STAT 2120

I only took this course as a pre-req, so I wouldn't recommend it unless you have to take it.
That being said, Professor Holt rocks! He is fun and upbeat and understands that stats isn't everyone's #1 subject. He really tries to help you out however he can, and tries to make lectures engaging.
Still, I thought the exams got progressively harder, and I ended up with a lower grade than I thought I would get.
The labs each week and the lab projects are so annoying.
Webwork homework isn't too bad.

Holt was a good professor. He taught on a level that pretty much everyone could understand. The class seemed easy right up until the final, though, when you get smacked after cruising through three months of busy work. No curve either which doesn't make much sense considering that's what the class entirely about.

I can't think of how a professor can teach this class better than Prof. Holt. I mean this review doesn't mean much because they just appoint one professor to teach STAT 2120 each semester. If you land on him, oh you are in luck.

Each class, he starts with a review of the previously learned relevant content. Prof. Holt goes pretty slowly over each concept, and people rarely interrupts him to ask a question (not much to ask with how thoroughly he goes through each idea). His tests are very fair, with the averages for our two midterms being both above 80 (twenty-five multiple choice questions in fifty minutes done during lab times). There are labs each night of the class and you really don't need to go to the lab discussion itself to do the labs (usually don't need more than 10 minutes if you understood the concept from lecture). And there is a five-question quiz each week. From the people I talked to, people do use ChatGPT for lab and quizzes.

I am pretty bad at being precise, and since everyone understands very well from the lectures, my grade will probably end up being a B+ or A-. You do use a little R, but all the commands are given so I ended up not really learning R. Also this class is more about understanding rather than really manipulating data, so everything needed can be also done on TI calculator (but tests only require a basic calculator that for basic calculations).

Professor Holt was a very kind and effective instructor, I enjoyed his lectures and felt that they very much helped my understanding of the subject. I went in with no knowledge on stats, worried about difficulty, but those worries quickly faded away when I realized how well and clearly he taught. Labs were great for understanding; I enjoyed working with others in my section but lab attendance is optional, as you can do it on your own at home if desired. However, I do recommend attending when possible because working with friends was helpful and the TA's were great at answering questions. Weekly quizzes are only 5 questions and take about 10 minutes and helped gauge progress/understanding. Optional weekly homework were also helpful if struggling, but not necessary. Exams were not terribly difficult, as we were allowed a handwritten note sheet. There are only two midterms, so at times it felt like a lot of material for one exam, but notes helped. Grade weighting is very fair, as you get 6 drops on labs and 1-3 on quizzes (I can't remember exactly). No exams get dropped because there are only 3 total with the final. Strongly recommend taking this course with Prof Holt.