
Professor
James Tidball
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2025 - In my opinion, Dr. Tidball was the most engaging professor and the best teacher of 111A. Unlike the other professors, he preferred to give chalkboard lectures and would post note outlines on Canvas for us to fill out. He teaches the second module of the course, which is on muscles, whereas the first module is on neurons/signal transduction and the third module is on sensory systems. Not only is he an exceptionally clear lecturer, he would host Q&A sessions in addition to office hours to help with studying, and he would consistently stay 20 - 30 mins behind each class answering student questions. If you hear bad things about him, know that people 100% only hated on him for how difficult the exam was (I believe the average was in the 70s or 80s). He taught the material well, but this exam was unlike any other physci exam because it actually required you to think vs just memorization like the rest of the physci core, what crazy work right? As far as I know, the people who really understood the content walked away with an A, so do your best to *understand* if you want to do well. He's quite a nice guy and a good teacher, everyone just got tripped up on the exam and premeds can be real haters when they don't get an A.
Winter 2025 - In my opinion, Dr. Tidball was the most engaging professor and the best teacher of 111A. Unlike the other professors, he preferred to give chalkboard lectures and would post note outlines on Canvas for us to fill out. He teaches the second module of the course, which is on muscles, whereas the first module is on neurons/signal transduction and the third module is on sensory systems. Not only is he an exceptionally clear lecturer, he would host Q&A sessions in addition to office hours to help with studying, and he would consistently stay 20 - 30 mins behind each class answering student questions. If you hear bad things about him, know that people 100% only hated on him for how difficult the exam was (I believe the average was in the 70s or 80s). He taught the material well, but this exam was unlike any other physci exam because it actually required you to think vs just memorization like the rest of the physci core, what crazy work right? As far as I know, the people who really understood the content walked away with an A, so do your best to *understand* if you want to do well. He's quite a nice guy and a good teacher, everyone just got tripped up on the exam and premeds can be real haters when they don't get an A.
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2024 - Tidball was so clear and an amazing professor. He's so charismatic and explains everything without any fluff. Only PHYSCI class (His module only) that I didn't need to study for at all and aced the midterm. I think the discussions also really help to clarify anything, so definitely participate in those. SHOUTOUT JOHN
Winter 2024 - Tidball was so clear and an amazing professor. He's so charismatic and explains everything without any fluff. Only PHYSCI class (His module only) that I didn't need to study for at all and aced the midterm. I think the discussions also really help to clarify anything, so definitely participate in those. SHOUTOUT JOHN
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Most Helpful Review
Professor Tidball is an excellent teacher. He is able to explain things in a clear, coherent lecture, and makes sure everyone understands. He handwrites his notes on the whiteboard (thank god for no powerpoints!) which gives you plenty of time to copy them down. For 155 his tests are not multiple choice, but are very straightforward, certainly a welcome change from the 111 series. In addition to all of this, he is a very nice guy who is always willing to help if you have any trouble!
Professor Tidball is an excellent teacher. He is able to explain things in a clear, coherent lecture, and makes sure everyone understands. He handwrites his notes on the whiteboard (thank god for no powerpoints!) which gives you plenty of time to copy them down. For 155 his tests are not multiple choice, but are very straightforward, certainly a welcome change from the 111 series. In addition to all of this, he is a very nice guy who is always willing to help if you have any trouble!