She's tough, but good. she explains stuff until you understand and is always available to clear up concepts via office hours or email. Put the work in, memorize pathways, and understand concepts to do well on tests. Her tests weren't bad as long as you understood concepts and didn't just memorize. Also she genuinely felt bad if kids did bad

I've never had a professor that was more available to me. Her tests made sure you understood the information and are able to apply what you learn. She would ask questions during class to see where the class was with understanding. Take this class if you want to LEARN the stuff. Avoid it if you're looking for a blow off class.

She gives thorough lectures and includes new data that isn't in the book. Her exams are hard but really tests if you understand the concepts. She answers a lot of questions in class and online. She truly tries to make the class interesting and useful to those going into biologymedical related fields. You have to work for an A in her class.

She's a hard hitting prof but you will learn a TON by the end of the semester. Class started out rough but got better once you get used to her testing style. Those that did not do well in this class simply didn't put in enough work. Take her if you actually want to learn and be prepared for upper level bio courses.

final exam was like the medical boards. Nice lady and always available for help but exams are soooo hard. You need to read like a hawk and she expects perfect memory. GPA killer overall

This is the first time Alcedo taught a undergrad course coming from a graduate level. She expects the best from students. She is very intelligent and will give you the right answer. Her tests are like MCAT questions with 2 of the above, none of the above and tricks. The tests are very hard.

She is really smart and concise. Tests resembling MCAT questions. She is helpful and will explain it to you. Coming from teaching graduate level classes, it really shows. 50 out of the 150 students failed the final after the curve. you learn a lot. If your down for a challenge take her, otherwise I hear Zhou is a much easier grader.

If you are pre med TAKE THIS CLASS. If you are not pre med take someone else. I took her and recently took MCAT and she prepares you for higher level thinking similar to MCAT. Def hard but the skills you learn are worth it. Her fav to test on is epistasis so master it asap. Go to class she will like you more and help you more. Very nice lady

Tests are tough because the questions are worded in such a way to confuse you and really make you think. A handful of questions I got wrong I'd look back and notice I misread in some way. It's not terribly difficult, but it sure isn't easy. Study and read every day, it's the only way to get an A.

Professor Alcedo is the best Bio professor I've had at Wayne State, and I've had many! The material is difficult, but her lectures are clear and straight to the point. She encourages participation and questions which help in understanding the material. KNOW AND MEMORIZE THE PATHWAYS! Reviewing cell bio stuff will be helpful. Take her class!

By far the best professor at Wayne State. She's very knowledgeable and truly cares about her students. You have to work really hard for the A though, so don't take this class if you just want an easy elective. Also, DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOK. Exam questions are MCAT style and come from her lectures. Last thing, know your pathways and epistasis.

Took this class the winter before applying to graduate school. It ruined my GPA. I have never gotten anything less than B+ in upper level BIOs, but I struggled to get an 80% on exams. She gets tougher and tougher every semester, and if one student does well she expects all to do well. Do NOT take this professor. Majority got Cs. Final is TOUGH.

Alcedo is a great professor! Very smart and explains the material very well. To those who say her exams are tough, you just need to develop better study habit. You must be able to know how to connect all the concepts together! When you learn a part of a cell, know how it is important overall!! Very happy with this professor.

Great professor. You dont need the book powerpoints have all the info you will need for exams. She really goes out of her way for you to pass. Idk how the class average was a C. This was one of the easiest classes I have taken of the sciences.

Dr. Alcedo really cares for her students. She gives you every resource to succeed (SI, office hours, a TA etc.) but it is the students responsibility to use them. She wants you to apply the information, not just memorize. It was probably the hardest A that I have ever had to work for, but worth it! Prepare to read/study everyday, its the only way!

Dr. Alcedo really wants her students to do well and learn the material. Her tests are extremely tough, but they do a good job at preparing for standardized tests you may take in the future. You need to attend lecture to do well. Clickers are a big part of the class. If you're willing to put in the time you will learn a lot with her.

Loved this class. She has a bad reputation for some reason but she is a sweetheart. Super helpful and kind. She explains things very well, her lectures are actually compelling, and she WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED. She gives a TON of bonus points which is NOT common in 5000 level courses so TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY. The Lab is easy so take it.

Amazing professor! Would take any class with her. Her lectures and powerpoints are great, along with extra credit she makes its guaranteed that you will get above a B if you put in just as much work as she does.

Love her! She was such a GREAT lecturer. It is very obvious that she cares for her students and their education and it is obvious that she puts in so much time and effort into what she teaches. Her exams were fair and she even curves to the second highest. I would take her for every class if I could.

Im actually a fall freshman taking this cell bio class and this beautiful professor is literally a beast. Best lecturer Ive ever had, doesnt make mistakes, and shes professional. I honestly have NO clue what everyone else is talking about. I wrecked her class, in a good way. All I did was read the book before class. Dont listen to these guys.

I thought Joy was a great professor, especially for higher level Bio course. I think the only people that have a problem with her have never taken an actual Bio class where you had to study. The tests are pretty straight forward in my opinion and pretty short. The only thing that sucks is her pop quizzes, but one exam gets dropped so thats cool.

Alcedo is an amazing prof. She is very clear and concise in her lectures, all you have to do is pay attention and review the book, and you will do well. Her tests are tricky, just make sure you read very thoroughly and take your time. Attendance isn't technically mandatory, but she does have clicker points. She genuinely cares about her students.

Dr. Alcedo is a great professor and is a very good lecturer. However this class it hard, it will be with any professor. She is very accessible outside of class if you need help and is very kind. There are pop quizzes, you can drop one. You can drop your lowest test score too. Beware that her tests are critical thinking exams not just memorization

The professor is a great teacher. Very good at explaining things, asks us if we have any questions, and is good at answering all questions. Still, this course is very challenging and takes a LOT of reading the text book and studying. The exams are challenging but fair. You get 1 exam drop and quiz drop and there's a mandatory cumulative final.

It's quite obvious that the people leaving comments here are just mad that they couldn't get away with being lazy. It should be noted that the people who are saying that Alcedo is a great professor are not denying the difficulty, but they're saying that they actually put the work in. If you do the same, it will be rewarding. Hard, but worth it!

A lot of students tend to do pretty bad on her exams. The exams are pretty difficult so make sure you study and review her lectures. Her exams are multiple choice and has a lot of all of the above, none of the above, A and C, etc. I found her very inspiring and passed with an A. I learned a lot from her and I personally enjoyed her class.

I've been thinking to gift her a mug that says: "Best Biology Professor"... just haven't had the time. I'm a premed just like you all, and I understand you all. If you are lazy, don't take her. If you are passionate about cell biology, she is an absolute must. I will fight anyone that says she is not good. Got a 102%. Textbook is your best bet.

There's a lot of people complaining, but to be honest, Dr. Alcedo is an amazing prof. She listens to us-- she pre-records lectures and even rescheduled an exam because we asked her to. If you want to do good on this class, you have to watch her lectures, read the book, and attend SI, even if the material is familiar to you, you need to study it.

Dr. Alcedo is a great professor she is very caring and considerate when it comes to her students. You will have three exams and a final plus homework once a week. To do great in this class write down each word she says in the lecture and make sure you understand the concept. The class is heavy content so study study study.

She made a mistake on first exam, students were able to take it more than once: the exam became extra credit. Our grade was based on 1 midterm, the hw, and the final exam. I got an 81 my highest the midterm, and 66.25 on the final. With 20 points extra credit from the first exam + a 21 point curve on the final + full hw points, I ended with an A.

The class is challenging, but it is definitely doable. Dr. Alcedo is kind and genuinely cares about her students. Most people complaining usually have not taken any higher level bio or organic chemistry courses, and are use to just memorizing material to get an easy grade. If you want a prof like that for BIO 2600 take Brandon.

This was the hardest class I have ever taken but I truly enjoyed learning the material. The most important thing about Dr. Alcedo is that she is very kind and understanding, especially during these difficult times. She knew how hard we all try and the effort we put into studying. The exams were generously curved, as well as our final grade.

Exams arent easy but ya know.. theres always a beautiful curve. You get a 85.. it will probably get bumped up 9 or so pts. Exams are pretty easy.. i really dont know why people complain. Yea some questions are annoying but ya know OH WELL. Especially with the curves she gives, if you have the chance to take Joys class.. do it

Honestly didn't mind the exams, but you have to study the material conceptually. (also,revise everyday!) Of course, understand the terms and be able to apply them. Focus on the exams and clicker ?'s. Alcedo was the sweetest, and always willing to help clear up a topic or help me when I was in a brain fuzz. First A I got in a biology course!

Dr. Alcedo always said read the book lol. I dont think I ever opened up the book this semester. Just know everything from her lectures and PowerPoint and youll do great. Reading the book ahahahahh lol NEVER! Exams werent the easiest but again everything your tested on is from the lectures. Shes also very generous with curves.

I loved Dr. Alcedo, she is very passionate about the material and you can tell. As long as you are willing to put in the work, you'll do great, just like all other bio classes! listen to her and DONT memorize, take time to understand the material. She really teaches you how to think critically. Curves are offered. The class was not hard at all!

Dr. Alcedo was as you say... a Joy... She wasn't horrible let' be real, she was a decent prof. people will bash because they didn't study or do well on the exam. but the only thing you need to do to succeed is participated (ask/answer questions) and pay attention to lecture (notes notes notes). once you do that review and study and boom - good luck

The content of this course is not easy so it will take some work. However, I felt that Dr. Alcedo's lectures were direct and it was easy to decipher what the important information was. I didn't always go to class, but it definitely helped. I didn't read the book. I just studied my lectures. Put in the work and you'll be fine.

Lots in every lecture. To do well on tests, memorize every slide. This is not a joke. For the final, know how everything in the class relates and compares. Go to the discussions. The extra credit adds up and you'll learn a lot. This class is insanely hard, but the prof is very nice, always open to talking, and easy to reach. Tests were curved.

she is tough on her students and the exams are her way of really making sure you know the information inside and out. she is a good teacher though and is willing to answer all questions.

Dr. Alcedo was one of the best professors I have ever had. She's passionate about the class and wants you to be as well. She monitors every student's progress and is willing to help you succeed. Although she can be tough, she is so for a reason. She wants you to excel and be your best and develop techniques to help you succeed. Wish I had her again

She cares about her students. Yes, the class is very difficult, but she helps you through it and wants to see all of her students succeed.

Dr. Alcedo's class is quite tricky, however, it's very doable. Her lectures are interactive and she heavily encourages asking questions. Tests are tricky, you must understand how she writes them and how to study CORRECTLY (if you ONLY memorize/rewatch lectures you're cooked). If you put in the effort and connect all the concepts, you will be fine.

She's not a bad professor & very passionate about the subject. You watch prerecordings before lecture and during lecture there are iClicker questions for points. Exams are tough & you choose the most correct answer. Best way to pass is to watch her prerecorded lectures and READ THE BOOK. Does not curve much. 33-36Q exams each worth 3pts.