I took this class for fun, just for some extra units, and I'm glad I did. This class is mostly about certain diseases, how they spread, type, symptoms, etc. as well as cultural and genetic aspects that affect the spread of those diseases. There were two exams (non-cumulative) and a final presentation instead of an exam due finals week. My TA was very helpful and a nice grader, so I did pretty well on the final. I did worse on the second exam than the first, but it was good enough, that with the extra credit I did, I ended up with an A+! Definitely recommend this class for fun or if you need an elective (or prereq).

I loved this class so much! Not very similar to any other Anthro class I’ve taken here. Professor Bigham is a great lecturer, very funny, and very welcoming. She obviously knows what she’s talking about and loves to answer questions during lecture or in her weekly OH. There is a midterm and a final exam, both in-person, that consist of MCQs, SAQs, and one LEQ. She gives lots of study and review materials for each. There is only one short reading to do each week, and these will be discussed in sections. In another review you will see someone saying this is the hardest anthro class offered here, and they are either stupid or have never taken another anthro class at UCLA.

Personally, I loved taking this class. I have no background in genetics or epidemiology, which definitely made my time here a little more difficult, but overall I had a great time. I won't lie, it is probably one of. if not the hardest, anthro classes at UCLA. You will have to memorize specific gene mutation, what they do, as well as the ins-and-outs of certain diseases. Studying for tests took hours, just because there is so much content. However, despite all this, I truly enjoyed this class the most out of the quarter. Professor Bigham is incredibly smart and knowledgable in this field. Her method of teaching is pretty quick and concise, but she will always pause the lecture if you have a question. Additionally, everything we learning in this class was so interesting. I left it wanting to know more about these topics. I would highly, highly recommend this class to anyone who is thinking of taking it. It won't be easy, necessarily, but it is completely fascinating.