Human Genetics was the most fun class I took 4th year. Professor Cronmiller is so cool and really enjoys this class, in contrast to 3010 which is a nightmare. I did poorly in 3010 and wanted to show that I improved, so went in to Human Genetics with a positive attitude which always helps and ended up getting an A in the course. All lectures are discussion led and a lot of material is covered. The group work is really not that hard and can generally be done by one member. The book is pretty much optional, dense but has some interesting topics in it. Tests are easy and fun (seriously, some answers are actual jokes made up by previous students). Grading is super fair and Cronmiler loves the subject and is always willing to help outside of class. Cronmiller also invites the class to brunch at the end in her home, which is amazing. All in all, this class is a bio department gem and a really informative course.
Grade Distribution
14 Reviews
Out of all the biology professors at UVa Claire Cronmiller is by far the most dedicated to teaching. She truly cares about her students and this has made all the difference in my time at UVa and in this course. This class is very interesting though is less problem solving focused than 3010. I found that reading the textbook did not help that much but it is necessary to attend all lectures and complete the group homework thoughtfully and thoroughly- she can see through a rushed homework assignment. I would definitely recommend this class though- she touches on a lot of the current challenges and research focuses of human genetics.
Probably one of the best bio classes at UVA. Cronmiller is a great professor and the material is very applicable to pre-meds or anyone interested in genetics. The class is also one of the harder bio classes. The material requires quite a bit of thought, and it's definitely not straightforward memorization. The homework is the best way to practice for tests, along with outlines and concept maps. But Cronmiller makes the class a lot of fun and it's totally worthwhile!
I think the most important thing I learned from this class is that I do not want to be a geneticist (Not because of the difficulty of this course, but rather because I actually learned a great deal about Human Genetics). That aside, I think Dr. Cronmiller does an excellent job teaching the course. The grades are based 45% on three tests, 25% on homework and 30% on the final. The homework is done and groups and that is great for assessing what you don't understand, but if you're like me, you probably won't do much to catch up on what your partners glaze over for you. This class is very difficult, it is not for the light of heart, but it is definitely a worthwhile experience. Cronmiller is probably the single best professor (in terms of teaching) in the biology department, so if you want to go into medicine or have a moderate interest in human genetic diseases, this is a good class for you.
This has been my favorite class that I have taken at UVa. Professor Cronmiller really knows the subject and can translate it into understandable terms. She also puts in a huge effort to get to know the students and always makes herself accessible to them. The tests are challenging but they are not impossible. Overall I think I have learned more from this class than any other.
The material is very interesting to learn about and Cronmiller uses actual examples to you get to see application in real life. Cronmiller also knows a lot about the topic and is very willing to explain and help you with learning the material. Tests are hard and you do need to know everything that are said in class. This also means that the tests are very fair because there will be never be material that have not been talked about. Learning to apply what was said in class to answer the test questions can be difficult but Cronmiller is willing to go through the tests with you to help prepare for future tests.
Awesome class, but definitely not easy! Professor Cronmiller is amazing. She is willing to help outside of class and is very understanding. Tests are hard but fair. All short answer. Probably the bio class I took the most away from at UVA.
Professor Cronmiller knows the subject very well and she is very good at keeping everyone's interest throughout the year. Be prepared to work, but I found the class very interesting and rewarding...
Absolutely loved this class, despite not being pre-med. Definitely recommend taking this if you liked Cronmiller/Bio 301. Some of the material is a little dry, and you have to work in groups for some of the homeworks, but the majority of the class is relevant and interesting. AND she hosted brunch at her house at the end of the semester - AWESOME.
Not as hard as it is made out to be- curve is great. Material is interesting