I will put it this way.. The material is super easy as are the test. Oh did I forget to mention he grades it all based on what he thinks the answer is instead of what it actually could. He will present you with a curve.. don't believe it as somehow no one got the grade the curve said they were supposed to get and everyone is repealing it. BS!

This class is super easy. The tests ask about the anecdotes he uses in class, so as long as you go to lecture you're golden. I actually enjoyed the class and thought he presented the topics in a way that was interesting.

The content is really easy; it's just writing about concepts and not so much math or graphs. Tests would be easy but Koch had a full retard grader who took off points at his leisure. If you file for a regrade you get a lot of the points back. Koch was lazy as sht and took years to get our exams back. Textbook is useless. Just don't miss lecture.

This class is an elective class for business econ majors who are kinda dumb, so it's really easy if you have any common sense. You don't even have to go to lectures just make sure you do the HW and show up for the exams.

Most interesting and easiest Econ class I've taken and I usually have to work my butt off in Econ. Attend lectures & take good notes. Remember to do the take home quizzes. He doesn't remind you when they're due. Never had him for 100AB so I actually think he's great. Real world application. I'd recommend it.

Interesting class--timely topic. I enjoyed the presentations. Tests are hard, but based on lectures. Going to office hours helped too.

170 is Koch's specialty. Content of lectures are interesting/ apply to the real world but his voice and monotonous tone puts me to sleep. Book is rarely used and doesn't help. Attend lectures, take notes and understand them, you'll do well in the class. Wish Mr.Koch directs you on WHAT to study for on the midterms since there is a lot of material.

Health Econ is Koch's specialty. His lectures are interesting and apply to the real world, although his voice and monotonous tone put me to sleep. The book is rarely used at all and doesn't help. Attend lectures, take notes and understand them, you'll do well in the class. Wish Mr. Koch directs you on WHAT to study for on the midterms since there i

I don't know what people are complaining about. I really enjoyed lectures and Koch was always available during office hours and seemed genuinely interested in students' success. I'd take another of his classes any quarter.

If you hated Koch in 100A, taking 170 will just reaffirm your hatred toward him. After going through his torturous lectures and seemingly random tests in 100A, I thought he would be better somehow in 170. But no, he's practically the same. he seems to be a good researcher, but he's just bad at teaching.

This course was very difficult. 2 midterm, 25% each and a final. There's no room for error in this course. His lectures have absolutely nothing to do with the exams, not to mention that all the coffee in the world couldn't keep you awake in that clas

Absolutely the WORST teacher at UCSB, and I've gone through my fair share. I think he only teaches because the university makes it a requirement in order to do research, so he doesn't really care about the class. He's a smart guy but incredibly horrible at teaching economics. Don't take him and save yourself the headache.

It is possible to get a decent grade, but that's not the point. Everything learned about this class is from sources other than the professor; him and his lectures are practically useless, and he knows nobody would show up if he didn't take attendance. He is horrible with emails. CLAS is definitely required, since you won't learn anything from him.

People here seem to be under the impression that college was supposed to be easy, lol. Anyone that puts in effort can easily do well in the class.

He is the absolute worst teacher I have ever had. His class is so boring that less than 75 out of 300 students showed up after the first week. If you want to learn something do not take this professor. He has completely discouraged me for economics.

Horrible. I had a 3.65 GPA before taking this class and I must say this class is horribly structured. I felt like I have learned nothing and along with all of my other classmates, we collectively agree that he should NOT be teaching this course. I learned NOTHING new about economics. I do not recommend this Econ 100A with Koch.

This teacher is difficult, however, read the chapters assigned, do the chapter quizzes in the workbook, and go to office hours, and you will do fine. Lectures have zero representation of what is on the test, but go for the extra credit i clicker questions...These are quintessential elements for an A grade.

He is the worst econ teacher ever

you guys are too harsh.. attend lecture, follow his straightforward lecture slides, do the workouts and attend discussion and you will do fine. i barely worked for my "b" -- coming from someone who has failed out of this university before and does minimal work. he is very helpful in his office and cares about his students too.

I read on this site to avoid this teacher at all costs, but i took econ 100a with him anyway because he was the only teacher the whole year. i can honestly say that he is the worst professor i've ever had and that i should have listened to everyone on this site who told me to wait on taking this class. he is utterly horrible

Econ170 w/ Koch is the crown jewel of the econ. department @ UCSB. Koch isn't good in 100A, but in 170 he really shines. His calm laid-back personality mixed with his expertise in health economics makes for an enjoyable and memorable experience. If you get a chance, take Econ 170 with Koch. You won't regret it. I guarantee it.

I understand the stigma of UC professors being more interested in their research than teaching. But this professor is ABSURD! His lectures are useless. You can buy the book, study it and just take the exam. I would say avoid him but he's the only prof teaching this class right now. SAD!

worst professor ever. gives impossible tests which are completely unsuited for the material/homework he "covers" in class. You will have to dedicate your life and all free time to do well in this class. Avoid if you can

Koch is by far the worst professor I have had at UCSB. Every lecture he will just give you useless formulas without explaining anything at all. He will definitely not give any examples of the material and the TA Goodwin is just as retarded as Koch. The tests are hard and confusing and most people do poorly. AVOID KOCH by ANY MEANS NECESSARY!