This class is incredibly interesting, especially if you want to learn more about genetics and disease. Papers are meant to be a real-world application of the techniques discussed in class. Like most MCDB/MIMG classes, the exams are more conceptual and experimental rather than focused on rote memorization. Understanding pedigrees, basic molecular bio and genetic concepts (i.e. Southern blotting, haplotypes, pedigrees), and broad techniques covered in discussion is all you need. That said, exams are all open-note -- however, there is NOT enough time to be looking through your notes during the 50-minute exam time. I reviewed for a day or two before the exam and scored above average on all of the exams. Study for the exams like you would if it were closed-book, closed-notes. Know how to apply the concepts to different problems - if you have trouble understanding ANY aspect of a paper's materials/methods, ask your TA. The TAs and the professors are all extremely helpful and friends, and are there to make sure you can and will succeed in the class. The professors emphasize improvement in the successive exams because they understand that there is a learning curve to the midterms. Also, you are NOT competing with graduate students in this course. Can they also take it? Yes, but they enroll in a separate, cross-listed class and they are not included in the exam averages or the curve. Regardless, this is definitely a worthwhile class to take especially if you are interested in medicine or genetic counseling - we had a variety of guest speakers who came in to talk about their field and how genetics plays a role in disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

Look, the professor is nice, but...the class sucks. The tests are hard, the papers are difficult to read, and even though I've gone to office hours and discussion. Nothing about my grade change. The only way I even had a chance to pass was that the coronavirus shut down the school and the final became take home. Even then, I don't know if that was enough to save my grade. The only reason I took this this class was because a different class I was enrolled in said I was under qualified to take it. I wish I stayed in the other class.

Look, if you really, really want to learn about genetics, if you have a passion for it, take the class. If you're just taking it to fulfill a requirement, DO NOT take the class. It is not worth it. Especially if you don't like the topic and don't want to wake up at 8AM to do it.

To all the people who want to take this course, go find yourself another one! The professors are nice but I really don't think this class is designed for undergrads. First of all, it's very fast-paced, you need to learn one paper per week. Sounds easy at first, but you will know it's not the case later on, especially during midterm and final weeks. Second, the exams are unreasonably hard if you don't have enough background info. I feel like the professors mentioned the relatively shallow things in the lecture, but what on the exams were actually trillion times harder and trickier. The premise for you to get a good grade is that you know your shit and you fully understand the papers, including the jargon, techniques and so on. If you don't know them, bro, you will be surprised when you see your exam. Don't get fooled by the "open book" setting because you basically don't have enough time. I also don't think the discussions were that helpful either. I would not go if it's not for the discussion quizzes. Also, I don't know what my final grade is based on since they did not give a detailed breakdown. I thought I had a pretty solid standing in the class but it turned out to be a B. If you check the grade distribution for the past years, you can notice only 30% of the students can get an A- or above and you are competing with grad students in the class as well. Well, now you know

I really wanted to like this class but can't say I did. Taught by 3 rotating professors and 2-3 guest lecturers, so lecture style/slide content/information relevant to exams varies widely. Midterms were long (8-10ish pages) with only 50 minutes to complete. If you've taken the LIFESCI 7 series or 107, the course content is all pretty familiar, but the level of understanding expected on the exams I felt went far beyond the lecture's coverage. This renders the open note, open book policy for exams somewhat useless. You are also tested on the content of 10 research papers you read for discussion, and expected to deeply understand the methodology/results/analytical tools. Attendance is technically required because of an access code-locked Canvas quiz at the start of every class.

The first thing I want to say about Dr. Lusis is that he's an incredibly nice guy. I've had some professors at UCLA who are just very unpleasant people. Dr. Lusis is not one of them. He always makes time to meet students, doesn't chastise you for asking too many questions, and gives really phenomenal and genuine advice.

As for the class--Lusis is the best lecturer of the three, with Reue a close second. Merriam is also very nice but his lecturers confused the heck out of me.

This guy is a stud. He knows his stuff and is really good at teaching it. He makes everything extremely interesting and students are excited to go to class. It's too bad all teachers at UCLA arent like Dr. Lusis. Tests are challenging but fair. Overall this guy is super cool.