This class is very difficult, but it doesn’t help that the “MCDB 138 Team,” which is composed of 2 professors and 3 TAs, give inconsistent answers. When I ask questions, the professors give contradictory statements regarding class material (for example, if something is true or false). The questions on the assessments are often very poorly worded and it’s never easy to understand what’s exactly being asked.

I had Dr. Rigueur for MCDB 138 and then MCDB 144 and she was genuinely one of the best professors that I feel like I have had at UCLA. I'll condense just some of the reasons why in just a couple of points (but seriously, there's a lot more than just this):

1. Lectures were RECORDED LIVE on Zoom and posted for being able to watch on Zoom later.
This was genuinely so helpful in being able to still have access to her lectures and teaching/explanations of lecture (which are necessary to understand/view/watch if you want to do well in this class) on days where you may be sick, have a time conflict, etc. Luv luv luv this and really helped make her class feel less stressful if I couldn't make it one day even in person as I knew it would always be there for me to watch (either live or later)
p.s. you can ask questions that she'll answer during lecture as she live broadcasts on Zoom so you can get an immediate answer to your questions :33
2. She gave SO MUCH EC
There was a lot of extra credit to go around and various opportunities to earn some that helped ease the pressure on feeling like you had to ace every midterm/final. EC was accesible and easy to do (I think for my class it was mostly just filling out your study guide which there's a huge incentive to do any ways if you want to of well on exams :3)
3. She's a VERY ACCESIBLE PROFESSOR
Dr. Rigueur had so many opportunities for office hours at even times of the day that you wouldn't expect professors to be available but times were students are normally available (like late in the afternoon) which was super helpful for people with busy schedules. She even gave us access to her office phone and numbers she could be reached at which just made it so easy to contact her if need be/if you couldn't reach her by email. Genuinely was very reassuring to have these options as I knew I never felt alone and would always have access o my professor some capacity if I needed to
4. She's SO nice
It's clear Dr. Rigueur wants you to learn and is passionate about the subjects she teaches. Lectures and the slides are long, but they are mostly pictures so you don't get bogged down by words and she explains it all. She makes herself very accesible to students, is very personable, and just super easy to talk to. I ever felt nervous going up to her after class or going to her office/office hours.

Some extra points to mention:
1. This class is extremely doable even with a loaded schedule. I was taking three other classes with this class, two of which were difficult STEM classes (one of which was a notoriously difficult upper div) and I still felt very comfortable with the workload, trust me, you can do it, you just have to study as is expected for any class at UCLA lol
2. Don't expect a super easy A, but DO expect that if you put in some effort and genuine passion/your best foot forward you WILL get a good grade. Only you know what that looks like so be honest with yourself.
3. Again luvv the recorded live Zoom lectures will never stop raving about how helpful that was if you couldn't make it to class
4. I learned sooo much in this class!! Really gives you an in depth look on development and makes you feel smart for understanding it all lol
5. She has study guides for every exam and the study guides actually represent what will be on the exam. She also has practice tests. Don't expect exams to be an exact replica of these, and don't think your study guide will save you if you don't study, but the general topics on the study guide are the same topics you'll see on the exam.

TIPS:
1. STUDY: it's not a super hard class because she doesn't make it to be, but again, don't expect an easy A
2. If you can, get the textbook as it helps put concepts together
3. Go over what you learned for the week, every week. Helps keep the info fresh because there's a lot. This also helps avoid cramming
4. For discussion I think we had to read research papers so do that. You only really need to spend an hour doing so because TA should clarify more on the papers during discussion.
5. STUDY TO UNDERSTAND, not memorize. PUHLEASEEE trust me on this (and do this for every class too lol) the more you ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND the concepts, the much better you will do. This class will not serve you well if you JUST memorize and you won't get a good grade. You really do have to think, be able to put concepts together, and use critical thinking skills on exam questions to do well (don't get me wrong there are some exam questions you can get by on with just memorization, but not all). I know not relying on memorizing can seem scary and make a class seem hard but its not-- you can do it, you're a Bruin for a reason ;3
Anyways, highly highly suggest this class for 138, super good class, lots of help available to succeed, and a clear passion and intent from the professor (and TAs TBH) for you to succeed. Good luck!!

Best professor at UCLA. You won’t regret taking her class she is so amazing