Prof Phelan has the most professional pre-recorded videos I've seen for a UCLA course. Super nice guy, topics were very broad - the midterm and final weren't easy as a result, imo. Still recommend it though!

Professor Phelan was a great lecturer, and the course material was really interesting. I’ve never considered myself to be super interested in science, but I found myself liking the practicality and real-world application that this course has. I took this class online, so I think I would’ve gotten more out of the lectures if they had been in person.

In terms of workload, this class has a few bigger group projects and quizzes, but isn’t overwhelming in any way. I definitely recommend reading / taking notes on the textbook before lecture, as Phelan’s lectures are more conversational and better to listen to, rather than take notes on. The textbook goes into more depth and technical terms, while the lectures are more about applying and talking about the concepts. All of the projects and quizzes are completed in the discussion, so participation is really important!

Extra credit was offered, and was a super fun assignment.

Overall, would definitely recommend this class and professor!

I took this as an easy A science GE and it was indeed an easy A science GE. It was easier than my freshman biology class in high school (never took AP Bio). I never read the textbook unless our weekly problem sets had a question on a section from the book, in which case I would read like 2 pages. Don't buy his book "Mean Genes"; I never read a page and got an A. Since all of the quizzes are open note and he gives the possible questions in advance, ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE and bring those answers in and you'll always get an A. Go to his midterm + final review sections and answer all the questions he gives you during that--have those notes out during the test and you'll be fine. I got a 93 on midterm and an 87on final and got an overall grade of 96; lots of extra credit and smaller assignments to raise your grade, and he seems really nice.

If you're looking for an easy GE, look elsewhere. Professor Phelan is an amazing lecturer and his teaching content is entertaining and easy to follow, but there was just an unnecessary amount of work. Not enough time on the midterm, more than enough time on the final. MCQs were harder than short answers in my opinion. Got a 71 on the midterm and 90 on the final and got 20 points from doing the extra credit project and ended up with an A. Overall, thoroughly enjoyed the content but I do not recommend this class.

This class is one of my favorites that I've taken at UCLA. Every single lecture was so interesting, engaging, and fun. I seriously learned so much from this class. The exams were challenging, but totally fair and Professor Phelan is awesome! He helps with study techniques as well which have helped me out in my other classes. Take this course!!

Selling PDF version for "What is Life? A Guide to Biology 4th Edition" for $5, contact me @ **********

As someone who hated biology all through middle school and high school, I really really enjoyed this class. Professor Phelan's lectures are extremely clear and engaging, and he offers extra credit opportunities as well. I'd recommend thoroughly reading rather than skimming all the relevant material from the WIL textbook. Though it was long and tedious this really helped me understand the material. I also took notes on the textbook, which was very helpful.

Jay and his class are both AMAZING and this is coming from someone who used to hate biology (that was until I took his class). His lectures are engaging, he makes the content interesting, and teaches the course from a non bio student perspective which is nice.

Lectures: Because I took this class during COVID-19, lectures were prerecorded videos and overall were very engaging. He kept them organized, used examples, and his slides were useful (although he doesn't post them). He also kept the videos short which is nice.

Discussions: Discussions consisted of a weekly quiz (one of the problem set questions), review lectures, a group problem set presentation, and a group debate. These projects did require some prep time out of class but it wasn't unmanageable.

Homework/Reading: This class did have a fair amount of work, especially for a GE. There were weekly problem sets that were assigned, but weren't graded (except for one of the questions was chosen for the weekly quiz). We also had to write discussion board posts and create a music video (which was a lot of work but surprisingly helpful for studying). His books are optional but they are well written and help explain concepts further.

Exams: Exams in this class overall were fair, consisting of both M/C and short answer. The midterm was a bit time constrained and some of the short answers required more explanation to get full points, but the final was more manageable. Open notes due to COVID but could be different if taken in person. He doesn't post review materials which makes it tough, but as long as you understand the concepts and examples, you should be good.

Overall: TAKE THIS CLASS! Prof Phelan is a gem and you won't be disappointed! This class really changes your whole view on science and biology and you find out it is actually cool.

Took this class my first quarter at UCLA and it was my favorite class. The content is super interesting. Phelan is great, he actually made the lectures enjoyable. My TA was a tough grader but I ended up with a B. Just go to all the lectures, read, and you should be fine!
Selling my mean genes book, email me if interested! *************

This class is honestly the most amazing class you will take as an elective or a pre-req. He is so insightful and really cares about his class. There are problem sets every week that he uses as easy points on a quiz for you to help boost your grade. There is one midterm and one final and basically, even though this class is great and interesting, still take the midterms and final seriously, there is a lot of material. If you're looking to BUY THE TEXTBOOKS, I am selling What is Life and Mean Genes . **********. Text me! Or email me at *************.