2.8

Kate Tsai

Genetics - Clemson University

2.8
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
46%
Would Retake
100
Reviews
2.8
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
2.7
Clarity

46%

Would Retake

100

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

13

4

25

3

16

2

28

1

18

What Students Say

Ksai's class is pretty tough

GEN3000 - 2.0 rating

One bad exam grade and you can kiss that A goodbye

GEN3000 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

26%

Textbook Required

41%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 66 grades
Most common grades:
A (20)
B (12)
A+ (9)
Grade Distribution
A(29)B(16)C(10)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 71 reported grades
A: 20
B: 12
A+: 9
A-: 7
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (25)
Skip class? You won't pass. (18)
Test heavy (13)
TEST HEAVY (12)
EXTRA CREDIT (12)
Get ready to read (10)
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
Graded by few things (9)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.23 avg change
Nov
Dec
Apr
May
Feb
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GEN302H

4.0

(2)

GEN3000

3.0

(73)

3000

2.7

(3)

GEN3020

2.6

(5)

GEN300

2.2

(17)
Difficulty by Course

GEN3020

4.2

GEN302H

4.0

GEN300

3.8

GEN3000

3.5

3000

2.7

Reviews (100)
3.0
3.0
GEN300
Nov 8, 2012

Kate is super sweet and nice but usually struggles to keep everyone's attention. Class can be super boring or super interesting depending on the material. There's always a TON of powerpoint slides for each lecture, which makes studying for tests incredibly time-consuming and boring. IT SUCKS. The good news- tests are never as hard as expected :)

1.0
4.0
GEN300
Nov 12, 2012

Kate could have a lecture about a Victoria's Secret fashion show and I would probably zone out. She seems nice, but is a pretty terribly boring teacher. Not good at explaining things and book is more helpful when it comes to studying for the tests. Don't take her unless you have to.

3.0
4.0
GEN300
Nov 12, 2012

Dr. Tsai seems to know what she's talking about, but is not good at passing it along to her class. Her lectures are hard to follow, and she struggles to keep the class interested or even present. Get used to learning most of the material yourself if you take this class.

1.0
4.0
GEN300
Nov 28, 2012

Nice lady, but horrendous at teaching. Seems to know the material, but is extremely bad at passing it on to students. Also one of the most boring teachers I have ever had. Class is 100% based off powerpoints. Only take this class if you love reading and memorizing powerpoints. Overall one of the worst teachers I've ever had

2.0
4.0
GEN300
Dec 14, 2012

genetics is not boring. but this professor is. impossible to comprehend concepts taught in class. learned entirety of course material through reading the book. if you are taking this class it is because you have to so just make sure to do the hw (worth as much as a full test) and keep up in the book.

1.0
4.0
GEN300
Dec 14, 2012

Kate is probably good at her research, and she's a nice person, but she's an awful professor. She's extremely worried people are cheating and treats you like a child because of it. Genetics is supposed to be interesting but Kate makes it painful. Take someone else if you can.

1.0
4.0
GEN300
Dec 18, 2012

Just avoid her at all costs if you can. What's in the notes, what's in the book, what's on the homework, and what's on the test are 4 COMPLETELY different things

3.0
2.0
GEN300
Jan 13, 2013

She is not the best teacher, but she means well. You don't really have to go to class, definitely get the book. It helps to go to her office and look over her old tests. She is very helpful and knowledgeable if you ask, she just needs a lot more practice in teaching and keeping the class interested and attending. HW is much harder than the exams

2.0
5.0
GEN300
Jan 17, 2013

Nice but awful teacher. Each chapter is over 50 powerpoint slides. She doesn't know how to explain anything to where students understand. Tests are NOT straight from powerpoint slides. If you want to do very well on tests I would recommend reading the book (understand it) AND memorizing all 200+ slides. GOODLUCK! I made a B, so that is possible!

1.0
5.0
GEN3000
Oct 23, 2013

She's very nice but an AWFUL teacher. Her Lectures are boring and the homework is always completely different from the tests and lectures. You will have to read the book to do well in this class. Tests are hard because they are worded to confuse you. Obsessed with making sure you don't cheat. Treats you like a child.

1.0
5.0
GEN300
Nov 10, 2013

Kate Tsai is the WORST. I have actually no idea how she even became qualified to teach a college class, she couldn't even teach a 1st grader the alphabet. She's literally an idiot and I would suggest changing your major so you don't ever have to take this class. She sucks. I couldn't bring myself to go to class because she was so awful. Good luck.

3.0
4.0
GEN300
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 20, 2013

Dr. Tsai is a very nice professor, however she is not a very good explainer when it comes to her matierial. Her tests are difficult and it is hard to pay attention in class at times. She doesnt drop any of the 5 TESTS you take. Good Luck.

2.0
5.0
GEN300
Dec 12, 2013

Kate Tsai is AWFUL. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS if you can avoid it. Kate seems very smart, but is almost too smart to be able to explain the material. She won't drop a test, barely any extra credit, and tests make up 90% of your grade. her lectures are extremely boring, and the tests don't really go off of the power points or the tests. good luck.

4.0
3.0
GEN300
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2013

She has a really bad rep, but almost everyone can say they got a decent grade in the class, and that's all that really matters right? There is no point in going to class because she literally can't teach for anything. Just make a study group and read the textbook, and you should at least get a B like I did.

2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: D+
Dec 20, 2013

If you like memorizing 200+ slides for each test, then you'll do well. But if you're like me who learns with hands-on stuff and good lectures, then DO NOT take her. She can't teach to save her life, but attendance isn't mandatory. Also, she's more concerned with people not using their phones & not cheating then actually teaching. Very hard tests.

2.0
3.0
GEN300
Grade: B
Feb 4, 2014

Nice person, can't teach to save her life. I dreaded going to her class because I knew I needed to notes, but I also knew I would die of hearing her voice for an hour. She doesn't allow lap tops in class, but she leaves slides blank on blackboard which forces you to show up for class to fill them in on hardcopy. Worst teacher I've had at Clemson.

4.0
4.0
GEN3000
Feb 5, 2014

I am conflicted about this review because she is the nicest person ever, but she needs to build some confidence. Her lectures are confusing because she jumps around a lot. HOWEVER! Go to office hours because she explains like a champ one-on-one. Read the book, do the homework, take the little practice tests on mastering and you will be just fine.

4.0
2.0
GEN3000
Nov 2, 2014

I honestly have no clue why Dr. Tsai has such low ratings!! This is by far one of the easiest science classes I've taken. You have to go to class but I've literally never opened the book and have made As on all tests so far. The lectures can be confusing at sometimes but normally not too bad. Only 4 all MC tests and the final isn't cumulative!

4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Nov 11, 2014

I was worried about taking her since I heard such negative things from my friends and saw the awful comments, but taking the class was nothing what I expected! The tests are not hard, 50 MC questions that you get from her power points. She is pretty clear about the info, all in all a pretty interesting and good class!

4.0
2.0
3000
Grade: A-
Nov 11, 2014

Really hate seeing such negative reviews for Dr. Tsai. Her lectures can be somewhat confusing and she does jump around slightly but she provides everything needed to do well on the exams and learn - videos on blackboard, practice exam questions on mastering (some exam questions are straight from the reviews), overall an easy class to do well in.

2.0
3.0
GEN3000
Dec 6, 2014

Her class is boring and her notes are confusing. I went to her office hours and that helped a little, but not enough to gain a true understanding of the material.

3.0
3.0
3000
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2014

Kate Tsai is very confusing. Her tests never seemed to be hard but I always got low 80's and I was so confused why. She doesn't drop a test grade and that is miserable so don't mess up on any! My chance to get an A was gone by the second test so I didn't even try for the final to maintain my B, she should reconsider that rule. She's boring but nice

1.0
3.0
3000
Dec 18, 2014

Her lectures are very boring but the subject matter is one that I actually was very interested in. She's essentially non-responsive in emails and is hard to get in touch with outside of class as a result. A lot of extra credit is offered, but this could be avoided is the presentation of material was more straightforward to begin with.

3.0
3.0
GEN3000
Jan 4, 2015

Her tests come straight from the powerpoints and she even gives a study guide. Sometimes it seemed a little disorganized but overall it was a straightforward class that you should do well in if you pay attention in class and study.

3.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A-
Apr 20, 2015

Tsai's lectures are very long and full of heavy information which makes it hard to pay attention in class. If you go to class and get the notes to study with, you should make a decent grade in the class.

5.0
3.0
GEN3000
May 5, 2015

I read all of these ratings of Dr. Tsai before I enrolled in her class and was very worried about taking her course. In retrospect, I shouldn't have been worried at all. While tests are tough and cover a great deal of material, she is very sweet and helpful and the class is manageable if you attend all the lectures and take good notes.

4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: C+
Aug 26, 2015

Dr. Tsai is such a sweet person who wants her students to do well! I don't understand why she has gotten a few bad reviews she is overall a good professor. She really knows what she is talking about and is always happy to clarify. The 1st test was easy, the 2nd okay, the last 2 pretty hard. Go to class and study often. She gives some extra credit.

4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: B
Nov 3, 2015

Dr. Tsai is a nice person and an effective teacher. Lectures are clear and she will stop in class to answer questions. Minimal amount of relevant homework. Online exam reviews given for extra credit. Posts helpful videos on Blackboard. Always answers questions in person or via email clearly. Going to class is important for learning this material.

4.0
2.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
Jan 9, 2016

Dr. Tsai is very passionate about genetics, and her class is fairly easy (lots of memorizing). Her PowerPoint slides have fill-in-the-blanks so you need to go to class. We had 4 exams and 1 final. The online homework is helpful, and there are several opportunities for extra credit. Don't buy the textbook! Just get an online access code!!

4.0
1.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
Jan 10, 2016

Tsai is good but you have to go to class. Her powerpoints are great but in class she will tell you which info to spend time on and which info you can skip over. You will have to refer to your book for clarity on some topics but she is extremely nice and gives extra credit! Although only if you are in class. Tests are straight memorization.

4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Nov 10, 2016
Would take again

I really don't get why Tsai has such low ratings. You have to go to class because the PowerPoints, though posted online, have blanks in them. She also does in-class quizzes, but as long as you are in class they only help your grade, not hurt it! It's a lot of memorization, but the tests were more straight forward than I was expecting!

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Nov 10, 2016
Wouldn't take again

If I wouldn't have read every chapter in the textbook, I would have done terrible in the class. The information in the powerpoints is unorganized and difficult to study from. I found the lectures to be useless and had to put in way more effort than should be necessary.

Get ready to read
2.0
3.0
GEN3000
Dec 7, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tsai is really knowledgable about genetics, but class is extremely boring. The lecture is dense, but has fill in the blanks for powerpoints. Goes through material VERY FAST, kind of hard to keep up if you have no genetics background. Tons of memorization; interesting material, boring class. Exam reviews and homework online are helpful.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: B-
Dec 7, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She's an OK professor. While she's a great teacher and passionate about her subject--it was a bit shaky at times. She rushed through chapters just so we could finish it, and so she could test us. That wasn't favorable, because I wanted, and others, to spend quality time on certain topics. DO your homework, AND the exam review!! Good Luck!

Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: B-
Dec 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She is very disorganized. She would spend too much time teaching us unnecessary things that would not be on the test, just because she found them interesting. Yet, she would rush through the things that we actually needed to know, just so she could say she "taught" it to us, and we could be tested on it. Also none of the the five test are dropped.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
GEN300
Grade: C+
Jan 1, 2017
Would take again

Gentics was a tough class. I didn't take it as seriously as I should have. She is very nice and will help you if you need it. I slacked off but I should have studied a lot more. First test is basically review but after that good luck. Use fill in the blank notes and pop quizzes on mastering during class. Just study and you'll atleast make a C.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
3.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Apr 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

We have 5 exams in this class so it seems like all I ever did was study for these exams. She doesn't explain things well. However, the class wasn't too hard and I was able to get A/B on all of the exams without studying too much. She gives a lot of extra credit in the homework and some random days if you show up to class. Easy A if you work for it.

TEST HEAVY
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Oct 31, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The tests count for 80 percent of your grade, so if you want to make an A in the class, be sure you get high marks on all of your exams. One bad exam grade and you can kiss that A goodbye. Make sure you do your online homework and show up to class, especially on quiz days. She goes through information really fast. Her tests are pretty difficult.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: B
Nov 8, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Ksai's class is pretty tough. Her exams come up very quickly and always contain lots of material. She's the type of professor to finish one chapter and SPEED through the next in the class before the exam just so she can test you on more info. You have to actually understand the material to do well and her powerpoints make that difficult.

TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Nov 13, 2017
Would take again

Over all it wasnt a hard course. Kate is very helpful during office hours just make sure you go only if you have specific questions on the material. She lectures everyday in class and the power points are fill in the blank so you have to go to understand the material. If you pay attention in class you never have to read the textbook.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Kate is a nice lady. However, I do not think she is a good professor at all. She rushes through powerpoints, which are fill in the blank so they can't be used to study. Her voice is hard to listen to, and exams are very tough. Expects you to know more than she teaches. Be prepared to leave class with more questions than when you walked in with.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
2.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: C
Dec 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She went way too fast through material. If you don't pay 110% attention in class, read the book, follow the powerpoints, and google information, you probably won't do well on the exams. She rushes through everything because "we are always behind schedule" and organizes the class in a very unfair way. Way too much info taught for a principles course

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
Tests are tough
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
Dec 28, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I read the chapters before going to lecture, payed close attention to her dense lectures + reviewed the lecture afterclass to get an A. Do your best on HW/quizzes and extra credit. 4 exams + noncumulative final. Its hard but doable. Shes nice but needs to condense/edit her lectures instead of throwing all that in depth information at us so quickly.

Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: B+
May 1, 2018
Would take again

I honestly don't get the hate for Dr. Tsai. This class is lectures all day every day, but I think she does a good job going through them. She's very knowledgeable about the subject and has lots office hours. Attendance isn't even mandatory, but I still went to hear her explain the material. Overall, nothing too good or too bad. Solid choice.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: C+
May 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Takes the class too seriously for a(n) entry level genetics class. She goes over powerpoints very fast in class and does not explain concepts thoroughly because she tries to rush and finish everything in a day. Pay extremely close attention and type notes like crazy in class. The 5 Exams are hard! Seemed like a nice person, but poor professor.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: B-
May 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

It was a LOT of information. I would study a week in advanced for every test and still felt screwed by the time I got to the test. She has random extra credit and fill in notes. Lectures were very boring but she's so nice. Way too much for an introductory course, avoid if you can. Made me lose all interest in genetics and was a total snooze alert

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: C-
Nov 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She is awful. She is so concerned with getting through the material that she attempts to explain very hard, in depth topics very quickly. I basically taught myself everything by reading the books. Her powerpoints explain nothing, so I was constantly trying to keep up and write down every word she said during class.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
Nov 12, 2018
Would take again

This class is very content heavy, but I printed out the lecture slides and took notes on what she said during class and I didn't ever have a problem with any of her exams. The study guides are helpful, and she wants you to do well. If you're lazy or don't pay attention then you won't do well.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
4.0
4.0
GEN3000
Nov 20, 2018
Would take again

Dr Tsai lectures to over 100 students. The topic is tough enough on its own compounded by the number of students. Tsai makes herself available and her TA does a good job of reiterating the lecture. Study and you'll be fine. Blow off studying and you'll fail. Doing well on the first 2 tests will take pressure off the rest when its harder.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
GEN3000
Dec 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tsai is a very nice person, but she cannot explain things very well. For a beginning genetics class, she goes too in depth with the course material. The tests are multiple choice and some have a written question. The multiple choice questions go just as in depth as the lecture material. The material is boring and hard to understand.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A-
Dec 4, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Tsai is a good genetics teacher. She teaches very in depth, but I feel like I have a good understanding. Other than one exam, I have made an A on all assignments with a reasonable amount of studying. She is very accessible if you have questions, but it seems like we are always having a test or quiz. It goes week off, quiz, test, week off, etc

TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: C-
Apr 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Makes a already difficult class even more difficult. She heavy loads her powerpoints and makes it very complicated. She does not try to simply the material. Her TA and her were also paraniod and constantly trying to accuse people of cheating. Her TA also had anger moments, anyways yeah Tsai not so good So beware..

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Apr 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tsai is a very nice person and will help if you go to her office. The lectures are so material heavy, and type fast because she does not repeat her self much. She does give occasional pop quizzes, but they are random so go to class. Exams are 50 questions, MC, 1-2 short answer and you only get about 40 mins, thats the hardest part of the class.

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
May 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Tests are pretty in depth so you need to know the material front and back, even though she just skims over half the stuff in class because shes behind schedule. Attendance isnt mandatory but sometimes she gives bonus points for going. Go to the TAs review sessions, she is so helpful and would not have passed any of the tests without her!

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
May 28, 2019
Would take again

In order to do well in her class, write down what she says in class bc her powerpoints are only a small bit of the information you need. It is hard to come back from a low test grade so do all the homeworks and the extra credit bc they may show up again on tests. TA review sessions are necessary for a good grade. Pop quizzes are used to boost grade

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: B
Jul 8, 2019
Would take again

Her tests are very doable, and her lectures are really entertaining. She's really great at giving you just the right amount of information so that you fully understand the concept but aren't overwhelmed. The quizzes and homework are a nice grade buffer. She's a great professor and I would definitely take her again.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Jul 30, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Tsai is really sweet and really smart, but sometimes she'll get really excited about a topic and go on a rant and everyone will zone out. But her exams are fairly easy especially if you do the online homework and online review. Her TA is AMAZING! Make sure you go to the weekly review sessions held by the TA, you will not regret it!

1.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

In the midst of the coronavirus crisis I can willingly dispute the "shes a good person but a bad professor." Changes the format of the exam since we now have to take it at home, which is inconvenient not only to myself but many others as this goes against our test taking skills. We are not allowed to go back to an exam question once answered...

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 25, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Terrible, just terrible. Had no sympathy after corona---literally changed the format of the tests to where we cannot go back to questions we have answered... and she's watching us on webcam taking the test sooo we wouldn't be cheating... so extra. One time during a quiz in class she screamed "OMG WHO'S PHONE IS GOING OFF?!" it was hers...

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
GEN302H
Grade: A
Apr 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She knows her stuff but is very disorganized. Sometimes goes way too in-depth, and has to cut a lot of interesting content out of the class. Specific examples appeared on tests, not just concepts. It takes a long time to get assignments graded. Study the details and you will be fine.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
GEN3000
Apr 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tsai is very knowledgeable but goes into way too much detail for an intro class. I dedicated a lot of time to this class and still did not get an A. The online format for her tests are hard and she does not offer any help for grade except for maybe a few extra credit quizzes. I would never take her again. She spends class time on useless info.

2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: B
Apr 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Professor Tsai goes extremely fast during lecture. She is a good professor, but you will need to attend the review sessions with the T.A. in order to do exceptionally well. Homework and quizzes can REALLY help your grade, so I recommend doing well on them. Also do not memorize info for tests as that is not her testing method.

3.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: C
May 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Her tests are super hard but she does give some extra credit. Attendance is not mandatory but shell occasionally have a pop quiz worth bonus points on a test. Weekly HW. Boring lecture.

Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A-
May 4, 2020
Would take again

I liked this class- attendance not mandatory but she would occasionally do Extra credit quizzes(she would give the answers)- the homework helped me to prepare and the quizzes are pretty easy-a good grade booster. She made an 88 an A, she held many office hours, and the TA is great(she held weekly review sessions- even during online bc of corona!)

1.0
4.0
GEN3000
Jul 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

impossible to listen to

Skip class? You won't pass.
Beware of pop quizzes
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
GEN3020
Grade: B+
Oct 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tsai writes the tests the night before the exam. She can't answer our questions about the exams because she never knows. She also gives an impossible amount of questions for the time so that more than half of the class doesn't finish. Dr. Mason is a much better professor so I'm not sure why Clemson has her teaching in the off semesters. AVOID!

Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Dec 29, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Unfortunately Dr. Tsai was the only genetics professor teaching 3020 when I registered. Would not recommend. Her lectures are very unorganized and her tests are harder than expected. She tends to fall behind and instead of cutting material out of the next exam, she'll teach 4 chapters the day before the test and expect you to know it.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
GEN300
Grade: B
Feb 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lemme put it this way: tests are 45 questions in 50 minutes. Tsai lectures very hard & very fast every day, so each test covers about 4 chapters of material. Tests are 70% of your grade- you have 1 homework assignment and a quiz every other week. she is kind & accessible outside of class, and the class isn't impossible, but it is fast-paced. Avoid.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
GEN3020
Grade: B
Mar 24, 2021
Would take again

It may have just been about the switch to online classes, but she was really disorganized. She also wasn't super clear about whether she was going to curve grades or anything. She was nice enough but not my favorite.

Beware of pop quizzes
3.0
5.0
GEN3000
May 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tsai is a super nice lady, but her class was very difficult. The sheer amount of material given in lecture is pretty overwhelming/fast-paced. She tries her best to make it interesting though. Her exams are kind of hard to prepare for and the time limit on them was a real issue, often almost didnt complete all the questions on time.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Group projects
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: B
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She was a nice professor and gave a lot of extra credit opportunities but put it on the homework so it did not affect the grade too much. She talks a lot about her research and sometimes doesn't go in depth about topics that are the exam and then on the exam goes into depth.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
GEN3020
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Tsai is such a nice lady, but geez her lectures are so disorganized. She skips over so much material, and the exams are HEAVY application questions, so you have to know literally everything from the textbook. This semester she got very behind and now the final is on 13 chapters, 5 of which we never went over in class. Do not recommend.

Get ready to read
5.0
1.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2022
Would take again

I wasn't really looking forward to this class, but Dr. Tsai is an amazing lecturer. She made the material really interesting, and clearly outlined what the expectations were. She also gave unit study guides that were great for review.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: B+
Feb 16, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Not good at giving lectures by any means. Provides way too much infornmation and provides slides with visuals that lack explanation if you happen to miss class. Tests are graded very heavily as there is little homework. You will be very rushed on tests with sometimes 40+ questions, some including calculations, in 50 minutes. DO NOT TAKE!

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 18, 2022

Worst professor EVER!! Do not take her! Everyone fails her exams and she could care less! Clemson, why don’t you do something about this? Absolutely disgraceful. Take Genetics another semester if it means you don’t have to take her, because she is ridiculously hard and doesn’t care about anyone failing her class.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: C
Apr 30, 2022

GO WITH THE OTHER TEACHER!!!!!!! test format was unforgiving and honestly didn't accurately reflect the student's knowledge of the material. She would disregard and generalize any issue a student would bring up. Has a very hard time responding to emails in a timely manner if at all- Definitely did not reply within 48 hours of sending.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: C-
Apr 30, 2022

Avoid. When Dr.Tsai does allow people to meet with her she is rude, inconsiderate, and condescending. Even if you do happen to get her as your instructor the lectures were so chaotic and boring. truly an awful experience. Dr.Tsai changed testing format and it was so much harder. Other class averages were so much better EVERY TIME.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
1.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
May 12, 2022
Would take again

Tsai is a perfectly respectable professor. Our exams were MC and fair. HW was helpful for studying and she provided plenty of bonus points. She went out of her way to ask the class what she could do to better help us understand the material. Honestly, most of the material came directly from AP bio in HS or BIO 1100/10. Overall a relatively easy A.

Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
GEN3000
Nov 28, 2022
Would take again

Tsai was an overall pretty good professor. There is a lot of material but she has homework and quizzes to help split it up. If your someone who doesn't go to class then take someone else because her notes require you go to class. She is willing to curve tests to help you out so if you try your best you should do pretty well in her course.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2022

It is possible to get an A but it requires a lot of studying!! The other professors (Lyda and Harris) ask easy questions, or don't monitor the students while they are taking the exam, allowing them to cheat and make easy As. If you are trying to learn the material I would take Tsai, but if you are trying to get an easy A do not take this professor.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
GEN3020
Grade: A-
Dec 30, 2022
Would take again

I'm not a gen major but was taking the intro class for gen majors. the class is difficult and moves quickly, but Dr. Tsai did her best to teach us what she could, and inspired me to take on a gen minor. She is kind and understanding, gives hw that builds on content, and quizzes are open note/book. Exams are hard but if you study you will be fine.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Jan 16, 2023
Would take again

I loved this class!! No, attendance isn't required but most test questions come directly from the notes, which are fill-in-the-blank that you get from her lectures. The tests are hard but as long as you study the notes, an A is very possible and she curves. She is very helpful outside of class and is definitely passionate about what she's teaching!

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 22, 2023

Probably the most boring lectures I have ever listened to. The homework she gives you doesn't help you at all if you get it wrong or even if you get it right. The textbook has nothing to do with what her exams are on. Your entire grade is based off of 5 exams in which she basically pulls the questions out of thin air. Take the other teacher.

2.0
5.0
GEN3020
Grade: A
Mar 31, 2023

Dr. Tsai was super knowledgeable on the material taught, but her lectures were very disorganized. The exams were incredibly difficult, and they required hours on hours of studying (even for an average grade). Don't take her unless you are super focused and can pay attention ALL THE TIME.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: B-
Apr 1, 2023
Would take again

Kind professor. Difficult class. She posts some lectures online. Need to be able to take PowerPoint/notes every day, talks very fast and you need all of it. Gives some easy quizzes and extra cred, but 70% of grades are hard exams require days of studying. You can get a B if you're really good. Other teachers on TigerGrader have better av grades.

Caring
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Apr 10, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Tsai was a pretty good professor! She taught clearly and gave out notes for class. I feel like I learned a lot and didn't have to put too much effort into studying. The tests were fair and she holds review sessions that are very helpful. She gives out extra credit randomly if you attend class and posts a lot of extra resources to help!

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
Apr 22, 2023
Would take again

Genetics 3000 is a really hard class, and Prof. Tsai takes out most of the complex aspects of it. You will want to make sure to take notes about what she's saying to go over it before an exam because the powerpoints by themselves don't explain everything. Exams are 80% of your grade but the final isn't cumulative.

Participation matters
Inspirational
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: B
May 12, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Tsai was super kind and respectable, HOWEVER the lectures and course schedule were super disorganized making it difficult to be prepared for class. We skipped around a lot especially towards the end when we ran out of time. We did cover some pretty complex topics and Dr. Tsai did take time to review and go over them throughly.

Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
GEN300
Grade: A
Jul 11, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Tsai held a really good class overall. I really enjoyed the material the way that she presented it and her exams lined up well with the information that was taught. Overall a really cool gal and I recommend taking her.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
GEN302H
Grade: A+
Nov 17, 2023
Would take again

Tips for This class: Go to her review sessions, they are student led and let you ask any question no matter how specific and complex before an exam. Do her study guides: highly correlated with the exams and a great study tool. Review on Mastering: great practice questions, and typically some even used/copied on actual exam. Go to Class!!!

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Tsai was a great professor, she gave good lectures and tried to make them interesting to engage the class. She put complicated topics in easy terms that you can understand. She gave very helpful reviews before every exam, study guides, and practice problems. I would take her again.

Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A-
Dec 8, 2023
Would take again

I enjoyed her class. Her tests were kind of tough but she gives extra credit assignments.

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
Dec 17, 2023
Would take again

I loved Dr. Tsai!! Exams were pretty straight forward and she ended up curving the last 2. Come to class b/c the material can be confusing without her lectures and she gives lots of "pop quizzes" that she gives you the answers to for extra credit. She really wants everyone to do well and gives lots of extra credit so people could exempt the final.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Tsai was fantastic! The class has 4 regular exams and a final, but you can exempt the final if you have an A in the class (she even curved everyone's final grades so as many people could exempt as possible). Attendance isn't mandatory, but you can rack up a lot of extra credit from the participation quizzes she does occasionally during class.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Accessible outside class
4.0
2.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Apr 11, 2024
Would take again

Pretty easy class as long as you study the notes. She randomly gives out extra credit for showing up to class (usually on Fridays.) She seems very sweet and explains most things well.

EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Apr 19, 2024
Would take again

The tests are hard so watch old lecture videos and make a study guide. Overall, she is a very good teacher and if you actually show up to class and take notes you will get an A. She also gives so many extra credit opportunities.

EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Tsai was one of my favorite professors here at Clemson! Very caring towards her students and wants them to succeed in the class. Attendance is not mandatory but she gives out pop quizzes that serve as extra credit so that is an advantage to showing up to class. The exams were tricky, but doing the study guide helps prepare for the exams.

EXTRA CREDIT
Beware of pop quizzes
Caring
5.0
1.0
GEN3000
Grade: A+
May 9, 2024
Would take again

Tsai gives so much extra credit and is super flexible, she doesn't want you to fail. If you just do the work you'll pass no problem. Awesome class and awesome professor

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
GEN3000
Grade: A
Feb 3, 2025
Would take again

Professor Tsai is awesome - super flexible and wants you to succeed. The exams are tricky, but using resources like the study guide, lecture videos, and Unstuck ai can really help prep. Attendance is key for extra credit quizzes.

1.0
4.0
GEN3000
Grade: C
Apr 25, 2025

just dont take this professor

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

26%

Textbook Required

41%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 66 grades
Most common grades:
A (20)
B (12)
A+ (9)
Grade Distribution
A(29)B(16)C(10)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 71 reported grades
A: 20
B: 12
A+: 9
A-: 7
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (25)
Skip class? You won't pass. (18)
Test heavy (13)
TEST HEAVY (12)
EXTRA CREDIT (12)
Get ready to read (10)
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
Graded by few things (9)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.23 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GEN302H

4.0

(2)

GEN3000

3.0

(73)

3000

2.7

(3)

GEN3020

2.6

(5)

GEN300

2.2

(17)
Difficulty by Course

GEN3020

4.2

GEN302H

4.0

GEN300

3.8

GEN3000

3.5

3000

2.7

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