This guy was great. He hates tests. I remember coming to class one day, and they had set up the classroom with white voting-style boxes. Nick said something like "I can't believe they would use MY classroom for giving TESTS!". Coincedentally, we didn't have to take a single test. All you have to do is show up every day and participate. I got an A and I expect the rest of the class did as well. Just come and try your best and Gessler will teach you something interesting.

Artificial Life, Culture, and Evolution has been my favorite class out of the ones I've taken during my first three years at UCLA! It touches upon evolutionary programming, cryptology, building simulations, and many other interesting subjects that have only recently entered our world thanks to technology and computing.

The class is also designed so that even people unfamiliar with programming can learn without difficulties, while others with experience can work on a project that further pushes their limits of creativity. It is also likely to provide ideas and resources that could let you explore areas that would be otherwise difficult to find on your own.

At the same time, Nick Gessler's guidance, knowledge, and amiable personality greatly complement the social community aspects of the class. It's a pleasure to find a professor who really does care about what you have to say!