BIOL 2010

People are complaining way too much about Kittleson's tests. I went to class, but had trouble paying attention. Before tests, I would just go over the textbook and I've done pretty well in the class.

Before I came to college, I hated biology. I cringed when I hear the word. But Kittlesen made me love biology. Before each class, he would make you read the book for the pre-class assessments. They are generally pretty easy and you could do it without reading the book (BUT READ THE BOOK ANYWAY so you can spread out your readings.) Then, in lecture, he explains all the difficult concepts in the book very well. Sometimes he adds in very interesting facts/experiments that seem difficult and irrelevant at first, but afterwards, you realize that they are very fun and helpful for the course. He is one of the best lecturers at UVA and you shouldn't miss out on any opportunity to take his class.

Don't take the class if you aren't premed. It really hurt my GPA this semester. I signed up for the course because I enjoyed bio in high school and thought that it would be an interesting class to take even though I don't plan on going into any science field in my future. Thoroughly regretting taking this class even though Dave did make the lectures entertaining.

Professor Kittlesen is by far the best professor I have had during my time at UVa. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what he is teaching. I'm not sure if I would have taken this class if I was not required to for my major, but I ended up learning far more than I imagined I would have. Do all of the readings, pre-class assignments, homework, and bring your clicker to class every day and you will be successful. I'm sad Dave isn't teaching 2020

Dave Kittlesen is an amazing professor. Taking this course was actually what made me want to become a Bio major. Dave has a knack for presenting even difficult topics in a logical, linear manner. The reading is pretty light, he usually breaks it up into 1 or two chapter sections per class which is about 10 pages or so. There is a pre-class before each lecture, but they are pretty simple, about 5 questions that you can usually answer by skimming the reading. A word of caution is that Dave's tests are extremely lecture-heavy. He only uses the book for fundamental ideas, but test questions are tricky and pull from much more complex concepts. Stay on top of the reading and pay attention in lecture and the class should be a breeze!

Dave is a crazy dude. A lot of students enjoy his lectures because he puts a fun spin on it. I thought Kittlesen was a great teacher, I just kept getting distracted in his class by the 50 people around me all on facebook and twitter. If I could retake it, I would have paid more attention. Interesting material though. Make sure you do go to lecture because some material on the test he only teaches in the lectures and is not in the book.

Loved this course. Yes, you have to work hard and yes, his tests are tricky but a good grade is very attainable and Kittlesen is the best professor I have ever had by far. Putting the work in to really understand (NOT memorize) the material is important; if there is something you didn't follow in lecture or the book make sure you figure it out. The tests are very fair but he does expect you to understand everything in lecture very well, as well as know some details from the book. Office hours are extremely helpful. I went every week even if I had no questions. Definitely recommend this class, it's very interesting and rewarding if you're willing to put in the effort.

My biggest regret in college is not having AP credit for this class. As great of a guy Kittleson is, I find his little art projects to teach about DNA replication futile. His exams can be tricky (and he sort of admits it in his syllabus). I dreaded going to his class. But many are forced to take this class and all I can say is its boring. Lecture is a must.

stay away, regret taking it but its a req so...

Dave is really interesting in class! Most part of the exams come from the lectures, but also closely related to the textbook. So do read the textbook before or after class and review your notes before exams.