There is some truth to some of these comments. First off, bio is hard, and most of these people are probably the kids who got all A's in AP bio. This is college and you actually have to use what you learn. Be prepared to work, do all assignments and attend lectures. You have to synthesize and apply concepts. Ashmore is a solid teacher.

Though some of her class activities seem to be made for middle schoolers, she does a very good job of explaining things and keeping class interesting. Her tests are pretty easy if you do the work and have at least some background in biology/genetics.

She is a very nice lady but a very bad lecturer. However if you go to her office hours she makes things clearer. Her tests aren't bad as long as you read the book.

After hearing bad things about Ashmore, I was pleasantly surprised to actually like her. She is passionate about biology, she seems to have fairer tests than some of the other Bio 1 professors, and her lectures are pretty clear. If you are going to take Bio 1, I recommend her.

Dr. Ashmore is really wonderful. She's a sweetheart, and as I've found, extremely helpful. Her class is the hardest that I've ever taken, but she loves what she does and will really go out of her way to help you. Just work hard, ask for help when you need it, and you'll do fine.

If you read all of the sections, go to lectures and recitations, and basically just do what you're supposed to, this class is great. She loves biology and from all that I've heard, she's better than all other professors. Expect your grade to reflect what you put into the class. She doesn't ask easy questions, but they aren't impossible. Just study!

Ashmore is awesome. Really, best professor I have had so far. She is incredibly nice and her class made me look at biology in a whole new way. You can actually understand the things that are going on. She's really great!

Ashmore is a wonderful teacher. She is enthusiastic and very straight forward. Bio 1 is a tough course but she aims to make it better. Just study the powerpoints that she provides and use the book for clarification. Overall great teacher!

One of the best teachers I've had. She explained things more clearly and more in depth than AP Bio. Only material covered in lecture or recitation was on test- never had to guess what would be on there. SERIOUSLY passionate about bio. Had her last semester so if any of the previous negative reviews were true, they aren't anymore.

Ashmore is definitely your best choice for genetics. Her in-class problems mimic almost exactly what will be on the test. Her problems sets are harder than what's on the exams which prepares you well. She had a lot of typos but it was her first time teaching the class. Very kind and has a great sense of humor!

She is a great teacher. She's so passionate about biology and gets excited when teaching. Her lectures are interesting because she is a very funny teacher. She goes in depth on details, and she always pauses for people to ask questions. She's always cheerful to answer any questions during lectures or office hours. Her tests are very difficult.

She's a great professor. She's so passionate in bio, and she keeps the class very exciting with her examples and jokes. She always pauses during lectures for questions. She's always cheerful to answer any questions whether it's during lecture or office hour. When you go to her office hour, she will make sure you understand before walking out.

Bio 150 is the hardest class that you'll take your freshman year, so you want to make sure you have the best teacher possible. And based on what i've heard from friends about their bio teachers/class, Ashmore is THE best possible professor you can get for this course. She is so enthusiastic, and truly wants you to succeed!

I used to HATE bio. I nearly failed it in 9th grade and got kicked out in 11th. I thought this class would kill me. However, I have a B with average work and no background! Dr.Ashmore is very nice and puts a lot of effort into her lectures. Ashmore made bio finally "click" for me. I never thought I'd say this, but...I wanna take Bio 2...

I had to repeat bio1 because of a low grade&taking Ashmore the 2nd time was the best choice i made. she is clear in lectures, slides are very helpful, &she tells you exactly what will be on the exams. if you really do your best, attend lectures, recitations, use your clicker and do the HWs, you'll get a decent grade even if you eff up the exams.

Fantastic teacher, if you need to take bio 1 take this teacher. The lectures are a must attend but they are very helpful. The class is clear and she makes it known what she wants from you in lecture and if you are confused she is a very nice lady and will tell you if you attend office hours.

Tests are based MOSTLY off of the text book, a lot of reading outside class, but tests were fairly easy. Hard to approach but UTAs were willing to help

"If you can pass this class, then you can pass any other class"

Dr. Ashmore clearly understands the material and presents in a way everyone can understand, even if that takes explaining a concept a few different ways. She's very helpful if you ever need anything. Attendance is a must and you should keep up with the reading. Bio 1 is a generally difficult class, but Dr. Ashmore is definitely the best choice.

very nice lady. office hours very helpful. TA's are very very helpful. TESTS ARE VERY HARD AND MOSTLY APPLICATION QUESTIONS. go to lecture. do the homework. and it should help your grade a little pit. Recitation is boring and uneventful but go for clicker points. THIS CLASS IS VERY HARD!!!!!!!

THE best bio teacher. Her lectures follow the readings almost exactly and her test questions are remarkably fair. You have to put in the work just like any bio class, but she never makes you memorize all the ridiculous things that some other bio profs do.

Probably the best bio teacher you could have at Pitt. She tells you everything you need to know, specifies which sections to read and which ones are unnecessary, which is extremely helpful. The tests are a challenge as are most in college. Don't expect to do well if you don't read, go to class, and do the work. Just be diligent in your studies.

Asmore was the best bio I teacher offered last semester. She really cares about her students and their grades, and though the class itself is difficult, she tries to make it as bearable as she can.

Ashmore is very enthusiastic in class. Her powerpoints are very helpful. Ashmore is known to give extremely difficult application based tests but she tries to help by giving students diagrams of those questions beforehand which is extremely useful. Overall, great teacher, just need to put in the extra effort in studying!

Dr. Ashmore is still my favorite professor I have had at Pitt so far. Her lectures are engaging and interesting, and I have never seen a person more passionate about biology. She really cares about her students and it shows. I would definitely recommend her!You won't find a better Bio 150 professor. I wish she taught Bio 160.

Very clear lectures. Doesn't try to trick you nearly as much as most other bio teachers. Very friendly. Favorite teacher at Pitt so far.

I would definitely recommend here as a teacher, she's clear and gives you lots of material to study from.

Didn't need to read the book (but I did anyway). Lectures are very clear and the main points she focuses on really are the main points on the exam. She is very enthusiastic and willing to work with students. Very fair and cares a lot. Would take anything she teaches-- and I'm a theatre major with no interest in biology.

Ashmore is a pretty good choice for bio 0150. She's passionate about the material and always clear on what she wants from you as a student. Sometimes, she doesn't explain things in the clearest way. Certain concepts that could be quite simple are complicated in some of her lectures. Overall, though, nice woman. Pretty good professor. Hard class.

Some negative things about Ashmore's class: attendance is mandatory, she forces you to work in groups, she's not very charismatic, and the tests are very hard. But above all of that, Ashmore is always willing and so eager to help. She truly cares about her students and that's what makes her a great professor.

Dr. Ashmore tells you from the beginning that her tests are almost all application questions. Attending lecture and recitation are not only crucial to doing well on the test, but clicker points from lecture and recitation and mastering biology count for 10 percent of your grade. She really genuinely wants you to succeed but she doesn't make it easy

The class is incredibly challenging, Dr. Ashmore gives incredibly difficult, application based tests, and there is not much opportunity to earn points outside of tests. However, Dr. Ashmore is very personable and friendly and is very willing to help anyone who needs it. Definitely recommend for a class that's difficult regardless

Loved Ashmore as a professor. Yes, the class is difficult and her tests are all application based. However she is extremely organized and puts a lot of effort into her lecture powerpoints and posts them online. They are EXTREMELY helpful when it comes to studying for tests. And she is extremely personable and really wants her students to succeed.

Her lectures were great. This is my third time taking Bio including high school and I feel like this is the first time that I actually understand Photosynthesis. She is very fair on tests and isn't out to fail everyone.

Would recommend for Bio I. Clear lectures, and is always ready to help. Can drop one test grade (and most of the class did horrible on the Photosynthesis test) and replace it with the final. Implemented a new system to change 6 test answers to get 3 pts back (on a 40 pt test). Tests aren't easy, but is a good option for Bio I.

Cannot recommend her enough, by far the best professor for Bio 1. If you put in the work there's no reason you shouldn't do well in this class. Tests are a lot of application but most of the time she's pretty straightforward and you have the opportunity to get points back. You can tell that Dr. Ashmore really wants her students to succeed.

Going to class is a must. If you put forth the effort (keeping up with readings, going to office hours, doing homework) you will get a great grade. Dr. Ashmore is there to help you succeed, and she's REALLY enthusiastic about the subject. As much as Bio 1 is a weed out course, Dr. Ashmore's class didn't seem like it was. I'd highly recommend her.

Dr. Ashmore is a good professor. Definitely the hardest Bio 1 professor but she is really caring and likes to see her student succeed. You have to really work and understand the material to do well on her tests but I would recommend her.

Professor Ashmore was hands down the best professor I had this past semester. She was so helpful and did everything she could to help her students. She offered multiple extra credit opportunities. Bio 1 is a hard class and she made it manageable and enjoyable. definitely recommend!

The biology department in my high school sucked, so that may or may not have impacted the grade I got. Though I don't think so, you REALLY do need to learn how to study FOR COLLEGE, so NO CRAMMING. The assignments aren't even worth a lot of points, and the readings aren't necessary, BUT THEY HELP A LOT. Her tests are HARD so dear lord STUDYREVIEW.

Dr. Ashmore is a great professor. Willing to help, and provides clarification for questions. Answers questions to the best of her ability, and is very passionate about her class. Tests are tough, studying daily is a must, and MasteringBiology follows every lecture. She encourages discussion, and even created a Facebook page for her class!

Dr. Ashmore is a great professor! She is really passionate about her class and makes her lectures interesting. She is very willing to help and offer clarification. She is definitely a fair grader and actually cares about her students' success in her class. Her tests are hard though and daily studying is important to keep up on all of the material.

I had Dr. Ashmore last semester for Bio I. While she teaches the information well, her tests are very challenging. Regardless of how much work you put in, an A is no guarantee; however, managing a C or even a B isn't as much of a feat. Nonetheless, her class requires A LOT of daily studying and reading, but she is very nice and taught me a lot.

She's awesome. Her tests are tough and her class isn't exactly easy either, but I learned a lot from Dr. Ashmore and I'm grateful to have had her as a teacher. Really there for you.

Ashmore gives you so many resources and chances for extra points (ie office hours, clicker points, changing your answers on the tests!) that you really can excel if you put in the effort. She also gives you lots of practice worksheets in recitation, which are pretty helpful. Her tests are hard, but honestly if you study you can pass fairly easily.

Dr. Ashmore is such a clear professor. She puts a ton of resources for us on CourseWeb, and she is NOT condescending when you ask a question in class like so many other teachers. And she makes the best mom-like jokes in class. Rock on, Lesley!

Class wasn't hard for me personally but others seemed to be challenged somewhat. If you take a day to study and review before each test (what I did) it should be easier. Class is mandatory to go to for participation, and you have opportunity for extra credit by going, which is also relatively easy to get. Lectures are great.

She's super sweet and easy to talk to but she throws a lot of curve balls when it comes to tests.

She's a very nice woman. However, her tests are SO HARD. I'm currently failing the course. Unless you're a genius when it comes to biology, don't take her course. There are easier Bio I professors at Pitt. You have to work really hard to pass her class. Yes, she offers extra credit points, but they're never enough to save your grade.

Very sweet woman, makes lectures generally interesting, has a lot of extra credit opportunities, tests are hard but if she is clear on what is on them and gives many resources for you to study with. She is willing to help if you go to her! I would definitely take her again.

Ashmore is great! She has a really funny (albeit slightly quirky) humor. She's super helpful in office hours, and her tests - although difficult - are fair. Read the book, show up to lecture, pay attention, and ask questions and you're good! If you're willing to put in the work, you shouldn't have a problem getting an A!

Ashmore is super funny, really tries to help the students, and gives a good understanding of what will be on the tests. Some people complain about her but they are the ones that don't study. You have to remember all the bio I classes are super difficult, it will be a lot of work. I think Ashmore is the best option out of all of them.

LOVE Dr. Ashmore. She's very personable and always willing to sit down and explain anything you need. Very clear lecturer, great sense of humor. Exams are tough but very fair, and she offers the opportunity to submit test corrections. She also offers some extra credit which is nice. I would definitely take another class she taught, hands down

I have never seen someone so interested in metabolic pathways. I hated this class so much; lectures were boring, and tests were extremely difficult, especially if you don't understand. Tests go into a lot of detail, make sure to really read the book and understand. As for the metabolic pathways, you better just know them. Would not take again.

shes a great professor. out of all bio professors in the department people agree shes the best. shes good at teaching but since its biology the material is hard. her test questions are mostly application based so just knowing the material is not enough. you need to know it well enough to apply it in different situations. Dont worry. you'll be fine.

Bio is a weed-out course. It's going to be hard. There will be people that don't do well. That being said, Ashmore really tries to make it enjoyable. Lectures are planned out very well, you can tell she spends a lot of time on them. Tests mostly application based, but she offers test corrections and extra credit. Great professor, great class.

Dr. Ashmore was more than fair and really clear about how to get an A. The course had a lot of work in the beginning but as long as you work really hard on your paper for the first 2 drafts- you have the option of not revising the last draft! AWESOME PROFESSOR, great woman.

Dr. Ashmore is a wonderful professor. She is clear and always willing to help students outside of class time. Utilize her office hours (she'll give bonus for showing up). Tests are hard, so you should always do the reading and attend lecture. One test grade can be replaced with the final grade. An A is definitely attainable if you apply yourself.

She is very helpful, very happy, and adorable. You really have to study for the tests, be prepared for them to be harder than you expect. I'm sure that she will always help you if you need. Probably one of the best professors for BIO 1.

Very nice and good teacher. Some times does not have enough time to cover all of the material on her power point. Very good in class and recitation problems

Ashmore is a solid choice for bio 1. Her tests are challenging and very application heavy. It's evident that she hasn't taken a chem class in a while, as she neglects to addresses common chemical misconceptions students come into her class with. Overall though she is an impressive lecturer and a great women. Will surely take her again.

Dr. Ashmore has been one of the most memorable professors i've ever had. She explains everything clearly and her lectures are phenomenal. I'm currently a junior, and I have yet to have a professor as wonderful as Dr. Ashmore during first semester freshman year. Her tests are heavy on application which is great, if you are pursuing biology.

I had Dr. Ashmore last year and actually miss her class. Coming from a very minimal bio background, she helped me really learn the material well and made me enthusiastic about my Biology major. Her class gave me a solid foundation for upper level courses. Fantastic lectures. You can tell that she puts a ton of effort into them.

I really enjoyed having Dr. Ashmore for Bio 1. Her lectures are helpful, but I found the textbook to help me more in preparing for the exams. She really makes you work for an A, but it's definitely possible if you put the work in. She's also extremely generous with extra credit and very accessible and respectful to her students.

Having Ashmore for bio was great, and she has a great sense of humor, but I wouldn't recommend her without having AP Bio in high school. Her tests are very difficult but usually have one or two extra credit points. If you had a good AP Bio teacher in high school I can't recommend her enough. If not, stay away.

Dr. Ashmore is a great professor who makes learning Biology fun. I had AP Bio last year a & it prepared me for Biology this year. If you read the book BEFORE lecture you should be fine. Her tests coincide with the book unlike other teachers in the university. She offers extra credit throughout the semester. She like application questions ALOT!

Dr. Ashmore's lectures are clear and concise, but make sure you supplement them with the textbook just to reinforce your knowledge. She tests based on application of the concepts, not memorization of facts. In-class she uses clicker questions and assigns online HW weekly. She is passionate about biology and loves to see everyone succeed.

It was very difficult. Exams are based on application so you MUST FULLY UNDERSTAND the info to do well. Even if you don't do too well on the exams, don't worry, she gives a lot of bonus opportunity and graded sheets from recitation will definitely boost your grade. You'll have to work hard but you definitely learn a lot from this course.

Dr. Ashmore is a great choice for first-year bio students. Biology is tough, but Dr. Ashmore really wants to make sure you understand. Answers questions in lecture and makes class interesting. Only teacher who gives a decent amount of extra credit and TEST CORRECTIONS. You must show effort, but definitely a fair professor.

Very educated in the subject she teaches and very enthusiastic in class. Sometimes, she drags the lecture on and doesn't finish, but she usually doesn't put the material you don't get to on the test. Her tests can be worded kind of poorly, but she lets you do test corrections which really help your grade. She's a really nice lady!

Professor Ashmore was very generous when it came to extra credit, and test corrections were a huge help with test grades. We rarely finished her lectures slides in class, but be sure to use her powerpoints as study material. Definitely utilize UTA sessions, read the book before class, go to lecture, and work in groups for test corrections.

At first, everything in lecture is overwhelming but top hat questions are a reflection of test question (so lots of practice) says theres not a lot of extra credit but keeps offering, overly enthusiastic making the class fun, test corrections really help learn material for the future and reading book helps with homework and recitations

She gives you everything you need to know in lectures. She gives a lot of extra credit and she helps students out with grades if she could tell if you put work into the class. She gives tophat questions in class, so you need to go to class to get those points. Test are a lot of application based questions, so just knowing facts is not enough.

Do the reading beforehand or pay attention in lecture (boring), then brush up before the test. Ashmore offers lots of extra credit and you can drop your lowest test score. Very fair grading. I wish I could take her again for Bio2, but she is not teaching it this term. Will take her genetics class next year.

Overall, she's a really sweet person, but this class whips you into shape. Don't expect to do amazing on the exams. The highest I ever got was an 86, but she does let you drop your lowest score and adds a lot of extra credit and homework points. She is pretty disorganized in lecture and that's definitely what makes her exams hard.

Loved Dr. Ashmore! Her exams are very fair (every minor detail you learn in class and read in the book will be on the exam and the questions all take a lot of thinking to answer... but isnt that the best way to learn??) I would definitely take her again (probably for genetics). Be prepared to really work for the A.

Explains the material pretty well. The course itself is a lot so she goes kind of quickly, but not unmanageable. If you can do the homework you can do the exams. Go to recitation, sometimes similar questions appear on the exams. Try to do well on the first 2 exams, because the 3rd and the final are pretty tough. Exam questions can be tricky.

Really nice woman and a good choice. If you ask for help with a concept you can tell she cares. Lecture was engaging and fun some days. Exams are difficult but study the previous exams and re-read lectures and you'll be good.

Really bad jokes in class. Corny but fun. Can give a really dry lecture sometimes. Class is pretty easy. You can tell she cares about the kids though. Good person.

She is interested in what she's teaching and genuinely wants the class to understand the topics. Having taken h.s. bio and anatomy, I had an easier time learning, but she doesn't go too in depth like other teachers here do. Gives 4-5 Top Hat questions a lecture, so you should go to class. Exams based on lecture material; I've opened the book once.

She is really interested in the material and works really hard to make sure her students have as many resources as possible. It is really important that you go to lecture, because there are a lot of top hat questions, and just reading the book is not going to help you do well.

Dr. Ashmore is a wonderful professor. She's passionate about the subject and wants her students to be as well. Her lectures are extremely informative, engaging, and helpful come time for the exam. She gives a multitude of resources to make sure her students succeed. If you show up, are engaged in lecture, and put effort in you'll do well.

I took Ashmore and at the beginning was extremely scared because I heard you wouldn't pass if you didn't take AP Bio which I didn't, but she ended up being a great professor. You have to read the textbook and show up to class, but if you are willing to put in the work she is great option as far as bio 1 goes.

Very friendly, gives a lot of room for error on exams. Be ready to work though.

Dr. Ashmore certainly challenges every student, yet everyone has an equal opportunity to get an A if they work hard enough. Read the textbook in advance and prepare for the application questions that she will ask on exams. She is very passionate about teaching, I wish I could have taken her for Bio 2.

Your success largely depends on your willingness to study outside of class. She says in the very first class that she expects you to read the relevant chapter before every lecture. Also, attendance is basically required as she asks multiple Top Hat questions per class that can only be seen on the projector.

Dr. Ashmore is a wonderful professor. She really cares about each student and wants each one to do their best. She gives as many resources she can. In order to do well on the class, STUDY HER LECTURE SLIDES and solve the lecture questions thoroughly. Solve TopHat questions, recitation sheets, and old exam questions. Form a study group & meet weekly

Dr Ashmore was a great professor! She taught specifically how to apply the concepts learned in the book to real world scenarios. Exams were very fair. Reading through her annotated practice exams that she provides on course web was very useful. Her exams also included questions related to top hat questions and some homework questions.

Had to take this class for my major and it was basically water-downed biology, you cover a lot of topics but not too deeply. 3 exams including the final, assignments weighted pretty fairly. Her exam questions kind of confusing at times and the lecture is Tophat heavy too.

Dr. Ashmore is very passionate about the material she teaches. This class was not very difficult because most of the topics were covered pretty broadly. There are tophat questions during class and the lectures can get boring at some points, but she tries her best to make things interesting and some lectures are really fun.

Doctor Ashmore is an incredible woman. Shes an advocate for students and really cares about their well being. She is EXTEREMELY thorough on the content. She has thousands of slide notes to go along with her powerpoints. Her tests are tough. A lot of connecting concepts which I struggled to do making the class super hard. "If we break this, then..?"

Dr. Ashmore is a solid choice for Bio 1. Don't recommend skipping class, as she covers a lot of information in lectures and moves quickly. Sometimes she can be a bit disorganized and doesn't cover everything, but she posts the powerpoints online so you can go back and finish your notes. Study a lot and you will do well.

Dr. Ashmore goes above and beyond to provide her students with every resource they need to succeed. She also gives extra credit. The class is not easy and you will need to put in the work, however, if you are dedicated, you will do well. Go to her office hours, TA office hours if you need, and do the practice exams she provides. I would recommend!

Professor Ashmore made biosc 0150 easier by posting lots of practice problems before exams and by assigning homework that was helpful to study with and better understand concepts covered in lecture. This class was a lot of work but not necessarily difficult. With all of the practice material she gave, reading the textbook was not always necessary.

Master her in-class problems, recitation problems, and homework problems and you'll get As on exams. Unaware of this for the first exam so I split my efforts between book notes/problems and her material which screwed me. Didn't touch the book for the next exam and score was boosted 20% into A. Great professor and really cares for her students!

Prof Ashmore is awesome! She makes the topics really relevant interesting, She takes a lot of questions too. I didn't do a ton of reading, but I would still get the textbook because sometimes she asks you to skim over things to give you better background. The exams weren't bad at all, but make sure to show up for participation points!

I enjoyed Dr. Ashmore's class. Her exams were very manageable. Final was hard. She gives extra points on every exam if you go to recitation that week. Always has questions in class. There is homework for every lecture. Her lectures didn't make me want to sleep, and she was really passionate about biology. I totally recommend her!

The class is a lot of work, but it's made better by Dr Ashmore being literally the sweetest lady ever. She does so much for her students and wants everyone to succeed. Though the transition to online was a bit tough on her, she is doing great and honestly, who wasn't it tough on? Take her if you want a caring prof!

Dr Ashmore is so caring and willing to help. She goes above and beyond for her students. The material is challenging and its a lot of work, but thats just how genetics is. She is a good choice.

Although Dr. Ashmore isn't the best lecturer, she is a really caring professor who provides a lot of opportunities to do well in the class. The problem sets and recitation are heavily application based but are good preparation for the tests. The quiz redos and flexible due dates are nice as well. Overall, not a hard class to do well in.

No actual due dates except for the problem sets. The "weekly" quizzes could be taken at any time before finals week. I actually found the lectures engaging. I do wish that she would add more questions on the quizzes that were worth fewer points. you don't need to read the textbook or do the suggested problems because there is already a lot of HW.

Dr Ashmore did her best with the online format and was receptive to student input. Lots of small assignments but they prepare you well for quizzes. Weekly participation points were a little annoying but doable. A good choice for genetics.

She was, by far, one of the best professors I had during quarantine time. Extremely considerate and kind(gave us a whole week off instead of one mental health day). She did give a lot of assignments but if you stayed on top of them, the class was super doable. She does want engagement so you'll have to do some discussions or zoom study sessions.

Great professor. I'm a visual learner, so her drawings and models were really helpful. She also cares about student's mental health. Easy to learn and help always available. Her quizzes and final were fair. She put up with a lot from the students, and I feel bad, so if you are going to study, take the class. Otherwise spare her the grade-grubbing!

Ashmore was a little disorganized this semester, but I think that's because she was really burnt out. Otherwise, she is a pretty good lecturer and her quizzes/ exams are manageable. The benchmark grading was a little annoying, but overall the class could have been so much worse. Ashmore really cares and listens to student opinions/feedback.

good teacher

Dr. Ashmore is really nice and definitely tries to help you. Her class tends to be pretty run-of-the-mill difficulty-wise as long as you put in the work. Wouldn't quite call it an easy A but it is easy to get through.

Dr. Ashmore is one of the nicest professors ever! She brought her VR headset to office hours so we could play beat saber and gave us a few mental health days. Her class can be difficult because her lectures can be kind of confusing and she goes pretty fast through the material. She does let you use a cheat sheet on the final though.

The lectures were confusing at times, but it was easy to go to her office hours with questions. If you do the problem sets, class participation, and recitations and understand everything- you should do well on the biweekly, open note quizzes. We got a cheat sheet for the final and it wasn't that bad.

We had 6 online quizzes and a final. To keep up with heavy material you need to pay attention in class, read the textbook, and do well on quizzes. She wasn't very available outside of class, so you're mostly on your own but the TA's are helpful. She does a good job at making lectures that make the complex material much easier to understand.

Ashmore is an engaging lecturer and writes very fair tests, and was extra lenient due to Covid. She can be a little disorganized, and I never went to her office hours so I can't speak for those, but she explains things very clearly. Tophat points are required for attendance and participation, but an easy grade booster.

Ashmore takes a bit to get into lectures and can have scatterbrained days, but on a good day she's a top-tier professor. Breaks down complicated topics and is very receptive to in-person questions. However, the class material is the most challenging pure biology course at Pitt, so independent studying and relying on TAs for help is a necessity.

We had 6 online, open-note "quizzes" which were like mini unit exams. The quizzes weren't too difficult since they were open note. I mostly used her lecture material and powerpoints to review for quizzes which were very helpful. The textbook was rarely necessary. The final was cumulative and not open note. She can be difficult and graded late.

Fun personality, but there were times she seemed a little unorganized (errors on multiple PP's (which she said have been there for years) & the grading curve/method was a mystery nearly all semester). I am extremely grateful that I passed! Graded on 4 exams & optional final (worth double an exam), lec HW, rec HW, & EC (up to 10pts or until we pass)

I had her last fall and would definitely recommend you take her. Like most bio classes at Pitt, her class can be difficult, confusing, and a lot of work at times, but as long as you pay attention in class and utilize other resources (TAs, book, and google tbh) you'll be just fine.

I had Dr. Ashmore for Bio 1 and I really loved her class. The structure and grading was great and her lectures always helped me retain the information we learned. She lets you drop your lowest exam score and the final is optional if you're happy with your 3 midterms. She also records her lectures and gives extra credit. Would take again for sure.

She is an extremely nice person and a great lecturer for the most part. She makes some mistakes but she is generally great at explaining things and has focused topics. Her exams are also really easy for the most part and she gives out a good amount of extra credit.

Very engaging lectures. Exams were very straightforward and reflected what we learned in class. Extra credit questions on every exam. The best part- you can retake every exam in your recitation! Sometimes a bit disorganized and definitely not tech savvy, but a great choice overall for BIOSC 0150.

Lectures are always engaging and comprehensive of all material on exams. Exams are definitely important because they are 65% of your total grade. The application questions are tough, but I think Dr. Ashmore cares about your success and does her best to teach the information well and thoroughly. I recommend this professor!

Dr. Ashmore is a great prof for BIOSC0150. Everything on the exams was in the lectures. If you already took AP Bio than you can pass this class with minimal studying. The exams do make up a majority of your grade but there are lots of opportunities for extra credit. Highly recommend taking Ashmore!

Overall good professor who cares. The tests are very challenging but are manageable. From someone who did not do AP Bio I feel I did fairly well given the high level of content we had to learn.

The only reason this class is 5/5 difficulty is because the final was really hard. Her midterm exams aren't bad at all if you put in a good week of studying at least. When the final comes around I would recommend studying extra hard because it's much harder then the midterms. There's lots of extra credit plus she's really nice and good professor!

Loved Dr. Ashmore! Exams are based directly on her lectures. She allows you to retake the exams in recitation to get points back. She really wants her students to do well. Pay attention in class and study for exams and you will easily get an A.

Dr. Ashmore is not the best lecturer as she tends to get off topic, but everything you need to know for the class she will talk about. Her exam problems are exactly like homework and recitation problems and she gives practice exams. She gives plenty of extra credit too, so if you pay attention in class and do all the work you will get a good grade.

Do the practice tests! They have questions you will see on the exams! Gives chances for extra credit, the homework is helpful, and doesn't give quizzes. She is nice and very good at explaining things. Tbh I didn't read the textbook but I still got a good grade. She breaks down big concepts very well.

Ashmore puts more emphasis on the big concepts rather than on small details (which I was really able to appreciate). If you feel confident in your high school bio education, take her class for a relaxed semester. However, there were many who were learning certain concepts for the first time that struggled. I recommend reading the textbook chapters.

Dr. Ashmore makes Bio 1 so manageable. You get to drop one exam and you get to do exam retakes with a group for every exam to give yourself extra credit. It is very VERY easy to get an A in this course if you pay attention and do the tophats.

Dr. A is very enthusiastic about biology and you can tell she loves to teach. I barely paid attention in lectures and crammed before every exam and averaged a B. She is hard to reach but her TA is great. During lectures she always always answers any questions you have about topics. Her exams were fair and not very confusing.

The key is to do well on the first and second exams (88% of course is determined by exams so it's not possible to recover after a crappy test). Overall pretty easy class with exciting lectures. I do feel like the class is easier than other genetics sections (for good or bad). Dr. Ashmore is super sweet, no drama, and really wants you to succeed!

Ashmore was great. Her lectures were amazing and you didn't need to read the textbook if you payed attention during lecture. There is no curve, but the grading is really fair. She makes you retake exams in groups for partial credit back. Sometimes doesn't understand what concepts students are struggling with and needs to be told very explicitly.

Ashmore's attendance was mandatory and graded based on papers she passes out during random lectures. She gives lots of Connect homework that takes forever to finish. Ashmore cares about her students and makes sure the information is not overwhelming for the students. Her tests are easy as well.

Professor Ashmore was nice, & she clearly knows what she's talking about. This class was easy, & attendance was only taken at 5 lectures throughout the year. Most of your grade comes from 4 midterms & the final, but if you do well on the midterms, you can skip the final. Lectures are boring but easy, tons of homework though.

Lectures are straight forward You'll do a 40 minute module about twice a week for this class but its nothing too crazy. Its clear what information will be on the test and it is all straight from the lectures. Tests are VERY forgiving; she lets you put down two answers for multiple choice if ur unsure and gives extra cred for missed Qs after.

Dr.Ashmore's Bio 1 is a solid option. Her lectures are straightforward and prepare you well for the tests. Tests are not easy but she gives you plenty of opportunities to do well.

88% exams 12% connect, participation, and weekly problem sets. exams were very fair and she explicitly tells you how she wants them answered from problems done together in class. she gives you a lot of practice problems which are very similar to exams its just that there a lot. Recitation wksts and in class problems were very helpful.

Dr. Ashmore is really nice and kind. Lots of extra credit and exam retake points. Be prepared to practice problems, overall a fair class.

Dr. Ashmore is amazing, I've never had a STEM teacher like her. There are six exams, but she drops one, you can make up one exam the following Sunday if you miss it, and you retake the exam in groups in recitation and earn points back from that on your original test. Material can be difficult, but keep up with the lectures and you'll be fine.

Dr. Ashmore is a caring professor who wants to see her students succeed. She makes sure to record every lecture and gives plenty of practice assignments. I would say about 3/4 into the semester, is when things can get a little chaotic and messy with her, so just make sure to be prepared for that roller coaster ride. Class was not too difficult.

6 exams, lowest one dropped. Retake the test in groups for extra points added to your exam. Extra credit on exams, and exams are not hard. You don't need the textbook but I recommend for extra credit problems and better understanding. Ashmore focuses on bigger concepts instead of small details. Her TA Lacey is also amazing. Def recommend for bio 1!

Dr. Ashmore was a great bio 1 prof. Although many of her slides were just taken from the textbook she explained stuff very well and had a great knowledge of what she was talking about. 4 midterms and 1 final. Retake each midterm with a group during recitation and have a chance to improve the grade.

Dr. Ashmore is VERY APPROACHABLE, but her exams are HARD (weighted 88%), a lot of application, you need to think like a doctor. I have friends took AP or IB bio before getting Bs on exams. As a completely bio newbie, I have to study SO MUCH to do well on her exams. But her lecture are very interesting (use analogy) and fast-paced. Also a lot of EC.

One of the better Bio 1 teachers, but be prepared to study a lot if you did not take AP Bio classes previously. Her lectures were pretty entertaining and I didn't really dread going to them, the only bad thing is that if you are confused on terminology or a specific topic, she is likely to explain it with more concepts you don't understand.

Her class, in comparison to the other BIO150s, seems to be the hardest, but there are a lot of perks to taking her class. She has a policy where the lowest exam gets dropped (there are 6 exams worth 88% of the final grade) and you can take one exam late if you're sick or need more time to study. Extra credit for exam retakes in recitation helps.

Her exam policy was so good: 6 total exams but only 5 graded (you can even drop the final!), recitation after exam you get to retake it in groups for extra credit, and tons of ec questions on the exam itself. She lets you know what textbook pages go with what lecture and I recommend looking over them as a supplement. OVERALL GREAT!

Luv her! I've never learned so much/felt so accomplished in a college class. College bio is tough no matter who u have, and you'll need to study—ppl who dislike her didnt put in the work and r salty they did bad. Shes super available and provides great resources. I had no AP Bio background but did well by going to office hours& rewatching lectures.

She incorporates SO many ways for you to receive extra credit and with these points you could literally bump your grade up by a whole letter grade. She lets you drop one exam and even lets you make one up!! Amazing lecture slides, all of the material needed for exams were on her slides. Take her for bio 1!!!!

Grading policy is fantastic, six midterms with one dropped, lots of ec points, and you can retake the exam together in recitation for extra points. A little disorganized but accessible and ready to help you. She cares and wants you to succeed. Focus on learning objectives when studying and read the textbook/look at the study guides.

Grading style was amazing: 1 dropped, 1 makeup, able to pick 2nd answer choice on multiple choice questions of more than 4. Earn back points in recitation by retaking exam with a group. Provides study guides for each lecture. Exams are very difficult. Homework doesn't help with exams. She can be arrogant sometimes but not as bad as everyone says.

Her lectures are very well structured and organized for an intro class which makes it easier to learn. The way her exams are set up are BEGGING for you to get an A as long as you put in some effort. Some of the material is inherently a little tricky but it is so hard to get a bad grade in this class if you take her. Highly reccomend

Dr. Ashmore is great, she made lecture interesting, and was very attentive in office hours. She once spent 30 minutes just teaching photosynthesis to me when her office hours was empty. She definitely cares, and while there were mistakes in her exams, she gave lots of extra credit, and partial credit on second choice answers.

Dr. Ashmore is a smart and savvy professor, but this class was hard. She grades mostly based on exams, and the weekly problem sets are tough too. You can retake exams in recitation for extra credit but it didn't boost my grade as much as it did in BIO 1. She's good at explaining concepts and the lecture was usually helpful.

I think the reviews for her are harsh. She's a little unorganized which can become stressful when it comes to studying for exams and knowing what will be / won't be on the exams. Her exams have mistakes sometimes, you get to earn back partial credit on all exams. I would recommend her honestly, I learned a lot and she wants the best for you.

Great choice for 0150. You gotta review days in advance before tests, but doing so will pretty much guarantee you a good grade for each test. You have unlimited attempts on the hw so theres no reason to not get full credit, and she is very generous with extra credit. The stuff she says in lecture will be on the test, nothing more and nothing less.

I really liked Prof. Ashmore. Her lectures were a bit unorganized, and she would go on tangents sometimes, but overall, the material was easily digestible. She gives a solid amount of test prep material and gives extra credit on the exams. As long as you know and understand the material, you should be able to get an A without too much work.

I loved Ashmore for genetics. It is a hard class, I won't lie, but she is truly passionate about what she is teaching and will really spend the time to make sure you don't walk out of the room confused. Your lowest exam grade is dropped so you can drop the final, which is amazing. She is super accessible outside of class and deeply cares.

3 attempts on every hw, partial credit on exams (including multiple choice questions), exam retake in groups for extra credit during recitation, and one dropped exam of 5. Random participation days are annoying but if you go and pay attention exams require maybe 1 day of studying. Provides a ton of practice just like exam questions and is very kind

Dr. Ashmore was great, much more organized than in her Bio 150 class. Exams were easy, as rather than pure memorization like other bio classes it is application based, and she gives lots of practice questions and worksheets. She is very accessible outside of class and very willing to help. 4 midterms and a final with 1 drop, with lots of EC

Prof. Ashmore is one of the best science teachers I've had. Multiple times throughout the course, she asked for input on test length and difficulty and changed the next test according to what we said. I am a good BS-er, so in high school I did good in Bio, but I really understood the concepts in her class and thrived with her caring teaching style.

When I took AP Bio in high school, I didn't understand any of it. Prof. A teaches in a way that is helpful for understanding the material. She genuinely cares about all the students and wants everyone to succeed. She asks for feedback after tests and listens to what the students say. This is one of the best classes I've taken all because of Prof A.

For genetics: 80% exams, ~10/10% homework/attendance. Regardless, she was absolutely lovely, very knowledgeable, and more than happy to re-explain concepts to students. If you do the practice problems, you'll ace the tests. She was truly one of the best profs I've had, highly recommend taking her class for 0350. Learned so much (complimentary)!

Ashmore is the best bio professor you're going to get. The class is test-heavy, but on MCQ questions, you can select 2 answers, and your second option gets 3/6 points. She also does test retakes in groups during recitation to boost your grade slightly. Bio is not easy, but she makes it easier and is an overall fair professor and grader.

Best prof I had at Pitt. Lots of EC opportunities, you could score 85% on all her exam and still end up with an A. Her UTA's r really helpful (there was a bum in the Groupme chat always helping around, he lowk the goat). Very lenient grading system 5 exams 1 drop (including final). Don't need textbook lectures do plenty. Only downside too much HW.

Wasn't a fan of her lectures but she takes attendance randomly so you have to go. Exams were fair and lots of ec opportunities. Hw and attendance was barely worth anything in the grade but it got me to go to class and practice. Dr. Ashmore is a great person and seriously cares about her students

Dr. Ashmore is the best prof that anyone can have for Bio I. She gives extra credit on exam retakes, and she also has EC questions on the exams. She also allows you to rank your MCQs on exams where you can receive half credit depending on how you ranked. Exams are mainly based on lecture and also applying the concepts. Overall, she was amazing!

Her class is pretty exam heavy (86% of your grade) but you can drop your lowest midterm score and final is optional if you're happy with your grade. She also gives EC for each midterm score during recitations. Overall, many resources on Canvas and a lot of TA help available. If I see an opening for one of her future classes I'd take her again.

Dr.Ashmore is great. Her lectures made sense, though if you missed 1, it's hard to get back into the rest of the material. Her tests are extremely difficult but she provides a lot of extra credit on her tests. Class is test and lecture heavy, but I recommend her.