This class is HARD!!! Basically, you have to memorize every slide presented, as well as completely understand 6 papers in order to get an A. He's an average lecturer, but the difficulty of the course lies in the material, not the teacher. There is a TON of material the course covers. If you want to "try" an upper division bio course (i am a psych major), don't try this one.

Dr.Marahrens is not the best lecturer. He goes over material very fast, often has mistakes and does not know the material of the other prof. he teaches with. However, he knows his own material very well and outside of class and in his office hours manages to explain everything very well. His exam questions are not the easiest but if you have memorized the handouts and understand the concepts youll do well. But be carefull, he will test you on any assigned reading he did not go over.

Professor Marahrens IS a good lecturer. I couldn't disagree more with the previous comments. He definitely knows what hes talking about. He can go fast sometimes, but it's totally comprehendible. If that's your concern, record the lectures, it's simple. His exams are right outta the slides so just learn em, especially the experiments. The problem sets are a bit tough, but the curve is low so it works out. The material is way interesting and Professor Marahrens does it justice. I recommend this class to anyone with interest in Molecular Biology

I wouldnt take him... he doesnt know anything about his lecture slides just his own heterochromatin research. His slides are an easy read but they dont flow really well. Its hard to understand how he thinks there related. He always makes mistakes and errors. Whats worse, the TAs dont know anything either...and if you go to his office hours, he simply says to learn everything... not much help and he cant explain things at all. I loved the experimental portions of his exam: the final had a 75pt exp. question but he does ask ridiculous memory-recall stuff: as in name the vague disease barely mentioned in a remote slide during the first lecture.... thats just ridiculous!

bottom line is: take him if you dont want to learn anything and memorize slides like a silly monkey. make sure you know all the experimental techniques though!

Wow, I am surprised more people haven't reviewed this guy. Maybe its due to post traumatic shock after taking this class. Like the person before me said, he is NOT a good lecturer. Yes, he goes super fast and it seems that most of the time, he has no idea what he is talking about. The midterm and final was straight from the handout, but there is SO much information to memorize because you better believe that he will test you on the smallest details. My biggest beef, though, is with the problem sets. He has this "pact" he makes his TA's sign or whatever that says they can't help you on the problem sets. The problem sets are HORRIBLY long and involved and you most likely won't do well on them. Anyway, save yourself and don't take this class.