unhelpful
101B . 6 Years Ago

My opinion is tainted by my dislike of 8ams and iClickers. She has the 1st iClicker question up at 8am and its down by 8:01am, if you're late you don't get it. But, she's alright & its her 2nd time teaching. Despite lecture being required its not too useful, just slides. She is good in OH's and curves. If you've taken 108A the 2nd half is easier.

0 helpful 1 unhelpful