2.4

Brian Tansley

Psychology - Carleton University

2.4
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
25%
Would Retake
305
Reviews
2.4
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

25%

Would Retake

305

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
305 total ratings

5

37

4

58

3

36

2

61

1

113

What Students Say

There were 2 midterms and the final exam

PSYC2307 - 4.0 rating

It's impossible to get 100% in this class

PSYC 3702 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

44%

Textbook Required

49%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 101 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (39)
Not sure yet (27)
A (19)
Grade Distribution
A(58)B(10)C(18)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(15)
Based on 146 reported grades
A+: 39
Not sure yet: 27
A: 19
A-: 11
Common Tags
Test heavy (50)
Graded by few things (49)
Get ready to read (48)
Lecture heavy (43)
Tough grader (33)
Skip class? You won't pass. (26)
TEST HEAVY (16)
LECTURE HEAVY (13)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.76 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

49280

5.0

(1)

PSYC3000

5.0

(1)

PSYC20023702

5.0

(1)

PSYCH300220

5.0

(1)

PSYCSECT

5.0

(1)
+41 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSY3720

5.0

SOCI

5.0

PSY372

5.0

PSY

5.0

STATS2002

5.0

Reviews (300)
3.0
4.0
PSYC2800
Jan 31, 2003

Not a professor for everyone. Big ego but he has earned it. Isn't reliable.

2.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Mar 24, 2003

Looks kinda like Donald Sutherland...But not in real life

2.0
5.0
PSY3720
Jul 13, 2003

This guy should get off his high horse! Sorry that we're not all PhD's. It would be nice if he were able to be reached for questions too...

1.0
4.0
PSYCH
Aug 10, 2003

Huge ego- condescending to students, not helful at all.

5.0
1.0
PSYCH2200
Nov 12, 2003

His psych 2200 class is tough, but you don't need to go to lectures, just read about1/2 the book and you will get 100%. His exam format is designed so that about 99% of students get 100% on them. An easy A+ if you are looking to boost your GPA.

2.0
5.0
PSYC2800
Nov 15, 2003

I dropped this class...not only was he rude to students on a number of occasions but he used examples in class that i just couldn't relate to! The course was totally left field of anything i ever learned in psych...definitely for comp sci or eng. students

1.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Nov 22, 2003

this man is crazy! his lectures make no sense, and his exams are bizarre. can't believe he's still allowed to teach

2.0
3.0
PSYC280
Nov 23, 2003

His exams are a breeze, but you will get screwed on his essays if you are not a good writer. Don't believe his crazy stories.

2.0
4.0
PSYC
Feb 9, 2004

Once is enough. I make sure he is not the professor now.

2.0
3.0
280
Feb 13, 2004

Rude, condescending, unhelpful, just plain mean. Made students cry. Ridiculously expensive Used text. Could be interesting course, but not how he teaches it.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Feb 22, 2004

Intelligent, clear, some students probably don't appreciate his sarcstic wit but I thought he was amusing. Bad with returning email in a timely manner, website needs some work. Learned a lot and although the exam was easy some people still did poorly.

2.0
3.0
PSY202
Grade: A
Mar 4, 2004

Moves too quickly...Doesn't judge student's time management...

1.0
5.0
SOCI
Apr 8, 2004

thing about bad profs like this, who're bad at teaching - hey're bad in other areas of their careers too. this guy's a professional failure, all around. you'd think someone so disagreeable with students might be good at research, but nope.

1.0
5.0
PSY372
Apr 17, 2004

His lectures have no structure. As far as I can tell, they are just a series of facts strewn together randomly. His exams contain questions on material not even covered in class. His web notes are too complex to study and too long to print out.

5.0
1.0
PSYCH2200
Apr 24, 2004

He is a very respectable prof. Witty and suttle humor, clear and concise teaching, makes neuro psych fun. Handsome fellow, crazy life history and impressive CV. Never missed a class.

3.0
3.0
2200
May 3, 2004

Tansely is an extremely intelligent man, who sometimes scoffs at undergraduates. However you learn a great deal, but don't expect him to ever answer your emails.....

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Apr 24, 2004

No Comments

3.0
2.0
PSYCH2002
May 3, 2004

Dr. Tansley is an extremely bright individual. Sometimes he seems to overestimate the capabilities of students. Very strange exam formats. He goes from having the most interesting classes to classes in which you just sit there scratching your head.

1.0
5.0
PSY3702
May 4, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Jul 30, 2004

The worst stats prof ever. I didn't understand a thing!!

3.0
3.0
PSYCH2800
Aug 10, 2004

interesting course but some areas are complex for 2nd year. Format for exams is: take as long as you need, and possibily answer more than 100%. Great idea seeing how many question were never covered in the text, lectures or notes. My advice-read the text!

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Aug 14, 2004

here i thought coleman was bad.....turns out tansley is even worse!!! the only person who knows what hes talking about is himself!!

5.0
3.0
PSYC3000
Sep 23, 2004

The people who think his classes are too hard just don't try hard enough. They're just mad because they got a bad mark. It's their fault, not Tansley's. He's a brilliant and very funny man. You just have to get to know him

2.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Nov 5, 2004

I can't believe this guy. He spent half an hour in the first class explaining how a book works, i.e. you have to read it, not only buy it to learn!? What planet does he think we are from? He is condecending, engendering a discouraging learning environment. His test format is also very strange.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Nov 5, 2004

Tansley is the coolest! He is SOOO funny and always suggests fun 'experiments'! He is very intelligent and really cares about student success! I love him!

1.0
5.0
PSY
Dec 18, 2004

That's weird, I thought I was taking perception. What class is this? I can't tell by the notes... What Professor in his right mind takes the names of Tables off his notes? Notes? Is that what they're supposed to be? Was he **** when he was writing them? There's no order or coherence to them.

5.0
4.0
PSYC2200
Nov 13, 2004

Dr. Tansley is the 1st prof I've ever known design exams in such a way that it is almost impossible not to get a fantastic mark. It's not an easy topic he's teaching, yet he knows it inside out. He went out of his way to help me with my essay. A great prof!

2.0
1.0
PSYC2200
Jan 19, 2005

I managed an A+ without learning anything, which is good...I guess

5.0
3.0
PSYCH2200
Jan 29, 2005

I studied off the text, his teaching method is different yet very helpful to those students who really want to do well in the course. Great Prof.

4.0
1.0
PSYC2200
Feb 7, 2005

One of the best professors I've ever had. Classes are interesting and he makes it so easy to get a good mark if you do your share. Really sarcastic and funny, not recommended if you don't enjoy a dry wit, I loved his lectures and I think he is brilliant!

1.0
5.0
PSYC3702
Mar 5, 2005

When I took his class, there was no textbook assigned. His lecture notes were in no order whatsoever. He followed no coherent pattern during lectures. His final exam was damn insane.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Apr 15, 2005

I thought this prof was brilliant. Loved every class and learn an enormous amount of stuff. Don't recomment this class if you are a slacker though. Exams are wild but if you do your share, easy to get 100%. Need to write an optional essay if you want to get that A+ though.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Apr 29, 2005

He's carzy, if you have a question for him, he says your must not have been listening in class. Save your self and don't take his classes.

1.0
5.0
PSYCH2002
May 9, 2005

horrible prof. DO NOT TAKE STATS WITH HIM. his notes make no sense, he makes no sense. 2 assignments that will take about 20-30 hours of your life away each. not helpfull at all.be prepared to attend a tutorial to learn how to do the assignments, an extra hour a week. not to mention he is so boring

2.0
2.0
STATS
May 29, 2005

course simple enough.. did not like the notes

1.0
3.0
PSYC2002
May 25, 2005

Take this course with a different prof. Tansley is irresponsible (provides inaccurate information about the assignments and final exam, fails to show up to class without prior notification or explanation/apology afterward, etc.). He also has an unpleasant and unpredictable personality - is moody, and can all of a sudden "snap".

3.0
2.0
2200
Jun 9, 2005

exams are good, he makes it so that you can get a good mark (so long as you do your part).. as for his classes...lack of focus on his notes and completing slides/lectures. seems like a cool guy, but you really have to teach yourself most of hte stuff..

4.0
2.0
PSYC2200
Aug 1, 2005

Apparently this guy is only good at teaching PSYC 2200. He was a pretty decent professor. The optional essay takes a good 30-40 hours, but if you have time it is worth it...this class was an easy A+, just be careful , the final exam is nothing like any of the practice exams!! The material itself is just plain fascinating!

4.0
3.0
2000STATS
Aug 3, 2005

The optional assignments actually give you the opportunity to learn something practical and useful to your future researching career. The exam was a killer 5 hours that stole the last of my innocence, and the work for the class took up the majority of my free time, but if he sees that you work hard, you'll get a good mark. Plus he's a great guy.

3.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Sep 3, 2005

This prof is funny, very sarcastic. Spoke on tangents many times. You NEED TO read the textbook though cause his lectures are useless and so are his notes. I basically went to class for interest, read the textbook. I still got an A because i read the book. Focuses A LOT on chapter 4 on the final exam.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Dec 12, 2005

Absolutely Useless! Tansley is terrible, a hopeless arrogant and indifferent professor who fails in every way possible to teach effectively. This guy has been at Carleton since the 1970's, I say we do him, and the rest of us, a favor by doing the same thing you do with all your worn-out memorabilia from the 70's, throw him out!!

1.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Oct 17, 2005

Horrible prof, sarcastic, so arrogant!

1.0
4.0
PSYC2200
Dec 16, 2005

DO NOT take this class unless you are willing to teach yourself everything, he is very arrogant and not helpful at all. Lectures are pointless, the textbook is the only thing that will get you through this class.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Dec 17, 2005

Do not take this class unless you have to! He will purposely skrew you over. He told our class to complete a 1100 word practice set in preperation for the exam (over a couple hundred hours) then asked questions on the final irrelevant to the course: the material is not based from lectures, notes, or the TEXTBOOK! Brutal, even for BSc/neuro students

4.0
3.0
PSYCH2200
Dec 20, 2005

Interesting course, he may come across as a stern prof but is actually VERY nice and knows his material, helpful if you go to him, final exam was challenging but the midterm made up for it, would take another course with this prof

1.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Dec 20, 2005

Worst Professor ever, he gives you the midterm so everyone gets 100 percent so everyone feels good about it and then screws you over on the final exam. The final exam was not in any way related to the practice questions so DONT DO THEM, instead id get my PH.D in neuroscience and then try to get a good mark in the class.

3.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Jan 5, 2006

Way too much material and self study in this class. Should be a year long class and less weight on the final. The last class shouldn't have taken place in the exam period. The prof is knowledgable, but needs to focus in and/or let go of info in order to get through the scheduled semester. Not an easy A unless you are good at memorizing.

1.0
4.0
PSYC2200
Jan 9, 2006

Godawful. Final exam came out of nowhere (unrelated to course material). Thinks too much of himself. Avoid.

2.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Jan 9, 2006

Terrible professor. Very unfair exams, and they seem to be that way every year. Thinking of filign a greivance against this teacher. Avoid if you can!

4.0
4.0
PSYC2200
Jan 10, 2006

Dr. Tansley rocks my neuroscientific world.

5.0
2.0
PSYC20023702
Mar 28, 2006

Loved it! He gives you all the opportunity you need to get an A in the course. Ex: Midterm total 200 marks available, you need 100 to get an A+. NO TIME LIMIT, answer as many as you want. He's interesting, knowledgable, and posts extensive notes online. Perception was very interesting.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Apr 4, 2006

Guys I just hope you get to this message before you consider taking the class. Do not make the same mistake we did! You'll do well on the midterm and then he'll screw you over on the final. Then he'll be completely disrespectful when you try to talk to him. Look at this way. I have straight A's in every class. In his class I got a D+. Stay away!

5.0
2.0
49280
Apr 16, 2006

Best Teacher at Carleton, honestly!

5.0
5.0
PSYCH2200
Apr 24, 2006

returns emails promptly, appreciates the opinion of the student, very helpful when a student has concerns.....class is way to hard

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
May 9, 2006

This guy sucks. Horrible professor, the class is impossible don't even waste your time and go around him. Absolutely rediculous

3.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Jun 13, 2006

tansley made assignments that were ridiculously hard. if people asked questions in class he would look at them like complete idiots and then answer them like they were 5 years old. the only good thing about this guy was that he gave us practice questions before the final and it was identical to the exam.

1.0
2.0
PSYC2800
Jul 3, 2006

lectures are boring, he's arrogant, he's full of himself, talks a lot about stuff that has nothing to do with the course, doesn't get lectures done. The only good thing is that he structures exams very well...gives 200 questions...got a B+!

4.0
4.0
PYSC2200
Jul 2, 2006

2200 is quite hard material wise- a moderate to good background in science will really help you out - He, however is an ok prof. He tends to go off on tangents - some of which are interesting. Rarely finnish a lecture note set but will test you it ! DO the reading he takes alot of stuff out textbook for tests. Put in the work and you'll be ok

4.0
3.0
PSYC3701
Jul 5, 2006

Great professor...I wish I'd gone to more classes. He's definitely a little arrogant (he's the world's best professor, his class is the most important you'll ever take, and he's a saxophone god), but it's true. Great class, fun lecturer with lots of interesting comments, and he actually can play the sax well. Recommended.

2.0
4.0
PSYCH2200
Jul 6, 2006

he basically boosted ur confidence by giving you the midterm, made the final ridiculously hard, did not use one of his 1000 practice questions. his assignement is the most impractical thing i have ever heard of for a second year class. Avoid him.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Jul 21, 2006

I thought he was pretty funny, and i really enjoyed his lectures. Midterm was basically a load of free marks wheras the final had bugger all to do with anything we'd studied, so i suppose they balance each other out? Gives you unlimited time to sit there and weeeep. Didnt do the essay but apparently he marks them easily; might be worth your time.

5.0
4.0
PSYCH300220
Aug 18, 2006

By far my favorite prof at CU. Always interesting, helpful and clear. Are his courses more difficult? Yes, but if you put the time in, you will get a lot more out of the course than what is in the text book.

2.0
4.0
PSYC2200
Sep 15, 2006

Awful.

4.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Oct 4, 2006

he expects a lot from his students, but he's also very fair. funny, intelligent, but tough. i loved his class, but it's not for everyone

4.0
3.0
PSYC3702
Nov 13, 2006

Provides ample opportunity for excellent grades...100% is certainly an option if you take advantage of his evaluation structure...very knowledgable and is willing to help if you need it.

1.0
3.0
PSYC3702
Dec 4, 2006

No Comments

5.0
3.0
PSYCSECT
Dec 8, 2006

He rocks!

5.0
3.0
PSYC2002
Jan 4, 2007

In the begining it seems that his class would be hard, but as things unfold they also become clear. Usually he gives a sample midterm or a final before the exam and it turns out that it is the real exam he had given out. It has happened twice as far as I know. Very helpful if you ask questions. Knows his stuff.

5.0
2.0
PSYC2200
Feb 28, 2007

I found him to be good. Entertaining, and if you ask him to help, he will.

1.0
4.0
PSYC2002
Jan 18, 2007

I wasn't happy with his explanation of the material.

2.0
4.0
PSYC2200
Mar 15, 2007

Could be better, I found he rambled on about things which weren't really relevant.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Apr 21, 2007

Kind, flexible, open-minded. Very nice person and great prof!

2.0
2.0
PSYC2800
Jun 24, 2007

His class was a disappointment. Although the material was very interesting, his conduct within the class and outside of the class was very unprofessional. He treats people as though they are dumb and comes across as ****y. Thankfully I was given a full refund because of his behaviour.

5.0
4.0
PSYC4001
Feb 7, 2008

Absolutley amazing prof. If you take the time to ask him questions he will answer them for you. His tests are one of a kind. I wish there were more professors and classes like this. His classes require you to think and understand and not just memorize a book. If you are serious about persuing a career in research, he will inspire you.

3.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Aug 20, 2007

The trick to this professor is to get to know him, and attend office hours. If he knows you are putting in effort you will do fine. Be prepared to spend hours upon hours working on the assignments and dont do them at the last minute! Do the practice exam, its the same as the final. I got an A+ and barely went to class. OFFICE HOURS ARE KEY!

4.0
2.0
PSYC3702
Apr 27, 2008

All over the place. Very intelligent, but classes tend to get somewhat boring. He'd answer pretty much every question you pose. Not the best professor I've had, but one of the smartest.

4.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Jul 20, 2008

He is so brilliant that it is somewhat intimidating. His midterms are easy, and you get a false sense of security, then the final is extremely hard.I failed the first time because of this.I learned my lesson and got an A+ the 2nd time.If you take this class lightly you will pay. He's a great guy when you get to know him, and it helps your mark.

5.0
4.0
PSYC2009
Nov 29, 2008

He has high standards for his students. I realise I didn't know anything about conducting research when I started his class. I learned so much about my self and about psychology as a career. I am indebted to him, what a great prof! I found it hard, but totally rewarding!

4.0
2.0
PSYC1234
Apr 2, 2009

I honestly don't know what the negative comments are about. He was a great prof...totally fair. I'm not a genius, but I work hard and that paid off. I agree that sometimes you can catch him on a bad day, but he really is a great guy. Loves to see a student trying- and he'll go out of his way for you if you're doing your best. Haters didnt try.

5.0
5.0
PSYCH3702
Apr 14, 2009

Spoke confidentally but more often arrogantly. Hard to tell whether he's really good at ****ting or he actually knows his stuff. But his arrogance bothered me. Felt that he talks you down in a condescending manner. Rude to students asking simple questions, spoke to them as if they were retarded. I stopped going to class out of loss for respect.

5.0
1.0
PSYC3705
Apr 16, 2009

Great class! So helpful. Didn't find him arrogant at all. He;s hilllarious! It seems he has a lot on his plate, (if you read the paper he's always quoted in it over some housing development fiasco..) and he I never felt like his classes were compromised. He's reallly intelligent, and certainly knows the material. A+++++++

4.0
3.0
PSYC2009
Sep 11, 2009

Funny and a great teacher.. cutie pie too

3.0
5.0
PSYC3207
Nov 3, 2009

This prof is fine, he likes what hes teaching and is very knowledgable. Has a great marking scheme to help his students do well. The content for this course was not what I was expecting and I did very poorly on the midterm and dropped the class. I found it really hard, but I was one of the only ones as everyone else in the class did really well!

2.0
2.0
PSYC3207
Apr 18, 2010

In theory his teaching style is great; however he covered almost no material in class. His tests are very easy - hard to fail, which is his saving grace since he teaches next to nothing. For educational purposes we'd be better off if he taught as everyone else does. He presents the method as if it is in our favour but it seems better for him.

1.0
5.0
PSYC3207
Jun 19, 2010

Awful. Don't go to class. Read the textbook and memorize as much information as you can. Fairly easy to get an A+ if you do that. On the down side you will learn nothing from this class.

4.0
1.0
PSYC2200
Dec 9, 2010

People complain about the amount of questions on exams and midterms but you only need to know 1/4 of it to get 100%. There are way more questions than there are marks so not getting 100% is impossible. Really sarcastic which is hilarious. Explains things like you have no previous knowledge of anything which can be helpful but annoying sometimes.

4.0
2.0
PSYC3207
Jul 8, 2010

Professor Tansley is a great prof provided you read and memorize as much of the textbook as you can. He gives you more questions than there are marks on the exam so you can get 100%. Definitely willing to help you out if you're lost.

3.0
5.0
PSYC2200
Jan 4, 2011

Wanted to drop it as first but stuck with it. He does give you the 2 midterms like other people on here have said, everyone gets 100% then the final HITS YOU LIKE A BOMB. I studied a week and maybe knew 10% of it, just enough to pass. JUST MEMORIZE every list in the text and you will be fine. He should retire...I have an A- avg and barely passed...

4.0
1.0
PSYC3702
Jan 10, 2011

Ive taken 3 of his classes and found the opposite of the other comments, I haven't read any of the textbooks but attended most of his lectures and still did extremely well (A each time). 15% paper is unnecessary to do well because of all the options on the exams. It is easy to get 100% on exams as long as you know a most of the major concepts

5.0
3.0
PSYC2009
Feb 9, 2011

amazing prof- so smart! love the class. Take it- but be prepared to work.

2.0
3.0
PSYC3207
Oct 6, 2011

This prof is unbelievable! You wont know his character and personality well only when you speak with him. Very rude and not understanding. His potential in helping out his students is a ZERO!! Asking a question in class will result in embarrassment on ur side. I spoke to him, in his office, two weeks ago and left crying..

4.0
4.0
PSYC3702
Nov 4, 2011

He is a complete genius!!! It feel as if you are being taught by Sheldon Cooper. AMAZING!

3.0
4.0
PSYC3207
Nov 20, 2011

He has spent 45-50 years of his life in psychology, and you can tell! He is very intelligent, but for an undergrad it takes time and effort to understand. Big words are part of his vocabulary (Medial view of the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex is an example). Structures the course in your favor, gives 2 days to write his midterm + 5 hours for final

2.0
3.0
PSYCH3702
Dec 17, 2011

He's an okay prof, his midterms are easy and final hard because there's so much content to learn. He uses very intelligent words to describe very simple things which throws you off.

2.0
1.0
PSYC3702
Jun 2, 2012

Tries to scare you by saying the essay takes 30-40 hours and that you are doomed if you don't attend lectures...I spent about 5 hours on the essay and attended maybe 3 classes and got an A+. Read the textbook and answer as many questions as possible on the exams and it's almost a guaranteed A, and an A+ if you do the optional essay.

4.0
1.0
PSYCH2200
Jun 6, 2012

His exam make up is revolutionary. Easy A, 3 classes with him 3 A+'s and i'm not even a try hard. Optional essay, do it, he'll more or less give u an A for just doing it. 85 % exams 15% (optional) essay make up. Solid,clear and knowledgable. Don't fall asleep or be rude, or he will crucify you infront of the class, i've seen it done even on VOD.

5.0
1.0
PSYC2700
Nov 3, 2012

Took Biological foundations of behaviour, perception, and some other course with him. I think he's the smartest person I've ever met lol. Sets up exams so you can chose what to study and if you learn enough you will get 100%. (500 total marks, answer 100 marks to get 100%). Great teacher and he's into music.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2200
Jul 1, 2012

Knows the topic inside out. Overwhelming amount of info, but with the format of his class you can almost pick and choose what you want to focus on. 3 hours worth of lecturing can be long but does give a break in the middle. Long slide show. Interesting course overall, if you disregard the grade system.

4.0
5.0
PSYC2001
Nov 6, 2012

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH THIS PROF. The exams have NO multiple choices - all short answers. He is not very consistent (sometimes he'll spend 15 minutes talking on one slide and then 10 seconds on the next). He is always available if you need help not gonna lie. His exams are very hard for this class. Straight up hate going to this class.

4.0
1.0
PSYC2001
Dec 7, 2012

He is incredibly intelligent and sometimes goes of topic a little bit talking about facts mildly related to the subject. His exams are easy to get 100 on if you did a decent amount of studying. No multiple choice.. all short answer but he gives more questions then marks so you get to pick what questions you want to answer. Over all I liked him!

5.0
3.0
PSYC2001
Dec 12, 2012

Tansley is the smartest prof I have had to date. The material is hard to grasp, but mind you it is a prereq for PSYC. His tests aren't mutiple choice, but the way he formats them makes it so so so easy to get 100%. (~30qs, 5 marks per/50, answer as many as you want to rack up partial marks!)

2.0
5.0
PSYC2001
Dec 14, 2012

Take this class with another professor. His lectures make no sense at all, if you do have him, save yourself the time and sit at home reading the text. He rambles about random, useless facts. Grading on the midterm tests is fair, but they're very difficult to do well on. Overall, never taking one of his classes again.

2.0
5.0
NEUR2002
Jan 22, 2013

A really smart, knowledgeable prof. Frequently goes off topic and you end up forgetting what the original point was. The excel lessons were really useful and the test format makes it really easy to get a good grade (more questions than marks, you pick 10 of 30 short answerquestions). Pick another prof if you're not going to do the homework.

2.0
5.0
STATS2002
Feb 2, 2013

If you're thinking of taking Statistics with him, DON'T. Ended up having to drop it. Went to every class, but still didn't understand anything. Generally confusing lectures, goes off topic way too much and not enough focus on class material. Any other class but stats I would recommend.

1.0
1.0
NEUR2002
Mar 28, 2013

As a Neuroscience student who had to take calculus and linear algebra taking stats with Brian Tansley was hand down the most mind numbing experience ever. He is a bad teacher, he is excessively verbose, he rambles and rants and conveys almost no content in an hour and a half. His tests are crazy easy though if you just study on your own.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Apr 12, 2013

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS unless you want to pay someone else for you to have to teach yourself the material!! Rants about irrelevant topics, NEVER goes through concrete examples of how to solve formulas in class, and doesn't even use a textbook... you will literally have to learn EVERYTHING on your own!!!

1.0
3.0
PSYC2002
Apr 14, 2013

terrible prof! you have to learn material on your own because he doesn't explain in class.

5.0
2.0
PSYC2002
Apr 15, 2013

I don't understand what the reviewers below are referring to.Tansley repeats anything relevant in his lectures numerous times,and goes slow enough for it to sink in. His test layouts are easy to get a 100 on, and he gives plenty of opportunity to get bonus marks.Don't worry about taking this class: his tests are fair and hehasa good teaching style.

5.0
2.0
PSYC2002
Apr 16, 2013

Good prof, responds to emails very quickly and at all times of day. Gives you bonus assignments and very fair midterms. No textbook, but very detailed lecture slides and optional homework assignments to let the material sink in. Uses examples from his own life on how the material is relevant to research. Would take the course with him again.

3.0
2.0
PSYC2002
Apr 19, 2013

DO THE PRACTICE MIDTERMS/EXAMS.. he takes questions directly from them and puts them on his midterms/finals... his exams are hard to fail even though you will probably have to teach yourself the course... didn't end up watching any lectures past the first midterm, relied heavily on google. he's simply too smart to be teaching a second year course

4.0
1.0
PSYC2002
Jun 7, 2013

I took Psyc 2002 online didn't watch a single lecture. Dropped out of math in HS. He lectures were kind of useless just did rants. However his exams were awesome! He made it almost impossible to fail! His tests where designed with 30 questions you can answer as many as you like with a max of 100 each question was worth 10. Super EASY

4.0
4.0
NEUR2002
Jun 8, 2013

He doesn't require any textbook as he teaches you everything. But this class really requires you to pay attention to what he is saying. He gives sample questions for exams, which helps you during the3 exam, but you must do them to guarrantee yourself a 100%. easy to get A+ if you give fair time to the course.

3.0
1.0
PSYC2002
Oct 7, 2013

My Advice: GO TO THE REVIEW CLASSES AND DO THE PRACTICE EXAMS. He takes same questions from them onto exam. He obviously really knows the material but maybe too smart to be teaching a 2nd year course.He lectures aren't particularly useful, he spends a lot of time going over specific things for the optional assignments. But hard to fail his class.

1.0
4.0
PSYC2002
Oct 21, 2013

Too smart to be teaching a second year course. He didn't explain things well. Midterms and exams were great if you did the review. You have to go through the lectures on your own. Not recommended...

5.0
1.0
PSYC2002
Nov 6, 2013

This is possibly the easiest class you can take. He makes it ridiculously easy for ANYONE to get an A+. Listen to him in class as he hints like crazy, do the practice and there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to get 100 on his midterms,especially with his grading scheme.

3.0
2.0
PSYC3207
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2014

I had Brian for Human Neuropsychology. He rambles about things that a lot of the time are unrelated, but overall I think he was very reasonable. His exams are all questions and you answer as many as you can. You are able to get an A or A+ fairly easily if you write as much as you can over the time given.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Feb 3, 2014

PSYC 2002 is not a hard class I have friends in other sections but Brian makes it extremely difficult, he rambles, assumes you know the material from 2001 (which is not taught) and just expands from there. There's no textbook which makes it even worse because there's nothing to refer to. Two words? Switch OUT!!!

4.0
1.0
PSYC3207
Feb 24, 2014

Easiest mark you will ever receive in university. Quite an awesome guy, if you're one of the complainers, you probably weren't intelligent enough to utilize his short answer formats. Amazing!

4.0
1.0
PSYC3702
Mar 4, 2014

Currently in his third-year Perception class. Got back our midterm mark, beautiful 100. He gives you 'potential' short answers weeks before midterm, and used the exact same questions for the midterm. Utilize his questions, and it's an easy A. GOOD PROF

4.0
3.0
PSYC3207
Apr 16, 2014

Secret to getting 100% on midterms and exams - don't try to answer any question fully. Answer with one or two lines for every question, and get as much coverage as possible. He gives the questions out in advance so you have time to practice.

5.0
3.0
PSYC2800
Apr 18, 2014

Good professor, really knew subject matter and inserted his own stories into lectures. His way of speaking is dry and for people not interested in human factors it may seem boring, but he explains content very well. ASK FOR SAMPLE EXAM QUESTIONS! He put the entire exam online ahead of time to study. Marking extremely fair.

2.0
3.0
PSYC2002
Apr 24, 2014

Inconsistent and unreliable. Exams are easy to ace if you put effort into learning. Mostly have to teach yourself the material because he doesn't explain well. Complicated slides, and no textbook. Forces you to become knowledgeable of Excel, which is useful. Would not take another of his classes.

4.0
2.0
STAT2002
Jun 16, 2014

Very interesting and knowledgeable teacher. His slides can be dry, however make sure you do the practice exams and the questions he gives you as they are extremely useful for the midterm and final. Provides his own free textbook which is always nice. Use office hours for an easy A+.

4.0
4.0
PSYC2002
Jun 19, 2014

Great Proffessor - a little hard in his work, but if you do the work he assigns and keep on top of things - easiest exams ever. If you are ever stuck, he is very approachable - just make sure you stay on top of the work and you will do really well in his class.

3.0
4.0
PSYCH
Grade: B+
Oct 21, 2014

Good Prof if you work with him throughout the assignment process, don't assume anything, go to his office hours throughout the term and you will get a good mark as he gives good feedback

2.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: B+
Dec 21, 2014

If you like to memorize and self teach this is the class for you, all you do is memorize and study everything on your own, the review is not as much help as I would have liked and the material is so dense that it might be overwhelming for most. If you can avoid this professor do so. Overall marking was fair and material is straight forward.

4.0
4.0
PSYC3307
Apr 7, 2015

Prof. Tansley is fantastic. He is extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter and is very willing to share his experiences. He treats his students like the adults there are and has no tolerance for ignorance or excuses, but is always ready to help with genuine concerns. His lectures are always interesting, and I never tire of his dry humour.

3.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Apr 18, 2015

Prof Tansley is very experienced & I enjoy his lectures. To be honest though, you don't have to attend lectures to get good grades, his slides are very good and you can study from them. I love the way his tests are structured. He gives you more questions than you can answer, and you choose which ones you want to answer (all short answer)

4.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Apr 28, 2015

On his tests YOU CHOOSE what you want to answer out of a huge bank of questions. Answer a few of them really well, lots of them half well, it doesn't matter. You will get 100% on the midterm and final if you answer enough. Only catch is the material is incredibly involved and requires a lot of reading. Class didn't help much, read slides and text.

2.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A-
Aug 9, 2015

He doesn't have a clear objective to his courses - he just teaches you EVERYTHING without clarification of what you absolutely need to know. He will not tell you what is on the exams - he will say that if you want to be a neuroscientist, you should know all the material. Gives you all+ of the exam questions - memorize 30 questions and you're solid.

5.0
1.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Jun 6, 2015

omg brian tansley is the man!!!!! he is insanely good at teaching his material. Brian if you are reading this, you are the freaking man my friend ! i loved sitting infront and listening to you lecture. He is by far my favourite professor at Carleton, and he is unbelievably funny. I found the class quite easy as i did my part in studying.

3.0
3.0
2307
Grade: A+
Sep 9, 2015

not the best prof but not the worst. a little high & mighty but he can be friendly & useful to students. not a prof you would enjoy going to office hours for. is a fair marker and can appreciate the student perspective well enough. had several courses with him; you will get good grades so long as u put in the effort.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A
Oct 20, 2015

Loved human neuropsych with Tansley, though if you didn't sit their the front of the theatre it was hard to hear him. Content was super interesting and he kept your attention, he was also pretty funny at times. Some people might be intimidated by him but he's a really nice prof who will gladly help and answer any questions.

2.0
4.0
PSYC 3702
Oct 21, 2015

It's impossible to get 100% in this class. Tansley wants to make it fair as possible, but he assigns an essay worth 15% of your mark, but almost impossible to do, because he tells you that you can either study for the exams or do the essay. "Focus on doing one or the other." Expects you to know literally everything.

2.0
5.0
PSYC3702
Nov 2, 2015

Worst Prof, he does not explain things well at all. Beware of the midterm and final.

3.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: B
Dec 20, 2015

Dr. Tansley is super knowledgeable, and though he me be a bit intimidating, he is there to help. The lectures are very confusing, but that's the nature of this subject. The colouring book takes far longer than one would expect. You must be VERY well studied to get a good grade on his exams, though the structure is very fair.

3.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Dec 24, 2015

Tansley's exams are designed to make you excel. Do his practice exam, memorize 15-25 long answer questions, and they'll probably be on the exam. Didn't go to more than 5 classes, and ended the year with an A+. Super easy class.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A
Dec 30, 2015

Kept attention really well, he was funny but hard to hear sometimes if you were near the back of the hall. Exam style is great, easy to get 100% as long as you study the material. Didn't use the textbook much, only for things I didn't understand. When you pick up assignment he chats with you, and how to prepare and what to expect on exams.

2.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Jan 6, 2016

Do the practice questions!

1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Jan 7, 2016

Very smart man, but his lectures are long and dry (with PowerPoints up to 99 slides). He does not get through all of the material and always ends class late (do NOT schedule another class directly after this one). His exam questions seem to come out of nowhere, but if you do his practice questions (using the textbook), you can get 100%

1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Feb 11, 2016

Worst, least helpful, most bitter old man I've ever met. Took forever to reply to my emails last semester (Fall 2015) and they were very important but not that it mattered to him. He didn't give us enough time to write the midterm specially and his exams were in a weird format in my opinion.

5.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Apr 7, 2016

I love prof Tansley so much I've taken two of his courses. If you pay attention, make notes, and do the practice tests you'll get an A+ no problem. Yes there is a lot of material to learn, but if you actually put in an effort it's fascinating and he makes it makes sense.

2.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Apr 14, 2016

Dr Tansley was an ok prof but some of the things that he teachers are outdated or flat out wrong. He presented theories that were disproved 5+ years ago. He got his neuroanatomy wrong. He uses out-dated terms and seems to use a dictionary and thesaurus to write out his lecture notes. He seems to go out of his way to make himself seem smarter.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2800
Grade: A
Jun 15, 2016
Wouldn't take again

you either ace or barely pass this class, his lectures had barely anything to do with the exam. My advice if you need to take this course is to work on the practice questions he gives before the midterm and exam

2.0
3.0
PSYC3307
Grade: A-
Jul 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Went to a couple classes at the start of the semester. His lectures confused me so I stopped going. Use cue cards for midterm and exam. Do the paper he offers!

4.0
3.0
PSYC3307
Grade: A+
Aug 17, 2016
Would take again

Best Professor at Carleton. If you try and want to do well, he will do everything to help you achieve that goal. If you're slacking off and making excuses, you're doomed.

2.0
4.0
PSYC2800
Sep 16, 2016
Wouldn't take again

A girl asked a question regarding the lack of designated readings per lecture, and he replied simply with "Are you telling me you cannot figure this out on your own?".

4.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Sep 16, 2016
Would take again

He rambles and can make slides either too long or too quick. A quick look at the notes before and/or after can make all the difference.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A
Oct 16, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Absolutely agree with the fact that he goes out of his way to make himself seem smarter. But his job isn't to prove to everyone that he's smart, it's to actually TEACH. He may be knowledgeable, but as a professor steer clear! If you think he's the kind of prof that will help explain things when you don't understand, Think again!

TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
PSYC2800
Nov 1, 2016
Would take again

Dr. Tansley sets the course up so that you will succeed. For example, for my midterm there were 40 questions, each worth 10 marks. It was out of 100 so in theory if you answered 10 questions correctly with 10 marks worth of material, you'd get 100% on the exam. He is a very fair prof. Read the textbook and attend lectures and you can get an A.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Nov 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Knowledgable, passionate, helpful & kind - likeable but often a bit dry. A LOT of what he talks about is unrelated to the exam. You may be less confused if you skipped the lectures & just really studied the colouring book (which is worth 20% for completing). He sets up the exam so that getting 1/3 of the questions right its an A+. You can't fail.

Get ready to read
Caring
4.0
3.0
PSYC2800
Nov 28, 2016
Would take again

Really did not like him at first, he seems condescending and full of himself, but went to see him at his office hours and he's a nice, smart guy. If you go to class, take notes, and memorize the exam-prep sheets you'll get 100% on midterm/final. Class is long and dry, but he loves teaching human factors.

3.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Dec 13, 2016
Would take again

Probably not the best teacher but he is brilliant, im glad this class was not taught by an imbecile

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Jan 5, 2017
Would take again

easiest A+ I've ever gotten at carleton. study the mock midterm and final (aka memorize the answers to the questions given to you) and you WILL do amazing, also don't be a fool and make sure you actually do the colouring book - its the easiest assignment you'll get in your university career other than attendance.

Respected
Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
4.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2016
Would take again

Funny guy, interesting to listen to his stories

Gives good feedback
Respected
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A-
Feb 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

he throws a lot of information at you within a short period of time. The content is really hard, but he sets you up for success by giving you sample exam + midterm questions which will get you a great mark if you just do them & memorize them. The textbook was really useful for studying. He's really passionate about what he teaches.

Get ready to read
3.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 30, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Tansley is very knowledgeable and really knows his stuff, however sometimes it does not transcend into lectures. His PSYC 2307 class is an essay A if you memorize a good majority of the sample midterm questions, the colouring book and the sample final questions.

4.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
May 9, 2017
Would take again

Professor Tansley is very knowledgeable and passionate about neuropsychology. Memorize the sample midterm/final questions and put effort into them and I guarantee you an A+! Also, memorize some of the slides (aka anything that might be worth 10%). He also throws some questions in the class that are actually on the exam. EASIEST A+ I'VE EVER HAD.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
4.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Nov 14, 2017
Would take again

What a good class! it seems really hard when watching the lectures but i got 100 percent on both midterms and anyone who is willing to study and memorize the sample midterm (midterm 1) and the colouring book (midterm 2) can get an 100 percent too. He makes it very easy to succeed if you're willing to put in the effort- raised my GPA a lot.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
May 27, 2017
Would take again

He was by far my favourite prof, I was always excited to go to his class. He has a really shocking sense of humour that cracks everyone up, he has great 1-liners. He presents a lot of information in class that can make it feel overwhelming, but you do not need to know all of it! I would suggest making cue cards early and just gradually studying

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
3.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Very test heavy but if you take the time so study the mocks you will get 100% on both of the mid terms! The final on the other had was nothing like the mock which threw our class for a loop.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Tests are tough
4.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 21, 2017
Would take again

I found I genuinely learned more in his classes than I do in the average class as his lectures are just so good. He presents a lot of information in his lectures, but it isn't all needed. The only reason he is not 5/5 is his weird marking scheme. It is incredibly easy to get 100% on midterms, but his final seemed to be designed to tank marks.

Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Dec 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Decent professor. A bit confusing in regard to the required material for the exam and the exam included a lot of material that wasn't covered. Not impressed. Overall nice and funny though.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Dec 31, 2017
Would take again

Tansley was an alright professor. His exams/midterm format was really great but his reviews and lectures were sort of unorganized and jumped all over the place. If you can pay attention you should be able to do well.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
PYSC2307
Grade: A-
Jan 19, 2018
Wouldn't take again

There is A LOT of content. Lectures are all over the place. Seriously do the practice exams, as they are almost identical to the actual test. The midterms are actually pretty easy to receive 100's on but the final was very hard. You have a choice of 90 questions but over half of them are super intense stuff he never ever mentioned.

TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Jan 24, 2018
Would take again

I overall loved this prof. The neuroanatomy is super cool to learn and an easy A if you do some work to actually learn it. If you're a neuroscience student 100% take this course! It only helps you for all your other classes OR you already know it! If you're not a neuroscience student you may struggle bc its pretty material heavy and you learn ALOT

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Oct 1, 2018
Would take again

Brian Tansley makes it no secret that he will make you work for your grade. Take his classes if you want to learn a lot, avoid if youre looking for an easy a.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A
Apr 13, 2018
Would take again

There were 2 midterms and the final exam. All are given a number of questions (50 ish) that you can pick from to get the marks corrects. The midterms are easy A's, but don't get fooled, the final exam is very difficult and you are going to have to study to maintain your high grade.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Nov 12, 2018
Would take again

He is one of my favourite professors in the psych department. Sure, I admit the class has A LOT of material, but you do not need to know every single minute detail for the exams! Even if you have a general idea of all the slides he uses, you can easily get 100% on the exam. I didn't read the text at all and did very well in the course.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

One of the worst profs i've ever had. Exam and midterm are both worth 50% so they define your entire grade. Midterm was a breeze, exam hard. Took him 3 weeks to get through one lecture because he constantly goes on tangents and talks for hours about material that you aren't tested on, and spends little to no time on the material he tests you on.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
PSYC2307A
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He's a good prof, he tends to go on tangents a lot which stretched some of his lectures out unnecessarily. His midterm was very easy, but the final was a grade tanker. The material was all on things we hadn't gone over, 1 sentence in a slide was 10Pts. Good if you want to really learn your material in absolute detail, bad if you need a good grade.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He was a fine professor but spends a lot of ime on material you do not need to know. Only two things go into it, midterm and final. The midterm was a breeze with a lot of variability in questions you could answer and the final was AWFUL. By far the worst one I have ever taken. Most of what he covered in the later half of the semester was not on it

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He goes on rants about unimportant information, we were stuck on 1 lecture for three classes because of this and did not end up finishing some units. His midterms are easy but his finals are so hard. Much of the final material is not covered in lectures.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
5.0
PSY3702
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2018
Would take again

This teacher has a deep knowledge on the subject he is teaching and delivers the information with a clear and concise way. He promptly respond to emailed questions. However his expectation of students memory surpasses the super human capability. A little bit of multiple choice would have balanced the exams.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: C
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I literally went from a 100% on the midterm to bombing the final. I studied equally hard for both. The final was absolutely ridiculous.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I wouldn't say that he is a tough marker, however his midterm and final are wayyy to heavy. 50% each and the amount of things he expects you to know is outrageous. His recent last final wasn't even in relation to the course material he told us to prepare for.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The class itself was interesting, but there are too few things that go into your mark. I worked hard all semester, attended all the lectures and read all the material. The midterm was easy and I got a 100 but the final was TERRIBLE, had little to do w/ class. Needed to know an unreasonable amount for final. Memorize the coloring book and textbook.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Honestly sets you up to fail. Will tell you what to study and test you completely different things. He goes off on too many tangents and is rude. He expects you to learn every detail and area of the brain. Midterm was fine. Final was an absolute joke. Want a mental breakdown? Take a class with Tansley

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: C-
Dec 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is not a bad professor. There just needs to be more things that go into the grade and the final needs to be redone. I got a 100 on the midterm, had heard the final was hard so studied WAY harder than for midterm and was completely thrown for a loop. Lectures were entertaining but ultimately useless to your grade. Memorize every part of the brain

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He was a good professor tended to go on too many tangents. Too few things went into mark. Midterm was fine, final was HORRIBLE. Had little to do with course content. Memorize every aspect of anatomy of the brain and their functions. Have to memorize in EXTREME detail in order to have a prayer for the final.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A-
Jan 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I previously gave this guy a good review based on his lectures which make you feel like you're learning a lot (designed to captivate not teach). However, l took some neuroscience class which taught the material more clearly. His midterms are easy 100%, his finals are set up for you to fail. I'd suggest taking first year neuro courses instead.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: B
Jan 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

his class was made up of a midterm and a final each worth 50%. The midterm was easy to get 100% but the final was culmulative and designed to be extremely hard. A lot of the information wasnt given in class and most of questions he asked were so specific it was hard to study everything. study things from his lectures that may be worth 10 points

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The lectures are extremely heavy in content and very difficult to follow. The midterm is worth 50% and the final is 50% so there is no room for forgiveness. The final was cumulative and it is very difficult to jam all the information that was given all semester for the final.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Jan 10, 2019
Would take again

He is a great and respected professor. This class may be a little difficult, but it no harder than other science classes. An A+ is perfectly manageable if you spend your time wisely and actually study! A 50% final and 50% midterm isn't for some people, but if you're good at memorizing and want to avoid useless fluff assignments, it's a godsend!

Tough Grader
Respected
TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Apr 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I have to agree with the rest of the comments here. Professor Tansley has very unrealistic expectations for how much time students should be spending on his class. There is so much material in this course and a ton of memorization. If you're taking this class DO THE COLOURING BOOK!!!!! It saved me.

1.0
2.0
PSYC3307
Grade: A+
Apr 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Ive taken three different classes with Tansley. His tests are ridiculous, some questions seem to be about another class altogether and some he asks twice in the same test. The way he grades makes it easy to get an A+ but steer clear if you actually want to learn. The guy is a wack-job.

2.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A
Apr 15, 2019
Would take again

This course has A LOT of content and if you have never taken a neuroscience course before, you're signing a death certificate. I studied his material and got 100% on the midterm, I studied his material again for the final but the only reason I got a good mark was because of the NEUR2201 material I studied for another final. He's very misleading

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: B+
Jun 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

High expectations. Must know very particular details about the brain. Make sure to read the chapters multiple times if you want to have a chance to pass this class.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: B-
Jul 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Got 100% on the midterm, failed the final. Asks to know too much specific information for the final. Terrible teacher. Terrible exams.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A-
Sep 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

In lectures he talks about so many things that are maybe vaguely related to the slides. He expects students to do way too much for his courses (you should literally dedicate a whole week to study for his tests). He absolutely WILL destroy you in the final. Take his classes if you don't care about your GPA or getting a credit.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Sep 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He made many sex jokes, did not deliver info in a clear concise way, went off on tangents, and spent 3 classes on 1 lecture. I got 100% on the midterm easily, but if I had not dedicated a whole week on JUST HIS course I would have failed the final. He sets up the final to make you fail. I've taken science courses before but this is just horrible.

2.0
4.0
PSYC3207
Grade: B-
Oct 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Hes not a bad professors, he knows the material very well. The thing is he gets carried away and goes into these long unnecassary tangents. He expects u to know alot for his exams, the good thing is that the test format isnt hard. What i didnt like was when he said we had to do a essay worth 15% but didnt give clear enough instructions.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 31, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I never thought i'd say that a prof genuinely is setting you up to fail; but he does exactly that. Be careful taking any of his courses.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
PSY3702
Grade: A
Nov 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Awful teacher. Extremely unorganized slides, some with no explanations or captions, skips over many, different version shown in class versus what is posted on cuLearn. Goes off on tangents all the time. He chews/sucks on lozenges or candies of some sort and if you are in the online version you can hear all the sucking/swallowing which is irritating

Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
PSY3702
Nov 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Slides are horrible. Lectures are horrible. His classes are both an easy A+ and an easy fail. Beware.

4.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2019
Would take again

Class is graded 50/50 with midterm and exam. Youll need to study hard, but focus on the review and youll be fine! Lots of opportunity for grades on both exams with extra questions! All questions get graded until they run out of questions or they hit 100%. Not difficult to get a good grade if you work for it!

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Agreeing with all of the previous comments, received 100% on the midterm and had the worst time writing the final, not sure how he gets away with giving students impossible finals. Everyone who considers the final to be 'good' has knowledge from other classes that they can apply. If you haven't learned neuroanatomy before this class.... STAY AWAY

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Dec 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Tansley knows his stuff - he's a walking encyclopedia. I didn't even crack open the textbook - just go to class. Midterm I found was easy. But that final was BRUTAL! I didn't even recognize some of the words on that final :S But something must have happened because I got a good grade. Only take if you need this class - otherwise avoid at all costs!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: C
Dec 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I can't say that attending his lectures is mandatory, because I did and took and used detailed notes, and that did diddly squat. Neither is reading and engaging in the two very expensive textbooks, because that too did nothing. Midterms are easy, the final was a joke. I left feeling okay having answered many questions with confidence, and got an F

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: C-
Dec 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I honestly think that that final was a joke. He gives everyone's grades on a document, so I can see how others did too and the amount of people who did well on the midterm and bombed the final is astounding. The worst prof I have ever had at Carleton, no psychology professor would release all the grades for everyone to see, goodbye GPA.

3.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: B-
Dec 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Midterm was fair but the final was ridiculous. The majority of the class failed the final exam worth 50%. If you don't have previous in-depth knowledge about neuroanatomy don't take this course. He taught WAYYY too much content to have a cumulative final exam. Had unrealistic expectations about how much students can remember...

Graded by few things
2.0
2.0
PSYC2307
Grade: B-
Dec 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Sucks on candies while lecturing which is really irritating, especially for online students. Lectures aren't absolutely terrible but they are a pretty big waste of time considering that the final was impossible to do well on and the exams have nothing to do with the lectures. Extremely intelligent prof but horrible exams. Don't recommend this class

1.0
4.0
PSYC3702
Grade: Rather not say
Feb 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor I've had at Carleton. His slides? Useless. His lectures? Useless. DO. NOT. TAKE. A. CLASS. WITH. BRIAN. TANSLEY.

5.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Apr 14, 2020
Would take again

An absolute GEM of a professor. He says he cares more about your learning than you memorizing everything, and he means it. His tests are designed so if you have some knowledge on lots of things, you can still get 100%. His lectures are fairly easy to follow, and he has some amazing stories and experiences to share. Do the work & you can get 100%.

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Incomplete
Apr 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Hes knowledgeable and charismatic but unfortunately it doesn't translate into his teaching. The way the content is presented is not easily digestible or cohesive. His midterm was ok but his final was probably the most unreasonable final I've seen to date.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: C
May 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

If you're planning on taking a course with Brian Tansley, drop it. That's the best advice I can give you, unless you feel inclined to work harder than you ever have, scavenging for answers to questions that were hardly mentioned in class, only to receive a barely passing grade. Class average for the final was a 56. That speaks volumes about him.

Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
May 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Failed my first attempt, redid the course during COVID. The final was a take-home; had 50 Qs to pick from (only need to answer 20 perfectly to get full marks). A lot of answers were found online instead of his lectures on textbook. I answered 40 Qs and got a perfect score but I would have flunked without the pandemic.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
May 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The course is originally a full year course, but the course is now only one semester long. Instead of cutting the content in half, he teaches 3/4 of the original content. This is why it is so much info. First time I took the course, 40% of students dropped it (we were 400). I had to retake it during COVID and did well cause the final was at home.

Test heavy
2.0
3.0
PSY3702
Grade: A
May 31, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Honestly, I got an A in the class by just studying his lectures and the chapter summaries. I actually found it easier to take the class online so I could put it at a higher speed and get other work done while he was talking about non-course sensitive material (his tangents). My best advice is to write fast for tests and build off of simple answers.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Since it's COVID time I would say that anyone who gives his/her time into those midterms and finals can receive a good grade but here is the thing, all those questions can hardly be found on his course material you just have to Google papers and stuffs to answer them. It's all about neuroscience and don't take it if you don't have to.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Jun 22, 2020
Would take again

I'm brand new to Uni so, take my review with a grain of salt. Overall, he was well educated in the topic of Neuroscience. There is a fair amount of work you need to put in to learn the material. There is a fair amount of it and never enough time. If you are capable and interested then go ahead. Was graded on a Midterm 40% and a Final 60%.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Sep 9, 2020
Would take again

People complain a lot but Tansley's classes are an easy A. I've taken two and got full marks both. Ignore his tangents, focus on slide information and the relevant information he lectures on. For the exams you can write as much as you want and he'll grade till you get an A. I didn't even study a chapter or two, still got As.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Sep 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Unfortunately did not adapt to the online education process as well as other professors - and it definitely shows little effort was shown to do so. His lectures are pre-recorded (with only additional audio in the slides) which made it difficult to engage with. Learning to adapt with this style was the most difficult part, in my opinion.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Oct 19, 2020
Would take again

He makes you work for the grade but an A+ is entirely attainable in his class for students who want to put in the work and he was really great about providing annotated slides which were a really great study tool for later.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Oct 19, 2020
Would take again

It's really great to have such a thorough professor who forces us to slow down and really review and apply the concepts learned here, instead of just letting us skip through memorizing then forgetting things. The material is foundational to 3rd-4th year courses and grad school material. The colouring book for brain anatomy was really fun too. :)

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 1, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Oh my god please don't take pysch 2307 or psych 3702 if he's the teacher or if you don't have to. 2307 had a 40% midterm and 60% final that had its questions only taken from the textbook, so the slides are useless. The way the tests are done is absolutely stupid as well, AND YOU NEED TO CITE EVERY ANSWER. It's too much of a pain don't take it

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Dec 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This is the WORST professor and class ever. Don't take. This class twice a week, 1.5-hour lectures a day but some of his lectures for one day would range from 3-5hrs long. Final is 60% but none of the info is on the slides or in the lecture, if it wasn't online I would fail. Only good thing is the set up of mid&final. He's old and goes on tangents

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
PSYC3702
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

All we were graded on were our midterm and final exam with an optional essay. Both exams were extremely difficult and probably would have been better off being closed book with easier questions than open book with such difficult questions.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Dec 31, 2020
Would take again

Overall good professor. Beware the midterm and final exam takes a lot of information from not only the textbook but the colouring book aswell. Highly recommend buying.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
1.0
3.0
PSY3702
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Nice person, but not a very good prof. I took the class online bc of covid and he'd post old VODs that were much longer than the 3 hour/week time slot for his class. One week video was 6 hours long + annotated slides. Exam/midterm were easy bc it was open book, but you usually write these in school so I would avoid him if possible

3.0
5.0
PSYC3702
Grade: C
Jan 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Brian Tansley is smart and usually thorough. Lectures were full of interesting knowledge. Although I did poorly, the midterm and final were fair. My concern is the lack of variety and strange marking methods. This course had one 20 page essay which 62 students completed. 61 students received the exact same mark of 66% with only one student at 100%.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
PSYC3702
Grade: C
Jan 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

If the exams weren't take home then I wouldn't have passed. The questions are difficult and all short answer. Thank goodness for COVID. If you have to take this class in person and the exam isn't a take home. Do not take it, it isn't worth the trouble

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Jan 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tansley is the worst prof I ever had. The content is interesting however, the midterm and exam was 50% each and very difficult. He is very heartless, I went to go see him in office hours for extra help, and was very disrespectful towards me. He does not care for his students. AVOID THIS CLASS AND PROFESSOR

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PSYC3702
Grade: B-
Mar 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Interesting content, but worst Prof I've ever had. If you aren't a Psych major he will look down on you. There's an essay where he told everyone who wasn't a psych major to not bother writing it, even though this class is mandatory for the ID program. His tests are designed to teach a minimal understanding of everything, which is ineffective.

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Apr 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This professor is one of the most arrogant humans I have ever met. There is so much course content to cover, and only a midterm (40%) and final (60%). The way he marks is actually very helpful though, you answer as many questions as you can and they mark until you get 100%, or until there's no answers left to mark. Avoid this professor if you can.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Jun 26, 2021
Would take again

He's a pretty good prof and the course material is very interesting. Easy A+ if you put in the effort. Just make sure to write down the extra stuff he says out loud as some of his questions are based on stories he shares, and type out any missing slides. On the exams, you can answer as many questions as you can until you reach 200 points, boom. A+.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
NEUR2002
Grade: A+
Jul 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Awful. Berated and humilated a student with Dyscalculia for "not wanting to work hard" because she asked if they would need to memorize a formula. She left crying. Lost my friend's test paper, blamed & failed her. Raised my hand dozens of times every class, only person who ever did so, never called on once. Told psych majors to give up now.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The worst part about his class is the content delivery (reading off 72-slide ppt presentations) and the assignments, or lack thereof. If you don't excel on the midterm and final, you have no chance at doing well. A bit of a patronizing guy too-I did not feel encouraged to ask questions and often left the lecture feeling overloaded w/ information.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PSY3702
Dec 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I have lost respect for Carleton for allowing a proff as terrible as Tansley to teach here. I would rate him a BIG FAT ZERO if I could. His lectures are very disorganized and sloppy, and while he's clearly knowledgeable in his field, he has absolutely no talent for teaching. He seems to be out of touch with how psych classes are structured nowadays

1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A-
Dec 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Did okay in the course but was a miserable experience. Would rather have a bad mark and a better prof. While he is knowledgeable on the content his delivery and teaching style is simply not it, and he is arrogant and unapproachable. If you want to feel discouraged, take this course!

1.0
4.0
PSY3702
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This prof is an absolute disgrace to the entire discipline of education. He comes across as arrogant, and does not care about his students. Get ready for watching several hours of recorded lectures + hours of annotated slides each week. His take-home tests allow for a good mark, given lots of work, but the majority of questions are not covered.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This is the worst prof I have ever come across in my +5 years of schooling. He is the most insensitive and arrogant prof and clearly does not care about his students. While he is knowledgable on the subject, his teaching style is awful unless like you like to hear profs read off of 70+ slides and goes on multiple tangents per class.

1.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

gets away with inconsistent delivery of his clearly vast knowledge in the form or tangents. power points posted are inconsistent with lectures and both are far too long. content is very different than the textbook and you will need to answer questions on your 50% final on things that weren't included in the course while citing the course

Test heavy
4.0
4.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 23, 2021
Would take again

Yes the course has ALOT of material. You need to put in the work. But to be honest, I didn't do as well as I wanted to (studying wise) and i still got a good grade. I think he is a fair grader. He gave us 2 days to finish a take-home assignment, and you can definitely get an A on both, giving it time.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A-
Dec 23, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This man is the worst of the worst. Should've retired ages ago. Can't speak faster than 2 words/min and doesn't give consistent info to class sections. When studying for my midterm and final, students in the in-class section had info the online sec didn't and yes that info was required for the exams. Unless you hate yourself don't take his class.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A+
Dec 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Brian is a nice guy but very old fashioned. The course load is a lot and he doesnt make it interesting. The midterm and final take a lot of time and effort but if youre willing to put in the work youll get an A.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Jan 17, 2022
Wouldn't take again

WAY too much reading in his course, he will give about 50 links for a single topic, which he expects his students to read. His lectures are unbearable to watch, and the midterm exams are far too much work!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
5.0
PSYC2307
Grade: Incomplete
Feb 25, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tansely is not a gifted teacher. He does not explain things in a simple & digestible manner. He is very knowledgeable, however he believes that if you do not pass something, it is because YOU are lazy. If you are VERY interested in the topic he is teaching, you will easily pass with a 100%. Otherwise, it will be a tremendous challenge.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
PSY3702
Grade: A
Mar 9, 2022
Would take again

While I do think his material and explanations can be confusing at times, the way the course is designed gives you the opportunity to do very well given you put in the work. Those take home exams might make you want to rip your hair off for 48 hours but definitely better than having a million assignments and test to keep up with.

1.0
5.0
2307
Grade: C-
Mar 29, 2022

He never offers help, meetings, explanations, or assistance of any kind. All material is recorded from years ago and barley makes sense. He shamed my class (via emails) for not getting ridiculous formatting correct and failed multiple exams for it. His teaching style is ineffective, unprofessional, and seems as though he is on a power trip.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A+
Mar 29, 2022

I had a background in Neuro before taking this class & had friends in the class to study with. I still struggled to manage all the material. Lectures were 4-6 hours long & lots of extra reading posted. It took me DAYS to write notes & watch lectures. Pro: Marked exams until you reached 100% or ran out of answers Con: Takes up all your time.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 24, 2022

I feel like Dr. Tansley would be a good professor if it wasn't online. There were 4-6 hour long lectures posted, with 70+ slideshows that had different information in them, two textbooks (about $400 altogether), and around 10 extra readings TWICE a week. The exams made me want to rip my hair out, and he didn't respond to emails. Watch out.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 25, 2022

This class was entirely too stressful. All your grade is based on one midterm and one final which are very long and stressful to do. You only get a time period of 36 hours and have to cite every single answer from course work which is impossible to sort through because there is so much content. Don't take this class

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
2307
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 25, 2022

Tenure is a bad thing.

1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: C-
Jun 14, 2022

Extremely dry lectures, goes on unrelated tangents often. Only grades are the midterm and final exam, the formatting of which is ridiculous (answer all these questions without knowing how much they're worth until you earn 200 points. Also cite all your sources even though your sources are the lectures because that's where the questions are from.)

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
2307
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jul 20, 2022

I took this class in person and he was bad. I had to drop because of how hard the midterm was. Im taking this class again hoping a different prof would teach and he's teaching it again. he's extremely difficult and not helpful at all.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 26, 2022

Can another Prof teach this class. He's a very dry person and he's not a good prof.

Tough grader
5.0
3.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A-
Sep 7, 2022
Would take again

He's the only reason why i managed to succeed in neuroanatomy class

Inspirational
Hilarious
Respected
1.0
4.0
2307
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 18, 2022

This is the worst professor I've ever had, he is very discouraging and and extremely difficult. He only assigns a midterm (worth 50%) and the final exam (also worth 50%). The lectures are packed with material that you are expected to memorize along with at least 8 additional readings each week. Do not take this course unless you hate yourself.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: B
Oct 20, 2022

- no teaching assistants - condescending - no study aids - grade is based on two essay-style exams (50% each) - do not take this course unless you absolutely have to

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A-
Dec 6, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Tansley is tough - no doubt about it. However, he made PSYC2307 a blast to learn. There were only two exams to grade on, but if you put in the work, you can get really good grades. Very knowledgeable man, and although his methods are not overly modern, he's great, nonetheless.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
PSY3702
Grade: C
Jan 7, 2023

Sucked

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 10, 2023

Worst professor in the psych department. No one has any reason to take this class. Even if you want to be a neuropsychologist, you better switch schools. He made people cry when he called them pathetic for not living up to his rediculous expectations. If you want to learn about the brain I recommend taking some neuroscience classes, for your sanity

Tough grader
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
2307
Grade: A+
Jan 21, 2023

Incredibly difficult tests. Required lots of prep. It's mostly because he's very passionate and knowledgeable with lots to offer. His standards are very high for everyone else but himself. His slides are a bit of a mess, misplaced material, not clear instructions. There's lots of reading between the lines. It could be a fantastic class though.

3.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A-
Feb 16, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Tansley's class is the hardest class I have ever taken, but it was also the most educational. I retained everything I learned, and enjoyed the material. Only two tests, one midterm and one final, make up the entire mark and they are not MC. If you do the work and take notes in the lectures, A is totally achievable. 8 hours a week studying.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
2307
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 20, 2023

So far in my 2 years in university, I have not gotten a single final grade below a 75. Though, with Tansley I was sure that I would get a max grade of 40-50%, I dropped this course after my midterm which I got a failing grade for. Its extremely memorization heavy, and his tests are ridiculous aswell (50+ short answer)

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 6, 2023

BRUTAL CLASS: DO NOT TAKE A CLASS WITH HIM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. I went to talk to him nicely about how I felt about the midterm and he laughed in my faced. Extremely rude, does not care about his students. Content is okay, but his lectures feels like they'll never end! He keeps talking FOREVER. Avoid this prof!

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
2307
Grade: C-
Apr 18, 2023

there is a 65% exam of minimum 30 "short answer question" that have to be at least 10 sentences long for a mark of 10 points.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSYC3307
Grade: Rather not say
Jun 18, 2023

The midterm and final are brutal. Lots of memorization. I haven't heard anything good about him. If you take a class with him, Good Luck.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: C-
Jul 7, 2023

He brags about how many students fail his courses, that should be your first red flag. Do not take this class with this prof. There are only 2 short-answer tests and you have to memorize the entire textbook and every thing he says in lectures. I am an A+ student, now I am retaking the course in Winter with a different prof to get a decent grade.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSYC2001
Grade: B
Sep 28, 2023

He grades based off a midterm (45%) and final (55%) which is bad enough but is compounded by the fact that his lectures add almost nothing to the slides he uploads except he uses the r slur often. He is aware that this is inappropriate speech and said it outright in his first class and yet every lecture I recall attending he said it at least once.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
5.0
2307
Grade: B+
Oct 11, 2023
Would take again

It's to be expected that you are asked to do a lot of work at some point... It's university. I have never learned more in a course, and the method of testing and presentation led me to retain more than I have for any other class. Take if you are interested in the topic, then maybe you won't complain so much about the workload.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 17, 2023

Dr. Tansley should have retired long ago, quite frankly. His exams are quite bizarre and he is proud that so many students struggle, drop out or fail his courses. You also need to be strong at memory to do well because it is mostly short answers. I do not think this method of assessment works in 2023. He is also ableist as well, do not recommend.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2023

He was very knowledgeable and the content was super interesting, however the way the content was presented and taught was VERY confusing. I did quite well in this course but I had to spend an unreasonable amount of time just understanding his slideshows. The slideshows were scattered.

2.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: C+
Nov 24, 2023

Do not take this class unless it's your dying wish. 2/3 of the class failed the first midterm, and by the end of the semester,13 warriors were left. Only reason I passed this class is because he was kind enough to let us have a cheat sheet. He can be very harsh, take at your own risk!!

Tough grader
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2307B
Grade: C
Nov 27, 2023

If you value your mental health DO NOT take any of his courses. Worst uni experience ever. I took his asynchronous class during covid and some of his lecture videos were up to 5hrs long

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: C+
Dec 13, 2023

Tenure is not always deserved. This professor is disrespectful and impatient and does not care if his students succeed or understand the material. The sheer amount of content to memorize for the only two (2) exams in the class is overwhelming. If you enjoy memorization, tedious lectures, and a professor who doesn't care, definitely take this class.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
2307
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2023
Would take again

Tansley is a difficult professor no doubt. Although it's a lot of material to cover, his exams are completely fair and when the effort is put in, you can get a good grade in this class. He's very intimidating but he's also extremely smart and structures his course so you drill the material into your brain.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2023

If I could give a prof zero stars it would be him. Professor Tansley should not be permitted to teach this, or any course anymore. It is unfair to have the entire grade made up of one midterm and one final (which is cumulative). There is way too much content for a second year course. His class slides are very disorganized and all over the place.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 23, 2023

dropped this class & came back to summit the mountain of this course. Dr.Tansley is passionate. I enjoyed the classes I attended. This course requires incredible memorization capacity.The amount of material is too much to get through in class time.Questions in class aren't entertained. I decided to take Neur Instead for my GPA and cortisol levels

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Jan 24, 2024

worst prof in existence. never take him. he's so rude and inconsiderate and doesn't care about anything or anyone. his quizzes and exams? awful and so unnecessarily complicating for no reason. why does he even teach, bro should just stop teaching at this point. my bad, i shouldn't even say teach because he doesn't teach at all or explain anything.

2.0
4.0
PSYC2002
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 21, 2024

- No formula sheets or "cheat sheets allowed" - Required readings, lecture material and self-guided Excel assignments every week - Lack of engagement with class - Fairly accessible during office hours You are better off reading through the textbook and teaching yourself!! - Consistent quizzes; lowest grade dropped - Don't expect him to curve grades

Graded by few things
1.0
2.0
PSYC2002
Grade: A+
Apr 21, 2024

He does not care about his students. He would argue with students in class, backtrack on his own words, and try to gaslight the class into believing he never blamed us for the class average being a 50. His tests and quizzes are ridiculously hard. Be prepared to spend 30/hours a week to get a decent grade.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 22, 2024

Overcomplicated slides and lectures. Quizzes extremely hard and with no formula sheet allowed. Only good thing about him is that his exams have extra questions and he allows a cheat sheet at the midterm and the final. Still not worth it though, just not take him. If you do, be prepared to study a lot after each lecture if you want to pass

Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSYC3702
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 24, 2024

do not ever take a class with this professor this is your warning.. took human neuropsych and it was horrible but it was online so i figured maybe an in person class couldnt be THAT bad, wrong. he so clearly does not care about his students, told our class that hes "never been able to pass a 'deaf' student" because they just couldn't keep up, HUH?

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
PSY3702
Grade: A+
Jun 27, 2024
Would take again

Professor Tansley is my favourite prof at Carleton. I purposefully took all the courses he teaches, and I learned so much from him. He encouraged me to go to med school, I appreciated his confidence in me. His lectures are heavy, you have to do a lot of reading outside. However, I got 100% in all his courses, just memorize the material well.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYCH2002
Grade: C-
Jul 17, 2024

SOMEONE FAILED HIS CLASS 5 TIMES, IM SURE THAT EXPLAINS THE OTHER REVIEWS. MADE FUN OF STUDENTS FOR WITHDRAWING OR FAILING AND STATES HE DOES NOT CARE BECAUSE HE STILL GETS PAID (said it on first day of class)

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Grade: A
Jul 25, 2024

Very confusing lectures. Had to teach myself. Would never recommend.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: C+
Sep 7, 2024

Tansley's class is a real challenge - intense memorization and an unforgiving grading system. However, unstuckstudy AI can be a useful study companion alongside the textbook. Attend lectures, engage with the material, and you may just pull through.

1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 9, 2024

I don't know how he has tenure when there are so many bad reviews

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
PSYC2002
Grade: A
Sep 12, 2024

GET READY TO WORK YOUR LITTLE BUTT OFF, you get what you put in. Go to office hours.

1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: C-
Oct 25, 2024

Lectures are long and boring (75+ slides per lecture), Midterms and Finals include content not even discussed in class. He is an extremely hard marker and does not do much to help his students. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS UNLESS NECESSARY. Most students want him fired but he can't be.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PSY3702
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 27, 2024

I have no idea why he continues to teach. His handwritten short answer tests are too tough, with a majority of people dropping/failing. We aren't in the 1980s anymore! I have also heard him say that none of his deaf students made it past two months of his courses, which is honestly shocking. He at least allowed a cheat sheet, which was nice.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
PSY3702
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 27, 2024

The tests are strange, with them all being handwritten, short answer and a few being point form, and a choice of 20 out of 50. I really think this format doesn't work, I wish he would have made it a take home online exam instead or reduced it to 15/50. Even with 3 hours, I wasn't able to get 20 questions down, and did poorly at that!

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
PSY3702
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 7, 2024

He allowed a cheat sheet on the midterm, but suddenly decided to ban them for the final. His justification was that "for those who did well, you know how to study, and for those who didn't do well, maybe that cheat sheet was a detriment because you didn't study properly." Pretty sure he's trying to weed out students who did poorly, not help them.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
2307
Grade: A+
Nov 20, 2024

I took his course a year prior to writing this review. I had cheat sheets available to me for both exams. He isn't much of a teacher in class, he just talks at you. I managed a high grade from reading his lecture slides and building a good cheat sheet. Without the cheat sheet, I would never have taken this class. Take a neuroscience class instead.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A
Dec 3, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Tansley is an old-fashioned lecturer but his neuropsychology classes are quite enjoyable. I learned a lot in them and had some great chats with him after class. As far as psyc classes go this one is difficult, but it's easy compared to most science classes. Prepare well for the few deliverables by writing down detailed concepts from the slides.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
2307
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2024

Many words can describe his personality, many of which I can't mention here. Steer clear of this guy. Vindictive and mean professor

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A+
Dec 22, 2024

only grades you off of a midterm and cumulative final. gives so much information at once and it can be super overwhelming, and expects you to know a lot more than you do. he takes pride in knowing his final is super hard and that he fails a lot of students. he is very knowledgeable and doesn't read off a slide which i did like. be ready to cry

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
PSYC2307
Grade: A
Jan 13, 2025
Would take again

Fun teacher. Lessons were understandable+engaging, but super content dense. Exams were heavy, but we're graded fairly, and he gives you a bunch of questions on the exams in which you'd select the ones you'd like to answer based off your knowledge of what you've studied. You will have to study a lot and put time into the content to pass though.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Grade: Incomplete
Jan 16, 2025

Now this professor is clearly old fashioned, but personally I find his demeanour towards students can be rather passive aggressive. He stated that "you won't get very many career options with psychology as well.." Which I would like to not is rather off putting considering I am a psychology major..

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 21, 2025

Do not take this prof. He is by far the worst prof I have ever had. He teaches as if you should already know everything he is talking about. I basically had to teach myself. All he gives is a midterm and final. Let's just say his class started with 200 students and after the first few weeks he was lucky if 20 showed up. He's also very old school.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A+
Apr 17, 2025

Very old school prof. His lectures were super dense with information, but he knows what he's talking about. Only marks off of the midterm and the final, and they are all long answer questions worth 10 marks each, but he stops when you hit 200 points (that would be 100%). You must put in a lot of work to get a good grade.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
PSYC2002
Grade: A+
May 11, 2025

Being in this class was completely irrelevant. I taught myself everything via Youtube and AI practice questions. You aren't paying to be taught in this course, you are paying to check a box on your transcript. Expect to do all of the work yourself and don't bother asking questions unless you want to feel stupid and be laughed at.

Test heavy
3.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Grade: A+
Oct 16, 2025

Oh my god... Graded only on the final and midterm, all long answers are worth 10 marks each as you make your way up to 200 points. I have a science background, and this class was insanely difficult, and taught way above a second-year BA Psych level. You have to dedicate your whole sem to this course. Avoid him if you can, very old school as well

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 17, 2025

Absolutely awful.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
2307
Grade: A+
Nov 4, 2025
Would take again

I was hesitant due to reviews, but I'm glad I took this class. 1st class he did say how few, if any of us were going to get into grad school, not great lol. But I found myself loving the class and his lecturing later on. He knows A LOT. I got 100% on the midterm, and cheatsheet was allowed. You get out what you put in; go to class + pay attention.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
PSYC2002
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 6, 2025

Words could not describe how horrible it is the experience of being this guy's student. One of the worst classes I've had. I practically have been teaching myself everything I know since day one. He doesn't answer any of your emails either. TA's nonexistent. I might drop

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
PSCY2307
Dec 11, 2025

Someone release me from this class why is 40% based on the midterm and then 60% on the exam I'm fighting for my life in this class save yourself and don't take this class unless your a genius send prayers for this exam.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
PSCY2307
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2025

Doesn't explain ideas properly. Talks as if we should alr know everything. Does not give an exam outline or study guide so you have to memorize basically everything. Doesn't finish lectures and spends half the time talking about irrelevant stories. He's very smart and funny but not the best prof to learn anything from.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

44%

Textbook Required

49%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

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Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 101 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (39)
Not sure yet (27)
A (19)
Grade Distribution
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Based on 146 reported grades
A+: 39
Not sure yet: 27
A: 19
A-: 11
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