3.7
Quality4.4
Difficulty53%
Would Retake99
Reviews53%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
54
4
11
3
7
2
2
1
25
What Students Say
“The best class I've taken in college”
ECN214 - 5.0 rating“Fernando is ah-mazing”
ECN312 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
11%
Textbook Required
23%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.92 avg changeRatings by Course
ECN214
5.0
(4)ECN510
5.0
(2)ECN453
4.1
(11)ECN303
4.0
(1)ECN312
3.6
(78)Difficulty by Course
ECN502
5.0
ECN212
5.0
ECN453
4.5
ECN214
4.5
ECN312
4.4
Reviews (99)
Bertran is an excellent professor. He is extremely intelligent. His class is harder than most senior level economics courses. On the other hand it was informative and interesting. Highly recommended, although you should know your calculus and microeconomics really well. Great professor though, definitely one of the best I've had.
I found this professor very hard, and confusing. If you don?t understand the material then you are doomed to fail. Although the course material is a little difficult, this professor made it hard to follow. This class was really tough and his homeworks and exams are brutal.
Great professor! The class was extremely hard but he did a great job at explaining everything. I came into this class as an Economics minor and he made me fall in love with the class to the point I changed my major. As long as you understand math and like economics I recommend him. I would love to take another class with him!
He's a brilliant professor! Homework and tests are hard as hell, but he's extremely helpful during office hours.I'd recommend him if you're interested in economics and good at math. He's damn smart and i've learned a ton from his class.
Brilliant Professor. Uses the difficulty of the material to force you to find a new way to learn it, that alone makes the class invaluable. Brutal hw (not mandatory but can be added to exam), brutal exams. Its like training for everest so you can dive the mariana. Great professor though.
This professor is amazing! His classes are challenging and his hw is even more so (but no mandatory -- nor attendance). His class and office are always full, and I have never learned so much in my life! Plus he's pretty cool to just talk to. A++++
He is really amazing, friendly, smart. He can teach you a lot, the best ECN professor in ASU. Very highly recommended.
The best class I've taken in college. If you love econ or math, find a class to take from him. Any class. Difficult, but not because he's unclear or it's tedious. He challenges you. Attendance isn't required but everyone shows up to class anyway because it's interesting and going to his class is the best way to learn. No book and hw is optional.
This class is hard anyways: it's the weed-out class for economics majors. However, this professor made it so interesting and I really learned a lot. There is a lot of math involved in the course, but if you learn the one method (LaGrange) then you're set for the rest of it. He was always available to help outside of class. I would recommend him!
Amazing professor. Very clearly articulated and encourages class participation. His expectations are high and he certainly challenges you. Exams are difficult but fair. Hands down my favorite class in college so far.
This class changed my life. Honestly. It will take several hours per week outside of class in order to really learn the material in a way that will allow you to ace the exams and pass the homeworks - it's quite challenging. Leiva-Bertran's ECN 312 teaches you to think about the world in an entirely new (quantitative) way. Highly recommend.
He is nice and interesting. But he was trying to scare us with the extremely tough homework and exam. Actually the grading is pretty reasonable, you get A when you get 60 out of 100. Not much work but make sure you understand the lectures. Finally, if you really love economics, he is the one.
Fernando is ah-mazing. The homework are ridiculously hard, but if you can do it you can easily do the test and you get the extra credit! He will explain concepts in different ways until you understand the idea. I have never respected a professor more. ECN 312 is a hard class, but if you take it with Fernando you will be prepared for any ECN class!
Tough, but great. You must be comfortable with math, up to date on your calculus, go to every class and put in the time. If not, you'll fail. But if you put in the time, it's worth it. You'll learn a ton. He is an amazing lecturer and I took every class he taught. It helped convince me to be an economics major. Favorite professor in the department.
While taking this class you will have a lovehate relationship with it. You will hate that the homework feels impossible and you will hate that your grade is basically the 3 tests. But you will love the way Bertran teaches. Class can be mentally draining. Sit in the front. Don't be afraid to participate. Everyone CAN get an A but not everyone will.
Dr. Leiva-Bertran was my favorite Economics professor at ASU. He is funny and brilliant, well-loved by many students. He is also notorious for extremely difficult tests, though there is usually a generous curve. His classes seldom have mandatory homework, but you really need to complete the hw if you hope to pass.
Bertran is absolutely amazing. I am foregoing an easy A class next semester just to take another class by him. A phenomenal professor who challenges you to do your best. If you are not motivated to succeed however, he will not babysit you & you will simply be part of the 50% fail rate. If you do your best - he will go out of his way to help you.
Brilliant professor, knows his stuff inside and out. Tests are hard, hws are crazy hard. You do learn a lot though.
He told us we would never fail in any classes in the WPC as far as u would be able to pass his class. I didn't believe it at the beginning. I ended his class with a fine grade by working extremely hard. I skipped 80% of my classes in the following semester, and I pass all of them with B's even without reading books. One of the best in ASU.
Professor Bertran is wonderful, clear in lectures, and goes the extra mile for his students. His tests reflect concepts learned in class but are not direct copies of the problems worked so be prepared to do some creative thinking on test day. The class builds off its itself so if you don't understand a concept seek tutoring! Textbook isnt the best.
The best professor I have had in undergraduate. The way the class is taught is as if the students have to come up with the theory, while he simply mediates. He truly extracts knowledge from the students. Very tough course, but the ROI is worth the hard work. Brilliant professor.
By far the most difficult class I have ever taken, requiring at least 10 hours of studying a week. Bertran moves quickly through lectures but is very willing to help explain things again during office hours
Fernando is the best professor I have ever met in ASU. I love the way he teaches. The assignment is harder than the exam, and if u do the assignment you will def pass the exam. He makes me love Economics and brings us a lot of joy. Preview before the class will help greatly. And he did the curve. Over all, a great professor you won't wanna miss.
I feel so lucky to enroll in his class. Life changing. Fernando is both humorous and rational. The final grade is decided by the three exams, but you will get extra credits by doing the hw. One for 5 credits! I LOVE this course because of Fernando.
The most inspiring teacher I ever meet! ECN 510 is challenging but interesting. This is my first microeconomics course. It is not easy at the beginning and the exam time is tight. But I really learn a lot in this course and Leiva is really intelligent and nice. Make sure you need to pay enough time and efforts in this course.
amazing class. smart pro.
Leiva-Bertran forces students to think conceptually, often allowing them to work through the processes rather than display it all on his own. Tests are 100% of the grade in the class, though the minimal homework provides a slight boost to test grades. It's a difficult class, but he teaches it exceedingly well.
This class is very hard. You have to work really hard to pass the class. The professor is a great professor and he teaches really well, however, he does not give examples in class. Rather, you have To go through the brutal homework. You need to ask for help to pass the class, he will not baby you.
This class is tough. You have to put the effort in to do well. He is a great teacher but he doesn't baby you. You have to work to understand the concepts. The class is tough but he applies a nice curve to the tests. If you are looking for a class to take second semester senior year that you can sleep through, this isn't it. But I enjoyed it
Very impressive. This is a hard class but very interesting. Bertran is smart and nice. He teaches in his own way. Don't try to catch up by reading the text book, but you can go to his office hour and he is very patient. Be prepared to read his novels in the exams. He writes stories and each paragraph comes with an hard exercise.
Bertran's great. Incredibly intelligent, interesting, and energetic about Econ. One of my favorite profs here. There are three tests. Homework is available for bonus points (if you do really well on it, which you will find difficult). The key is to go to class, listen, and engage. Tests are based on class examples--use homework to study.
Hands down the best professor I have ever had. He made me fall in love with economics. The class is very hard and he expects a lot of of you, but in the end it is all worth it. He is so funny and so kind, I encourage you to go to his office hours. He truly wants you to succeed. I am so in love with Bertran! Take his class, you won't regret it!!!
If you're looking for an easy 400 lvl class, don't take this. However, Fernando is one of the best professors I've had but he really challenges you. The homework is optional but you really should do it, and go to office hours if you're having trouble. The tests are insane, but if you're comfortable with HW you'll do ok.
He teaches grad level classes as well, but can't seem to adjust his teaching style from a grad level class to an undergrad class. Have heard some of the questions on undergrad homework (which is over the top difficult) is the same or very similar to the grad level homework problems
Most confusing professor in the world. Gives the most difficult exams you'll ever take, which have absolutely nothing to do with the jumble of illegible nonsense scribbled in 10pt. font on the board. Flying through concepts and answering questions with questions he often even confuses himself! Worst prof i EVER had - AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE
This class is tough. Itll be tough no matter who you take it with, but Betrans class is known for being the hardest. That being said, he is an amazing professor who really does a great job of teaching economics. If you want to do well, do the homework even though its only worth extra credit. The homework is the best way to practice for the exams
I feel as if I am in two states simultaneously - I am grateful that Dr. Bertran cares very much about our understanding and the explanation of concepts, but I am also coming to terms that this is the hardest class I have ever taken. It continues to challenge me on levels I thought not possible. If you are courageous, you will survive this class.
As an economics major, I was recommended to take honors microeconomics; boy, I was in for a surprise. This class is hard, but Fernando makes it one of the most interesting and engaging classes I've ever taken. He is the coolest, most well respected profs in the department. If you have the chance and prepare for a hard curriculum, take his classes
This was probably the most difficult class I've taken in my entire life, but it was worth it. Bertran is fantastic at explaining the concepts and the in class examples can really help on the (incredibly difficult) homework. You have to really work for it and need a decent grasp on math, but now I know I chose the right major!
Amazing professor, but tough class! DO NOT MISS CLASS, I cannot stress how important it is to show up everyday . His lectures are thorough , and if you pay close attention , you will not need the textbook at all and you will save a lot of time. Homework on the other hand is extremely difficult , it challenges you, but will make the exams easier.
VERY challenging course content which requires extensive time outside of class to master. In class is all lecture but Fernando will not waste your time so attend! He's a pretty chill guy with unwaveringly high expectations, and will do what he can to help you. Textbooks are optional but can help with understanding concepts. 3 exams your grade.
Decent professor but easily the hardest class I have ever taken at ASU. Entire grade is the average of 3 exams in which, with the curve, a 30% is passing (should give you an idea of how ridiculous this class is). The homeworks are extra credit to your exam score but could take 8+ hours to complete. No powerpoints only spoken lecture
He doesn't take attendance, but if you don't show up to class be ready to struggle. He explains concepts rather than problem templates unlike a lot of other professors though. Taking him again for ECN 453.
I was honestly underwhelmed with Fernando. The online lectures are dry powerpoints and the way he walks through things is pretty esoteric. At his office hours he speak to students somewhat condescendingly and seems like he's in a hurry to wrap it up. I relied more on youtube videos and google to better grasp course material and topics.
I'm sure he's a nice guy in person but his online teaching style is pretty unclear and confusing. Could be better and walking through things so people wouldn't have to rely on outside resources to get through the class.
Leiva Bertran is the worst professor I've ever had! I don't usually write reviews, but he is so bad I felt I should warn others. The class average is 40, he complicates the material and unreachable out of class. You literary don't learn anything, you just panic and cry all semester.
Bertran is an awful professor. Don't believe me? ask your advisor before signing for his class. I learned by watching youtube videos because his lectures are confusing and broad. this class was a waste of money and time. He's also unreachable out of class, you won't find him if you went to his office hours and he's so disorganized
Most of the reviews say that this class is very hard, and your probably thinking, "oh how hard could it be", well that's what I thought, and I regret taking it. Professor is amazing, nice, really cares about his students, but the material is really hard, he even admits it in class, that most of the stuff he teaches should be in a graduate program.
The most rigorous professor in the department, you'll have to work hard to survive, but it will be worth it if you genuinely want to push your understanding of the subject. He's super helpful in office hours and a great person and he is always willing to have extra office hours if you contact him. Go to office hours if you want to pass well.
He makes the class unnecessarily hard. Gives no feedback on homework so you have no idea what you got wrong. Best part is the homework isn't graded till after the exam so you end up messing up the same stuff because he doesn't tell you why something is wrong.
Dr. Bertran believes that application is the best way to learn, and with this class, it is. He's super nice and caring, and he goes through everything step by step. He really tries to involve students and develop your critical thinking. It's challenging, but worth it. If you take this class with him, you'll be ready for any econ course.
Though this course will likely be the most challenging econ course you will ever take, Dr. LB is a great instructor and does a great job at "dumbing" down the concepts. The course is graded off homework/Exams and there is one extra credit opportunity at the beginning of the semester. Tutoring is provided, and exams are curved. 10/10 recommend.
Great Professor but concepts taught are very difficult and the entire class is math-based yet always taught with concepts. there are a few examples that he uses but it's typically 1 or 2 examples per test and they are always way more simplified than the ones on the test.
Very "interesting" class structure. There are 3 units; one test and two homeworks per unit Tests are 100pts, and are the only grades in the class. Tests are insanely hard but have a steep curve (48 was a B last unit). Calculus heavy Homework is 5pts extra credit each for the test. You have abt 2 weeks to do each hw, and they take abt 8hrs to do.
Professor Bertan is a respected professor. That being said, this class was the hardest class I've ever taken. Scores on the tests average around 30-40%. If you decide to take him, make sure to have a solid grasp on calculus & do the hws to prepare for the tests. It will feel like a hard class but, in reality, it's pretty hard to fail w/ the curve.
This class is hard, and Bertran isnt doing anyone any favors. No course materials except his lectures, and he hates examples so hell only cover things in a very conceptual and simple form before assigning complex problems for hw and tests. Unless you have a solid calc background youll be behind. Hed rather be tough than see students succeed.
not a good prof, I guess all these good reviews are written by the two kids in each class that understand him but 90% of people are confused out of their minds. passed this class from youtube videos of professors at other schools. if your learning style is not exclusively reading messy writing off a whiteboard youll suffer. avoid if you can.
I think it might be a problem with the teacher when 40% on tests consistently gets curved to a B. You will have no idea whats going on but apparently thats normal. No feedback and not accommodating to student needs
Dr. Bertran has been my favorite prof at ASU so far. He only explains theory, not example problems, but if you take time to understand what he explains (which he does well), the homework isn't too bad. The whole course grade is the average of 3 exam grades which are heavily curved. There are several HW assignments which are EC and take lots of time
Professor Bertran is an amazing professor. The advice I can give is go to tutoring hours as much as possible for help with homework, complete all homework, and go to class. If you think this class will be easy to pass you're in the wrong class. I am not smart at all but I put in the work and ended up passing. If I can do it many others can too.
Dr. Bertran doesn't screw around. His ECN312 class is essentially two to three classes in one. THis comes with positive consequences; you will be incredibly well prepared for any future ECN classes within the program and you will walk away with a newfound respect for how hard economics can be. That being said, be ready to study your ass off.
This was the hardest class I've ever taken. Homework takes upwards of 2 WEEKS even though I went to tutoring & office hours 3-4 times a week. The semester I took this class, a 26% was required to pass with a C, I was at 25.7% and emailed asking him to round & explained my difficulties the past few weeks as I got COVID and he didn't even respond.
Hardest class I've ever taken. Homework was 5 points and took forever to complete. Exams were 3-4 free response questions. First class I've ever failed IN MY LIFE. Made me and several other students switch our majors from econ. He was nice at times but mainly made me feel dumb, went too fast and acted like we should already know everything.
NEVER TAKE THIS PROFESSOR FOR ECN 312. I had to go to the tutoring center 2 times a week and it took over 6 hours to do each homework assignement. the tutors for this course even say that he teaches it at a gradaute level. His tests are curved so a 75 is an A but when most of the class gets a 50 on the exam, its hard to get an A in the class.
I barely scathed by with an A. It was difficult, very difficult. And confusing.
I cannot stress enough how little you will hear from him and how difficult he will make it for you to reach him. I really wanted to like him because he's so knowledgeable. Pros -Helpful zoom reviews Cons -No/extremely late response to ANY communication attempt -Pushes usage of slack but won't respond -Posts grades at very last moment
Do not take this professor!!! Hard to review a professor when he had almost zero online presence. Almost never interacts with students on the discussion board used for questions. Get ready to essentially teach yourself. Made me feel like a burden who was bothering him to get any kind of response.
Worst professor I've ever had. Never answered students in slack after the first week and took ages to respond to emails or didn't reply at all. What's the point of being in education if you don't interact with your students? Still waiting on my first assignment to be graded and the class ended almost a week ago.
DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. ECN 312 is already a hard class but I feel like he made it even harder with how he taught. He came across as very arrogant and made me feel stupid if I didn't catch onto the topics immediately. He also stopped responding to student's questions in slack which was annoying when you're struggling in a class.
I thought at first that the reason he wasn't interacting with students was because he had a lot of classes to teach but when I looked at his ASU profile it said he only had three this whole semester. What is the excuse then for not helping your students?
Extremely hard class and exams and absolutely no feedback on the work. Since it was online most of it was automated so it's not like he had a lot to grade himself. Even just class statistics would have been nice. Also never responded to any of my emails. Held a few zoom reviews to say he helped us but there was no practical application.
AVOID AVOID AVOID. Holding 3 zoom meetings does not make up for the fact that you're a horrible professor who won't help your students. Arrogant personality and acts like he's too important to respond to students IN HIS OWN CLASS.
I don't think ive ever taken a class where so many students collectively disliked a professor. I took the 8 week online version and he hasn't posted our grades from the very first assignment. literally the only thing he had to grade himself. also don't bother using slack because he wont respond.
I've had some flaky economics professors but this one takes the cake. Luckily I already knew most of the content in the course or I would have been really mad in this class by how little the guy actually taught or answered questions. Just because it's an online class doesn't mean you can ignore us.
Just wait until you can take ECN 312 with another professor. I can't speak for how he is in other classes but he was awful teaching ECN 312. You really will feel like you've been abandoned by your professor.
I literally had to go through admin just to get a response from this professor. Still hasn't graded all of the assignments from the beginning of class and it ended a week ago.
ECN 312 is an innately difficult class. Bertran does a good job explaining the theory, but much of your time will be spent outside the class with the tutors. This class takes up the time of about two courses. Most difficult class in major. All profs with this course are tough, but this one is the best.
Dr. Bertran is one of the best professors I have ever had. His presentation of information is gifted. If you want to pursue an advanced economics degree, I highly recommend you take 312 with Bertran. The class is not easy, but if you pay attention, ask questions, go to tutoting, and do the homework, you will succeed.
I am confused all the time ?
Professor Bertran is a great professor and knows what he is talking about. Out of all the professors I have had thus far, I have never seen someone who is able to explain concepts at such a deep level and break it down for you to understand. Make sure to go to his office hours and to tutoring, this will ensure you are using all of the resources.
Smartest person I have ever met. Has an unbelievably solid grasp on the material he teaches and has students build and think the theory with him. Doesn't mess around, always tells you what you need to hear. The class is difficult, but if you're interested in economics and want strong economics knowledge, Bertran is the professor you want for 312.
Fernando is one of the best teachers I have met. His ability to explain intuition, economics, and mathematics and to build the material from bottom-up is almost unparalleled. Pay attention to what he has to say, ask questions, and you will learn so much from him. Thank you Fernando for helping me see some beautiful microeconomics.
Professor Bertran is old school when it comes to teaching the class. He only uses the whiteboard; the information can be all over the place because of how much content needs to be taught. Be prepared to always be at office hours or the tutor to do the homework because the information taught doesn't help with the homework. Knowing the theory is key!
This is the most conceptually advanced class that I have ever taken, but it is so rewarding in the end. Professor Bertran is the best, and his way of explaining concepts is incredible. You will most likely need to put in a lot of time into this class. (Do not be afraid to go to office hours or tutoring!)
Fernando is the smartest person I've ever met. Has an amazing grasp of the material he teaches and is able to eloquently present it in lectures. Grade is based on 3 exams. Going to tutoring and office hours is a must to be successful. It's the most difficult class in ECN track but Fernando will prepare you perfectly for future courses.
What a brilliant guy. Involves the whole class while explaining concepts. Everything is sequential and builds strong intuition. Attend his classes, make good notes and you're set. Exams are not easy but fun. You're gonna appreciate him even more when you get a snoozefest for other classes.
This is the professor to take if you are pursuing a graduate degree. He breaks down topics incredibly well and has very interactive lectures that help understanding. Your grade hinges on 3 exams and homework is extra credit. Participation necessary to pass since there is not a lot of material outside of lectures. Go to office hours.
You need to go to office hours. Tests are very similar to homework problems so office hours will make this class 100x easier. He's extremely helpful in office hours. There were too many times that I left class completely confused, and 15 minutes in office hours completely changed everything.
He's the worst, and the tests are way too hard. It feels like he doesn't care about students at all. He said he's not afraid of us, but that's totally not the point! It's about him teaching, not about who's intimidated by who
I literally learned nothing on his classes. He is such a back professor that to pass his first and second exam you only needed to get a 30% on them. I don't see a point on even studying for this class.
I spent at least 10 hours doing his homework every week cuz it's way harder than it should be. He's also a tough grader. I don't think he care abt us honestly.
Taking his class is wasting your time to get a low grade
Dr. Leiva's class was very difficult. However if you take the class seriously (Attend lectures, go to office hours, and honestly do the homeworks) then the amount of Economic knowledge and problem solving skills you will gain is invaluable. Also, Dr. Leiva is willing to help with any problem in either his office hours or review sessions.
Bertran is a diamond in the rough. He has the best economic intuition I've seen, and incredible depth of knowledge. Lectures are invaluable; homeworks are difficult (and very thought-provoking), but exams are no worse than intro micro; grades are solely based on the (heavily curved) tests, though. Not an easy class by econ standards, but worth it.
This was a quality economics class that ACTUALLY taught me something and prepared me for my future ecn classes!! Pay attention to class, though the hw is optional, the concepts and practice is key to doing well on the tests. Very helpful in office hours and genuinely supports students who keep in the effort. Amazing professor!!
The class set up with only 6 extra credit, non-practical homework sets and 3 tests is a bit questionable, he is the best professor to take for this class. Definitely the first hard class an econ student will take, Leiva-Bertran is very knowledgeable and is willing to help students. He seems intimidating at first but he's very approachable
Fernando is the best professor!!! TAKE HIM FOR 312!!! The class is SO hard, but he is fantastic. He gives amazing lectures, is always available for office hours, and he does not want you to fail. If you work hard in this class you will pass it, he will do anything he can to help you out. That being said, the homeworks and tests are impossible.
This is your guy if you care about learning economics. Bad news: very difficult material if unprepared, grade is based only on exams (3), homework is very difficult and deep. Good news: lectures are very informative, he and his tutor are very accessible, and you'll really know the material when you finish. Advice: refresh derivatives and algebra.
Amazing professor. Show up to lectures and go to office hours. Great lectures, really engaging and make sure to participate in them. Really helps build your economic intuition rather than memorization. Overall, really cares about his students.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
11%
Textbook Required
23%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.92 avg changeRatings by Course
ECN214
5.0
(4)ECN510
5.0
(2)ECN453
4.1
(11)ECN303
4.0
(1)ECN312
3.6
(78)Difficulty by Course
ECN502
5.0
ECN212
5.0
ECN453
4.5
ECN214
4.5
ECN312
4.4