2.3

Maria Cadena

Biology - University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (all campuses)

2.3
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
33%
Would Retake
87
Reviews
2.3
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
2.3
Helpful
2.3
Clarity

33%

Would Retake

87

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

11

4

10

3

14

2

14

1

38

What Students Say

This is a weed-out class

BIOL2401 - 4.0 rating

Cadena goes through powerpoints quickly, but reviews the material well

BIO2401 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

57%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 61 grades
Most common grades:
B (16)
A (8)
B+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(22)C(10)D(9)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 72 reported grades
B: 16
A: 8
B+: 8
Not sure yet: 7
Common Tags
Test heavy (39)
Lecture heavy (32)
Get ready to read (30)
Lots of homework (25)
Tough grader (23)
EXTRA CREDIT (11)
Participation matters (9)
Caring (6)
Rating Trend

Improving

+1.31 avg change
Dec
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOL1401

3.3

(3)

BIOL1406V

3.0

(1)

BIO2401

2.8

(34)

BIOL1301

2.1

(7)

BIOL2401

2.0

(41)
+1 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOL2402

5.0

BIOL1401

4.3

BIOL2401

4.2

BIO2401

4.1

BIOL1301

3.9

Reviews (87)
3.0
4.0
BIOL1401
Aug 15, 2010

Do not take her if you want to pass. Her class is so boring, she doesn't know what she's talking about half the time. She gets confused and stutters. Tests are kind of hard, even if you study. She doesn't try to even get to know her students. She just reads you the powerpoints and tells you when the tests are. DONT TAKE HER!

3.0
3.0
BIOL1301
Aug 29, 2010

She was an okay teacher, but she didn't seem to know much about what she was talking about, i got a B in her class and i wouldn't study so much, i only studied super hard for the last test and managed to raise my grade. I wouldn't recommend her though.

3.0
3.0
BIOL1406V
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2018
Would take again

I had her for my bio lab, I was intimidated at first but she's actually really nice. A lot of work for a lab though but that's not on her it's on the department. Exams are hard, labs are okay. Didn't really know her stuff but she made an effort to help. Weekly assignments, quizzes and procedures for the lab, you get used to it.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1301
Grade: A+
Apr 30, 2019
Would take again

A very good and lenient professor and Is really good with answering questions. The only thing is that she doesnt really teach shes just expects you to go over labs in book. She was very nice tho! Just STUDY and youll pass!! Ask questions! She will help you understand.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
4.0
BIOL1401
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2019
Would take again

Maria is a very lenient grader when it comes to the exams. I really had to study hard for this class to get an A. You need to know a lot of information! But its not just for her class, its for every lab class! She is also very kind. If you have any questions dont be afraid to ask!

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Terrible, and unorganized. She posts a bunch of reading of PowerPoints which do not help at all. You teach yourself with this professor, she gives study guides which do not help for anything on exams. She does not allow room for second chances, no extra credit, no room for learning at all. Class is time-consuming. Don't recommend! Lab class isworst

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIOL2401
Oct 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Very inconsiderate. She crams modules the week of the exam which gives you very little time to study. She does not go through with her syllabus.

Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO2401
Oct 30, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She is very unorganized. She clumps a lot of work in 1 week. She reads of the powerpoints, which don't help at all. Her study guides don't match with what you'll need to learn for the exam. You can easily fail her class. I really would not recommend getting this professor.

1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B-
Nov 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I have her for lab (fall 2020) and lab is completely self taught, not even zoom meetings. Gives out very little time for tests and quizzes, 10 min for 10 questions for quizzes and for the midterm gave 69 min for 69 questions that were ALL free response. Doesn't even let 1 letter mistake corrections, take another lab instructor!! Save yourselves!!!

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This professor does not know anything about anatomy. I am sorry but she does not explain AT ALL. She gives you very little time for exams and not even enough time to study. If you can, get out of that class and get another professor. I do not recommend her.

1.0
4.0
BIOL2401
Nov 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She is super disorganized and so behind on posting lectures shes making us watch her lectures that she barely posted b4 thanksgiving (when were supposed to be on a break) and she takes forever to reply to emails. Were in a pandemic we need you to answer to our emails. Class was way harder than it needs to be bc of her poor organization skills.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL2402
Grade: B
Dec 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

If I had a better professor, I wouldn't have struggled with this course. However, she really didn't seem like she cared for her students and was very unfair if we had problems with the hw or tests. Don't. Take. Her. Class. If she's the only option, wait for the next semester to take the course with another professor. Save yourself the struggle.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BIOL1301
Grade: B
Dec 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This professor literally does NOT care about her students. She is inconsiderate and not useful whatsoever. She thinks reading off a powerpoint is teaching, and I have no clue how she's allowed to teach. If you take this course online, be ready to be your own professor. She gives no extra credit and has no compassion. Do NOT take her, not worth it.

1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Dec 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

BEWARE! don't take her, you will regret it. I wish they would add better professors that actually care about their students and want them to learn. I had high hopes for this class doing everything on time but no I still ended up with a terrible grade even if I had good grades on assignments, quizzes, and any other things DON'T TAKE HER!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIOL2401
Dec 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

You think you are passing with good grades then boom you are hit in the face with a much lower grade than you were expecting if that is something you want then go ahead and take her if not then take your chances elsewhere, gives no extra credit, no extra points, her exams are camera-based and the study guides don't add up to her exams. so no thanks

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B+
Dec 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Her final and midterms are each 69q in 69m all free response, together 40% of the total Lab. This lab was 100X harder than my lecture which I tock with another professor, both Async. There are 2-3 exercises expected to be read each week. Overall find an easier lab or work for a high grade on the midterm because the final is HARD. Don't recommend.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: C-
Dec 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I had a GTA Mauricio Pena he was awesome and understanding. However Cadena was my real professor and she is tough. I had asked her for a 1 day extension on an exam because I was out of town and she said no. Tests were 69 Q with 69 M ALL free response and super impossible to get a good grade. At first I thought I had a better grade but it decreased.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Made me change my whole degree, made me rethink if science is really something I want to pursue a degree in the future. Ended up just dropping any science classes I wanted to take in the future due to my low grade in class it's impossible get good grades in fill in the blank labs. I regret taking this class such a waste of time/money. Has NO mercy

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: C-
Dec 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

WORST PROFESSOR EVER! Her class is stupidly hard for no reason. She weighs her exams 80% OF YOUR ENTIRE GRADE!! Leaves no space to make up. Had her for both lab and lecture and never again! In the lab, she is not involved at all. Lockdown Browser with camera required for all exams! Open-ended 69 questions. Oh and SPELLING COUNTS! Sorry Ms. Perfect.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Just dont

3.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Her class was by far the most difficult class I have ever taken. I had to really commit in studying for all the exams to the point where I had to quit my job. Her lectures are confusing and are all based on the powerpoints, but the exams are understandable as long as you take the time to study. It was a very hard class overall!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B
Jan 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Had Cadena for lecture for my anatomy class and she was a mess! She took forever to upload PowerPoints and would upload them the same day the assignments were due and expected you to have them finished that same day! She also had 69 questions 69 minute tests that were insanely hard. Wouldn't accept extra credit either cause it was "unfair" ???

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The professor handles her class as if everyone in her anatomy class wants to be neurosurgeons. She expects you to memorize a stupid amount of information in little time. I think even if I took this class along with the lab only, I would still not get a perfect grade, because she is such a hard grader. Spelling in her class is crucial.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO2401
Mar 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She expects A LOT of her students. She administers free response, webcam, closed book exams for her labs, which is really hard considering we are learning labs online. Also, if you have her for lecture, she will cram many modules during exam week, which makes it very difficult to balance studying and completing assignments. I do not recommend

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Unless you are mentally stable, don't take her. I've had anxiety forever but her class triggered my very first panic attack. And since it's COVID times my first thought was that I was about to die bc of the shortness of breath. This class has distracted me from the rest of my courses as well. Your health will thank you by avoiding this professor.

Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 12, 2021
Would take again

The lab takes work. It is difficult online but I recommend putting initiative. Ask questions, study well, know locations, diseases, vocab, and spelling. You can't expect everything to come easy, put in some work. The course is fast paced and sometimes instructions were not clear but she is always available and ready to help if you ask. Teamwork.

Participation matters
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL1301
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Probably the worst professor I've ever had. Quizzes were extremely difficult for no reason and don't even get me started on the tests. In all honesty, the only easy part about this class was the group presentation/essay and prelabs. Maybe the professor is better in person?

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B
Apr 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

First of all she wasn't even our professor thoughout the entire semester. We were taught by a TA. The material is hard and there is tons to memorize but is the norm for any lab class. However for the final she accused me of cheating because my camera wasn't clear and made me receive a 0. DO NOT TAKE HER.

1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: C
Jul 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took her class online due to the pandemic and I swear, our class never even spoke to her- the class was "taught" by the student-instructor, but all she did was take attendance and leave us to teach ourselves the material. As for the professor, tests were super hard and a total nightmare. First class I ever got a C for :( ruined my GPA

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
BIOL1401
Grade: D
Nov 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Tbh, this class was the hardest EVER!!! Took her last semester and it gave me a stressful time. Make sure you do the "prelabs" before entering her class, if not she won't allow you to enter class. BE READY TO STUDY ON YOUR OWN!!!

Beware of pop quizzes
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor for lab there are better instructors. The Ta's actually run her lecture so don't bother thinking you would meet the professor.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2021
Would take again

Professor Cadena was not as bad, I was scared at first but it was actually fine. Shes really nice but the quizzes/exams are open ended so it is really important you study. If you have the time to study and memorize models from class then you should be able to pass. Exams are in person while the quizzes are online with no camera.

1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Did not meet her once the whole semester. The finals are open ended and extremely difficult and you only have 1 minute per question. The quizzes can be taken at home but again they are timed and open-ended. Attendance is mandatory and even if you have a valid excuse you will still get a 0 for the day. Would not recommend taking.

Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Jan 6, 2022
Wouldn't take again

First of all the class is ran by a TA that just leaves us to teach ourselves so youre really not going to learn anything. You will never meet the actual professor. The exams are extremely difficult so you have to study ALOT. Attendance is mandatory or you will fail. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: Rather not say
Mar 8, 2022

Please do not take this class. If you can avoid it do so and if you need the course chose another professor. The class is runned by a TA and you will basically be teaching yourself. I struggled the most in this class compared to any other class.

Tough grader
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: C
Apr 30, 2022

She goes extremely fast and doesn't clarify. Simply stands in front of a class and lectures 136 slides in an hour which explains why the majority of this class will have to retake anatomy. But then again all the instructors for anatomy are almost all the same within the campus.

Test heavy
3.0
5.0
BIO2401
May 11, 2022
Wouldn't take again

KNOW HOW TO SPELL. Do all prelabs and study 2 weeks before midterm and finals exams are up. TA is there always. Never seen hg but if you put in the effort youll get a good grade. Make sure to go to all classes unless you want your grade to drop significantly

Lecture heavy
Clear grading criteria
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
BIO2401
Jun 13, 2022

Took a&p during summer with this professor, worst class i have ever taken. Every "lecture" she simply reads over 150 slides per chapter. Test every week thats worth 80% of your grade. If you have to take a&p, choose someone else and save your time and money.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: B-
Nov 22, 2022

Lectures are basically the professor reading off 200-150 slides off a PowerPoint. Given anatomy is very content heavy, I understand. But what I don't is that hardly anything that comes out in the test does not come from study guide she provides for you to work on, so you don't know what to study for really. Best bet is to just review powerpoints.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIOL1301
Grade: B-
Dec 6, 2022
Would take again

This teacher purely read off the powerpoint slides. She tries to read as many slides as humanely possible, she does not really teach but you have like 5 exams for her class. You have to truly read the slides you cant just study the day before it wont be good. She chooses like the tiny things from the powerpoint.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: B-
Dec 6, 2022

Honestly this was a hard class, all she did was read off the power points. her test question are not really on the PowerPoint your best bet is to understand the topic so you know what could be asked. She rushes through the lectures like there is no tomorrow and does not take her time only once did she ask what topic everyone struggled on.]

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
5.0
BIO2401
Dec 13, 2022

She is not as bad as these reviews make it to be haha. Biology courses will always seem harder and worst than it is. She is pretty nice and will be willing to work with you if you ask. She just read off a long PowerPoint everyday, but she posts them to study. Exams should go decent if you study. Homework and quizzes are on Pearson and they're easy

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
1.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2022

If you're expecting an A in this class, you might as well go and find a needle in the haystack because it'll be impossible. I took her this fall semester 2022 and about most of my classmates got low C's and a lot of people dropped out during the first two weeks because of how hard her tests are, she is the sweetest person but has hard exams.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: A+
Dec 23, 2022

The class is not as bad as it seems from other reviews. The subject of anatomy is a very tough course regardless of professor. Though in lectures she would just read straight off the powerpoint, but they are all posted online days in advance and are good to review for exams. Exams are not hard at all if you review powerpoints or study on Pearson.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIOL2401
Dec 31, 2022

Professor Cadena is very sweet and approachable, but when it comes to class it is very difficult. Anatomy is a challenging course and I feel like if you really want to pass you need to find a good professor. Even tough professor Cadena is very nice, the tests are extremely difficult and you go through the semester basically teaching yourself.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B+
May 12, 2023
Would take again

Great professor! Many will complain that she just reads off slides, but people need to put in the effort to pass this course. Anatomy and physiology is already a difficult course, so studying is a mandatory to pass. Exams are manageable if you study the study guides provided and PowerPoints.

Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
BIOL2401
Grade: A
May 12, 2023
Would take again

Cadena is not as bad as everyone makes her out to be. She's a calm and understanding professor. The information on her powerpoints is very closely tied to the materials on her exams. Anatomy itself is exam heavy and is a very difficult course to take so do not expect to pass without putting in the effort to study.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
BIO2401
Grade: C
May 16, 2023

She was a bit boring and couldn't do much to grasp the student's attention. She does take attendance and will randomly assign a question to answer or a small group project to do in class. Anatomy is content heavy so the course will be difficult if you don't study but if you follow the study guides and go over powerpoints you'll do better than me.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: B
Jul 8, 2023

Professor Cadena is very sweet, however she is not that well at teaching A&P. She kinda just throws a whole bunch of info and its very hard to study for her exams. She often does not explain things in depth, but the questions in her midterms are very lengthy and difficult. I would recommend taking another prof if you have no previous knowledge

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
3.0
3.0
BIO2401
Grade: A
Jul 14, 2023
Would take again

Study study studyyyy. She goes extremely fast on the slides and basically just reads them word for word. No extra credit, but her assignment/quiz grades are easy 100s. Exams are tough but are manageable if you study the powerpoints.

Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: B
Jul 17, 2023
Would take again

Honestly, Professor Cadena is not as horrible as she is made out to be. Anatomy and Physiology will be challenging no matter how slow and clearly your professor lectures. Your grade heavily depends on your personal efforts. Don't expect to pass from just sitting through her class and doing the homework assignments.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: B+
Oct 17, 2023
Would take again

Cadena goes through powerpoints quickly, but reviews the material well. A&P is a difficult course with a LOT of content, and is not an easy class at all. The previous reviews are a bit unfair to her as a professor as she's willing to help during her office hours and is nice. She wanted to give extra credit, but my class did not participate.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Online Savvy
3.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: B
Jan 16, 2024
Would take again

Professor Cadena's exams are not super difficult if you study well (At least 5-7 days). However, her lectures were oftentimes fast. Extra credit was given twice and she does give minor curves. I cannot emphasize enough to ATTEND OFFICE HOURS! The final given had some previous questions from exams, and that will be huge if you attend office hours

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
BIOL2401
Grade: C+
Mar 25, 2024
Would take again

I recommend studying the PowerPoint slides before. There are five exams, and she drops the lowest one. The exams are around 50 questions. She provides study guides. The homework is done through Mastering A&P. PLTL is helpful depending on who the TA is. Sometimes towards the end of class she will assign a small quiz through Blackboard.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIOL2401
Grade: A+
May 3, 2024
Would take again

This is a weed-out class. As you can see on this page, many of the students who wanted to pursue a health career were quickly humbled and took out their anger at anyone but themselves. You need to study at home if you want to pass. It's possible to get an A if you apply yourself. Tests are so easy if you memorize the powerpoint slides and do HW.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: B
May 9, 2024

i cant stress this enough.. STUDY! STUDY! STUDY! at least a week or 2 prior exams. and take any assignment or extra credit, it will make a difference in ur grade trust! there a 5 exams (including a final) worth a lot!

4.0
2.0
BIO2401
Grade: A+
May 24, 2024
Would take again

Although most of her ratings here seem very off putting, this is not the case at all. Anatomy and Phy

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
2.0
BIO2401
Grade: A
May 24, 2024
Would take again

Although the ratings for Professor Cadena seem very off putting, that is not the case at all. Anatomy and Physiology is a very rigorous course and studying IS VERY important!! There is 4 exams given and a final (which is optional). Definitely study 2 weeks before the exam! She was very helpful during her office hours

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
BIOL2401
Grade: A
Jul 11, 2024
Would take again

I took her for Summer 1, and she's super sweet. She works with you during her office hours to review exams and gives you the option to view any missed lectures through Panopto lectures. Towards the end of class, there's usually a participation assignment, and she occasionally offers extra credit on exams based on the overall class average.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Accessible outside class
2.0
2.0
BIOL2401
Grade: C
Aug 11, 2024

She was very nice and easy to find her for any problems you have. I didn't like how she was just reading off the Lecture power-points and BARELY expanded on the information. Tons of homework every week for each chapter (14 chapters). Although the homework is easy, it can pile up a lot. I would recommend if you're fast-pace but otherwise don't.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
5.0
3.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B+
Aug 25, 2024
Would take again

I initially thought I had the worst professor based on her RMP ratings, but she proved me wrong. The course has 5 exams (including an optional final) with one drop, weekly homework, extra credit after each exam, and bonus points for taking the final. Most importantly, she genuinely cares, helps, and works with students.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
BIOL2401
Grade: A
Oct 15, 2024
Would take again

The negative reviews are way too harsh. A&P 1 is a challenging course itself that requires a lot of effort. Doing the bare minimum won't get you an A, you're not in high school anymore. Study groups and going to office hours help a lot. Professor Cadena helps as much as she can, she even curves exam grades, these reviews are very unfair.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Oct 15, 2024

take her class only if you want to teach yourself everything. all she does is read over a PowerPoint and give no extra context. Her test averages are 50s-60s. It is also very difficult to study for her tests. She will tell you the week of that there is a test, and she will tell you the day before how many questions will be on a specific chapter.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 25, 2024

You will have to teach yourself everything. She reads the PowerPoint slides without providing detailed explanations. If you're a freshman thinking of taking her, don't. Look for a better teacher. It was a waste of time and money. She also requires you to buy an app that costs around $80, which is where you will complete all your assignments.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: C
Nov 1, 2024

She is a good professor-but I would not recommend her. Lectures moved too fast and when I tried to learn by myself- it was never what was on the test. A lot of assignments, makes you use Pearson which is $80, if youre a freshman and bio is not ur major and advisor recommends this, NO! Take astronomy, much easier

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
BIO2401
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2024
Would take again

As someone who had to retake A&P 1. Trust me, it does not matter who your professor is, the course is hard and content heavy. Prof Cadena, was a decent professor, she didn't move to fast for me personally. Majority of the exam questions come from the textbook. For any A&P course you have to be willing to put in the work to do well in the class.

4.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2024
Would take again

The reviews for this professor are too harsh. She is very kind and caring and often curved the exams. She tries to teach as much as she can in the hour and 15 mins, but you have to go home and study and learn on your own. And that is how it is in college, no matter what course or prof you have. So for A&P you must be willing to study and put effort

3.0
3.0
BIO2401
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2024

I had Mrs. Cadena for A&P 1 lab. She used tophat, and I didn't like it because it counted questions wrong for little grammar mistakes, but that doesn't happen on the test. The quizzes add up, so make sure you do good in those. She's pretty nice. Make sure to study for the midterm and final because it can pile up. Going to open lab helps a lot.

Participation matters
Group projects
Accessible outside class
3.0
3.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2024
Would take again

4 exams (75%) & Participation (5%) & Homework (5%) & PLTL (5%) & Quizzes (10%)= Lecture Laboratory Grade = 25% Exams are easy, but I studied the book rather than her power points. On two occasions she fell behind and made us watch 4-6 hour lectures ON OUR OWN TIME to catch up. The homework consists of 40-60 questions per chapter. eBook is $80.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
4.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: B+
Jan 11, 2025
Would take again

The professor was better than people said. She always gave clear instructions, making it easy to understand what was expected. If you put in the effort and followed her guidance, you will succeed. She cared about her students and was fair, even if her high standards made some think she was too strict. BE PREPARED TO READ. Good luck!

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Caring
1.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: D
Jan 21, 2025

She would only read from the PowerPoints and the test were very hard pltl was the only thing that helped

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL1301
Grade: B
Jan 29, 2025

Mrs. Cadena was a very nice and sweet person but her test were not the best. Half of the stuff from the test were not from the power point. She moved through the lecture slides without giving detail or really explaining it. Pretty much had to teach myself when i got home. Would not recommend.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: B+
Feb 5, 2025
Would take again

Professor Cadena was very sweet and caring. A&P is a tough class no matter who your professor is. You have to take the time to study on your own outside of class or you will not pass. Her office hour sessions are very helpful and she lets you review past exams to go over what you may have gotten wrong. Study study study the powerpoints!

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
BIO2401
Grade: A+
Feb 10, 2025
Would take again

Mrs. Cadena was an excellent teacher. She reads off the slides, she doesn't necessarily go too into detail about things, but she's very straight forward. Extra credit after each exam except the final and she also drops an exam at the end. Usually three chapter assignment. Super happy and helpful when you visit her office hours!!

EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
Caring
5.0
3.0
BIO2401
Grade: A
Feb 10, 2025
Would take again

As long as you put in the work, she's very understanding and flexible. If you're looking for an easy A, this is not the class for you! She's very accommodating and sincere. Highly recommend her if you actually want to understand anatomy.

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
2.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: D+
May 4, 2025

She basically reads off the slides like other people have said. Our exam averages were always in the 50-60s% if that says anything about that class. she would fall behind on her own lectures and would proceed with exams halfway through a chapter.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
2.0
BIO2401
Grade: A-
May 15, 2025
Would take again

If you're scrolling and feeling discouraged, don't be. Read the book, buy the study guide (it's sold separately), and use ChatGPT to break down hard parts. Don't rely solely on the PowerPoints because a good portion of questions on Exam won't be on Powerpoints. Go to office hours and review your tests. The final reuses old questions. You got this!

Get ready to read
2.0
3.0
BIOL1301
Grade: D+
May 27, 2025

This prof reads only from her lectures, and she reads them pretty fast. She does try her best to get participation from the class, but it never ends up working. You can definitely set up office hours to talk about your exams. Attendance does not matter tbh but sometimes she does give a sign in sheet on random days.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO2401
Grade: D
Jun 17, 2025

Do not take cadena. I am retaking A&P 1 this summer, and although it is fast paced the tests are WAY easier and all on top hat. Cadena does way too much when it comes to exams. Whatever you do, DONT TAKE HER. She would rush through the powerpoints and study guides were litttle to no help!

4.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: B
Jun 26, 2025
Would take again

She was a great professor her slides contained a lot of information but I suggest reading the book and paying attention in class that's what helped me

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B-
Dec 11, 2025

Hell exists, and this class is proof of it's existence.

1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: C
Dec 14, 2025

Save yourself the stress and peace, don't take her. I studied as much as I could and there was still stuff that wasn't covered. She is nice but the way that she grades and teaches is something else. She only reads off of slides the whole lecture and goes fast. Not worth it :(

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2025

no. no. no. no. no. no. no . no. no

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: C+
Dec 20, 2025

Just do another professor 🥀

Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B+
Dec 20, 2025

She was very sweet, but her lectures do not help with the tests too much. The tests were very detailed, the textbook and studying will help you get through it. Do not underestimate any small detail, as it can pop up in her exams! Good luck!

EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIOL2401
Grade: B-
Dec 23, 2025

I had a 79.13 but she rounded it to a B so I SURVIVEDDDD (barely). This class is DIFFICULT if you don't study every SINGLE little thing and study every single SECOND. The average for all the tests ranged from 52-60. With some studying, I would always get about 10 points higher than the average. She drops a few grades and gives little extra credit.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
BIO2401
Grade: D
Dec 30, 2025

She doesn't keep up with the syllabus and honestly she is a very sweet women don't get me wrong but you have to teach yourself because she mixes up her words and it gets confusing the homework was really long and time consuming and she posts them on random days and the due dates are random too. Attendance isn't mandatory but I recommend to still go

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

57%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 61 grades
Most common grades:
B (16)
A (8)
B+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(22)C(10)D(9)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 72 reported grades
B: 16
A: 8
B+: 8
Not sure yet: 7
Common Tags
Test heavy (39)
Lecture heavy (32)
Get ready to read (30)
Lots of homework (25)
Tough grader (23)
EXTRA CREDIT (11)
Participation matters (9)
Caring (6)
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