Easy class, very animated teacher, learn cool stuff, quiz easy so are tests

Very funny, interesting lectures. highly recommended

Funny. Goofy. Tells you what to study for. Great Teacher.

cool teacher, fun class, have to keep up with reading,

INCREDIBLY FUNNY AND ENTERTAINGING. you will look forward to hearing him talk he mixes the material in with his stories and you learn without knowing it. must keep up with reading though but if you do the class will be easy. makes a difficult subject fun.

Great, great teacher. Youll look forward to every single class, because not only does he make a potentially complicated subject easy to follow and understand, he ENTERTAINS you while doing it. Funniest class ever.

He is a wonderful teacher, really cares about the subject he teaches. FUNNY! Makes class fun. Weekly quizzes. Definitely keep up with reading and take good notes for tests. Lets you take a taperecorder. Definitely reccomend him.

Had Prof. Olsen at COC for psych 101 and physiological psych...one of the best and funniest profs I have ever had. COC was crazy to give him up! Loved the mouse impersonations!

Great teacher, fun, entertaining. Tough though, lots of reading, losts of tests. Must study and keep up to pass the class.

Absolutely wonderful. Never a dull moment.

they need to make him a full time teacher. i would take every class he teaches. totally engages the students and makes them laugh while learning. highly highly recommended.

He's a nice and funny guy. Hard M/C tests but he gives you extra credit if you read a couple books and summarize them to him orally. Fun class!

Demanding class, but if you need to take it, take it with him. He doesn't focus overly much on the biology aspects as other bio-psych teachers. As he says "if you are going to be a brain surgeon, I hope you will take another class besides mine." But you must do the reading to keep up. Recommended!!

funny guy, took the late start class, pretty easy if you listen to the interesting lectures. i dont know about the longer/semester length class.

love him!!!!!!!! totally recommended

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THIS GUY IS NOT FUNNY. He tries real hard and goes his own pace. Follow the rules.

Olson is not the easiest teacher for psych but he is reasonable. Quizzes every week (if u r in the W night section) are easy but the Tests! now those are hard and the final is hell. I'd recommend for you to take it w/a friend if you take this class.

quiz every class-very easy-bonus points really. this teacher's very entertaining and very straightforward. he'll try to intimidate u as much as he can-DON'T BUY IT! after the first exam the course is EASY. the papers are also free points. just try 2 hang in there until the first midterm is over.

He quizzes you every day to make sure you read the text before lecture. He has lots of energy and his sense of humor is appealing if you like irony/satire. You will not fall asleep in his class. Easy A if you attend class as most questions on the exam are directly from his lectures. Most importantly, he seems to enjoy teaching.

FUN, FUN,FUN.It was an evening class, and trust me he knows how to keep his students awake!! I never laugh so hard! He is extremely fair in his gradings, and if you read the textbook every times, his quizzes are easy.His eplainations are greats and he will repeat it as much as you need him to. A two thumbs up teacher.

old guy but remembers all his stuff! brought in props to give us a visual of how stuff works. very clear and helpful. once you get past the first 4weeks its easy sailing

Great, great, great! He guides you as to what is important in the chapters and although there are a lot of quizzes, he tells you exactly what will be on them. He is really fair, very entertaining and makes neurons fun-how many people can do that? I highly highly recommend him. He knows his stuff, is patient, funny, and overall an excellent teacher.

Olsen is an awesome professor. He loves what he teaches and it's clear in his classroom that he belongs there. Quizzed everyday during winter session but i asked for the brutal schedule. Got an A by attending all lectures and reading the book. Test can be hard but fair and easily approachable, Olsen's a good choice for Biological Psych. GLuck!

AWESOME THE FUNNIEST TEACHER IVE EVER HAD BY FAR IF YOU LIKE STEVE MARTIN THIS GUY IS HIS CLONE ITS AWESOME!!! WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE!

definatly takeduring the long semester keeps you awake interesting a lot of work go to his webpage to get a syllubus

I luv this guy, he'll make you understand the hardest**** and make u laugh at the same time. Take him

wonderful guy much better than most other teachers, you'll learn alot and realize you know nothing

GOOD teacher. Very funny. He lectures a lot but he keeps it interesting. Tests can be hard so you have to study. Fair grader.

Great teacher. Really makes you think about everything from more than one perspective. Not a lot of written work, but there are weekly quizzes, just follow his study terms and go to class. You definitely have to earn your grade, but he curves the final grade. Highly recommended.

olsen is the best teacher i have ever had, he gave me a lot of knowledge wich actually helps in real life also. the class was very very interesting but u gotta realize that psy 2 is still not an easy class, although he makes it very easy. takes this teacher he is funny and help full and will give you some knowledge that you wont forget.

This was the best class I have ever taken, and the best professor I have ever had. I took this class 5 years ago, and still remember what I learned then. I also still have the book list that he gave out for our report. It's filled with lots of fascinating books which I have been reading. He makes a difficult subject fascinating and entertaining!

3 semsters at SMC and Prof. Olsen is without a doubt the best one I had. The class was very demanding, but it was a very rewarding class. If your taking psychology because youre interested I highly recommend this class. If youre just looking to meet requirements you probably want something easier

The guy is a nutcase, in a good way. Very knowledgable and a entertaining lecturer. Quizes every day during the winter, but well worth it. Pay attention, the material isn't easy.

Hands down the funniest, most passionate professor I have ever had! He asks a lot, but it's worth it. He gives great lectures which are always very interesting. He's the BEST, seriously. I miss him in my other classes. I wish all professors were more like him.

Very entertaining teacher. To make 3 hours of lecture on biological psychology entertaining is an incredible feat that he's mastered. It is essential to read, read, read. Pay attention to what he says in class, takes a lot of questions from lecture stories.

Olson is awesome! I was so scared about taking a bio class, cause it's really not my subject but he makes the material clear and tries to keep it psychology oriented as much as possible and not drown it with the science-y stuff. He's pretty funny and entertaining too! (3 hour class, but it goes by fast) I would recommend him.

I have an M.A. from NYU; Olson was world's better than most of my profs in that $$ program. There's lots of work (2 midterms, a final, weekly quizzes) but Olson is vastly entertaining and has a theatrical style of teaching (beware the machete!). Be prepared to get tested on reading & lectures. Taking this class increases appreciation for subject.

Outstanding. Funny. Loving towards students, and his subject. Very interesting, clear lectures. He goes on what one would think are tangents, only to tie those things back to psychology in an amazing, awe-ing, and entertaining, educational example. Quirky, and fun. Read much-weekly quizzes of only 5 multiple choice ?s. Got perfect score last week.

So sweet to all students who try. Must read book. Weekly quizzes(that's how he does attendance). Doesn't know your name at end of semester, but recognizes faces. Really respectful. Lots of very relevant, funny anecdotes, clear, loving, warm and welcoming. Great textbook; very interesting, and take my word for it, I'm a business major:-)

One of the kindest people I have ever met. This guy is very knowledgeable and just loves to share what he knows with students. Great, animated lecturer who is very funny as well. Take him!

Very entertaining teacher, which is helpful when you take him for a 6 week night class like I did. He teaches using analogy a lot & if you don't learn that way it seems random and you will think you didn't cover it in class but you did. Pay attention! I ended up with an A and I suggest that you keep up with the reading & don't miss class!

I had Olson for Spring. Easy class...quiz every week. Tests are simple if you Just come everday and take notes and read textbook BEFORE class. He makes Psych fun to learn and is open to all questions. DEFINTLY TAKE HIM...YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!!

Wow, this man is truly magnanimous. He is challenging, but if you are really into Psych, you will absolutly love his class. At first, you may be intimidated-DO NOT give up. He's hilarious, entertaining, and ADORABLE. You will want to be influenced by this man. His lectures are so exciting I wonder where the 3 hours go. He teaches beyond the books.

Fun and easy.

Great professor. I was intimidated at first, and found him to be a bit rude. My first impression was completely off. He's prob been the best professor I've ever had in my life. Hilarious. Dedicated. Tests are very fair. Quizzes sometimes tricky. Fairly easy A if you study. Take him

He is a pretty fun teacher. If you want an easy class and need the units, take him. He gives quizzes, but tends to forget about them most of the time. You don't really need to attend the classes, only on quiz or test dates. Everything you need to learn is basically on the book. So of the main tests are on words, but not always.

One of the best professors I've ever had. I was intimidated about taking the class at first but he made it tangible and fun to learn. He enjoys teaching and it shows.

Good teacher. He cares about the subject and it shows. He's helpful and understanding. Not a tyrant like some other professors at SMC. He's funny and it helps the long hours that I'm in class go by quicker :)

Prof. Olson's class was informative and fun at the same time! I especially recommend him if this subject is not your strength b/c he uses a lot of fun visuals that help understand the concepts. Loved his class!

I took a 6 year break from college and this was one of the first classes I took coming back. It was a challege and a half but Prof. Olsen was animated, engaging and really got the wheels turning. I am even keeping my text book so I can keep reading up on the subject. Great class as long as you do the reading!

Just took his class at night once a week. He's a great teacher that for the most part keeps the class into the lecture with his funny remarks. Quiz every week, all based on the book. 2 tests and 1 final. Easy class if you read the book. Highly Recommend!

Dont take if u study for exams only. A very pleasant college experiences. His teaching style really opened my mind! Attending not mandatory, but u WANT to attend to enjoy funny, animated, open minded, engaging class. Quiz every week, as he expands on classic textbook, and the only way to be ready for exams. highly+ recommended. take notes in class

Professor Olson is one of the best professors I've had. I took an Intro Psych course before and absolutely hated it. Professor Olson opened my mind and made the course extremely interesting. His lectures are engaging and quite comical. Keep up with the reading, as there's a quiz every week. Exams are text and lecture based.

Really fun and simple class. Just take textbook notes and lecture notes and you should get an A. Prof Olsen's lectures are fun and interesting, and you should have no problem passing this class. Recommend! :)

The most awesome professor ever.

Makes psychology really interesting and fun. Funny and engaging lectures. Like everyone else said - pay attention and just take book notes + lecture notes and you should get your A. GREAT PROFESSOR, I will miss his class.

I recommend him for psych 1. I'm a business major and Olsen was really considerate to those only taking the class to fulfill GE's by setting an A at 87%. quiz every week [straight from book] and midterm/exam are open notes. how can you possibly fail? only lazy people would...oh and he was hilarious~ I got an A

Once you get past his nerdiness, he is very intense and energetic. He has a playful way of explaining things that could easily be very tedious. He's very helpful, but you must take the initiative. I remember so much from this class, it was hard, but definitely worth it if you are interested in psychology..

he is HILLARIOUS! LOL! the class is HARD. always read chapters DONT GET OVERWHELMED (makes it worse) pay attention in class!! take good notes! midterms are hard! find smartest person in class and study with them! make study groups. really interesting. I am so glad i took the class i feel prepared for UCLA level of teaching.

Prof. Olson runs a tough class. A quiz every week, three cumulative exams, and several papers (some are group papers) He has a great sense of humor, and makes class interesting. Make sure you pay attention, as his tests often include things discussed in class, which are not in the textbook. Also you must do two book reports in order to get an A

Gene Olson is worth much more than 350 words. Easily one of the best professors I've had. Never a dull moment. You'll have a six pack by semester's end from laughing so hard. He is extremely knowledgeable and makes difficult readings very clear. Quizzes each week are cake if you focus on the points he's outlined for you in the readings. Study hard

BioPsych2 is a very hard class but Olson makes it crystal clear. Stay ahead of the readings! Quizzes every night & that's how he does attendance. The required reading is directly on the test, so no surprises. Long (potentially boring) lectures, but makes it interesting and is very funny. Need to do xtra reading to keep your grade above a B.

Professor Olson is the most entertaining teacher on campus. I have never laughed harder during a lecture, but that being said, the class is very difficult. He expects you to read the book and his lectures just clarify a little or add something for the essay on the test. Tests are straightforward with no tricks, but the material is very involved.

The most involving and genuinely interested teacher on campus. You have to read 2 extra books to get an A. Tests are fair, small quiz every class. There is a lot of material, but he gives you a list of important terms - you can get an A just by learning those terms and taking good notes in class. His lectures are outstanding and hilarious.

Great Professor!The most interesting, educating and fun class I've taken at SMC. Prof. Olson has an amazing personality, unique sense of humor, and is very respectful to his students. The course material is not the easiest, but he explains it well. I loved going to his lectures and would take him again if I could!

I don't care what anyone says .. In my opinion Olson's a genius!

Even though he tells you the list of terms you need to know, I thought that the class required a lot of effort. He definitely made you work for your grade, but he was entertaining, interesting and fair.

I LOVE Professor Olson. His classes are never boring. Quizzes are easy, and so are tests if you actually go through his terms!! Quizzes and tests are both on the book and his lectures. You won't even want to miss out on a lecture since it's always fun. He may seem a little "crazy" sometimes, but hey, it keeps you awake and alert!!!

Olson is the best thing that happend to me at SMC. Simple enough. Take his class!

Olson is an interesting teacher. I took his night class, which was only once a week. I wouldn't recommend taking a difficult class like this once a week if it can be avoided, but his lectures are hilarious and entertaining enough to keep you awake. If you are clear with what he wants early on, then his class is doable if you put in all the work.

Lively and passionate professor. Took his night class. Lots of info crammed into a short time but he keeps you awake and wanting to learn. Quizzes are easy if you do the reading and tests aren't bad if you pay attention to his lectures (especially terms he emphasizes). Easy A if you put in the work. Take his class, you're guaranteed to laugh!

Made a difficult class fairly easy and interesting. Brings in props to help explain confusing concepts. High energy, which was very important for me since his class was 6;45-9:50pm once a week. Do the reading. Seriously: Do the reading.

Fun but it gets boring. He always comes to class on time. Quizzes are fair. Love the class

I absolutely LOVE this teacher, he made this class very interesting. He's funny and a good at what he does. His quiz's are right out of the book and his test's aren't so bad either as long as you read and pay attention in class. I would definitely recommend taking his class!

Fall 2013 - If you know the text book you can pass the class. Lectures are very interesting and insightful. 12 quizzes based on text reading, midterm, final, and 1 page book report type paper, which is mandatory if you want an A. Overall, just do the chapter readings and understand the text. Would recommend.

Easy class straightforward, Quiz every week based on the textbook, 2 midterms and a final. Every now and then you have small papers with a group of students. Excellent teacher, funny, clear, and makes it known what he wants you to know. Overall great class!

Gene Olson is a wonderful professor whose classes I truly enjoyed. He makes the tests as easy as possible, but still you need to study because some topics are hard. He is very positive and will make you smile a lot.

He is a wonderful professor, his classes are fun, he is really knowledgeable, and all you need to do to read the book before going to the class, cuz each week you have quiz from chapter he wants to teach.

Olson is a great professor. Only a few short papers (1 paragraph long) and no extra credit. Very straight-forward about what will be on quizzes and exams. Wish I could take another semester with him.

2 midterms (50-60 MC, +2 essay questions)+FINAL(70 MC+essay), quizzes are every tue(12 quizzes total). Quiz questionsessay questions40% of exam from study guide(Very clear). For an A: tape lectures,read the book, make good drawings of diagrams(will be on exam), ace quizzes, OFFICE HRS-use them. Not an easy class but very very interesting

I took Olson's Psych 1 night class. He's great! He keeps the lectures interesting and funny. You'll be reading a ton and being quizzed on everything you read. He throws out your two lowest quiz scores at the end of the semester. NOTES NOTES NOTES, and record his lectures and you should do very well.

Very entertaining and informative lectures, tests can be a but tricky. If you are receiving an A or B you have to do extra work to keep the grade. Quizzes every week, do well on the exams and you will get an A.

He is very clear about what is expected. I do admit that some of his lectures are dry, but for the most part he tries to spark your interest when it applies. You are required read a good amount and are tested weekly on what you read. To KEEP an A in the class you must read an additional book and write a report. He keeps you updated on your grade.

here is simply amazing. if you have genuine interest in evolutionary psychology, and neurobiology you'll find this class very informative. he knows a lot, and he tells you what to focus on. record his lectures, READ THE BOOK, ask questions. his exams are not bad if you do the above. quizzes are every weak, pretty easy and drops lowest 2.

Professor Olson is a wonderful teacher. He made biopsychology extremely fun and exciting. If you focus on the terms he gives you for the book readings and attend every lecture you'll to fine. It does require a lot of time, but so does any other science class. His office hour are VERY helpful. He'll clearly answer anything you ask.

Great teacher who knows his stuff. The class is a piece of cake if you engage and do the reading.

Professor Olson makes himself available during office hours and is open to arranging time outside of those hours as well. He lays out the course at the beginning of the semester which should set you up for success as long as you read, pay attention in class, and actively participate. Grade consists of weekly quiz, exams, and occasional papers.

Prof Olson is clear as day. You really should record lecture bc basically everything in life is covered in this class. It's impossible to write it all down or comprehend it all in 1 passing. Sometimes I had to listen to parts of lecture 15x to understand a concept. If you study this way you'll get an A & you'll also see there are no trick questions

He is so funny! He really makes the subject matter interesting. Take him if you can and you won't be bored in class!

Professor Olson is quite the teacher. He's hilarious and brings all kinds of props for examples. His class covers bio psych, evolution, behaviorism, and even some philosophy. He makes the class interesting and always encourages questions. Read the book and take the essay questions seriously. Won't pass without group papers.

He is very knowledgeable and funny, he makes the subject compelling and fascinating. He is also very nice and caring towards his students. The key to passing his class is to pay attention and take notes while he is talking! He puts everything he says on the lectures on his tests, so if you miss out, you will be less likely to do well on the test.

I took this class once a week for 3 hours and I wouldn't recommend it unless you're a serious student. You'll have a quiz once a week which were pretty easy but the exams were very difficult. I got an A in this class but to keep my grade I had to write two book reports, which were not for any credit. This class made all my other classes seem easy.

Best class I've ever taken at SMC! He really loves his job and is super knowledgable. Take notes and record lectures and do required reading and you'll get an A. Make sure to do both reading assignments (some cool books on the reading list)

Do not hesitate to take this class with him! He makes the subject interesting and is available during office hours for additional questions. You have to do extra reading to keep your grade but worth it!

AMAZING TEACHER!!!! He is hilarious and makes the class interesting with many odd stories / examples. RECORD LECTURES AND MAKE A STUDY GUIDE FOR THE EXAMS OFF OF THEM Study hard and it'll be worth it Out of all three years I've spent at SMC, he is by far, the best teacher. <333333

Professor Olson is an amazing lecturer, and knows the material like the back of his hand. He presents the class in an abstract way, sure to fascinate those who want to know the bigger picture. His tests are difficult- extremely. All tests are lecture based. Read the book- every word. Ask if you can record his lectures- it helps a lot.

Professor Olson is truly one of my favorite teachers at SMC. Even though his class is very difficult, he's willing to work with you during his office hours to make sure you succeed. His lectures are extremely entertaining and I've learned so much from him!! Just make sure you are willing to put in the work for his class.

Excellent professor! Everyone should take his class!

Professor Olson is very funny during his lectures and is very knowledgeable. You have to work for your A or even B, but it's possible. Meet with him during his office hours if your are confused, and he will help you understand. His tests are a combo of lecture and book so do not miss class, and if you do, get notes from a classmate.

I am so thankful for all the information professor Olson provided throughout his lectures. His lectures made a huge impact on me and forever changed the way I look at things. It will be tough at the beginning but will ease up once you start understanding what's important to memorize. Tip: recording his lectures will help you tremendously.

Amazing professor, the best one that I've taken at SMC. He educates his students comprehensively, Gives additional unique literature to read, and shares his wisdom. Prepare to read a lot, attend and make notes of all his lectures which will be on exams. Pay attn to written exam questions cause he grades them very unfairly and though .

We are halfway through the semester and I am already sad that the class has to end! This professor is fantastic - I did undergrad at USC and never had a professor so passionate or thorough! He is an overall inspiring person- and hillarious. Also the class is totally challenging !! :) love it

This is a very challenging class, but SO WORTH IT. He's an amazing lecturer, classes were never boring. Super interesting lectures and do not miss them, because they will be on exams. Take notes and record. Weekly quizzes and A LOT to read, but again, totally worth it. I learned so much from this class. Honestly, wish I could take it again.

He is PRECIOUS!! This class is not easy, but its definitely worth it. He is super hilarious and brings props to every class. He doesnt use power points so you have to listen closely. You HAVE to read and study because there is a quiz every week. Stay after class and talk to him because he has so much knowledge to share.

This is the best Professor! It's not an easy class but definitely the most interesting. Took 3 hour class once a week - it went by super fast because the professor is so engaged and energizing. I recorded all the classes on my iPhone and listened to it before the exams. Need to study for the every week's test. I learnt a lot!

Best professor I've ever had. Don't get me wrong -- do NOT take this class if you're trying to get an easy A. His tests are hard and he has weekly reading quizzes. The upside? SO KNOWLEDGEABLE. Also, hilarious. He is super passionate about what he does, which makes it even better. Lecture-heavy, but was totally worth it for me.

There are reading quizzes every week based on chapters. He gives you a list of key terms; study them. His lectures are highly interesting because you learn fascinating information about a variety of topics. He also assigns fun articles and videos outside of class. The three main exams are largely based on his lectures. Take notes and ask questions.

Very fair professor. He is managing pretty well with the online format. Read chapter before quiz you will succeed. He provides a good study guide. Pay attention to the lectures there is a lot from lectures on the test. He is funny, very knowledgeable and encourages you to think critically. He is a good choice. Take his class

Great teacher. Really knows his stuff. Because of COVID being online, you really have to self discipline and watch the videos and read the textbook. He gives you all the essay questions for the tests and final in the syllabus. Also gives you a list of things you have to know for the quiz, also on the syllabus. Great class. Really interesting.

Prof. Olson is very passionate about this class. However, EASY A? I do NOT think so. You definitely gotta READ for weekly quizzes, and take notes from his lectures to pass his written parts of exams. I recommend this class to those who can handle a challenge as I learned a lot, but this class definitely kept me up studying, but it was worth it!

Great teacher! He wants you to succeed and is always available and helpful. Class isn't really easy but fascinating.

Very respected Professor, truly inspirational and makes me want learn more and more. I enjoyed his class enormously even though it was super hard (took it on campus in 2019).

I really loved Professor Olson this year! You should utilize office hours before each exam. He will go over each exam question you have piece by piece. Also emailing him works too. I think the exams are more lecture related and quizzes text related. I would take him again He is a very nice man with a good sense of humor.

The greatest professor. Most interesting lectures ever, you will not be disappointed taking this class.

This course was the most challenging one among the other 5 classes that I was having this past semester, but I enjoyed this the most. Prof. Olson is a great man, he gives very clear instructions and course syllabus, he's very respectable and knowledgeable. I learned so many things outside the textbook, also the textbook itself was very interesting.