A good class if you need a GPA boost! Her syllabus is very strange so you can’t calculate your own grade easily. There are 3 exams and almost everyone does poorly on the 2nd exam (for some reason??). Make sure to read the text as her exams are very detail oriented and it isn’t often in the notes. Also, you can do learning catalytics even if you aren’t in the class and she posts the lecture slides on collab so really you don’t need to show up as her lectures are pretty pointless.
Grade Distribution
28 Reviews
The class doesn't seem too hard based on the syllabus-- I took this class because of previously easy ratings on Course Forum. Professor Lawrence is super passionate about what she studies which is awesome for her. However it's difficult to prepare for exams because Prof. Lawerence expects such a wide range of really specific knowledge. Also it is a mix of science and math which can be difficult to do two types of studying. There is a ton of busy work like quizzes and reading responses before every class. The plus side is she has weird weights on the grades so you can do pretty poorly and still pass but if you're looking for an easy A it might not be here. If you're generally a science-type person you'll probably be fine. But if you need an easy science credit I would consider a different class.
The best class I took during the semester I did. Super enjoyable reading, the lectures are extremely relevant and interesting, and she gears the class for students to get the highest grades proportional to work they put in. Make sure you do the reading, come to class, and do the pre-quizzes and you'll be good.
Just finished this class, and would definitely recommend it. Prof. Lawrence is awesome, and you can tell she really enjoys teaching this material. If you are looking for easy science credit, or are genuinely interested in the subject, take this class. NO FINAL! There are only 3 exams, and all you really need to do is read the chapters. Each exam is only on like 2 chapters so it is super easy. Other than that make sure you do the in class participation- which fyi you don't actually need to go to class for, you can just open the software at home or anywhere during the time of the class and answer from home.
I just finished this class and as long as you do the pre-class assignments and the clickers you should be fine. Don't only use the practice tests to study for the actual test - read the book also. She is incredibly scatter-brained and her tests reflect that, there is a lot of random information and numbers on them that you wouldn't think you need to pay attention to. Overall, an ok course GPA-wise but not as easy as I was assuming.
There's a lot of busy work - you have something due every class, but the small assignments are worth 51% vs three exams worth 49%. It's a good way to knock out a science credit but you do have to go to class - there are Clicker questions - especially if you're not a good test taker.
Though this professor tries to make this course enjoyable, she's often confusing and flies erratically between topics. She WILL make efforts to gain students' trust, but veers wildly off topic often. This is a very easy class if you do even a bit of the reading ahead of time, but I didn't. Professor Lawrence offers a lot of opportunities for redemption.
I came into this class expecting it to be my easy class. Based on the content and the grade breakdown on the syllabus this should be true. Yet, the class is harder than it needs to be and the tests are on insignificant details so a good portion of the class fails the tests. The concepts aren't hard but its frustrating to fail from not knowing material that wasn't emphasized in class or in the textbook. Lectures are boring (some would say painful) to sit through.