WISCHUSEN E (BIOL)

Wischusen is a really nice guy, and he tries to make it interesting, but the man in the lecture hall, and the guy who makes the tests must be complete opposites. There were times when he would pick the most random bits of information and put them on the exam. If you are a Bio Major, especially if you're taking a cohort class, he may be your only option. My advice ALWAYS take the pretest, and then focus your review on that. Find a good study buddy too.

So most people have to take this lab and you WILL get a foreign TA. Your experience with the lab depends on who you get which you have no control over. My guy was named Alex. He was nice and wanted you to learn but the language barrier was a problem. I had a really fun lab table and we goofed off the whole time so the class wasn't bad. However, my boyfriend who is really smart had a horrible TA and made a B because his TA made his class a lot harder than it should be. Just pick which ever section fits in your schedule the best or one with a friend and hopefully you get a good TA! Good luck!!!

If you don't know much about Biology before this class... good luck. He's a great teacher that makes a room of 700 kids seem like a room of 20. Just make sure to dedicate tons of time to this class and you'll be fine.

Wischusen's a great teacher to have. Although it can be a little time consuming, it is well worth it in the long run. This class will help you get your study habits in line and prepare you for future classes, especially if you're a pre-med.

He did not even know how to explain what he was doing!!

Dr. Wischusen is the best teacher i have had at LSU. His class is hard and you have to study alot but he is an awesome teacher. He kept me awake during the 7:30 class which is pretty hard to do. Even though he is hard and the tests are tricky i would recommend him to anyone who is truely interested in biology

Maria Galvinez (or something like that) was a super amazing lab instructor! she was funny and got to know all the students. She grades lab reports and presentations really easily. Also, the tests and quizzes were super easy if you just read over the powerpoints once or twice.

This class sucks. No one cares about plants. This is basically just memorizing plants. For the final, you have to identify certain plants. It's not fun or interesting. Take pictures to study for the final.

Wischusen doesn't actually teach the 1209 course. That, unfortunately, went to a TA named Adriana Dantin. She doesn't know most of the material she "attempts" to teach (she said "Cnidarians" are worms). I would think that if you have a Bachelors degree in Biology, you would at least know the basic stuff taught in an introductory course. The lab is a waste of time, overall. It covers experiments without explaining their significance, and the practical part of the final is based on identifying few select samples from a very large pool that you have to view during the semester. No dissection (surprising for a college level course, as we dissected stuff back in high school), no creating our own experiments - it is shameful to call it a majors science course, and if they're looking to cut funds somewhere, this course should be eliminated, because it is completely pointless.

The class is easy. For the final, you have to be able to identify many different types of plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, etc. which can be tricky, but if you have a good TA, you'll be fine.

This rating is not for Bill Wischusen, but for my lab TA, Maria Gavilanez. She was very thorough and went above and beyond for us. The course, however, was a ton of work. We had lab reports due every week (which were graded harshly) along with weekly quizzes from the notes. The quizzes were 10 questions, all fill-in-the-blank and True/False, they were easy if you read the notes before class. Along with these grades, we had 2 oral reports (which were easy As) two exams (fill-in-the-blank and multiple choice, easy only if you study well in advance) and both class and lab participation points. Also, there was a big Independent Project you have to design and complete with your lab group. My TA was lenient with the grading, and very helpful, but it was a very time consuming project. The lecture part of the course was cancelled about half way through the semester and we ended up doing everything in lab, which was nice. If you only need a lab to meet your science requirements, I would advise you go elsewhere. Either that, or make sure you have ample time to dedicate to this course and good group members.

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Quizzes were sometimes hard! Just make sure you go over the lab manual before each class and you should be good! The experiments were quite easy and writing assignments were a piece of cake!

Well, if you're a total slacker like me, then you wouldn't want to take this course. It takes a lot of hard work and attention. The first few chapters are simply reviews from high school biology. Over time, the material becomes more and more incomprehensible. I studied for hours and days, and still made 'B's on all of my tests. The final was quite easy though. Wischusen makes the class enjoyable though.

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Can't remember the TA's name, sorry. The labs are tedious and long, and not very interesting either. The final is kinda tough, but if you're lucky, you'll score in the top percentile and everything will be curved.

It all depends on the TA you get, I had Tracy Hmielowksi and she was awesome. The final is horrible, study a lot for that. Class is pretty boring though

Wischusen is great teacher, but his tests are hard. Be ready to study a lot.

Final was ridiculous... Had to know certain members of different kingdoms just by visual. With any lab, it's all about what TA you get.

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730 AM class is never fun first semester. Definite weed-out class. He gave a slight curve in the end, prob about 3 points. Funny guy, great teacher. But EXTREMELY difficult tests

Not easy, but worth the time and effort in the long run. I learned so much in the one semester I had him. But be prepared to read the book and go to the review sessions in order to do well. Exams are about 95% of the total grade.

hes great. ver y funny, willing to help students, and provides great access to materials

Dr. Bill's class is tough, but it can be done if you take the time to study the material. Attend review sessions because they definitely help!

Awesome teacher!! Expects a lot from the students, but is fair in grading. He truly wants you to do well in the course.

Wischusen is a really great professor that is willing to help students when they need it.

Best biology teacher ever. He uses analogies and explains basic biological conceptsvery well. He often makes students to demonstrations to show how concepts (eg integration of N.S.) work. The pretest is very similar to the actual test.

He make Biology easy to understand!

Wischeusen is a very entertaining guy, but my class was at 7:30 A.M. Tues. and Thurs. Go to class and pay attention and you'll do fine. Tests are slightly difficult, but he does occasionally curve. Overall, not a bad class other than the time.

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Take Wischusen! He is tought, but I promise it will pay off. Taking Wischusen prepares to facing upper level biologies. Study hard and read the book! It will pay off! He may seem harder than other teachers, but it will pay off in the end.

Exams are computer based, weekly online quizzes with infinite attempts, in-class clicker quizzes. Overall not a bad class, but you will have to study.

Though he teaches good, he's too hard for those who hate bio......

Wischusen is okay, though most of his tests were tricky. I found the book to be far more useful than the notes I took in class. Clicker quiz every class.

Wischusen was awesome! Though I did heavily depended on the book, Wischusen made the subject really interesting!

Wischusen will work you hard but you will definitely know the material and he gives real world examples that really help!

Up until the last few weeks, the lab was fine, but it all depends on your TA.

This class requires alot of reading the textbook. He's a good teacher, and he likes what he teaches, but its hard material and he asks questions on the test that require alot of knowledge and understanding of the material. Study in advance!

DONT DO IT!!! HES TERRIBLE!

This was an incredibly boring lab. Granted, I do not care about plants, ecology, or systematics. The lab exercises were virtually useless and my TA didn't even always have the information necessary for us to complete the lab.

Wischusen has fairly interesting lectures. He does lots of dimenstrations and is great at clearly explaining topics. Course material can be tedious, and you have to study, but tests are fiar and he curves if necessary.

Great teacher! He goes into detail in class and on his tests, but if you take the practice test it is almost exactly like the real test. He will stress the more important stuff in class. GO TO CLASS and you will do very well!

Dr. Bill was extremely interested in the material he was teaching, but his tests required in-depth understanding of the material rather than memorization. It was definitely a weed-out class.

you really have to understand the stuff...yes, his test questions can be tricky sometimes, but he usually curves. his personality is great, he's very positive and loves to answer questions. Even brings in activities to make the class interesting

Tests are very hard, but he curves fairly. Clicker points in class and online quizes everyday (easy points if you dont forget)

Dr. Bill was always really eager about his lectures and curved for about every test. The final sucked and I studied A LOT but pulled off an A.

He is a good teacher. He really wants you to learn the material....but his class is so hard. His tests have virtually nothing that he taught in class. You have to waste your life away to study for this class...

He expects you to learn the concepts more than the facts. you must understand the material to do well in his class he does curve a little. expect to work but you can make an A.

Dr. Bill's TA's were better teachers. If you need help, ask them over Dr. Bill...he's rude and belittling.

So far, he's my favorite biology teacher at LSU. The concepts are hard, but he really is excited about the stuff he's teaching.

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The Intro. Biology Program is awful. This course (1209) is somewhat better than the previous course (1208). The course is easy at first but once you hit the drop date, the harder material begins. The final was atrocious for this course.

Dr. Bill is a really good teacher, and he wants you to learn the information. This class is really hard though, and requires A LOT of studying. Sometimes questions on the test came from nowhere.

He's a great teacher, he really knows his biology, but his tests can be very tricky! So its kind of a hard class- you will have to work for your grade, so only take 1201 if you have to.

Wischusen is a really good teacher. He explains things clearly, and he is always in his office during his office hours. His tests are hard, but if you learn the material, NOT memorize it you will be fine...i got an A

Wischusen is definitely not the best teacher for 1201! His lectures are very hard to follow and the tests are just unexplainable. The tests require too much application!

Ok let's just say that he started out the first class with "My goal is to discourage all of you from majoring in science because there's too many people in the medical field." Don't bother taking notes because the test only comes from the book!

This class is hard enough without Wischusen making everything even worse. Run far far away!

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Be prepared to spend a huge amount of time outside of class. Go to the review sessions and ask questions, BUT MAKE SURE THE ANSWERS THEY GIVE ARE CORRECT! Bill's test questions are so tricky, even the TAs get confused!

exams are HARD and he barely curves. don't take unless you have too!!!!!!!!

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Dr. Bill is one of the best instructors at LSU - explains biology in terms you can understand and loves the material. Tests are very hard. It's a weed-out class. But he's a GREAT teacher and the science really is fun.

Wishusen isnt a bad teacher, just hard. His tests are application-type but he gives a pretest for every exam

Very hard. Alot of reading. Test are all understanding, no memoirazation.

his test are really hard and tricky, also no bonus points but he does drop your lowest few quizes. test are on the computer.

He tried to clearly give the info for the class, but his test were impossible to study for. I busted my butt and got a c

Only take Bio1201 with Dr. Wischusen if you want to live and breathe biology.He tells you it's going to be hard, but doesn't say that he's going to try to kill you with grading.Also, Wischusen doesn't realize students have other classes to study for.

Dr. Wischusen is the best 1201 teacher you can get, but if you don't have to take the class, DON'T.

He's a great teacher- his tests are fair, but hard and you have to study lots, but its more interesting than 1001 and hes always ready to help if oyu go talk to him!

Wischusen is an okay teacher. There are quizzes every class, 3 case studies, 3 exams, and 1 final. The questions on tests and quizzes are very difficult. I spent a week studying for each test and still made c's on them. Class is extremely hard.

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Very demanding and time consuming but rewarding class. Wishchusen was a really good teacher, though. He was very willing to help better explain things to students if they seek his help.

He goes fast. Have to attend class because he gives quizzes everyday. Test are hard.

Bill is the best 1201 teacher at lsu. he is ready to help. get to know him if u can. his tests are kinda hard, but he gives enough points fo you to do well. thanks bill.

Dr. Bill is the best! I learned so much in this class!! The tests are tricky, but if I can make As and Bs on them, so can you! Just don't change your answers...your first instinct is ALWAYS correct. Sheri and Jason were great TA's!

HORRIBLE teacher

Be prepared for a lot of outside work, but Wischusen is approachable and helpful. Good SI sessions and reviews. Course content changed some this semester, so tests sometimes had questions from info not covered, which affected my grade.

It is impossible to make an A on his test.

wishsusen tries to make it easi on the students.. his class is a class you MUST attend because of all the daily quizzes.. it's not that hard when he teaches it.. it's just i hate biology..

This class wasn't too hard if you went to class and read the book; Dr. Bill made it pretty interesting!

My TA was foreign so that complicated some things. The class was okay, kind of boring and the final is worth 40% of your total grade! Considering the class is required for most people it was alright; don't miss labs and study for quizzes!

Take Dr. Bill if at all possible. He is very enthusiastic and you will learn a lot in this class. The quizzes help bring your grade up, as long as you attend class.

He is so hard.

The class is pretty interesting, but my TA was horrid! She didn't speak English and I knew more about Biology than she did. Do not take this class unless you TA is a halfway intelligent human being!

Class was a fairly easy if you put forth the effort to learn the material. Dr. Bill was great. Clearly explained the material and his test were straight from the notes. He was fair and made class fun.

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Dr. Bill cares about his students. He will answer ANY question you have during office hours. This class requires A LOT of studying. Use his online lecture outlines. He is the best 1201 teacher.

Dr. Bill is awesome! The material is hard, but he definately keeps you awake and interested. If you don't know who to choose for Bio, definately choose Dr. Bill!!!!

Best Biology teacher ever!!! If I could have him for every Biology I'd be set.

hard tests, but he is concerned for his students

He test questions are way too complex to answer. You have to figure out many things before you can even understand the question.

Excellent instructor but horrible exams! I left two of the exams in tears

This class was nearly impossible for me I had to study days before the test to even hope to pass; dr. bill was a nice guy and was concerned about our grades and curved scores a lot; go to class everyday because he gave daily reading quizzes

Just make sure to read the required materials, and you'll do fine. That was my problem, not reading before I go to class at first. Make sure you understand every detail in your notes instead of memorizing them for the test. WOULD REALLY HELLP!

wischusen is an awesome teacher, but the class is extremely hard. be prepared to work and study a lot. you need the outside help he offers.

Dr. Wischusen is a great teacher. This is a difficult class, but you get so much out of it. I wish he was teaching 1202 next semester. You'll need to study not only the notes but out of the book to, but you'll be glad you took him in the end.

Dr. Bill is a great teacher, he is very lively and is passionate about the course. There's a quiz everytime you go to class so you have to read if you wanna do well.

Dr. Wischusen is a very tough teacher. His tests are quite difficult for a 1000 level course. However, he provides loads of help outside of class, and if you are a science major this class will be helpful in the future.

Dr. Bill is a great teacher! Biology is tough, but he makes it interesting. He curves every test! Take the pre-tests b/c they are similar to the real test. Study a lot and you'll do fine...I promise!

He seemed easy in class but the tests were in extreme detail that he never covered, he gave quizzes on materials before he even lectured on it.

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You think you know the material but his test questions were sooo hard to get right bec. all of the multiple choice answers seem right... tricky and sneaky and not leniant at all!!

The tests are fair, and he offers a TON of outside help if you need it. Quizzes keep you up on material though.

Dr. Wischusen is a really nice guy and willing to work with you on almost any situation, but he is a rather hard teacher.

I'm not gonna lie, the tests are extremely difficult, but Dr. Bill is by far the best teacher. You actually learn the stuff in his class, and he tries to keep it interesting.

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Get ready to study a lot. Daily quizzes require that you do the reading and attendance. Also exams require you to know te book as well.

He is a GREAT teacher, he is more than willing to help all students. He wants everyone to do well!

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Naoki was a great TA

Very hard class, tries to weed students out, make sure your prepared to study... ALOT!

Be prepared to come to class, the quizzes force you too. He puts lecture notes online which helps out a lot. I would definitely take Dr. Bill if you can!!

This class was rather hard because there is a quiz every class, but Wischusen is a really good teacher and you actually learn.

Mr. Wischusen really seemed to care about the students and offered his own personal time on the weekends for review sessions.

Great Class, I Learned Alot! Thanks Dr.Bill

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Good teacher, you just have to study a lot

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Be prepared to work for your grade in this class because you cannot afford to miss even one day in this class.

Good Teacher, unfair tests and grading system

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Not bad. Just required if you are a biology major like me.

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Dr. Wischusen understands this course is diffificult, but he is very enthusiastic about biology.

not bad at all

I enjoyed the class, but the daily quizzes and the lecture exams were very hard.