2.7
Quality3.9
DifficultyN/A
Would Retake137
ReviewsN/A
Would Retake
137
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
33
4
22
3
20
2
24
1
38
What Students Say
“easy bio class, 20 pt curves given”
BIO1 - 5.0 rating“She's really fun, and easy, her test is a little hard, but she gives a big curve”
BIOLOGY - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
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Stable
+0.08 avg changeRatings by Course
2113
5.0
(1)BIOLOGYII
5.0
(1)BIO1AND
5.0
(1)BIO11131123
5.0
(1)BIO1223
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
GEN2313
5.0
BIO1033
5.0
BIO3004
5.0
BIO1406
5.0
GEN1
5.0
Reviews (137)
easy bio class, 20 pt curves given. go see her in her office, atleast 2 times. she knows her students and WILL HELP YOU. good teacher. she's a little disorganized, if you dont feel like something is right, check up on it.
She's really fun, and easy, her test is a little hard, but she gives a big curve!
She is hard, test are challenging, very nice, easy to get to know
Call her deemah,she is very organized, tests are higher level,but very nice and helpful,caring, and if you ask questions,she will help for sure! Very laid back but the class is not a piece of cake!
VERY difficult class. Tests are challenging, but there's a built-in curve. MUST read the book to pass. Great teacher--organized and laid-back.
Cool teacher, easy to get to know. Laid back and very flexible. She says she hates making tests. Nevertheless, they are difficult. Loves to challenge her students, so study and you'll pass.
Deemah is wonderful. I would especially recommend her for bio majors, because she really has a genuine desire that her students really know the material. The tests are hard, so study and READ. But I give her an A+.
SPAWN OF EVIL
she was a nice professor but then she is not tht good. she goes too fast n u wont be able to take her note. she is hard so now its all up to yall. if u r bio major then good luck for yall.
It's hard...Tests are hard and curve sometimes doesn't help.She explains things too fast and always expects you to understand all the terms as she thinks everyone is a bio major.
she is really hard and her curves doesn't really help esp. for people like me(non-bio majors). I study really hard and it doesnt' really help but if you are a bio major then i guess u could take her to understnad the materials..... Good luck to all....
if you don't have to take this class, do whatever it takes to get around it. she is a nice person but is far too difficult and time consuming. i'm not a bio major and i think this class did nothing for me but hurt my gpa.
Ughh don't take her please, kinda weird,VERY VERY unorganized, difficult tests, unorganized notes, pop quizzes, and curves don't help.DONT TAKE HER!
hard teacher, she ruin biology for me.... I would suggest taking any other teacher besides her.
i think she has good intentions but she's just a horrible person to have not like you. she was cool at the beginning but then she was a **** to my class and besides her class is really hard and her notes don't even come close to helping you on the tests
Difficult tests, pop quizzes, boring lectures, thinks her kid is a genius. She completely screwed me over with biology. Jordan is a good biology professor, take him.
Exellent teacher. She does the best to make sure we understand the material, She tries to know her auditorium classes by name to treat us like normal small classes.
Tests very hard, 50 questions each worth 2.5 instead of just two so you can actually make over a 100. Class avg on first test was 62. Notes come directly from book, all I did was highlight the sentences the put on the power point
she is such a easy teacher. i had her for bio 1 and 2. i barely studied and made A's in both classes. Take her.
She makes the class too hard for a Bio I class.She goes into a lot of depth and really wants you to know everything that is in the book.She gives powerpoint notes in class,and gives extra credit,but it's still hard.She is very nice,but very unorganized.
DON'T DO IT TO YOURSELF! Studying for the tests hardly even helps. I feel like I'm in med school... and its BIO II!
Help yourself - dont take her! She seems to always be pms-ing. Her lectures are totally unhelpful and unproductive. The tests are CRAZY, for my final i studied everything - i KNEW and understood every concept - her test was like a FOREIGN language!
Schirf was freakin hard, esp for a bio I class. She assumes you already know alot and so goes in depth when you dont even know the basics. It was hard for me to keep up. I made A's in all my other classes and barely a C in hers.
She is the worst professor I have ever had. She is really hard and she is not very nice either. Please DO NOT take her.
She is a really cool professor if you get to know her and if you are in her good side, but i have to admit she is a really hard teacher
Very nice person, her classes are really hard. She expects that you already know alot. If you don't study in this class you won't pass!!!
DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE IF YOU WANT TO DO WELL, her test are really hard....
i thought she was an easy teacher i never studied, i only went to class i made a high b in both bio 1&2. maybe she got harder but last year it was easy. just highlight the book while she lectures,powerpoint goes by the book word for word-thats clear right
I got an A in bio I and i didn't take her. I felt i knew a lot. Then her class sucks! Her lectures are out of the book, but her tests are totally off the wall info. You need to know how to apply other than memorize. Take her if this is what you like.
Class seems hard at times but as long as you go to class everyday and PAY ATTENTION you'll do fine. Just ignore her ramblings about the other classes.
Horrible, Horrible class. Lectures were totally unproductive. When I take a science class (or any class), I don't want to have to worry about "getting on my professor's good side". I simply expect an organized teacher, and she is the opposite.
Very hard. Not helpful especially to our class. Just be lucky if your class does not make her mad or she won't teach. She is biased towards students and is not helpful. Her lectures did not help prepare for tests.
hard hard hard hard, i would not recommend this class to neone b/c its so hard and she isn't helpful at all
she can be very helpful but she's also always busy. nice teacher but sometimes gets off topic. lots of extra credit so go to class.
She was easy when I took her which was a couple of years ago. After reading the most recent responses she must have really got hard.
She is always busy. She sometimes gets of the topic. Her test are really hard and sometimes not clear. She sometimes arrives late to class but early to give out the test. Over all I would not consider her a good teacher.
The entire class consisted of Presentations from the students. She did NOTHING. She made us keep a calendar for HER! VERY UNORGANIZED/EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL. VERY CHILDISH. Complained everyday about students! She wasted my time and hard-earned $$$!!
She is not at all helpfull she is out her mind. she thinks we should each n everything about Bio thts just not rite. i dont prefer yall to take her she made my grade look bad. now i m just f***up coz of her.it does make a big diff if u get D or F n u will
Even though I almost made an A in her class, I had to work for it. And all I have to say for her is that she is very unproffesional.
She's kinda hardcore on the test...the options such as A and B are correct or just A. I hate that
She is the worst teacher I've ever had. Her exams are ridiculous - nothing like the lectures. She treats her students like a bunch of delinquents (unless you're a brown-noser). Whatever you do - don't take her class.
This lady is ridiculous! She thinks that everyone just lives breathes and sleep Bio. she stops the repeatedly if anyone makes a peep. She thinks she has to discipline everyone like were 2. Not a very likable person. Had to drop and was a bio major. FOR HEAVEN'S SKE DON'T TAKE THIS PROFESSOR!!!!!
this lady is wacko. she talks too fast. she puts notes for us on the board on a powerpoint and skips through to fast, so you have to have a fast hand. her tests are unclear and she talks off the subject way too much. she screwed me over. for anyone takin BIO 1, dont take her.
I really like her teaching method. She stresses you to understand the material, not just memorize and then forget. If you want to go into biology, attend class, and read the book, you will pull off an A
o my god. this lady is indeed ridiculous. she speeds through the powerpoint pointing out stuff that is "easy" and its stuff i've never even heard about before. unless you have already taken a couple science courses and know alot, dont take this class! save yourself!!!
good teacher eaches concept not memorization,incentives, tries to help as much as possible
INCREDIBLY GREAT! Tests can be hard if you never go to class or read, she always makes time for her students and works one on one with those that need it. Wont spoon feed material to you, respects students as they respect her, and is willing to change syllabus for the class as needed, awesome!!
Ok where do I start. This class was hard. The lectures teach you absolutely nothing, and I was there everyday. You pretty much end up teaching yourself everything. The tests are extremely hard. However she does make time for her students so talk to her.
She is an alright professor that really makes you work to get your grade. If you really want to know this material when you leave the class, take her.
this teacher is horrible. she treats all of us like were children. if you really want to work hard for the good grade and not be "spoonfed," take her. but if your like me whos taking biology for the credit, i wouldnt take her
The worst teacher ever, her tests suck, she talks too fast, she thinks everyone lives bio, im a bio major and she makes me wanna change my major, DONT TAKE HER!
She is a professor that expects you to know all this background of bio even before you start. She is not very helpful and rude.
Deemah is definitely not an easy professor, but she takes time to help everybody and expects all to read the material, come to class and discuss the issues/problems. You have to work hard in this class but the rewards are worth it. Deemah is very dedicated to those who dedicate themselves
sucks!!!!!
I found this professor to rush through material and she expected her students to already have a wide range of the Biology I knowledge, which shouldn't be the case. Most people in my class had a very difficult time.
This professor thinks you should know everything about Bio. She is very unclear and mean at times. She even accused me of cheating when I NEVER DID...it was people next to me. But anyways she is hard and very unhelpful.
See... I don't get what people are talking about. She makes it so easy to get an A. I mean, honestly, 25 extra points on tests if you show up to them on the day they are given? Her class is extremely straightforward. I ended up with an A and I never went to class. Just read the book.
Everyone who complains about her does not know how to study properly. If you want a good challenge, and test questions that are similar to MCAT questions (for yuo premeds out there), then take her course! It is challenging, but very rewarding to do well. Ignore her rants about other students.
I hated her class. You either love her or hate her. She waters down the material in class and on test she really expects you to know everything. The 25 extra points are actually true. EX: You get 46 correct questions x 2.5 = 90. Only 18 points extra. SHE IS HARD!
"for those of you who havn't taken genetics..." she was constantly saying ridiculous things like that, like others have said she already expects you to know things she should be teaching. A horrible teacher.
She relies on 2 or 3 students who make the good grades to make her feel better about how badly the rest of the class is doing.She'd even urge them on by name.I was afraid to ask questions because when people would she'd either chastise them for not knowing something, or have another student answer.
her class was hard but shes always REALLY willing to work with you outside of class!
I hated this class. I pulled an A in it only because of the extra 25 points on tests and going to the SI meetings religiously. I lived, breathed, and dreamt biology. I didnt have a life. Once I look back on it now going to class was pointless she lectured straight out of the book.
deemah is a great teacher and i wish i would have checked this website before taking english one. This class was the only class i recieved a B in last spring semester, the rest were C's. This is all because of the way she teaches.
HARD TEACHER. TAKE HER FOR YOUR LAST OPTION.
Great, excellent teacher
She is a great, straight forward teacher, be on her good side and you WILL GET AN A...she likes all her students that WANT to be in class and learn, if you let her see that you hate the class, she will never forget your face. Her way of teaching is excellent, she knows what she is doing. TAKE HER!!!
This teacher is HORRIBLE...the only thing that helps is the SI leader and if you can't attent the SI sessions then you are basically out of luck! DON'T TAKE HER CLASS!!!!
Hard class. Almost impossible to get an 'A' without sucking up to her. She spent most of the class talking about things that aren't even relevant to the subject, then rushed her lectures, making it even harder to understand the subject, to make up for her procrastination. Get a different teacher
Very Disappointed in the class. Was kind of fun though, but she complained allllll the time. Also, she never graded our papers or test apparently. Her assistant did, who also had a chip on his shoulder.
She's though but fair. If you show up to class and shut up youll be on her good side, and she remembers who's in class and who isn't. Always willing to help students comprehend the material outside of class and she is by far the most understanding teachers I've had...grandma was sick, missed a bunch of school, she helped me catch up
This professor is great...the reason she lectures the class on conduct is that some people can't shut up...ppl need to realize this is not kindergarden...if u read the book and follow her lectures u will get an A...no magic to it...
this teacher has a problem sticking to the subject..she makes her TA do all the work, and hes just a student, so basically you gotta impress him not HER. Also, she complains often and repeats alot of it...its so annoying to listen to her, she seems to think her way of teaching is the best way and i recommend someone else besides her...trust me!
great professor, tests are a bit difficult, but if you read and go to class, it is an easy A. she makes her tests to the students needs, and always gives extra points on the exams
I think this professor is an excellent teacher! She is challenging, but if you read BEFORE class and take notes during her lecture you'll be fine. Biology is not an easy subject, so those of you who want to breeze through the class and not retain any info, take someone else. For those of you who are interested in science, take her class!
BEST TEACHER EVER!!!!! Always looking for ways to help those individuals who seem to fall behind. She is very intelligent and will go the distance to find an answer for your question....
No Comments
really need to read and study
this instructor sucked ! Doesnt explian very well.
I love Deemah! She rocked...
horrible to understand. Not clear. Only if you suck up to her she will maybe TRY to help you, if she wants to. Other then that. Shes a horrible teacher.
Very hard class. You either get her method of unclear teaching or you are completely lost. Her tests are completely different from the book and it's reviews, so you can study for hours on end and know the book inside out and fail the tests. This class was horrible to me. I would advise ANOTHER teacher any day!
Moves through things quickly...its either you know it or not. Basically a "college" class...teacher lectures the entire time, even i was confused on the first day of class cuz she started us off with one and i didn't know wether that was a lecture or just some stuff she was telling us. Walked out confused
Deemah is not an easy teacher. She teaches things differently.I was used to memorizing a lot of facts and information for Bio I..but you can't do that it her class. She forces you to think and apply the information you have learned.
Never....
She honestly cares about the students, but she is very scatterbrained and doesn't present a clear lecture whatsoever. But, she will curve. I'd give her maybe a 5 out of 10. She's really nice outside of class, though
run away. take some else. you'll be lost just like i was.
she was a HORRIBLE teacher. didnt care about her students. only there for the paycheck (god knows why because it isnt that much) her lectures were very scattered and half the stuff she talked about was useless, dont take her EVER for anything....or you'll regret it like me! :(
If your a BIO major this class will no doubt be a plus for you. She forces you to full understand the information. You will know and remember this info. If you NOT a bio major I would NOT suggest taking this prof. she is not an easy A. You will have to read ahead for every class but if you do that you should do well.
I'm a junior now well into my upper division bio classes. Take her for bio 1! You will be so much more prepared for all the higher, more difficult classes.
She was a horrible teacher. She bounced from topic to topic not fully explaining anything. I learned more from reading the book and SI then I did from her.
RUN!!! dont take her!! SOOO HARD! speeds through lecture! not helpfull at all! and if your not a bio major PLEASE dont take bio. its a weed out class and its very hard no matter what teacher.
WHATEVER U DO, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! Very hard and she doesn't take the time to properly teach, she also doesn't post notes on WebCT. I ended up dropping the class...so hard..NEVER AGAIN!!
very difficult & notes and lectures are often unclear because she lives a hectic lifestyle and is very busy. But, if you talk to her 1-on-1 she will do everything she can to help you.Sweet as pie & genuinely cares about her students.
SI was no help. Lectures were helpful but the best help was from the TA's study guide. As long as you did that you would make an B or higher on the test. I passed with an A and you HAVE to go to class..it's the only way you'll understand her.
Deemah is the hardest prof i have ever had, but she really tries to help you pass the class I put more effort into this class than any other one and got a B If you want to go to grad school or med school take her she was great If you are not a Bio major stay the heck away though because it is way hard and she can be hard to understand at times
Deemah Does not know HOW to teach. Her tests are hard and great challenge. All application questions but does NOT teach you how to apply topics to Real life even though that is what tests are about. Only reads from slides (really fast) but expects you to show up. uses RL probs as an excuse for teaching BAD. TA and SI are your only Savior from her.
Her teaching is not hard the course material is hard. She really tries to help students get the grade. pay attention and go to class and you will do fine. She really doesn't like when students don't show up. So go
Deemah's a great instructor; pay attention, show up to class, and do the reviews that Greg makes for you, and you're certain to pass the class. Put the effort in and PARTICIPATE, you'll learn more and Deemah will love you and be willing to let little things slide.
This professor is great. Some people find it hard to understand what is going on, but that is easily remedied with a little reading. In fact, so long as you read the book before or after class and don't get far behind, you're bound to get a good grade.
Her tests are all applications questions and you must know how to put things together. Make sure u have taken a bio class your senior year of high school becauseshe goes into detail with just about everything. Reading the book kinda helps, but make sure you understand what you are readinf/
Constantly talk about how the "American" education system has failed us and how she has lowered her expectations from us. She teaches less and complains about the education system more.
HORRIBLE! The tests are truly about application of material. You will have to count on your comprehension of the text and not her lecture. She spends more time talking about herself, she knows "her favorite" students by name and talks about them all of the time. I would much rather have a professor more interested in TEACHING
DANGER!!! Stay away from this prof unless you have recently studied biology and are basically just taking Bio as a review. She expects you to be in class, yes, you get the extra points in the exam but you'll need them because they can be confusing. Again: Unless you are a Biology FREAK -- RUN!!!
IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR EASY TESTS AND EASY TO LEARN MATERIAL... DONT TAKE HER. MOST OF THE THINGS SHE TALKS ABOUT IN CLASS ARE NOT AT ALL RELEVANT TO WHAT IS ON THE TEST. FOR THE FIRST HALF OF CLASS SHE TALKS ABOUT THE SAME THING EVERYDAY. TESTS ARE TOTAL APPLICATION. SHE HASTHIS WHOLE THING ABOUT NOT MEMORIZING TOO.
Instructor complains if you take longer than 20mins on her 50 application based question exam in a 50min long class period. She will continuously remind you how long it took her to prepare the lecture for the day as if its not her job. I wouldn't reccommend this instructor to anyone. If you do take Deemah make sure you have plenty of patience.
really like her not bad shd be able to study she has great SI who really help ,you need to study hard but she is a nice person really helpful
Great class. Professor Schirf gives plenty of opportunity to succeed on her tests. Those who complain about "application questions" and having to read the book don't belong in the class anyways. This is college. Biology isn't supposed to be an easy course. Key to an easy A: Read the book and take an interest in the subject.
I agree with that last 2 comments made. She's amazing and really wants you to comprehend the material. Yes, it's hard but ask around, ALL of the bio classes are hard to so SUCK IT UP! Don't blame the teacher b/c because there are SI sessions and she is very uderstanding if you only talk to her. Work with her and not against her and i promise that y
The key to passing Deemah's class is keeping up with your reading. The chapters are 10 pages long at the most and alot of her test questions are based straight out of the book. If your a pre-med student you should take her. If you dont want to read or attend class then your pretty lazy and need to question if you really want to be in college
read the book. do reviews that si gives you and if greg gives you one. she is kind of confusing. talks bout her problems and why she is always late to class. she is not a bad person tho, the material is just hard to understand like all bio classes
stay away! she didnt give us a syllabus or anything! she tells you to study one thing and test you on something completely different. she expects way to much out of a bio1 class. all she talks about is how her kids are soo smart and how her other classes are amazing! if you want to fail then take her class. you wont pass unless you are her favorite
Deemah's tests are very challenging, it isnt just memorizing it is application. However she really does care about her students and is available. Read the book before you come to class and talk and she will love you. Not an easy A but very attainable. Again, definitly not a blow off.
Read the book, go to SI with Jossina, and do the reviews from Greg and Jossina. Lecture is pretty much straight from the book. She does care very much that you pass, and give a good effort. She's a very good person...
This class is not difficult if you put forth the right amount of effort. Read. Listen. Study. She NEVER dismisses a question. If it will take too much time to answer, she's always willing to speak with you after class. She really does put in more effort to help those that really want it and need it, contrary to what some posters here say.
Horrible teacher. I have no idea how this lady got a job as a teacher. Class consists of her talking about what shes gonna talk about. Next thing you know, class is over and she hasnt talked about anything. Her explanations are really unclear. DO NOT TAKE HER unless its the last resort.
she is overall a nice person. but her class is extremely hard. if you think her test is straight-forward and easy, you are wrong because her test is 70% application. the class average was really low. so at least you are extremely talented in biology, she is not the best for you.
She's a nice person, but she's extremely unavailable. She also skips around a lot in her lectures and doesn't give students enough time to copy notes. Her tests are ridiculously hard and the review is posted last minute on web CT, which sucks because it's so long and difficult to get through in the short amount of time before the exams.
late to class, carries on with former students during class, doesnt post notes in time. just my experience. IMO, not a good prof.
HORRIBLE&very disorganized.i agree with the last post which states"lectures consist of her talking about what she is going to talk about".by the time u know it class is over and she really hasn't explained anything.i was very disappointed with this instructor's abilities to teach and the organization of the class.take someone else if uwant2 learn
pleasant to talk to, helpful, reviews for exams come in handy!
Horrible!!! All she does is complain about people who don't show up up because she is boring! I wish I never had taken her. Lectures are boring and she skips around and let the class out early, when actually we are paying lots of money for nothing! she is not a really good help.
hard to understand but helps you figure out your own answers. Attendence isnt mandatory but it helps going to class, covers things that arent in the book. skips around a lot so its a little hard to follow, but if you show up to class regularly youll be fine. Dont take her if youre not up for a challenge, be prepared to learn a lot on your own
I LOVED this class! You get into groups of 2 and present info to the rest of the class. Its a great way of learning instead of just reading it straight from the book. I actually learned a lot!
Had her for Genetics. I loved the class - go to lecture, sit up front, and PAY ATTENTION. You can't goof off in her class. She's always willing to help those who try hard. Maybe not the best teacher, but she's a scientist - she knows the field very well, which makes the practical application of the subject really easy after her class
The exams are nothing like the lecture or book!
She is a great teacher in my opinion. The class is not extremely hard but u can't slack off. She has a great SI and a great teacher assistant. She also gives the class a test review for each exam. Sometimes there maybe random pop quizzes, if attendance is low...so GO TO CLASS (even though it's not mandatory).
This is the teacher you've been waiting for. You have to make an effort and learn the material.. but if you run into problems she will help and is totally understanding... The BEST!
okay. i had her for genetics she knows her stuff and is really helpful if you make the effort to go and ask her questions. she gives extra credit on the tests. however! she is everywhere. her lectures are almost pointless. she posts all the powerpoints and there are quizes online. the quizes kill you! she is a tricky person. overall: i give her a B
Worst teacher I?ve hade in my four years of attending UTSA. Take her and you will learn nothing! She should be removed from her position as a professor. Some of the negatives include: rudeness, lack of comprehension of the subject she?s teaching, and a high degree of unprofessionalism.
Awesome professor, she is really helpfull and will make everything clear. If you are going to medical school is better to take her. I took her for both bios and learned a lot, aplication questions are for the purpose of comprehending the material and should be thankfull not to having memorize the whole book!!! She is the BEST of the BEST!!!
Has to be by far the worst teacher I have ever had. Bouces all over the place in her lectures. Talks about what the lecture is contaning more that actually talking about the lecture. Also talks to you like you know everything already and says "This should be review" hundreds of times throughout the course. Take a diffent course or get another prof
Ok so I have read through some of these comments about Deemah. Let me put it in perspective. I am currently a first year medical student who is in the midst of med genetics and cell science. I had deemah when I was a soph at UTSA and I cant tell you how well prepared I feel from taking her class.She can skip around but in the end you get tons out.
The worst teacher I have taken at UTSA. She shows up late to class, complains about everything that doesn't have to do with biology, then teaches biology for the last 30 minutes, and gives you a test about nothing she taught you..She expects you to think out of the box but doesn't teach you to think this way. She has favorites, and accepts bribes.
She told me i was dumb and ugly
She was so mean and made me cry said my mom was just a nobody
Ok..after reading some of the comments left, I have to say I almost thought these students were talking about another Deemah Schirf! I am now in my last few months of PA school and feel as though I had such a solid foundation in Biology because of the classes she taught! Biology is tough! She was an EXCELLENT professor!
Class Info
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.08 avg changeRatings by Course
2113
5.0
(1)BIOLOGYII
5.0
(1)BIO1AND
5.0
(1)BIO11131123
5.0
(1)BIO1223
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
GEN2313
5.0
BIO1033
5.0
BIO3004
5.0
BIO1406
5.0
GEN1
5.0