2.7
Quality4.4
Difficulty21%
Would Retake94
Reviews21%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
20
4
16
3
13
2
25
1
20
What Students Say
“The book is almost irrelevant for tests”
BIO205 - 1.0 rating“I am normally an all A's student who excells in science courses however this teacher ruined that streak quickly”
BIO205 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOPRODUCTION
5.0
(1)BIO205MICRO
5.0
(1)MICRO205
4.5
(2)BIOL107
4.3
(3)107205
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
107
5.0
107205
5.0
MICRO
5.0
BIO101
5.0
MICROBIO
5.0
Reviews (94)
Dr. Dave is very funny and will keep you laughing, and material is well covered. His exams are not easy (MC questions, pick the "most correct answer") and his explanations to student questions are often not directly answered.
Dave is a really bad teacher. He is really unfunny. There is no way you can earn any extra points in his class to help your grade. A good tip take other professor!
No Comments
Very, very, very hard teacher. He is fun, but be prepared to get a C even if you are a straight A student. This is a class you won't forget any time soon.
He is funny but you can go from being a straight A student to getting your first "C". The tests are open notes and they are still VERY hard. Take a different teacher
Dr. Dave is a GREAT instructor. The material is very difficult, however, he gives you every opportunity to succeed. He allows open note exams, and prepares you extremely well. If you don't pass this class, it is not because of him. He ROCKS!!!
Open notes, pre/post tests on lecture, YOU MUST know the material, understand the concepts. Open notes will NOT help unless you memorize and understand. Hard class, survived with an A!
Dave is hard but fair. He is a funny guy but not very tolerant of ignorance. He takes the time to explain to you how you are doing and what you need to do to acheive your goals. he could be a little more patient but he's generally a good instructor to get
About time he gave up teaching. Seems to have issues with women and makes inappropriate comments often. He is unclear and confused. May be better at a higher level, wasn't able to teach a 100 level class.
Worst experience I have ever had with a teacher. I got an A, but only because I had outside help. He is unclear, inconsistent and rude.DOn't take unless you really have to.
Took class in fall 2003 - I think this class was below the level he likes to teach at and he found it hard to relate to the 101 level. He also says a lot of offensive things that he thinks are funny, but are really offensive. NOT GOOD FOR BEGINNING BIO!
Dr. Dave is not for everyone, but I liked him. He can be a lot of fun. And he REALLY likes microbiology. But I don't think he treats everyone fairly. He does give good opportunities to succeed. But it's lots of work.
yor are 100% crazy if you take this mans class!!! it was the worst experience I have ever had in my life!!! LOOK TO OTHER PROFESSOR FIRST!!! if u do get into the combined class that minou and dave teach then make sure u sign up for minou lab and not daves
This teacher is way to advanced to be teaching this class. He is a very smart and intellectual man but he is far more advanced than the junior college level. You will find this class extremely difficult if taken with this teacher.He has a tendency to believe everyone is on the same level??
if u are crazy take this class then take it. if u happen to be sane then do not take this class. I have now suppressed the memory of this class but I still have nightmares. please read this slowly:"STAY AWAY FROM THIS MANS CLASS,U HAVE BEEN WARNED.HEED MY WARNING OR SUFFER THE MISERY OF THIS CLASS"
**** pig, who should not be teaching anymore. Open note exams,but questions are on concepts not found in your notes. Appears that he dislikes women, & wants to teach at a grad school level. Take another teacher. Got an A only because it was the only class I took.
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! DO NOT TAKE THIS GUY PLEASE STAY AWAY!!! I DO NOT WISH FOR U TO SUFFER LIKE I DID! IF U SIGN UP FOR THIS CLASS I WISH U THE VERY BEST! PREY NOW AND OFFTEN THAT U WILL FINISH THE CLASS BEFORE GOING CRAZY AND BE READY 2 ARGUE WITH THIS GUY 2 KEEP IN LINE
I was so stressed in this class i ended up dropping it ...i was very dissapointed and unhappy...dont take him please!!!
worst prof. I have ever had, never had to study so hard to just get a C. Unclear in his study questions, he often confussed me more than helped me understand material
He is VERY difficult. He sometimes mixes things up, will help you if you go to his study hours. Bases tests on study questions which are difficult but somteimes found in book. Doesn't lecture you just take 3 quizzes a day (2pts each) and then goes over answers. You learn from the book not from lectu
dr dave is actually the hardest professors i have taken at city college. the only way i have survived in his class is actually going to his office hours every fridays and reading the material before visiting him. so those of you who are taking bio 107, dont take him! hes really difficult.
A lot of people thrown off by his enthusiasm and expectation that you put in some work. He is not easy but he is fair. Him and Minou make a great team both of their weakness's and strength's complement the others.
The hardest class I have ever taken. I would actually have nightmares about this class. I really liked Dr. Dave's enthusiasm and his intellect but think that he should be teaching at a graduate level. Very Difficult!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had Dr. Singer for Biotech back in 2001?? He was awesome. I've never had so much fun in a class ever. You have to be interested in the subject he's teaching to do well. He really loves Bio/Biotech. I can't imagine Dr. Dave being a bad professor... You've just got to do the work to do well!!!
All of you people are crazy. Dr Dave is a great teacher he just expects a lot of his students. If you plan on transfering to a 4 year school get used to classes like his. I found it easy but challenging and got an A. If you do the work you will be okay.
He is an outstanding teacher who loves what he does. He gives you absolutely every opportunity to succeed, and if you fail it's your own fault. Love him!!!
If you opt for short-session/brief-lecture classes, then this professor is for you. Warning! He'll test you on materials meant to confuse or trick ya! So - read your material thorougly B-4 coming into class. The first thing you'll receive on your desk when you come into his class is a QUIZ!!!
i freakin almost failed it so i had to leave it. he said i already dug a deep hole and can't get out. oh well.
very Hard teacher! Is a good class if you are not taking any others, otherwise you will have a hard time like I did. Exams and quizes have tricky wordings to try and confuse you!
Dr.Dave is a hard professor. He did little explaining and tested us on stuff that he didn't even lectured. I wouldn't recomend him for this class.
this professor SUCKED!!
What a great teacher. I learned so much. But be prepared to work for your grade. It's no easy 'A'.
stay awaaaaaaay!!! this guy needs to to come down of his high horse and fast! my god this guy seems to think we all have masters or something and he must not relize what level he is teaching!! run for it!!
Generally a good teacher; loves what he does. A little impatient during labs. If you like biology, he's good for you. If you don't, be prepared to work very hard. He appreciates dedication.
His a very good teacher he loves what he teach. I didnt failed the class nor get a good grade. I like his teaching style you will learn a lot. If your open minded his the best! You have to work hard to get an A! Every single knowledge you acquire from his class is precious like his little animacule. remember your in school to learn not to shoot
VERY HARD. He pissed me off, but taught me well. He really does try to trick you.. that is no joke. I was one point away from an A and he still gave me a B. If you work hard you can do. Stay organized and plan on staying in to study. I cried on a regular basis due to the overwhelming nature of his teaching. I promise you will learn if u want
he drove me thru the walls!!!!! I had to drop cause he makes it seem as if were doctors or something. DONT TAKE HIM. hes not a great help.
this guy sucks I argued with him so much I am amazed i wasn't kicked out of college! Stay away from this guy or be ready to stand your ground big time!
Microbiology class with Singer is not an easy A. You must really learn your stuff as he will test you on things you may never heard of. Exams are really hard, therefore the depressing grading scale. If you just want to pass this class, prepared for heavy studying and ASK a lot of questions.
Great teacher but teaches you like if you had a Phd. If your very well organized, you'll do good. Get ready to take a lot of extra time outside class. Defenetily knows what hes teaching, but very hard!!
No Comments
Oh People c'mon! This prof. never relates to what really is in the book. In fact, I actually found his sources based on another textbook. That's why his classes R never easy. Use the internet if U have 2. Read other Bio books. It's his way of letting U all know that he's intentionally setting up his students 4-failure just 'cause of his phD!
his class is hard. he thinks the students are professors already. you will need to know the material inside and out because every question on his tests can not be directly answered from the book or lectures. his essays are always multi part and require specific terms applied with the information in the text and lecture. easy grading scale- 60%=C
Doctor Dave's class is very hard. He's a good teacher, but expects a lot out of you. He's a cool guy, he even puts on shows for you and sings songs in front of the class (maybe that's why his name is Singer?) While he is a hard teacher, he offers help during his office hours. The tests are extremely hard, but do the reading and you'll be alright.
He teaches very hard. He expect his students to know the materials before stepping in his class. He has no patience to his students. I think he enjoyed watching his students fail
Awful!-don't even think about this class,espcly if you have to wk like 75% of the students at city. If you go to his office hours he will NOT help you- if ask him questions & be prepared to be belittled. LITERALLY - only people in my class that got an A were graduates from UCSD.
Interesting guy, loves biology. Very clear about expectations at the beginning of class and provided all the information to succeed. You have to work but you can succeed
Nice guy, passionate about bio, wants students 2 learn. Hard class. Wording 4 tests & quizzes TRICKY, frustrating, not always understandable -common complaint frm students - he gets defensive when class tells him. Teaches over the students' head. His method of teaching not 4 everyone. Grading scale: 85% & up is an A, 75% & up a B, 65% & up a C.
Unfortunately "Dr Dave" IS the head of the Bio dept @ City and all instructors hired under him ARE required to meet @ his teaching level and examination requirements. A word of advice - if you intend to succeed in the "actual world", seek another college - 'coz this prof. likes bieng his own little god in his own little world of science!
in my opinion, the sign of a good instructor is someone who can take an abstract or complex subject and simplify it. dr. singer is not this person. he does NOT have the patience to drive home VERY important exam concepts. he belittles his students, is nototirously late, isn't consise, loves to hear himself talk and is not helpful in office hours.
Dr Dave Microbio class is VERY intense and time consuming. HE IS however the BEST professor I've ever had after 7yrs of college courses. He will push you hard but I've learn more in his class that any other class I've ever take. I highly recommend him if you really are interested in learning the material, you will not get an easy grade in his class
Challenging teacher, but has great personality. Talks too much sometimes but take notes on everything he says because it will be on the test. Many times answers to the Exams come out of his mouth and you will not find it anywhere else. Take notes on his weekly reviews don't take them for granted, he rewards with info/tips for Exams.
Get a different Professor! this guy does indeed belittle students! If you have any type of disability skip this guy! He will not give you the extra help or slow down for anyone! This guy needs to know that just because we take his class it does not mean we already have a PHD. in it!!
if you read the book and answer the study questions before class you'll do really well.
Dave Singer is awesome! He is hard but you'll learn a lot. Also, his class is not complicated if you go to every class and read all of the chapeters he assigns. There are no surprises in this class, he's very open about what he will test you on and what he expects.
This class is pretty tough - no easy A or B. Dr. Dave does his best to keep students on track and thinking. You can tell he REALLY loves his job and cares if you put in an effort. Go to his Saturday study sessions!
This guy is nuts! He really loves this subject and has a great personality, but he talks way too much and still doesn't make sense. His tests are HARD. Don't expect to have a life if you take this class and expect to be in class for 5 hours with practically no break. I dreaded this class. It was draining! If you want to suffer, then take him!
super hard class...not sure if ill pass required reading prior to every lecture and a quiz usualy 3-4 questions based on the reading every class...has to be one of the hardest bio class at city and lab sucks!:(
It's difficult enough being a full time students and working almost full time, Dr. Dave makes it harder, his class is extremely time consuming and you still leave class feeling like you didn't learn anything. He takes way too long explaining the lab and he like to belittle his students, I do not recommending taking bio with him
Very difficult class. You need to be willing to put in more hours than you are used to. This class was on par with the difficult classes at UCSD. You need to take notes on everything he says, because you will be tested on it. Exams are open note. Grading scale is already curved, 79% and up is an A. He sometimes says inappropriate things.
He is a very good teacher. I do not know why his rating is very poor. If you don't read your book, nor attend his classes, don't expect to get a good grade. But if you read all the reading assignments and answer the study guide questions, then you should be good to go. I think that the students here who gave bad comments/review are the ones who a
This was the hardest class ever.You either love him or hate him.He has a huge ego with something to prove.Worst teacher I've ever had, gives way too much work, belittles students.Very passionate but can't teach material.He confuses you instead.I got an A but had no life for the semester and cried frequently.Don't take unless you absolutely have to!
Science is not easy.Regardless of which professor you have, be prepared to apply yourself and earn your grade. I did learn in this class, but did not mesh with Dave's teaching style. He can be offensive and tends to ramble.If you're on this site looking for an easy "A", I suggest you don't take bio, there is no such thing!
All these people complaining are cry babies. He assigns a lot of work, tests come from lecture notes and a bit of self study, and lab practicals are time constrained. But office hours are priceless!! All work assigned and tests are easy A if you go to the office hours and get on the same level. Singer is challenging but fair.
I never worked so hard for a C in my life. My advise is to take another professor if you are taking more than one Bio class at the same time. He is very unclear, so read..read..read.. And when you are tired then read some more. Make sure to take advantage of extra credit.
He is a tough teacher. I began doing very well but after doing so much work i began to loose confidence. Tips: answer and more importantly, UNDERSTAND the questions and answers. Go to office hours for clarifications. Labs are time consuming. I often left with pounding headaches.
Dr. Dave has put a lot into making this course as comprehensive as possible, and I now have a job to show for it...BUT this class was extremely stressful and I cried regularly feeling like a loser. The workload was overwhelming and seemingly unrealistic. TIPS: Do not try to take other classes concurrently and come to class with a great attitude.
dr.dave is a hard teacher.i suggest taking another teacher!!1
Dr. Dave is a great biology professor. He is tough, but if you follow the advice he gives at the first class session and you are willing to put in some work you can do really well in the class. He is clear in his teachings and he is always available to help anyone who needs the extra help. I would definitely take himn for other classes!
Terrible teacher. I was so happy that he was a co-teacher. He teaches way over students heads. He needs to get over himself and get a life. He was the hardest teacher I ever had and all his students dropped. Warning: Stay away!!!!!
Dr. Dave is demanding and challenging. He does have his own style of teaching,much respect to him. He certainly know his biology and has high expectation for his students and a great passion for his work. I learned a lot for Dr. Dave...Thank you.
dr dave is one of the best, just listen to what he tells you he wants you to know, and spend a lot of time (A LOT OF A LOT OF) time reading over notes. and you'll get an A. just do all the work--it's worth it.
RUN!!!!!!
Challenging class...an A is possible if you read, study, and pay attention in class. Dont think you can just show up and get an A, you have to work hard for it. He is one of the best and most helpful professors earlier...and hilarious!
Totally difficult !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Read, read, READ!!! Reading is a MUST in his class. Class is very difficult, but if you pay attention to him and spend at least 8 hours a week studying/reading then you will get that A. Very passionate and has high expectations for his students (:The best part about the class are his songs X)
He is a fun/creative. Class is HARD. Be prepared to put in a lot of time. Do your Study Guide Questions! Examine quizes, notes, study questions, & recommended online videos and sites. Everything helps, if you do all this you will get a decent grade. I agree with some that he does rant and confuses you more at times. Class involves self teaching.
Dr. This was an academically rigorous class. If you are not prepared in basic biology and chemistry the class will be tough for you. Persons making mean comments here all seem to have one thing in common: They can not spell! A professor can only go so far with ill prepared students. Take personal responsibility guys! No watered down grades here!
Dr. Dave is an excellent professor. He is extremely dedicated to helping his students succeed. He will push you to your fullest potential. This course is very time consuming and rigorous, but if you know that biotech is what you want to do, then expect walking out of here with work experience and maybe even a new career.
Dr. Dave is extremely intelligent and he is a nice guy if he sees that you are really into his classs. very clear but difficult so do not expect an easy A or B you really have to work your a!! for it.. offices hours very helpful..
This is a hard class and tough teacher. 1/4 of the class will drop. Exams are open note, but you will need to make sure they are on point. 55% is a C, 79% is an A. Class average was around 60%. You will hate him at first, but he grows on you and is actually a pretty funny guy. Exams will take you 5 hours to complete and leave you hurting after.
You will develop a love- hate relationship. He is super funny. If your a science major you will thank him for his hard grading and teaching style. Definitely recommend.
Dr. Dave is one of the most dedicated professors out there. BIO 206 is an industry-taught advanced laboratory course geared to gain employment in the biotech industry. Dr. Dave's grading style and work-load demands are beyond excessive, however, you will walk out of this class with a new career and will have the skills to show.
No no no cause this class is so hard. Easy F even if you are four point O gpa or straight A
Do not take this class. Its inblivable hard and you will ruin your gpa . Exams are very difficult. And if you are working or having children it doesn't fit you. It's a hard and timeconsuming class. Too many papers and homeworks. Too much study and a hard grader professor. Don't ruin your transcript
I took this class last semester and Idk why but I stayed till the end and it was super hard, there're too many quizzes, and the exams are really tough and different, all the things you see in class don't really appear in the exam, I didn't like this class, I just got an F
I am normally an all A's student who excells in science courses however this teacher ruined that streak quickly. He has ridiculous expectations and test on information way more in depth than what he covers in lectures. If you not ready to sacrifice everything including family and mental health than don't take this class. BEWARE
I have two degree's already - one earned from SDSU. Going back to school and this is by far the worst class I have taken in all my years of education. The crazy part is compared to other school's microbiology courses - the workload this one requires is unheard of! In no way would I ever recommend this course - should be worth at least 8 units!
DO NOT TAKE HIM! Ridiculous grading (ie: highest grades on paper 32/40), averages on tests- D range. Tests are insanely hard (record lectures and go back over them). The book is almost irrelevant for tests. Don't be fooled by open note tests or his grading curve (79%A). Can be inappropriate at times and will belittle you. Hardest 200 level class!
Ridiculously Hard. The test has lots of questions that are unrelated. Absurd work load and teaches too fast. High expectations. I dropped before my GPA got hurt. DO NOT TAKE HIM!
I've gone out of my way to try and understand the concepts, and when labs come around, it's the complete opposite and once you don't have a question right, you're told its wrong and that's the end of discussion, you have to self teach a lot. Taking this class is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute.
If you somewhat can understand Biology and can teach yourself, then you might survive his class. When asked to further explain a topic, he basically just tells you that you're wrong and then rubs it in your face. Has a very condescending tone if the WHOLE class does not understand a concept/objective. If you can take another professor, PLEASE DO.
Worst professor I've had and I have my degree already. During this COVID pandemic expecting students to complete immense amounts of work with zero access to resources classmates or material. Complete lack of any empathy or respect for the situation we are in. Should not be teaching. I thought the reviews were exaggerated but they are TOO KIND.
Dr Dave is by far the best professor I have had the privilege of working with. It was his class where I really understood critical thinking and learned of it's lifelong value. While his class is rigorous and difficult, you learn so much. Not for slackers or daydreamers.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOPRODUCTION
5.0
(1)BIO205MICRO
5.0
(1)MICRO205
4.5
(2)BIOL107
4.3
(3)107205
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
107
5.0
107205
5.0
MICRO
5.0
BIO101
5.0
MICROBIO
5.0