Amazing professor! He's really quirky and very approachable. He definitely knows alot about neuroscience and wants his students to succeed. Material is not too difficult if you truly like to learn and work hard. He does not do tests. Instead gives a weekly quiz worth 50pts. Quizzes are easy though, as long as you study for them and take notes.

Great professor! Has weekly quizzes that are not too hard if you study for them. Made me want consider the field of nueroscience.

Easily the best professor I've had at Fullerton! He teaches not only neuroscience but it's philosophical underpinnings in a clear and engaging way. You're required to participate in discussion so do your readings. He listens to cool music in class

Smart funny rad prof. If you don't like neuroscience you will after this class .

I really like this guy. Funny and engaging. Makes learning about your brain fun and trippy.

I'm not a biology person but Dr. McGowan helped me through the difficult material. Do all the readings and go to all the classes. Dr. McGowan is a cool guy. Friendly in his office hours.

How much you get out of his class is up to how much effort you put in. He's a great teacher but also gives lots of freedom to explore on your own. Also his puppy show is awesome. Cool professor

Professor McGowan makes bio psych fun and easy. He's really approachable compared to other teachers. Take his class if you want to have your mind blown.

Work hard and this class is great. He really doesn't hold your hand. Great teacher if you take it seriously.

Coolest professor. I love his show.

This is a great class. Dr McGowan is nice and giving to students even to those who don't deserve it. In this class you spend the whole semester designing and carrying out your own animal behavior research project. I truly learned a lot. Now I might want to go into comparative psychology for graduate school.

I'm taking his development class now. He teaches the class like a graduate seminar. I'm learning a lot but it is very hard material. Not an easy class.

Class was a breeze. Best professor. Long live neuroscience.

Student led class. Meaning: students were put into groups, groups were assigned a chapter, and had to teach that chapter to the class every week. IF YOU HATE GROUP PROJECTS AND PRESENTATIONS, THEN AVOID THIS CLASS. You will NOT get a good grade if you don't PARTICIPATE. The teacher is really helpful, and loves to engage in class discussions. .

Luke is a great professor. He really knows his stuff and cares about students. Not too hard if your not a total flake.

This animal behavior lab was the most fun class I've ever taken since kindergarten. We all completely designed our own animal observation project and worked on it the whole semester. We wrote a paper and did a presentation. It is definitely hard but you learn how difficult doing good behavior research actually is.

This class went into way more depth than his lecture course on the methods of neuroscience. There were lots of hard readings but not too bad if you put time aside to actually read them. He forces everyone to participate in discussion. The anatomy part was fun and at your own pace. Generally a fun class that I looked forward to.

Brainz! Fun class.

He's a nice, funny professor. Much of the class requires active participation though so you can't be a wimp. Good if you have biology and cognitive before this class but he also dumbs things down and makes it interesting.

Fun class.

This was basically a graduate seminar class. It was really fun. So much better than sitting through a lecture. Luke is cool and very smart. He cares that students actually understand the material and explains things clearly.

I really loved this class. Professor McGowan helped me through the development of my own research idea and gave good feedback on how to overcome problems that came up along the way. This class made me want to become an animal behavior researcher!

Dr Luke is the real deal.

So far I love this class. Really great professor.

He's funny. The class is pretty easy and interesting. He likes Chipoltle, puppies, and gangsta rap.

Dr McGowan makes the class fun. I didn't think I would enjoy cognitive psych but now I do. Sometimes his quizzes are hard but if you do the readings and go to office hours you can get a good grade.

I found Dr. McGowan very helpful. He's super approachable and does his best to explain what he knows about the brain. You do have to be self directed in working through the class but if you want to learn about biological psychology this is a good class to do it. He also cares about helping students get into graduate school.

Dr. McGowan was an excellent professor. One of the best professors I've had at this school. His lectures were clear and he made the subject interesting. I came in afraid of neuroscience and left his class wanting to take more courses in this area. But it is a hard class so be prepared to put a lot of work in.

I thought Dr. McGowan was great. He's a unique intellectual resource in a sometimes dismal department. He teaches cog as if it were about the brain which I liked. Some students who can't think for themselves and would rather make excuses about everything don't like him. But overall he's one of the best teachers you'll have.

This is actually an easy A for biopsych. His tests are a breeze if you come to class and read the book. People here are tripping. I had to retake 306 and Luke's class was definitely better than the other professor. He really knows his stuff and is open to other ideas. Cool guy and very approachable. His lab class is great too

Dr. Luke is funny and knows his stuff. He explain everything in simple terms with examples. His tests are pretty hard but he helps you study if you talk to him.

I thought his class was so fun. It was not hard to get an A but you have to study the material! Learning about the most complicated object in the universe - the brain - requires some work, and drLuke helps digest the more difficult parts.

for me this class was a perfect context to really learn about the brain in relation to psychology. now that i'm in grad school i appreciate more dr mcgowan's approach even more.

Seriously the best class. Luke has been so helpful in learning this material. His TAs are great too.

This class was really hard! But really great too! There was a quiz every week, weekly outlines, and participation was required. But he was an awesome teacher and there were no tests. He's super nice and funny and wants you to do well. I'll definitely take him again, but this class is not for the faint of heart.

Total rock star. Plain and simple: if you don'tengage in the meterial an don't participate in discussion, you will not do well. He emails back within the hour, has a TON of knowledge on the subject and best of all, talks to you like a friend rather than student. The class was equally as challenging it was rewarding.

Dr. McGowan was awesome! Loved this class but it was A LOT of work. Thankfully no tests , no papers, and no final! Only the 50 point quizzes every week, detailed chapter outlines, and detailed brain exercise responses from the book. Relatively easy but a lot of work every week! Don't take with another difficult class! The TA's were fantastic too!

I truly loved this class! The way he taught it had me questioning all my assumptions about psychology and consciousness. This is hard material, not watered down at all. Honestly I'm more confused about consciousness than ever but I'm sure he'd be happy about that. I'm hooked for life on the hard problem of consciousness.

Dr. McGowan made the class a lot of fun with his humor! It was a pretty difficult class. Dr. Luke made me want to learn more about neuroscience, and I loved his class! He is pretty tough though, he gives a quiz (10 Q's 50pts) instead of cumulative chapter exams. I loved this! Keeps you on your toes, challenging, but worth it! READ!! His TA Betty:)

Dr McGowan is one of the best professors I've had at this school. His lectures were clear and he made the subject interesting. I found a new interest in neuroscience! You will read a lot of articles but they are interesting. It's a hard class, be prepared to put in the work.

The class is pretty intimidating but Luke breaks it down pretty well. If you frequently visit the material he gives and I mean like three more times after you learn it, you should be good for the test. I took his lecture so Im not sure about his lab. Don't make a fuss about grading because the next test will only be graded MUCH more strict.

I loved McGowan. He truly inspired me to learn about the brain . The class was hard but just because neuroscience is hard. He's funny and is helpful in office hours. I'm taking him again.

Study EVERYTHING on powerpoints, get ready to read lots of articles, lots of homework. 3 exams. By far one of the best professors taken at CSUF. Highly recommened

i have a crush on him. GREAT PROF. weekly assignments that are not that bad. no textbook so it relies on his power points so must go to class. the 1st and 3rd exam were easy, he tells you exactly what u need to know. the 2nd exam as really hard. i completely failed that one, but got high As on the other exams and got a 85 in the class. TAKE HIM

Consciousness is the best class ever. Luke rules.

McGowan is a professor that inspired me to dig deeper in my studies and gave me great advice and guidance on my future in academia. His classes are difficult because he doesn't require a textbook but sends pdfs to read, outline, discuss and digest during class. He truly is one of the best professors I've ever had. My mind is richer because of him.

I think this his class is great. It is definitely hard but he doesn't talk down to students and if you put the work in you will learn a lot. I'll definitely take him again next semester.

A friend recommended his class and I love it. Each week builds off the last. Read everything and pay attention in class. He uses Bayesian predictive processing to explain everything from perception and learning to psychotherapy and psychedelics. If confused, he will explain things over and over in different ways until it clicks. Truly inspiring.

Love him! He is so funny and adorable. Always motivated to learn in class. Made me think deep on the stuff he lectures. Does give weekly homework and quizzes. I am a shy person but in this class I was never nervous to talk. Also assigned a poster presentation due as the final which is not that hard

Dr. McGowan is great. You have to work hard but it is worth it if you really want to learn. This was my third class with him. He works really hard to keep you interesting and help you understand if you put in the effort. Don't take his class if you don't really care about learning the material.

I graduated this semester. McGowan was basically my mentor. I've had many classes with him. He's the best. He's been an intellectual guide and academic counselor. In addition to knowing tons about neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy, he is just a cool guy. Highly recommend.

My favorite professor! Stop whining and do the hard work and youll be learn something for once. He taught about learning and memory in a way that made me rethink all my other classes. Your brain hallucinates your conscious reality. Hes really funny too if you get his humor.

To be honest this class is really hard. But I ended up getting a B+ and I really like Dr McGowan. He helped me thorough out the semester. You have to study a lot of the material is new to you. The class is very interesting though and I am taking another class with him this semester.

Dr. McGowan is an outstanding professor. Although there is no textbook he gives you the material and you do the homework and come back to class prepared to ask questions and go over what you learned, it's pretty easy. I took biopsych and honestly I learned so much and found it easy and interesting. You just have to actually put in the work for it.

I love this professor. I really can't understand the people that are complaining. He is so friendly, explains everything clearly, and tries hard to make the class fun. I got an A and it wasn't that hard. Looking forward to more classes with him in the future. I guess if you're lazy and just looking to read a textbook, he's not for you.

Hands down the best professor I have ever had. He is hilarious, understanding, and makes class fun-and the subject is really interesting! 3 tests and homework which helps very much with exams. The final is NOT cumulative, I am not sure why people are stating this.

McGowan is the best professor Ive had. Passionate. Funny. Cool. And he teaches about the most interesting stuff: psychedelics, consciousnesses, schizophrenia, comedy, the nature of reality. He doesnt talk down and wants you to learn how to think on your own.

This class was excellent. We read a book about social neuroscience, outlined chapters, and talked in class about what we read. Each week professor McGowan gently helped us through the material. The class was very casual. Three short essay tests and a paper. I learned more than any other class. Taking him again next semester.

I was afraid of this class but he made it fun and approachable. Don't be me wrong it is very challenging but do all homework and on go to office hours. Everything will click at some point. Also his TAs were great. The class gave psychology more depth. Dr. McGowan is great.

This class was hard. The subject matter is hard. And he expects you to really understand things. Tests are all short answers. At first I wasn't doing well but he really helped me pass the class and i actually ended up liking it. he makes you come out of your shell so be prepared. now i really do think in terms of the bayesian brain.

Super interesting subject matter. Super cool professor. Loved this class.

Easy A! I had mcgowan for biopsych and learned a lot there so i took him for social. this class was even more interesting to me. We read a book about social neuroscience and talked about it in class. Very chill. I'm pretty lazy and still aced. he's a cool guy.

Prof. McGowan is a real easy going dude. My only issue with his class is that he expected us to carry the majority of the lecture and wasn't too keen on feedback (his TA Chris was pretty much the professor, he was amazing!). The book isn't too hard, just repetitive. I overall enjoyed the class.

Professor Luke is great! His class will explode your brain. It is hard but worth the effort.

Professor Mcgowan is amazing he is hilarious and incredibly smart! He makes the lecture interesting and is very caring if you have questions. I was intimidated to take bio psych but I ended up really enjoying his class. If you do all the work and study you can get an A. I highly recommend his class.

McGowan is a great professor! I've had a bunch of classes with him including biopsych, social, story, and animal behavior. He's super approachable, loves the material he teaches and really wants you to get it. His lectures are very interactive and you actually learn something, and if you pay attention he will tell you exactly what's on the test.

This was a super intellectually challenging class but also the most interesting class I've had at CSUF. Luke is also I really friendly and cool person. The tests are pretty easy if you sit down with the material and ask questions. Also, his TAs were great.

Dr. McGowan is brilliant! And funny. And cool. He works really hard to synthesize tons of material and make it interesting to everyone in the class with humor and stories. By the end of the course, you'll have a big picture view of the relationship between mind, brain, consciousness, and reality. His TAs were also awesome.

Prof. McGowan's class was relatively easy. He provided the PDFs he required us to read & had us do weekly discussions on the subject. The text was interesting and an easy read, just tedious at times. Besides that we had two exams (not MC) & a paper. The paper offered room for improvement if you did not like your initial grade. Overall good choice!

Easy A class! No textbook because he posts pdfs for you every week. Basically, every week you read the pdf and answer two questions about it. Because it was online due to the pandemic, his exams were essays so definitely get ready to write! Not difficult, I aced every paper but it can be tedious.

I loved professor McGowan! I took him for PSY305 and PSY351. In 351 we had to use a book, but it was actually a fun read and not a textbook. Only complaint is it took awhile to get grades back despite the fact that he had TAs to help, but overall easy class and awesome professor. I went to his office hours and he was super patient and helpful!

This class was interesting and professor mcgowan was very helpful and knowledgeable with the material in office hours. Professor was also kind during pandemic giving extra time to turn in work when people in my family were sick. Also you learn about psychedelics which was very interesting

I really like this class on animal cognition. Mostly we read a cool book about how smart animals are and wrote a couple papers. Dr. McGowan was very friendly in office hours and made the class less stressful even though it was all online. I also took the lab class which was super easy but sad we didnt get to go to the zoo.

Dr. McGowan was the most friendly and helpful professor I had at CSUF. In his office hours, he single-handedly helped me figure out what to do with my life after graduation. His bio psych classes and his social psych class were incredible and inspired me to do research in graduate school. Highly recommend!

I literally love his class. He was reasonable with the assigned reading, always had interesting anecdote to include in the lectures, regarding the concept we went over. Highly recommended.

I remember taking his Psych416 class and it was not too bad. Every week there was weekly discussions post to discuss chapters in stories he assigned to us. I personally enjoyed the readings he assigned and learned something from them. Overall, pretty easy class and a solid choice.

Dr. McGowan's consciousness class was the best I've had a CSUF. The readings ranged across philosophy, from dualism and panpsychism to materialism and illusionism, and across neuroscience from global workspace theory and predictive processing to IIT. We were asked to synthesize the whole course for our final and it blew my mind.

Hello. Just finished this online lab class. The material was interesting and easy to understand. Dr. McGowan responded to questions right away and his graduate assistant was very helpful. Office hours helped a lot.

Loved this class. Animals are so smart! Great professor. Great TAs! Have a great summer, y'all!

His class was all online asynchronous. Good professor, interesting assignments, helpful email responses about exam. I'd say easy A if you put in a little effort.

I really enjoy his style of teaching and his tests are always fair. He makes it obvious what material is important to help students study for tests. His lectures are also genuinely helpful and interesting.

Very chill professor. Interesting material. Cool TAs.

Super easy lab and way more interesting than the lecture with another professor. I don't know what this other student is talking about, he didn't have a semester long research paper, just one short and easy 4 page paper at the end. Taking him again now.

Professor McGowan is great. I bothered him in office hours every week and he will explain things in a simple way. I've taken him as asynchronous a few times now and always learn interesting materials. I love his TA too.

If you're interested in psychedelics, take this class. Very open minded professor.

Not sure what the previous student is talking about. McGowan didn't even have exam "problems" to work on the exam. Mostly just simple definitions and short answers. Super easy class if you do the homework. He gave me lots of good advice about graduate school

Super interesting class. Weekly assignments, usually summarizing long research articles and a discussion board related to the reading. Did not like how they were due at 11 AM and 12 PM on Wednesdays, but everything was straightforward. The TAs host a study session before the exams. Tests are all short-response and directly related to the material.

Online course. Super straightforward. Helpful office hours. Nice guy. Great TA.

I had McGowan for five courses! I think some people here are confusing Dr. McGowan for the teacher assistants that sometimes run the study session? In his office hours McGowan was super helpful and down to earth.

Rad prof

He made sure it was impossible not to fail his classes. Despite his class being lax, you actually learned, he wasn't teaching us to memorize his lectures like most professors do. I remember most of what he taught.

He puts lots of effort to make his class entertaining. The class is so easy to pass, many bonus points being offered.

This class was an independent learning course. There were weekly discussions; they opened Fri. afternoon and they would be due on Wed. at noon. His TA's were very helpful. The discussion posts were 20pts ea, and if you turned it in late 10pts were deducted, which is a lot of pts. We only had one exam and a paper. This class isn't too bad.

Great lectures. He made the materials easy to understand, pretty straightforward on tests.

One of the most chill professors I have ever had. I don't know if this semester was a fluke or anything, but it was literally the easiest class I had. Weekly discussion posts based on the book (which I found online for free), Midterm, Final exam, and term paper. Term paper is a free A as it allows a resubmission after correcting it from feedback.

A chill class with interesting material. The professor is helpful in office hours, and the TAs are great. unstuck ai was a lifesaver for prep.

I really enjoyed this class. It took on a new perspective of learning and memory. There are discussion posts each week. Opens Fri, initial post due Wed (12pm), and 2 responses due Fri (12pm). One midterm and one final. One final essay that you get to rewrite. Need to go to lecture since there are no lecture slides posted.

Graded of discussion posts and replies, essay (with rewrite), and two exams. The initial discussion post is due at 12pm Wednesday, and the two replies are due Friday at 12pm. Exams and discussions are based on the book. Overall, easy class but lots of reading.