painfully boring. horrible at explaining things. his part (genetics) of MCDB1A was so hard on the final. his in class examples and online videos of him working through problems helped a lot but he really just can't teach.
Although I'd normally love learning about genetics and viruses, I felt a strong urge to skip his lectures in the morning. They're just boring and hard to pay attention in. As others have said, he does seem to act condescendingly sometimes. However, he gave us lots of practice problems to work on (for ec) and posted explanations for some of them
He rushes through things that are really important and the way he solves problems can make them seem more confusing than they are. Also his handwriting is absolutely abysmal which is tough because he writes all his examples. Doesn't really try to keep the lecture interesting.
Just like 101A, 101B was only possible with Emily Bryant in CLAS. Rolf is a really nice guy, and not a bad lecturer (especially once you're used to Thrower). I took this in summer, and it was nice to get done in 6 weeks, but got a B cuz I completely screwed up the first midterm. Still was nice enough to ask me to be a Biomentor, so take him.
One of my least favorite teachers of all time!!! I have had more challenging class be much more fun. He is very removed from what it means to be a student and no longer understands how to communicate with people. On multiple occasions he turned students down during office hours, while he sat in his office.... This was during summer too.
A lot of students don't like Prof. Christoffersen or genetics in 1A. However, he is actually very willing to help, but he makes you figure things out (doesn't just give you the answer). He gives extra credit genetics quizzes (and these are GREAT practice for genetics problems). His part of the final was pretty easy if you learn how to do genetics!
In my opinion his lectures were the best of the series because it takes more thinking than straight memorization, which I prefer. He is straight forward in that he gives you book problems, quizzes, and in class questions to practice from and also straight up tells you he likes trick questions. Use the resources he gives you and you will do fine.
He is a great teacher who wants you to pass. He has online quizzes for extra credit & is one of the two main people in charge of Biomentors (which is super helpful and I would 100% recommend). Some problems can be a little tricky but do enough of each type of question and you should be good for the final.
His voice makes me sleepy. His lecture is sooooooooooooooo boring!
The only way to get a good grade in this class is keeping up with lecture everyday, doing all of the assigned practice problems, all of the old tests, and GOING TO CLAS. Without those, I cant see how you could get an A, as his tests are extremely difficult and require you to know everything. He does give you everything you need to succeed though.
He is a good lecturer but you do need to study a lot from the lectures. You also should read the book if the concepts are not that clear from his lectures. He had iclicker questions so going to lectures was helpful. Mostly I studied from old exams but still got a B because the questions require you to know all the details.
His lectures are clear. He provides alot of help through online videos on how to do problems and online quizzes. His questions on the final are moderate in difficulty.
I love Rolf, he is always smiling and is always willing to take the time to help. His sort of condescending attitude I feel turns students off from talking to him but if you take the time to get to know him you will really succeed. I mean his google account profile picture is his golden retriever. He's great, give him a chance.
his lectures are like bed time lullaby
Couldn't understand him in lecture due to the confusing nature of the subject matter and his nasally voice. However, he was much easier to understand when I would watch the lecture online. His portion of the final was very difficult, and I regretted not reading the textbook studying earlier. He's extremely helpful and offers many study aids.
if it weren't for iclicker, this class would be a walk in the park.
Absolute brat. So rude to me every time I went in for clarification and even had the nerve to publicly berate my friend after a midterm. May come off as friendly, but he makes me cringe. I love genetics, but I wish I didn't have to take Christoffersen
Test questions were very similar to practice problems from quizzes and lecture. BUT I found him a bit condescending during office hours and he would cut me off/talk over me as I tried to ask questions.
Genetics is not the easiest subject to understand, but he explains it relatively well, and, more importantly, he gives extra credit quizzes and iclicker questions which are extremely helpful because many of his test questions are taken straight from those iclicker and quiz questions.
Teaches the genetics portion of the class, which makes up the majority of the final. It's relatively difficult, compared to the first 2 parts (biochem and cell bio). He offers extra credit (online quizzes) and is very flexible with office hours. Very accessible, I loved him! He's great at explaining material, make me interested in genetics.
Teaches the genetics portion of MCDB 1A, which seems like the most interesting but most difficult portion of the class. Be sure to do the problems from lecture, the book, & the extra credit quizzes--they're good practice for what you'll see on the final. Lectures are recorded so you can watch them online, but go to class for the clicker pts!
His test was very straightforward. What his questions were in lecture were just like the ones on his test. Going to lecture and reading the book will help you in this class
These people are crazy. Christoffersen is an amazing professor, and I don't even like genetics. He gives you every opportunity to succeed. He posts lecture slides, lecture videos, extra credit quizzes, and more. He's very knowledgeable and helpful. It is a hard class, but if you go to lecture and do the quizzes and homework, you'll be fine.
go to lecture for ICLICKER POINTS. 20 points is the difference between an A and a B (yes it goes through A- and B+ so its practically 4 steps). only the top 20% will get A's so watch ur placement in class. your job is merely to beat out the other people so ATTEND CLAS. his office hours are nice but not too necessary.