She is really cool, tests on lectures, no homework, and doesn't care if you read the book(tests on lectures) and always keeps lecture notes in library.

I took this class in Fall 04. Tests right off lectures. Easy A for anyone interested in bio. Slackers actually do need to study for the tests, though. Super nice and helpful. Always available. Can tell she loves to teach. Easy labs.

Tests right off lectures, book unnecessary (she says so herself). Highly intellegent but sometimes has difficulty understanding student questions, if you have the book do yourself a favor and look up the answers yourself. Passionate about her field. Labs are pretty fun as labs go.

One of the greatest professors I've had. She is passionate, so I respect her opinion on the subject, and she is very clear and concise. Didn't open the book once. Tests are easy (she grades very easily and right off lecture).

Very intelligent professor, has a PhD in biochemistry. Class very informative and fun. Doesn't do well with student questions during class, sometimes seems to have trouble coming "down" to student level, but is willing to help outside class. Tests from lectures. Weekly quizes. Would highly recommend.

This teach was great. Very passionate about what she teaches. My interest was kept throughout the semester. She cares whether or not ur getting it. I asked questions all the time in class and she was very helpful.

i don't know what that person that rated her with a sad face is talking about because i felt that she was one of the best teachers i've ever had! i asked questions and never felt like she made me feel stupid. she's very understanding. definately on YOUR SIDE. she's so clear on what will be on the tests... i loved her! take this class!

dont buy the book she even says you dont need it. pretty easy class for a bio. very sweet lady fun and interesting class.

Excellent, you can learn as much as you desire.... Highlr reccomend

i tell everyone they NEED to take bio from her! the weekly quizzes were good b/c they were easy & you could study for the exams from them and you'd get an A. very straightforward/organized. you always know what is expected of you. she inspired me to further my career in science & go into nursing! i loved her & you will too- there's no one better!

Very sweet lady. She gives extra credit which is very helpful. There are weekly quizes which are very similar to the exams. She always gives a review before the test. She is very clear on whats suppose to be on the test. Science is my worst subject and Svinth made it very easy for me. I HIGHLY reccomend her for biology.

GREAT TEACHER!!! she makes BIO sound like ABC...makes the concept so clear and easy...and weekly quiz is key to get good grades...and its easy to get A if you put just little bit of effort..no need for books...if u need then use library one for 1 hours thats more than enough...proper thorough review...she makes it too easy..and her class is fun.

Woman is a genius. Can't wait to take another class from her. Make sure you know your stuff.

Dr. Svinth is a very smart and very good teacher. She explains things well and doesn't mind students asking questions at all. She doesn't teach much so her office hours were limited. This was her 1st semester teaching 2.1 so it was really easy (have an A so far) but don't expect that in the future. Gives large hints for exams and extra credit.

Excellent prof! Always very clear, & knew her material. Willing to help outside of class. There is a lot of material covered, but if you show up every day, take good notes, & study your notes like crazy, there's no reason not to get an A. Strongly recommended!

Excellent prof! Always very clear, & knew her material. Willing to help outside of class. There is a lot of material covered, but if you show up every day, take good notes, & study your notes like crazy, there's no reason not to get an A. Strongly recommended for Bio 2.1!

Really cares about the success of her students. Tests on lecture only, don't really need book. On long-answer questions, 15 points means 15 separate bits of info, so her grading is very fair. Hard work is rewarded, no brown-nosing required. No lecture HW, just study the notes and you'll do fine.

Had fun in class, she is very passionate about the subject, truly enjoyed it. came back for start of bio sequence, sometimes standoffish but can be very lively and fun.

Tests are purely lecture based. Which is excellent because she's crystal clear. Enthusiastic about the topic, which makes learning from her a fun experience. It seems like she guesses on certain things she doesn't absolutely know. But that's okay because its usually fun FYI stuff and not necessary testable content. Take her & work, you'll be fine.

Great instructor! She writes everything on a piece of paper with the overhead, which makes it a tolerable pace. (NO powerpoint, I cant stand PP) After class she puts her handwritten notes in a binder and you can view them in the library if you missed something. Very helpful and passionate about biology. Highly recommended!

Really nice and really knowledgable. Bio is a tough subject for me, but she made it easier to deal with.

I really liked Dr. Svinth! She's a great professor and made Biology interesting. The tests can be difficult but she has reviews beforehand and if you study enough you'll do well. I would definitely take her again!

Bio is really realllllllly easy for me. However, I stopped going to class and lab because I thought it be would easy for me to stay on track. Nope. I have to retake it now. Go to class, take notes, study some, and go to the labs. If you do all that, you will be fine.

Maria is a really good, clear teacher. However, this class requires a LOT of work, including quizzes every week (no multiple choice), difficult exams, and an oral presentation. You MUST attend all lectures, as that is where she gets test material. Be ready to work hard for your grade!

Dr. Svinth is passionate about teaching. She is always willing to help you if you are putting in effort. The lecture and test material went hand in hand and there were so surprises. She posts power points online, extremely helpful. I highly recommend this instructor. I learned a lot from her. She's great!

Dr. Svinth is an excellent teacher! She is passionate and knows her stuff. She expects a lot but she is fair and very clear about what she will be testing you on. You do not use the book ever. Everything you are tesed on comes from lectures so missing a class can set you back. Exams are mostly written with multiple choice as semester progresses.

Dr. Svinth is a competent, knowledgeable teacher who I can't speak highly enough of. Her tests are lecture based (from the ppts she posts), detailed, but she prepares you if you study her ppts. The textbook is mostly a reference book. Labs are enjoyable. Put forth the effort to pay attention in class and study notes. You'll be prepared.

She is a great teacher! Very helpful and fair.

Dr. Svinth is a terrific professor. Her lectures are crystal clear with beautiful and descriptive PowerPoint. Her labs are crystal clear, she even answers all the questions with you at the end. Her exam questions are tricky, and you must have had read the textbook to answer some correctly.

Dr. Svinth is an amazing teacher. Her class isn't an easy class which it shouldn't be but there is no way you can't get a good grade. She is crystal clear on her expectations and her study guides are very similar to her tests, no tricks. But you do need to study and attend class to do well. I got a lot out of this class. Take her! I never used book

Maria is very passionate about microbiology and it makes the class more interesting.

I loved Professor Svinth! She is passionate about the subject and works really hard. She is always trying to improve herself. If she goes too fast over a topic, the next class period she will go over it again. She speaks quickly, which I liked; it helps you stay focused. She is a fantastic teacher. Her quizzes and tests are also reasonable :).

Maria is an excellent instructor. She's NOT easy, but she is clear and lets you know exactly what is expected of you. I never once opened the book. Print out her notes, record and re-listen to lectures, and keep track of your grade. That's how I got my A. Stock pile points from lab, the tests are much easier than lecture exams and they give cushion

One of the best pre-req nursing classes teachers I have taken. I went to every class did everything possible to get a good grade and Maria notices those people right from the beginning. Opened the book when I was confused about how she explained something in lecture but everything you need to know is in her powerpoints that are online.

Dr. Svinth is excellent. I respect the heck out of her; she is an enthusiastic and encouraging teacher. Her class was my fave of the pre-nursing big sciences.

Great teacher. She goes step by step in what you need to know. I love this teacher, and her teaching style is awesome. Really recommend her.

She's passionate about what she teaches and her lectures are very clear. I barely opened my book because of her study guides and lecture slides. Her exams are straight from her lectures, but she does give you questions you really have to think about. She wants her students to actually understand the material. I loved her class and learned a lot

Be prepared to work for your grade! Weekly quizzes provide lots of opportunities for points, which you will be grateful for toward the end of the semester. Labs are easy and fun. Lecture is all business. Don't skip - a lot is covered in each class. I thought she was an excellent teacher and I learned a lot.

This teacher is amazing! I understand her lectures. They are clear and concise. She is super enthusiastic and extremely intelligent about Microbiology. I have done incredibly well in her class because she is clear and says exactly what she wants you to know. I recommend her!!!

Dr. Svinth is an amazing professor, she's passionate about what she's teaching and really wants her students to do well. Microbiology is not a beginner science class so she expects you to know the basics (bio, and chem). Her lectures are fast paced and very detailed, so I highly suggest you record her lectures. Do not buy the book, it's not needed.

Human Biology was a great class overall and I would take her class again if I could. She is a very clear grader and forgiving teacher. Her lectures are interesting, she let us out of class early a few times. Tests aren't hard and they are only on what is covered in class-no surprises. Don't buy the textbook, in-class notes are all you need.

Great teacher! Passionate about the subject. The way she explains the material is easy to understand. Labs are fun and lecture is interesting. You have access to her PowerPoint online. Ask questions as soon as you have them because she won't answer them if it's about material from last week. Overall, I learned a lot from her class.

I absolutely love her! She makes you work hard for your grade and makes you appreciate it. She is there if you have questions and truly wasn't you to succeed. I would highly recommend her! Get prepared to study and use information from previous classes. If she is reading this, THANK YOU :)

I can't say enough good things about Dr. Svinth. She was organized, prepared and made Micro exciting and interesting. She had clear power points and review sheets for each section. I got a good grade by staying on top of the weekly quizzes, reviewing the pp and completing the review sheets.

She's probably one of the best professors at the JC, I loved her class so much. She makes you love microbiology because the way she explains things is so fascinating, her lectures are amazing. The labs are also very easy and fun to do. Take really good notes, record her lectures, and study; you will pass the class with an A. We didnt use a textbook

Easily the best teacher I have had. She tells you exactly what you need to know for the exams. Labs are fun- don't be afraid to ask questions or seek help. Record her lectures and don't skip class. Weekly lecture quizzes add up so study, they also help you stay on track. I can't say enough good things about her, wish she taught more courses.

She is amazing. Take her and only her.

Maria has a tough personality but she is an amazing teacher. She can seem intimidating but she will answer any, and every question. She goes above and beyond to make sure you understand the concept and will review if you need it. Her quizzes helped me stay on top of things and her lab was always interesting. Study, read PowerPoint and you're good!

Great teacher overall. Is very clear about what she wants you to know for tests and quizzes. Lectures are important so you definitely need to attend every class. I didnt use the textbook and she didnt have any assignments related to it. Amazing class, would take her again!

I've had a lot of professors, and Maria is one of the best I've had. She is very passionate about her subject! She is very clear with how she grades and what will be on the tests (no tricks), and she isn't even a very tough grader. Also an excellent lecturer, because she really cares about the subject. Would recommend above the others, great prof!

Maria is an amazing professor. She is a tough grader and can come off intimidating, but she knows her subject well and explains it in a way that makes sense. She's clear about what she expects and has a clear grading criteria, in addition to the fact that she grades things relatively quick and returns them. Awesome professor.

I usually don't review my professors but I've made an exception for Professor Svinth. She is truly incredible and will make you fall in love with Microbiology; I've even thought about switching my major. However, this is an upper division class and she expects you to treat it as such. Her syllabus is clear and if you follow it you will do fine.

Svinth took over my BIO13 class halfway through the semester. I was struggling to stay engaged before the switch, but afterward, it became one of my favorite classes. She connects lecture material to real life, she took us to the cadaver lab multiple times (optional, no credit attached). She also allowed notes for the final exam. Highly recommend.

Svinth doesn't get the credit she deserves. Shes a great teacher and as long as you record lectures and retake notes, you will do fine. She is a very kind woman who really cares for her students and has a strong passion to teach. Super helpful and always there for ?'s. I was hesitant to take her at first because of the ratings but she is the best!

Maria is intminating at first, but shes amazing if you try to get to know her. Shes extremely knowledgeable & excited about teaching. Use office hours. Record all her lectures. Attedence is not required, but dont miss class. Shes understanding with points if u explain yourself. She wants you to do well, u just have to use the tools she offers.

Maria is seriously a good teacher. She does explain things quickly but that's why you NEED to record lectures and listen to her again. She really wants you to do well and learn. Maria is overall pretty cool and I would take her again. I like how she goes over what will be on exams. Very clear, but like anything it takes studying. She's awesome!

Microbiology is NOT easy. You will still have to work for your A. Maria does a great job explaining all the material. Dont be freaked out about your unknown lab report, fairly easy if you start ahead of time. Must attend lectures to get a good grade. Second exam was the hardest so study study study!

Maria is great and interesting to talk to during office hours! She is tough but over all fair and tries to be generous with grading. You should be a strong student and over all be willing to study a ton. She covers the material but you will basically have to teach yourself to fill in the gaps and get to the level she expects. Teach yourself.

Maria Svinth truly is what teachers should strive to be, caring, considerate, approachable and pragmatic. She wants her students to learn and have good success. She lays down the criteria without beating around the bush. Very respectful, funny and I just really appreciate her!

Professor Svinth is a great teacher. Although she goes VERY fast during her lectures she is always accessible after and before class. She really Puts in a lot of effort to explain things to students and she really cares about her students. You must record lectures and retake notes. Prepare to read and research.

Dr. Svinth is an amazing teacher. She puts together amazing lectures. She tells you exactly what she expects of you for the exams and for the quizzes. Prepare to work hard. Record lectures, ask questions and get a study group. She is the best teacher I have had during the course of my education at the SRJC. Gift yourself with her class! Good luck!

Honestly, I really loved Dr. Svinths micro 60 class. She goes over a lot of information, but you can tell she has a real passion for the material. Her humor and enthusiasm is inspiring, but you will have to work hard in the course no doubt. It can be hard! Definitely ask her a lot of questions because she explains it in such detail when you do!

I have several degrees, and in all of my schooling, I have never had a professor as good as Dr. Svinth. She organizes her lectures in a way so that you really learn the material, and she makes the lectures super interesting because of her passion and her super dry humor. She is a very fair grader, but be prepared to work hard. Best teacher ever!

Super hard class!!! Dr. Maria designs the class in a way that you will have to learn. She is very intelligent and her lectures are highly informative. Record every lecture, write notes at home, listen carefully to each lecture in class, and do not miss any days!!! Microbiology is not easy, but if you want to learn this is your instructor!!

Professor Svinth takes you in to the microbe world and introduce you their inside. She teaches with passion. Loves her subject and knows it very well. She sure tough me to be aware of my surroundings. She gives very clear instruction on what will be on the exam or test. She is approachable and helpful. I really enjoyed her class. She is awesome!!

She is the most direct & concise professor Ive ever had. Tells you everything that she will ask on a test, make sure you listen. There is a quiz every week, regardless if there is a test that week. Covers everything in the textbook chapters. A lot of work, i recommend her if you can keep up the pace. Im happy i won't have to take micro ever again

Dr. Svinth is incredibly smart and passionate about her subject, which makes her class so engaging and interesting. You'll work REALLY hard, but you will learn so much. Her enthusiasm is infectious and made me excited about this incredibly challenging subject. Attend and record all lectures. Her lectures are entertaining and easy to follow along.

I LOVED Dr. Svinth! I wish I could take all of my sciences with her. She made a dense subject very interesting. Very approachable. She was very clear about what she expected on the tests. There were quizzes every week and no homework. Take good notes and record lectures. Don't get lazy like I did or you'll pay for it. Final was cumulative.

Great professor. The subject is heavy but she is very clear on her expectations for the class. Record and listen to lectures. She only includes what she lectures on on the exams. There is a quiz every week but it only covers two lectures. She doesn't take attendance for lab or lecture but go. She's direct, super smart and will call you out on BS

Maria is an amazing professor! She is clearly passionate about her work which makes learning from her fun. You definitely need to record and relisten to her lectures though to fully grasp the material. She makes her expectations very clear at the beginning of the class. She will tell you what to expect on exams so its up to you to listen and study.

Maria is great, but the subject of Micro is difficult, if you expect an easy breeze class that is not the case. Although lecture is not mandatory, YOU must attend if you even want to pass this class, her lectures are more talking than slides, RECORD every lecture! Review your lectures after class and you will pass. It is hard, but doable!

Professor Svinth wants to see you succeed and enjoy micro. She sets the bar high for engagement in lab. Come prepared by reading over what you are doing that day. I'd suggest taking the weekly quizzes seriously each week. Its preparing you for the exam. Her lectures are amazing and she covers an impressive amount of information during the course.

Loved her class! It's very dense material you have to make time for her class.I worked 32 hours a week managed to pass with a B but could've gotten an A if I had more time to study.She is clear on what will be on her exams and listening to recorded lectures helps so much.Weekly quizzes can be hard sometimes but no hw. Lab isn't too hard either.

Maria is charismatic and makes her lectures very interesting. Although lectures are not mandatory, SHOW UP AND RECORD THEM! I did this and felt prepared for each quiz and exam. The weekly quizzes provide feedback on what you need to study for exams. She only tests on lecture material, and is very clear about what will be on the exams. Love her.