Ok if you do your work, if you slack, its your own fault. Very nice, friendly

Explains things very thouroughly and exams, although hard, are fair.

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Very hard.I put 15 hours/week to study for Bio and I'm a low A in class, but she is very knoledgeable and very helpfull. If you want to learn Bio 130, take this class.After finishing it, you'll know it.

Great professor. Pay attention in class and do all review questions, adding notes to text material and you will get an A. Just put a some work into the class and you'll be more than fine!

Pay attention in class and you'll do well. Very nice and was always there to answer questions

She is an extreamly intelligent woman. You could ask her anything, and she will explain it to you, and make sure that you understand what she meant. Even if the topic had nothing to do with the class. She is a hard teacher, but you learn alot!!

Definately not an easy class, but if you work hard, read, do the review questions, and make an effort, you'll do well. Her tests are NOT all essay; long? Yes, 6-8 pgs. Essay; No, but she does require more than one word answers on 75% of the questions.

One of the first classes I took at UMD. She writes down everything, is helpful, is strict in lab, exams are precise indeed but if you study the correct way you can get a good grade. Wish she taught upper level classes since she is so clear. Overall, A-

She seems like a hard teacher, but as the class goes on.. it gets easier. I got C*s on all my tests but I did good in lab and i ended up gettin a B in the class. you need to pay attention in class and take LOTS of notes!!

First professor I had at UM-D after transferring from Wayne State. Really nice lady, makes you work for your A, but it can be done. BIO notebook was lonngggggg, but exams aren't too bad. Miss those times-

After taking this class you WILL learn bio. Although, you can work really hard in this class and still get only a B. She does not grade on a curve and does not give out A's

She is a great professor and truly understands what she is talking about...you will completely understand bio once you take this class. She is always willing to help her students, but she is not an easy A. You will have to work, but it is worth it.

Extremely Smart lady knows what she is talking about, very knowledgeable. very nice to talk too. Tests are hard though

PLEASE TEACH UPPER LEVEL BIO COURSES!!! IM BEGGING YOU

She actually makes sure that you learn the material, therefore, you actually have to go to class. If you're looking for a super easy class, this is not it! She makes it interesting and you WILL learn a lot. Also, she does give out A's!

This class is a 100 level class that is taught as a 300 level Majors class. She is a good teacher who knows the subject well, but expect to work VERY hard to get a decent grade. If you're not a Biology major - don't take this class!

The person below is right. This class is for Bio majors! Nesmith makes that clear in the very beginning of class. She is an awesome professor and her class is easy! She does give out A's, and they are not very hard to get. All you have to do is do the review questions...they cover the whole exam

She is a very smart woman & knows what she is talkin about. Understood its for bio majors, but its taught like its a 300 level course! She grades really hard on the tests & wants you to be very specific. Be prepared to take alot of notes & tests are pretty much short essay formant.

Nesmith was a good professor. She is articulate and clear. However, she lacks social grace.

Good (but boring) lectures, extremely difficult tests. Doesn't seem to take an interest in the non-science majors. Even one of her grad. students said she teaches this class way too hard for this level.

Difficult tests. No multiple choice, all fill in the blank and short essay. Very clear in explanations and lectures.

very clear, great way in explaining.

Nesmith is hott!!! I'm not a BIO major but managed an A in her class. She will make you work really hard for it though. So don't BS around, take notes WORD FOR WORD or else you will not do well on her tests.

Her class is ok..but you have to be wide awake to make it though that class. She likes to repeat herself over and over and over. It is Nuts!! O yeah and make sure that you explain every detail in your anwsers on anything you trun in. She will mark you down for the smallest things!

Hmmm....what can I say. She explains things very well, and is very friendly. However she needs to remember that this is not Bio 500, its an entry level class!!!!! The class is way to hard for what it is, its nuts. Then you have a 4 hour lab every week....hmmm...thats 7 hours of class a week, then add the time for studying, 72% class test averages.

She is a very good instuctor, and even though it is a difficult class, her review questions are very helpful. You just have to study alot, and she is very picky about your answers to test questions.

Coming from someone who couldn't care less about science... she is WONDERFUL. If you're serious about teaching than she'll take you seriously. Missing class is bad idea: its pretty much a new concept everyday. TAKE HER

Shes a wonderful person-she teaches really well and explains very good-her tests r hard, they require alot of studying-shes not an easy A but and easy B!i would take her.

nice helpful teacher who explains very well, tests are hard but arent ridiculous, just require students to study, which they're supposed to do anyways, she requires too much detail in essays tho , but over all good class

She is not a hard teacher...Her tests might look bad but all you have to do is study...We all should be used to that by now. There is a lot to know per test but like i said just study and you should do just fine... Try finding a study partner or group cuz that really helps with me.

Very good professor, she is extremely helpful! Do not blow off this class you learn a lot of ideas in class and the tests are a lot easier if you have listened. Also study from the book the tests are not easy

She grades hard on her tests and always keep up with review questions!!! Her tests are part multiple choice and part short answers. It's not a easy class. have to put 110% to get a B!

Great professor. She's hard, but you always know what's on the exams and quizzes. She's really nice and will help you after class if you need it. Book reading is not very important, everything on the exams is on her review questions.

..She is awesome..good professor and she smiles.

She was the best NSCI teachers i have had at umd. I hate science, but her class was not bad. I learned a lot and she made it an enjoyable experience. Take her over Hartshorn...trust me it the best choice you make!

Very clear and organized teacher.Once you have a teacher like Adler, Nesmith looks very easy. She actually gives you review questions to help you focus on what material will be featured on exams. She is always willing to help in office hours/e-mail.She gives relatively difficult exams, but they're not impossible by any means.I would take her again.

Professor Nesmith's lectures are very good--she stresses any important points you may need to know. Exams are worth 15% of your grade each, so make sure you do the review questions since most of the exam is based off of them. I also recommend her for lab; she's very helpful and brings treats every morning for us :).

Professor Nesmith is the bomb! Very helpful, she will stay after class as long as she can to talk. Lab attendance is part of the grade, but she makes early labs better with goodies. :)

This professor is awesome, she is very clear and makes the class interesting. Not an easy class but challenges you enough to keep you interested. She is very good with explaining things and also returns papers and tests promptly with all of the answers. All in all Nesmith is awesome!!!

Great teacher and has awesome teaching skills if you want to learn. Will take her again.

She was sure to cover all test material in class and in lab (both mandatory) so if you're sure to pay close attention the material is not very hard to understand. Would definately take her again.

Loved her. I wish she taught the lecture too! She is always willing to help you and answer your questions. She's known as a tough grader, but she just expects you to do what is asked. I recommend her!

She is so nice and her lectures are great! She is really easy to understand. She expects a lot from her students so be prepared to do a lot of work. When you take her tests you feel as though you do well but your grade never turns out as good as you would have hoped for because she is a VERY hard grader.

As a 1st semester freshman, taking this class was a big mistake. This class requires all your time and energy just to get a passing grade. Her tests are beyond hard and are designed to confuse you, not to make sure you know the information. However she was a very nice person and was always available for questions.

her test are extremely intense you have multiple choice a-g she does it just to confuse you. i would take another professor if you could

Very clear in her speech. Make lots of sense and comes to class very well prepared. Makes every effort to help student understand materials. If you really like biology or nature, you will absolutely enjoy her class.

Nesmtih does a great job at lecturing the material, makes it pretty easy to understand while writing. She gives A-G usually on the mult.choice tests, but just focuses on knowing the material rather than being able to guess from 4 choices. Her labs are the longest i've seen, but are smooth and feel quick, definitely worth it.

Professor nesmith is an excellent professor at umd.. Shes nt easy though.. U need to take notes in class.. Her tests are like 7 choices last 3 of them are a but c b but c d but not a .. So u have to study.. Overall if u keep up on reading the chapters and notes do the review questions ull be more than fine

She is very hard when it comes to testing, you have to know the material inside and out. Her multiple choice includes a,b,c,d,a&b, b but not c etc...very hard to decifer...do not take unless you are a strong bio student

Professor Nesmith was one of the best professors that I've had in a very long time! Her test are only difficult if you don't study. It isn't helpful to just memorize the material you should also try to understand it! I ended up with an A from the class and I would take her again.

Her exams are insane!! she calls them "multiple, multiple" cuz there are like 6 answer choices!! But she is very helpful and she actually teaches the class. She is very passionate about bio.

Dropped because it was too much for an entry level course. Oh and to those who said take her instead of Hartsorn for NCSI, What is wrong with you people?

The class is not very difficult, yes hard multi choice questions but not impossible, go to S.I even if you think you are too smart for it, she gives the S.I. instructor questions from the test that will 100% show up on the test. The material is boring though unless you love studying worms and nematoda in detail and at great volumes

If you like the biology subject, you do not want to miss her class. She is highly knowledgeable with the subject which makes the class interesting. I didn't care much about biology before taking her class in 2004 that I found interesting. The best advice I can offer is to tape her lecture and hear it over which is something I wish that I did.

This class is fairly easy (for a science class) if you pay attention and study the notes. Sometimes her test questions can be a bit tricky because there are usually 5 answer choices per question. If you fill in and really study the reviews she posts online before the exams though, you should be able to do well on the exams. Take her for lab too!

Honestly my favorite teacher. Never have i had such a detailed and enjoyable bio class. Nesmith knows everything there is and is so passionate and excited about biology. I love this professor.

Knows A LOT about Biology, makes her exams harder than they should be. Just work hard and study her powerpoints thoroughly. Class will not be easy, but it is very possible to do well.

She is overall a very good teacher but not an easy one. Taking the time to review lectures and read/skim the book will help you understand the class material and prepare you for her difficult exams. Although the class is hard, she is very friendly and willing to help if you are struggling. Lab is super easy and will help boost your grade.

The A-G multiple choice is no joke. She is a sweet woman, but I felt so unintelligent in her class. This class definitely made me dislike bio, and I love science.

I actually really liked Professor Nesmith! She is great at explaining the material but you do have to study. She does have the A-G multiple choice options but it's only hard when you haven't studied. Take a little extra time to study for lab quizzes because they are a worth a good part of your grade. Not hard, just a lot of memorizing.

I really enjoyed this class. She is very helpful and there's an SI there to help you too. Although her tests are A-G, they aren't too hard if you've studied and if the majority of the class got a question wrong she would give everyone extra points for that question. If you don't study the night before and study a bit daily you'll do great!

Multiple choice does range from A-H, but they are not difficult! Professor Nesmith makes sure that everyone understands the material. Her class is extremely interesting and I would recommend her to anyone! She offers an extra credit question on every exam and usually curves it by one or two points. Her class is very fair.

A great teacher, taught the material very well, and her examples are excellent. A classy lady. Def would take again. Tip: Study the powerpoints very well.

Dr. Nesmith is the best! She knows so much about the subject and makes sure that you understand it. She is hard on her students but if you are planning to go to med school or grad school, you may need that extra push! Her tests are hard but fair and she is always there to help you! I did well in her class, you just have to put the time in!

Professor Nesmith is one of the best professors i ever had. Her lectures are crystal clear and she answers all questions. Pay attention in class, and absolutely study the power points and be able to think critically in class you will do great.

I LOVED her. Ppl on here complaining just didnt study. She is a great biologist. I got a high A in her class. If you love bio, take her. Learned a lot, had her for lab too and i recommend. She is a sweet lady, helpful, and i would take her again for sure. Didnt use the book at all. Exams straight from lectures. Tests were NOT hard if you study!

Absolutely wonderful professor! I had her for lab as well as lecture which made learning biology much more comprehensive. Yes, her tests are longer, but that should not be a reason to avoid taking her. You're in University now, expect to apply yourself. Fun fact, Nesmith owns 5 different colored Fitbits that she coordinates w/ her outfits every day

Nesmith is a great professor! She is almost always available during office hours, and is very helpful in clearing up confusion/explaining difficult concepts. Lectures are very detailed but you have access to her power points so its OK if you get behind on notes. 4 challenging exams- multiple choice/free response. STUDY HARD. Attend SI sessions!

People complain that her exams are difficult, which they are if you don't study. They are completely based on her lecture powerpoints, so don't buy or read the textbook. Make sure to review her slides a lot before exams and you will be fine. Show up to class to get credit for clicker questions. Exams have multiple choice and lots of short answer.

Not sure why Professor Nesmith gets such a bad rap. Shes a great professor, knows what shes talking about and is very passionate in her field. She truly cares about her students and is very kind. Her class is tough, but this is a university and youre expected to work hard. Exams are hard and long, but if you know the material, youll be fine.

Her test are difficult, but if you take good notes and really listen to her lectures, you can pass them. Her SI sessions also really helped me grasp the material that was taught, but if I still did not understand something, she was very easy to get ahold of. She also offered a good amount of extra credit.

This is a bio class so just expect it to be hard. Any college bio class will feel impossible. Professor Nesmith is an excellent professor though. Her tests are crazy hard but it sort of balances out because shes a wonderful lecturer. If you listen, and take notes on the slides BEFORE going to that lecture, you will be fine. Just go to SI and study

I absolutely adore Professor Nesmith! She posts everything online. She specifically lectures in a way that a 5 year old could understand. She wants to make sure that you clearly understand the material. Exams are SUPER tough IF you don't study her powerpoints nor go to SI sessions. GO! Prepare beforehand! The exams are not bad at all if u do prep.

Professor Nesmith is an excellent lecturer and such a nice person. She is very clear about what is expected of you and the class is very structured. SI sessions will help a lot to understand the concepts, but attend class, put in the work to learn the concepts and you will do well on the exams.

Professor Nesmith is an excellent lecturer. She always gives analogies in class to make the material easier to understand. If you put effort in to studying you will do good on the tests. She provides you with plenty of resources to make sure you succeed. I learned a lot from her and overall found the class enjoyable.

Great lectures. She is very engaging and easy to talk to. You need to show up to class every day. Also a tough grader. You must study!

Absolutely loved this professor. Tests are multiple choice A-G but she gives you learning objectives that outline everything you need to know. Questions are very straightforward. Always available outside of class and loves to help her students. A challenging course, but definitely do-able. Wish I could have a prof like her for every class!

The study guides are essential as all of the content ended up being on the exams. Pop quizzes before every lab but if you studied the material beforehand you should be fine. Also, she didn't waste time in the lab which was helpful to get the work done and out.

She was a very nice professor, but she does make sure that you work for this class, so be prepared! She is a little bit here and there sometimes with her lectures, but she really goes in depth to help you understand this topic.

Professor Nesmith is a true master in the trade. Tons of resources are provided to be successful in this course, such as providing the class with supplemental videos.I forgot to mention that she provides extra credit. I do agree that her exams are hard but it's doable, so good study habits are enforce as an incentive do good on her exams.

Professor Nesmith is not as bad as people makes her out to be; she is actually a nice and caring person. She provides the class with supplemental videos, which I found to be very informative. The one thing I dont like about her is how she formats her exams, she should completely remove the possibility of multiple answers existing for a quest

I found her teaching style to be really effective in terms of understanding some of the concepts that the book did not do a good job in explaining.

I believe that I could write a book about my experience with bio 1500 but I am sure that nobody would take the time to glean on the contents of that book. So, what I am going to do is to summarize the main ideas here: Professor Nesmith is not a snake compared to other professors, she grades with her eyes open and because of that I no longer hate

Nesmith is not the hardest intro Bio professor I've ever had, but she's definitely ruthless. Lectures heavy, so take notes and review PowerPoints. Being an online class she changed her exams to be all multiple choice and you couldn't go back to see or change your answers which made exams unnecessarily difficult. She's a fine professor, just tough.

This class was honestly tough and a lot of studying, had a hard time balancing it with other classes

Although I got a b I think she was reasonable tbh. She gave exams based on learning objectives( based on lecture) and lab so Id suggest reading the book and posted readings before class and then coming to lecture. Overall a thorough and passionate professor

Not as bad as people makes her out to be.

Yes, this is a content heavy course. However, courses such as BIO130 are meant to test your determination and discipline. We are in college now, not k-12. Professors are not always going to spoon feed you. Judy noticed that I was having personal issues and reached out in support. She genuinely cares about her students and has helped me greatly.

She's tough. She is preparing students for the challenge that is college, especially people going into the STEM/MED field. So I would not recommend this class to people that just need a DDC science credit. You have to come to class, you have to show effort, AND YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO DO THE LEARNING OBJECTIVES. Test is built off learning objectives

Professor Nesmith was the best professor I've had so far. Amazing lectures and fair grading. If I had the option to take another professor like Nesmith, I would. You need to understand the PowerPoints and learning objectives if you want to get a A. I almost didn't take her because of her reviews on here, but I'm so happy I did.

Her lectures were really good! Just make sure to pay attention in her lectures and understand the slides thoroughly! The SI sessions help in reviewing the concepts too! Very helpful and tried her best to answer my questions

I was kinda nervous taking this course after reading the reviews and considering it would be in the accelerated summer semester. I was nervous for nothing! Everything on the exams is from the lecture slides and can be further clarified in the textbook. She offers extra credit on every exam and overall, I really enjoyed her class!

Reviews make her look bad but she isn't at all. I took this course in the summer where it was accelerated. Grading criteria is clear and exams are very straight forward. Very nice and helpful, also offers extra credit on every exam.

Prof. Nesmith is a great teacher if you are willing to put in any effort. She gives clear slides and allows room for questions and student interaction during lecture. Her test grading allows for partial credit on questions and is mostly multiple choice. She is very kind and knowledgeable about her subject. I would take her again in the future.

Nice lady. She does a good job of preparing her students for the exams. Although she does not lecture much, she gives a lot of in class assignments which help on the exam. She also posts the slides and the exams are basically directly off of them. She was also quick to reply to emails, even at night. Overall good professor.

Very nice person. Tests rely heavily on slides and the iClickers do too. Answers questions quickly and nicely. Great for BIO 130.

I didn't mind her. She was helpful if you asked questions and, actually, I didn't mind her exams. Her LO's were pretty extensive, but at times a little jumbled. I wish she would've actually lectured MORE. The course has barely any homework so you really have to do well on the exams or the iclicker questions. Take her for lab, her labs were great!!

Professor Nesmith is a pretty solid BIO130 lecturer. The exams are mostly based on slides and iClicker questions, so staying on top of the material is key. unstuck study was a great study aid alongside the textbook. Overall, a manageable class with a helpful professor.

U must already know how to study and how ur brain retains information. She will help u by posting learning objectives and being available outside of class. this Is going to be an overwhelming class if u don't study and fall behind. She is very caring and offers extra credit. Class has 4 exams and offers lots of study material for exams. Love her

Don't let her rating fool you, Professor Nesmith is a sweet person who wants students to do well. There are many resources for students outside of class and in, and many opportunities for extra credit. The class is really easy if you just study the provided material. If students don't do well she adjusts her teaching style. There's group work too.

Took this course as my sequential class for CIS. If you plan to take bio, don't. Only offered in the summer. She is very nice and can easily be reached via email. This class is 100% outdoors so be prepared to walk a lot and take lots of notes. Exams are open note. WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN!! Can't stress this enough. Group project and a quiz a week.