4.7
Quality2.5
Difficulty100%
Would Retake88
Reviews100%
Would Retake
88
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
72
4
10
3
3
2
2
1
1
What Students Say
“This teacher is absolutely the BEST”
BIOL260 - 5.0 rating“Very organized and excellent power points”
BIOL260 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
72%
Textbook Required
26%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.47 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO213
5.0
(3)BIOBIO
5.0
(1)BIOL160
5.0
(3)BIOLOGY
5.0
(2)BIO170
5.0
(3)Difficulty by Course
BIOBIO
3.0
BIO260
3.0
BIOL260
2.8
BIO160
2.8
BIO201203
2.5
Reviews (88)
Elysia is a very nice, and most of the time pretty understanding. But, she's really unclear and sometimes she seems unsure about the material she's teaching.... Kinda leads the student to doubt what's happening. She's okay.
She's nice, but she will remember you if you're late for class. Her most of the questions are from the study guides. Easy to study.
She's so sweet. You'll like her class it's fun. Botany is the best. There's great projects and lots of fun stuff.
Great personality, very nice teacher! She WANTS you to succeed, and will give ec projects along the way. Her tests are very comprehensive, but if you study the lecture content, you should be fine! A 4.0 is very possible in her class. Exciting, well-prepared labs. Made me fall in love with Biology. Awesome professor in many ways!
Atten. Mandatory for Lab. She isnt helpful if you have a question in lab or on a test after you get it back. Her lecture is boring
This teacher is really helpful when it comes to Biology. She is passionate on what she does and it really shows. All you have to do is copy her PowerPoint notes, listen to her, and do the labs, you can easily get a 4.0.
Elysia is a really good teacher. You learn alot from her. She is very clear on what she wants you to know for your tests, and she is organized. She grades fast and helps you. She is really excited about teaching which makes the class fun
love this teacher!!! extra credit! Nice, simple labs, study guides note cards on last few test.
She is an awesome teacher and allows you the use of a handwritten note card on some of the tests, which helps with test anxiety. She's really cool too!
Mbuja is very clear as to the standards, and she will give you plenty of opportunity to earn extra credit. Pay attention to the PowerPoint and take good notes and you'll be fine.
I love this prof! Her material is mainly her concise powerpoints. I haven't had to open my textbook, it's more a supplement. If you are having trouble in lab, she is very willing to help you not just get a correct answer, but also make sure you understand. Lots of extra credit opportunities!
I love this teacher. She is clear in all of her lessons and I understood everything that she taught. I got a 4.0 easily in her class and if you take good notes and turn in your homework on time and study for tests you would get a 4.0 too.
While shes nice, I cant help but feel as if we skimmed over a lot of material. There is little homework, but that means more weight on the tests. If you do poorly on one test, it may ruin your chance at an A. Long powerpoints are the basis of the class- studying them I recommend. If I were to persue chem, I would feel the need to retake this class.
I took Chemistry 100 with her and learned nothing. She uses dull powerpoints and her tests are easy. I showed up one day a week for about half the class and still got a 4.0 in the class. If you do the homework, it's incredibly easy.
In the first week of lab, she brought up animal testing and started making points that made it seem like it was okay. I was incredibly offended and am dreading going back to class. She isn't sensitive to her very diverse group of students and is incredibly dry.
I found this class to be extremely hard. She is a very nice lady, but I could not learn in this class. I do not know why, but during lectures the info would just not seep in. The tests were hard and so was lab. Also, it was confusing.
all of the negative comments are by students who dont attend her class regularly & are making excuses for themselves. She is so sweet and gives you all the opportunity in the world to excel in her class. She offers extra credit & allows a note card for each test and actually grades homework to make sure you do it. def knowledgeable and my fav prof
Mrs. Mbuja is an amazing biology teacher. Her style of teaching works well and the labs are very hands on. We got to do two walks around the lake and also got to teach 5th graders. All in all a very fulfilling class and a very dedicated instructor. I would definitely recommend taking any of her classes.
this teacher was so much fun and i have taken her for 2 classes. all you need to do is pay attention in class and do the work. she brings life to the subject and makes it easy to understand. I have put off taking classes so that i can wait till she teaches them. I would recommend her to anyone!
Great teacher, just follow along on powerpoints and you will get an easy 4.0
All you have to do is follow powerpoints, easy
Fantastic teacher! I would suggest her to anyone! Very very clear about what she wants. Everything is on power points and gives you a study guide. If you study the study guide and follow the power points you can get a 4.0. I plan on taking her again!
My last biology with Prof. Mbuja was Micro (bio 260) and I wish I could take her again. Took her for bio 160 too. This teacher is absolutely the BEST. 7am labs during the intensive summer course was a challenge but Prof. Mbuja's class is all worth getting up for in the mornings. I wish Pierce would hire more teachers like her. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
very motivating. good explanation
This professor is a gift 2 students. You have 2 work 4 your grade, but she offers x-tra credit & she's so understanding & helpful. Her guidance in lab's extraordinary. I've felt thrown 2 the wolves & overwhelmed by previous teachers in a lab setting. I didn't think I'd find micro interesting, but I was fascinated & having such a good teacher's why.
I have taken BIO 160 and BIO 260 with Elysia and she is hands down one of the best! She truly cares for your education and wants only the best for her students. Her tests are tough but if you put in the work and study regularly, you'll do great! Thanks to her I learned to love microbiology! She's a rarity in her profession and a diamond at that!
Vee hard class don't plan on skipping even rhe lectures. If you study well you will do well on the tests. Extra credit is available.
Everything that is on her tests is in the study guides online, if you study you will get an A easily. I can't imagine anyone not passing her class if they put in even a little effort. (expect to spend about 1 hour of studying/homework per night). Very nice and funny professor, wears funny science shirts.
I have had the pleasure of taking Mbujas 160 and 260 class and both were amazing. If you want a great experience in biology take her. She makes you work for your grade so don't take her too lightly. One of my favorite professors at Pierce. Make sure you take great notes and study for the FINAL! If not, it will get you in the end. Good luck!
Mbuja was amazing. I wish she taught all my classes. I will miss having her. She really does care about your success. She is probably one of the best professors I have had.
If you have any problems, she'll help you as best as she could. She gives tons of extra credit and all her exams are covered in the studyguide. Textbook is recommended, and although she said the lab manual is required, you don't have to buy it since she could give you one to look at in her lab. Elysia is 1 of 2 awesome teachers I had ever had.
Took 2 classes with her, she's the best. BIO 160 and 260 are not easy classes but she gives clear study guides, which makes it much easier. also, she gives a ton of extra credit.
professor Mbuja is an awesome professor she does her best to make lectures fun but informative, her tests are on what she lectures. she gives study guides so you know what to study for on the exam. labs are fun and pretty easy and the lab practicals test you on what you have learned in lab.
A lot of information to learn and Elysia makes sure you get it. Very straight forward layout you can know what to expect all quarter. I took her for another course as well I recommend her to everyone.
Professor is knowledgeable and supportive. If you miss a lab you can't make it up.
Elysia's hybrid biology class was fun & interactive. The weekly labs were kept interesting & the online learning program, Biobeyond, was easy to follow. If you show up and participate in the labs, post discussions on the forums, & complete the weekly biobeyond work you ought to do very well. Elysia is patient & understanding, & easy to work with.
Very organized and excellent power points. She made learning micro easy and answered any questions you had. She gave you what you needed in canvas for the exams and lab practicals. Her labs were easy to follow and structured. Lots of extra credit opportunities as well. Exams weren't confusing and followed her lectures.
Mbuja is the best!!!! I so wish she taught 241 and 242. Her lecture went right along with her PowerPoints and was easy to understand. The labs were good and she was very helpful if you needed.
LOVED this class. Elysia was ALWAYS helpful, passionate and knowledgeable about micro. Her lecture and labs are super organized and it makes studying so easy. It really helps you understand and find your own interest in micro. She is funny, kind and prompt with responses. She gives fun extra cred assignments as well.
I never liked biology too much. However, Elysia Mbuja her class was very informative and easy to follow. She is very knowledgeable in her field, and I definitely recommend her.
Took the Hybrid Course. So simple. All you need to do is keep up with the weeks work. No tests, only one final. The course is run through an online program that learns to adapt to your answers which will help you better understand that chapter/topic. Must show up for labs to get credit. One page of notes for the EASY final. Highly recommend taking
If she sees that you are putting in the work in her class she will work with you if you ask for an extention on assignments. IF she is offering more than one of the same class than she will allow you to make up your missed day in the other class. She really cares about her students. THere is quiet a bit of homework but its a biology class..
I had Mbuja for lab and she was great! Interactive and nice, really clear about what needed to be done and helped explain it if you didn't understand
By far one of my favorite teachers. Gives study guide that the test are actually 100% based on. Allowed one notecard with each test and gives a ton of extra credit options. Quick to respond to email when you have questions.
Would definitely take again. Would definitely recommend!! Her class was a lot of fun & not to difficult either. She has 4 exams (+final) throughout the quarter & her study guides cover everything on the exams. Lectures arent mandatory, her slides cover all the info. Labs were fun! Go to the labs, ace the tests, youll do great.
Professor Mbuja is one of the great ones. Her teaching technique is clear and easy to follow. Microbiology was one of my absolute favorite courses and I was not expecting that!
I love this teacher. She is understanding, respectful, polite and smart. I have never heard her say a demining sentence, unlike other professors. In fact, she makes it a point to treat everyone the same, with respect and dignity. She is very approachable, and willing to help you succeed in her class.
I took this course during summer quarter, so it was shorter than other quarters. It is a tough course. She gives you everything you need to be prepared, it is up to you to study, and you should study! The tests are difficult because there is a lot of material to cover.
LOVE HER!! Hands down the best biology professor I've ever had. Elysia really does care about her students, and wants all of us to succeed. She has SOO many extra credit opportunities. I highly suggest taking her courses!!! <3
The BEST instructor I have ever taken. She made Micro so interesting and so much fun. She is such a sweet person and cares about her students. Very easy to talk to about questions you have! There is extra credit, just make sure you study! Her study guides will really help you for the exams, there are no trick questions!
Amazing professor, indeed! She is very easygoing and caring and will work with you. We used biobeyond for this class to do our work in.
Hybrid class was ok. Online textbook was fun, but lots of work. I didn't feel like I learned much, and weekly discussions were often based on things we weren't taught & had to google? Allows notes for final exam. Very sweet teacher tho, and was accessible outside of class and was open to extensions & special arrangements.
Class fully on line due to Covid 19. She was great at responding and getting back on questions in a timely manner. Offered zoom hours for any questions. Well organized online with assignments and grades. Uses BioBeyond online program instead of textbook. Definitely recommend taking her class!
I have never done well in science or even liked science she helped me learn to love science! BEST PROFESSOR EVER!!!
During covid this class was shifted into an online format and Elysia did an amazing job of accomplishing this. The textbook was optional but she provides a lot of YouTube videos, PowerPoints, and video lectures so you don't need it.
If taking the online class, the at home labs are fun and educational. The only test in the class is the comprehensive final. Beware of online education program. BioBeyond, needed for this class. It doesn't explain topics well which makes it hard to answer the questions. You will be using Google to get through those assignments.
Took her online during COVID & loved her. Shes a fast replier when you have questions & she did a fantastic job teaching the class, especially since it was all online.
Took Professor Mbuja for Biol 260 online due to covid & she made things doable & answers any questions that you may have. She was a fair grader. Her labs, worksheets & tests were all challenging at times, but she did a great job at explaining everything. Her lectures were recorded so being present during a certain time was not mandatory.
I took her for bio100 and it was the best science class I have taken! I wish she taught Bio241 or 242. 90% of your work will be on BioBeyond. She is pretty straight forward and always answered my messages enthusiastically. I would definitely take her again if I could. She is the best! You will have labs, discussion, community service & BioBeyond.
Took this class during COVID so everything was online, including labs. No textbook, so lessons are through BioBeyond. Lots of homework, but its easy. I suggest making a schedule, that way you wont fall behind or feel overwhelmed. Overall, amazing professor and its easy to get a good grade if you do the work. Take advantage of any extra credit!
Professor Mbuja was very kind and I enjoyed her class. Almost all work is done through an online system, Biobeyond. Labs were fairly easy and the Biobeyond was too although it can be confusing at some times. There is no midterm, and the final is almost identical to the study guide.
Great professor... Really works to help you understand whats going on... fun lab assignments.
Ms. Mbuja just wants her students to succeed! This is evident by her easy-to-understand instructions, her straightforward exams with no trick questions, and how amazingly well she prepares you for what she's putting on the exams. Study guides (including what the essay question is going to be) are provided and allowed to be used during exams!
Elysia Mbuja was awesome! The classes involved using Biobeyond which was SO much more effective to learn with over a standard text book. She was attentive and gave great feedback. When I experienced a medical emergency she was absolutely accommodating. She really went above and beyond to help me succeed and it really felt like she cared.
I took this class during COVID but when I took it a big part of the Lab was in an online model which was like a video game which made the work really engaging and fun to do instead of what I feared it would be lots of reading and tests. For this class be prepared to do stuff at home since it is a lab class. Professor is good at communication.
Elysia is such a great teacher. She sets you up for success. Lecture is organized and take good notes to get good grades on exams. She helps when needed and gives study guides too. She is positive and funny and I wish more of my professors were like her. One of the best teachers I have had.
Elysia is an amazing teacher! She is very kind and cares about her students. She responds to emails quickly and will hop on a zoom call to help you. She uses BioBeyond instead of a textbook and the program can be glitchy, but I didn't mind using it. There is a comprehensive final, but she gives you a study guide to prepare. Definitely recommend!
I won't ever forget Prof Mbuja. She cares about your success! Lectures were easy to follow and interesting. Expectations were clear, workload as expected and appropriate. I would definitely take her again (=
She was amazing!! The textbook for the class was interactive and super helpful to my learning. She was very helpful when I reached out about questions or was confused about something.
Professor Mbuja was phenomenal; I cannot rave enough about her. She was communicative, respectful,super caring, and gave me extra time on assignments. She used an interactive textbook, and I LOVED it, it would often crack jokes which I found hilarious. I highly recommend her if you need a Biology 100 credit with labs. Her labs are enjoyable too.
Super easy class. CURE project for the 211 class. Clear grading criteria. Exams are online and open-resource; even went over exam questions during class. Responds to emails quickly. Her words: expect to spend about an hour on this class outside of lecture/lab time. Highly recommend.
Used lots of visuals to convey subjects. Great teacher.
Seriously, easiest class ever! Professor Mbuja is a very nice professor and she allows late work as long as it is all finished by the end of the quarter, it won't effect your grade. Her labs are super easy as well. For the final make sure to review the study guide before you do any of the assignments. The final is easy if you take good notes.
One of the best professors at Pierce, I had some health issues and couldn't make it to the last few sessions and wasn't able to take my final lab but she made me my own online version so I wouldn't miss out on my education and it was really sweet and it shows how much she cares about her students.
I was nervous to take micro because it's supposedly such a hard class, but Elysia made the class so fun and enjoyable yet beneficial. Lectures, grading, assignments are crystal clear and easy to understand. She's so willing to work with you and make sure you're successful. One of the best teachers I've had. I loved this class. Take her!!!
I'm taking bio 100 online and the textbook she uses is great! Totally interactive and engaging. A typical week includes a discussion board, an at-home lab, and a chapter or two in the textbook. The workload is chill and everything can be turned in after the deadline for full credit. Definitely would recommend!
only in person for labs. lectures online, powerpoint with face cam & microphone going in depth on each slide. super nice lady. shes funny and makes learning about microbes somewhat entertaining. probably the most hands on lab course i've done. def take notes at home while watching lecture. allows notecard cheat sheet on tests. reasonable grader
The instructor was exceptionally responsive to questions, both during and outside of class. She encouraged us to ask questions and took the time to provide thorough, understandable answers. Her teaching style was engaging and effective. Grading and evaluation were notably fair. I highly recommend :)
Professor Elysia is absolutely amazing and I would take any of her classes again in a heartbeat if I needed more bio credits. Her assignments were fun and easily understandable, the program she uses for online assignments is super fun and informative, and she's the absolute sweetest. Responds to questions quickly and is so helpful.
Great teacher who was very understanding. Assigments were once a week and very straightforward. Would take again.
Highly recommend taking this professor!! I had her this Summer Quarter 2024 and she was very AMAZING. I passed the class with a 3.8. She's always cheerful and happy to everyone. EXTREMELY NICE AND CUTE!!! She made lab exams so much easier and relieving. Thank you professor. You're the BEST!
I loved this class because there was no homework other than studying. If you want homework and many points in the class to buffer your grade due to poor performance on exams, don't take this class. However, if you are ok with that, she does an amazing job explaining things during class, and she is clear with what she expects during exams.
LOVED HER! After having a terrible experience with micro the first time around, Elysia is proof that you can take difficult topics and make them fun! She's amazing at explaining concepts and her lectures match the tests so well! She is such a nice person and you can tell she genuinely cares about all of her students very much! Take her class!
Most of my biology and chemistry professors at Pierce haven't been that great but Elysia is a true gem! I took her for two biology classes and she is so kind and passionate about student success. She delivers phenomenal lectures and even gave us a nice extra credit assignment. She's the best you're going to get for Micro!! TAKE HER CLASS!!!
You could tell she was very passionate about micro bio especially with her fun biology related graphic t shirts but she was also super understanding and made the concepts very easy to learn. During my quarter exams were online and the practicals were also super manageable and easy to do as long as you did the labs. Overall great experience!
Professor Mbuja is amazingg, best professor I've had. She cares about her students and makes labs so fun. Most of the things on the exams are from lab so make sure you don't miss classes. I looked forward to her class would 100% take again
Extremely kind and welcoming- clearly cares about students and wants them to succeed, gladly helping to do so in any capacity. Coursework is varied so it doesn't feel stagnant or boring, and there's generous accessibility to retry or fix mistakes so you can succeed fully. Good amount of content to feel meaningful but not overwhelming or tedious
This was a really interesting class. Most assignments can be submitted multiple times for a better grade and the material is informative.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
72%
Textbook Required
26%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.47 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO213
5.0
(3)BIOBIO
5.0
(1)BIOL160
5.0
(3)BIOLOGY
5.0
(2)BIO170
5.0
(3)Difficulty by Course
BIOBIO
3.0
BIO260
3.0
BIOL260
2.8
BIO160
2.8
BIO201203
2.5