3.8

Marie McMahon

Biology - San Diego Miramar College

3.8
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
32%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
3.8
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
3.8
Helpful
3.7
Clarity

32%

Would Retake

99

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

53

4

14

3

7

2

13

1

12

What Students Say

TIPS TO DO WELL: 1)Attend all classes and write organized notes, she tests straight from her lecture notes, also the notes online do not include every detail 2)Prepare for tests by answering the study guide questions 3) IN ANATOMY, take pictures of the models in class and study at home, she tests you on the models and not the pictures in your book

BIO230 - 5.0 rating

you will learn SO much

BIO230 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

92%

Textbook Required

56%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 16 grades
Most common grades:
A (6)
B (5)
Drop/Withdrawal (3)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(6)C(1)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 24 reported grades
A: 6
B: 5
Drop/Withdrawal: 3
Not sure yet: 3
Common Tags
Test heavy (11)
Tough grader (10)
Lecture heavy (10)
Graded by few things (4)
Get ready to read (4)
Participation matters (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
EXTRA CREDIT (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.13 avg change
May
Nov
Feb
Mar
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOLOGY230

5.0

(1)

ANATOMY

5.0

(1)

BIO

5.0

(1)

BIO230AND235

5.0

(1)

ANATOMYPHSYI

5.0

(1)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HUMANPHYSIOLOG

5.0

BIOBIO

5.0

PHYSI101

5.0

PHYIO101

5.0

ANAT230

5.0

Reviews (99)
5.0
4.0
BIO105
Oct 6, 2003

Hard class, but if you pay attention and go to her office hours, she helps you understand the material. She is also very funny and will make coming to class enjoyable. I would take her class.

5.0
3.0
BIO230
Nov 24, 2003

Her class is very easy to understand. She gives really good lectures. Her tests are pretty tricky but if you study her notes you'll do just fine. I highly recommend her.

4.0
4.0
BIOLOGY10
Dec 9, 2003

Difficult class, she is only hard because she's really fair. She outlines what you need to know, you just have to study hard. She's female Conan O'Brian, I swear, she has the funniest style of teaching.

5.0
3.0
PHYSIOLOGY
Dec 24, 2003

Difficult subject made easy to understand by her wonderful teaching style. she is a lot of fun to listen to and thus retain info. 4 tests that includes the final. a few quizes here and there. study everyday and dont put off the research paper.

5.0
1.0
BIO105
May 26, 2004

Very cool teacher. Makes the subject she's teaching very fun. It would recommend taking her for any class she teaches. I would bet you would past it

5.0
2.0
BIO105
Jun 2, 2004

It's easy to pass this class with a good grade. Just give heed to her lecture and you'll be fine. Her tests are a bit difficult, but if you come to the class and study her lecture notes at the library, you're on your way to get the "A" grade.

4.0
4.0
BIO235
Jun 7, 2004

knows her stuff and is not lenient

4.0
4.0
BIO230
Aug 10, 2004

her class was fun but her tests are very tricky, some of them didnt come from the study guide.

5.0
4.0
BIO235
Aug 25, 2004

I enjoyed her class. Very organized and willing to help.Highly recommended. Learned a lot!

5.0
3.0
BIO235
Oct 7, 2004

Great teacher!! She tells you what you need to know. Pay attention to her lecture (don't just rely on the things that she writes on the board). I think her tests are fair. You really need to know the materials if you wanna pass her class with a good grade

5.0
3.0
BIOLOGY230
Nov 23, 2004

She makes Anatomy class Fun & interesting. Her class is not easy but you can always count her help when you ask her.Always answer her"study guide question before coming to her class & take good notes of her lecture.Her exams are 75% from her lecture & 25% from the book or reference materials.

5.0
3.0
ANATOMYBIO230
Nov 27, 2004

Very Cool& fun;Highly recomended.Possible to get an "A"if you always come to class prepared.Quizes & exams are 75% from lecture & the rest are from study guide questions & other references.

5.0
4.0
BIO235
Dec 28, 2004

Funny, great teacher! But very hard, very few gets an A in her class Grading system is unclear. Her tests are tricky, challenging & highly involved. Multiple choice/Essay exams. There's 1 oral presentation & a lengthy research paper. Her teaching helps you retain what you learn. I enjoyed her class.

5.0
3.0
BIO235
Dec 29, 2004

Very knowledgeable about the course. She is an excellent teacher and always helpful to her students. Exams are not stictly from the study guides...fair but somewhat difficult. Class was enjoyable and fun.

5.0
3.0
BIO105
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Jan 16, 2005

She is a great professor! I think that she teaches from the heart and thats why she uses her own lecture notes more than the book. I would highly suggest taking her for BIO 105. She's got a great attitude and cracks me up! I liked going to her lectures and found her very helpful when needed.

5.0
3.0
ANATOMY
Jan 17, 2005

This teacher was one of my favorites. Her class was so interesting. She will tell you that you will use what she teaches for the rest of your life and she is so right. If you dont come to class, you will not get a good grade. She is hard but fair. If you want an A you can get one.

5.0
4.0
BIO230
Jan 19, 2005

take her for ANY class you can!!! don't get me wrong, you have to study HARD in her class but it's worth every minute! she makes you look forward to coming to class. her attitude towards teaching in amazing. just make sure you don't talk back to her... she'll put you in your place(in a nice way)!

3.0
5.0
BIOL235
Feb 3, 2005

Complete hard-nose about irrelevant things. Like most inexperienced instructors, she thinks that being super-critical and tough will cause students to respect her.

5.0
3.0
BIO
Feb 8, 2005

Reply to previous rating: You think she is tough?! Take Trubovits and see! Dr.McMahon is still my favorite teacher. Very organized and fair. I enjoyed her classes and learned a lot

5.0
5.0
BIO235
Mar 10, 2005

Toughest class I ever been to. She will definitely take your weekends because of her homeworks and activities. Her exam was toughest ever, I rather have an essay questions than have her multiple choices(all tricky questions). I wouldn't recommend her if you don't have time to study.

4.0
2.0
BIO235
May 6, 2005

sometimes shes funny, sometimes not. weird!!!! but, i've learned a lot from her, though. golly, im only pissed off by her questions during exams especially the multiple choice ones ... one more thing, she is somewhat similar to sandra bullock(duh!!).

5.0
4.0
BIO235
May 27, 2005

not the hardest class ever, but its hard. take really good notes. if you miss a day, you miss a lot! there's an oral presentation, and a research paper. material is not too difficult to understand, and if you're in trouble she's very helpful. multiple choice exam questions are tricky, so be sure to study off quizes. overall she's a good professor

1.0
5.0
BIO235
Jun 2, 2005

Ridiculously hard. I failed the first 2 tests, then received a W. Retook the class with a different teacher and got a B. Just goes to show you it's the teacher, not the material.

2.0
4.0
BIO235
Jun 4, 2005

Don't take her unless you really want to study all the time. She THINKS she's funny.

3.0
4.0
BIO105
Jul 24, 2005

Worst teacher I have ever had... Never looked forward to going to classes. You can tell she was a little coo coo in the head when it comes to science, gets really into it. Strange lady. Makes you take 9 pages of notes every class meeting, never lets you out early. Tests are pretty hard and she likes to TRICK you a lot!!! DON'T TAKE HER!!!

4.0
4.0
PHYSIO
Jul 26, 2005

teacher is hard.exams of themultiple choice very tricky.she is difficult and to top it off she doesnt grade on a curve. you have to have a huge term paper which has is a pain in the ass. highly not recommended. Go to Mesa if you want a better grade.With Dr Mc Mahon its either do or die no acceptions what so ever.VERY HARD NOSE INSTRUCTOR!!!

4.0
4.0
BIO230
Aug 5, 2005

She's ok! Take her but you really have to study!

4.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: A
Aug 8, 2005

Do not take her if you're lazy. I like her, she is very smart and intelligent. It's good to know that students are not getting it easy. She will make you study and study more. I'm just slow and working full time. I have a low D so far but I'm fighting for a chance to get a B for acceptable transfer grade. If I fail it's OK, it was a challenge.

5.0
4.0
BIO230AND235
Aug 17, 2005

She is a great teacher! They are tuff subjects and she dose a great job presenting the material and letting you know clearly what you need to know for the test.

5.0
2.0
BIO235
Aug 30, 2005

mcmahon is awesome! she's a great teacher and keeps you interesting during lectures. she gives really good study guides and usually tells you what some of the essay questions will be. she's extremely helpful...just ask for it! the exams only cover what she covered in lecture! the class is very straightforward. there's a presentation and paper thoug

5.0
4.0
BIO235
Sep 4, 2005

Do not take her if you are lazy, or unwilling to work. I had to take Physio, Anatomy & Micro all at the same time, and she helped me every bit she could to pass. Without her, I would have failed physio. She is very sweet, understanding, and accessible. Be sure to try in her class! Some material is difficult, but she is VERY fun. And very cute!

2.0
4.0
BIO235
Sep 19, 2005

shes hard-period. not the best not the worst. She can be helpful IF she likes you.

2.0
4.0
PHYSIOLOGY
Oct 28, 2005

she is the worst teacher ever!!!! her notes are sloppy, shes all over the place!!! her tests are extremely difficult. her essay questions are hard, she tells u something will be on the test and something else is...i hated her class!!! i took it over with another teacher and i got an A!!!

4.0
3.0
BIO235
Nov 14, 2005

I took Physiology with Dr. McMahon, and I loved it. Yes, I had to study a lot, but it's PHYSIOLOGY. What do you expect from a class focused on neurons, proteins, ions, etc? She breaks it down to basics so it's easier to understand. She's quirky, which makes for a not-so-boring class. I loved her!

3.0
3.0
NOSUBJECT
Nov 18, 2005

i heard she's hard...can someone give tips on how to do well in her class?

5.0
3.0
ANATOMYPHSYI
Jan 18, 2006

Great Teacher. Although she can be nit picky on details, she gives good info & hooks you up when yer at the borderline grade. Study alot too cuz these classes take alot of time.

3.0
2.0
HUMANANATOMY
Mar 5, 2006

She was ok. I got a B. Alot of memorization and self-discipline is needed to pass the class (like staying for lab and coming to open-lab on F/S) Getting an A is possible but you must be focus in the beginning and not get behind(like myself). Lecture exams can be difficult(confusing),lab exams are easy & quizzes are super easy! She gives X-credit!

2.0
5.0
HUMANPHYSIOLOG
Mar 22, 2006

Seemed to be in bad mood most of the time. Tests were really difficult.

5.0
4.0
HUMPHY
Apr 27, 2006

Straight forward style of teaching. Clear and informative, delievered in an entertaining manner. Smart professor that loves critical thinking.

5.0
4.0
HUMANANATOMY
May 8, 2006

awesome teacher, gets straight to the point, you really do learn what is being taught, good style of teaching! overall great teacher!

5.0
1.0
ANATOMY230
Jul 24, 2006

This class takes a lot of your time. This class is hard but Mcmahon is willing to help you in any way she can.

5.0
3.0
BIO230
Aug 15, 2006

Anatomy is alot of memorization but i thought she was a great teacher. Very intelligent and always there to help you, even on friday open labs. 5 lab exams and 5 lecture exams. Her lab exams are straightforward, her lectures are based on class notes. Study and you can get an A, its possible. goodluck :)

5.0
2.0
BIO235
Aug 16, 2006

She's very nice and cares for her students. She understands the students needs to get a good grade and she tries to help you as much as she can. 4 exams (final is not cumulative). Labs are straightforward and some are fun to do :) Take her, you'll learn so much. Its not always about how easy the teacher is, its about how much you learn.

5.0
4.0
PHYS235
Aug 19, 2006

i see people leaving comments on here sayings shes hard and a horrible teacher. you cant go on saying that shes a horrible teacher when theres a good amount of people getting As, Bs, and Cs, and just a couple Ds and Fs. She may be hard, but anatomy and physio are tough in general.

5.0
2.0
BIO235
Sep 22, 2006

Took her physio class in the summer and got an A so I don't know what everyone is complaining about! Never read the book cause she was very thorough on her notes in class! Such a funny & entertaining lady! She expects a lot out of u but u learn a lot and will benefit later, esp. if u are doing nursing. You can DEFINATELY pass her class just study!

4.0
5.0
BIO230
Nov 1, 2006

Hard teacher, piles on info the class before a test and expects you to know it. Anatomy is hard and takes a huge about of time. Grades fairly but honestly I don't think I would take her again. I see people who put she is easy, she is not I have studied more in this class than any other class.

5.0
3.0
BIO230
Nov 26, 2006

comitted to answering your questions & concerns. respect her class & she'll value your presence & you'll get her full attention. has a great sense of humor & shares words of wisdom. i admire, cherish & love her passion to pass along the knowledge she has, so do your part as a student - grab the opportunity served your plate. the choice is yours!

5.0
2.0
BIO235
Feb 12, 2007

hard class. But she helps me a lot, nice person. Her notes really clear and help. If you are not hard student don't take any Bio classes because all of the Bio classes are difficult. anyway, she is a good tearcher and her exam base on lecture

5.0
5.0
BIO230
Apr 16, 2007

To this day she is still one of my fave teachers. I received a B in her class but learned so much information. The knowledge you get from this class is unlike any I have attended. I highly recommend her. Just study hard and keep on track in the class.

5.0
5.0
BIOL230
Sep 11, 2007

She is really an awesome funny and well spoken on everything! At first, she is realy intimidating, but warms up in person. Her mutiple choice questions are tricky, but her notes are very organized and clear. if somthing was unclear, she came to our table and explained them and made them elemetary. learned so much take her class or your missing out!

4.0
5.0
BIO230
Nov 7, 2007

Although Anatomy is already a hard class, I believe Dr. McMahon makes it even MORE difficult. When compared to other Professors she is definitely more thorough. Say goodbye to a social life and hello headaches if you take her. Overall, she is extremely hard and I would not recommend taking her.

5.0
3.0
BIOL235
Dec 19, 2007

McMahon is AMAZING! Her class is so interesting and full of information. Exams are right out of the lecture notes. WORSHIP YOUR STUDY GUIDES, if you know them, you'll get an A on the exams. Couple of quizzes and the labs a lot of fun. She is intimidating at first, doesn't take crap from students, but after is very sweet and hilarious! I love her!!!

5.0
5.0
BIOBIO
Jan 7, 2008

The subjects she teaches are tough but interesting. You truly appreciate this class. She lectures on everything she tests on.

5.0
4.0
BIO230
Jan 7, 2008

TIPS TO DO WELL: 1)Attend all classes and write organized notes, she tests straight from her lecture notes, also the notes online do not include every detail 2)Prepare for tests by answering the study guide questions 3) IN ANATOMY, take pictures of the models in class and study at home, she tests you on the models and not the pictures in your book

5.0
5.0
BIO235
Jun 16, 2008

One of the best and most entertaining teachers I've ever taken. She makes you work hard, but the amount of knowledge you walk away with is mind blowing. You'll amaze yourself. She's incredibly helpful and willing to assist you if you ask for it. Her class is very organized with all of her lecture notes & slides online. Quirky & amazing!!I love her!

5.0
5.0
BIO230
Jun 16, 2008

Don't listen to the few negative comments. These are the people who think they are entitled to a good grade even though their lazy, hardly study or seek help and bomb all of her tests. She's such an amazing teacher with a huge amount of passion for science and life. Your missing out on an incredible learning experience if you don't take her. A++

5.0
4.0
BIO230
Nov 21, 2008

you will learn SO much! she teaches this subject with soooo much clarity. anatomy is a pretty intense subject buy she makes it fun and will guide you through it. her lecture exams are fair...they are NOT easy.... take reallllyyy good notes and go to the open labs.

3.0
5.0
BIO235
Feb 21, 2009

This teacher must be writing her own reviews. Her lectures are very unorganized: a single lecture will contain bits and pieces of information from many many chapters. She will not write a letter of recommendation for you either. She's a do or die type of teacher so there is no room for error. Reviews can be deceptive. you've been warned!

5.0
2.0
BIO235
May 21, 2009

Dr McMahon is AWESOME!!! Her knowledge and passion makes the subject come ALIVE! I've taken both Physio&Anatomy with her and if I could, I would take ALL my classes with her! I can't say enough good things about this professor. You MUST take her class. There is just SO MUCH you can learn from this woman! On top of everything else, she's INTERESTING

5.0
4.0
BIO235
May 21, 2009

You can tell when a professor enjoys what they are teaching. Dr McMahon is so passionate about her subjects and her students benifit! It is not an easy class...because it shouldn't be. She holds you accountable for the information presented but is always helpful and compassionate. Take her classes if you are serious about gaining insight! You rock!

5.0
5.0
BIO230
Aug 12, 2009

Great Teacher! You will learn a ton! She cares about the students and wants you to learn. Great person...great teacher.

1.0
5.0
PHYSI101
Dec 1, 2009

THE WORST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD! completely unorganized, plays favoritism and is rude at times. Doesn't remember what she is lecturing on every class meeting. Her test are very tricky! Physiology is suppose to be great but she ruined it for me. If you want to enjoy physio DON'T Take her!!!!

2.0
5.0
PHYIO101
Dec 18, 2009

listen to all the negative comments. I didn't=( I took her this semester and she made me upset everyday. She is unorganized and is rude at times. Her tests are very tricky and instead of teaching us she woul rather take us to play cricket. HORRIBLE TEACHER! you have been warned!!! Please do yourself a favor and take someone else!!!!

5.0
1.0
BIOLO230
Apr 24, 2010

Dr. McMahon is the best professor i ever had. I have no words to discribe her, super nice, A lot of knowledge and She really wants you to get out of that clas with a lot of things learned. She makes it interested. take her you will not regret. if you don't want to study hard dont spend you time and hers. Dr McMahon ROCKS:)

5.0
3.0
BIO230
Jun 11, 2010

She is an AMAZING teacher. The best I ever had. She's extremely challenging (not in a bad way) Funny, makes anatomy interesting and fun. When she says in lecture "I am going to ask this on the test; write it down, it WILL be on the lecture!!! KNow the study guide well (matching section) Do NOT talk or text during lecture either.

5.0
5.0
ANAT230
Jun 24, 2010

Dr. McMahon is a high quality teacher and quite a cool person to talk to. At time she may come off as a bit abrasive, but it's just her sense of humor. She truly cares about her students' success, is very open to anyone coming to speak with her, and will help you if you seek it out.

5.0
4.0
BIOL230
Aug 18, 2010

Dr. M is an expert in her field & an entertaining lecturer. She is no-nonsense & thus, does not suffer fools but will help those who ask. If you know how to work hard you will do well. Sit in front. Listen ATTENTIVELY. Write down EVERYTHING. By all means, read the negative comments because if they scare you away, this class is not for you.

5.0
4.0
BIOL230
Aug 31, 2010

SHE IS THE BEST PROFESSOR I HAVE EVER HAD!!!! she is awesome! shes not one of those professors who acknowledge the stupid annoying comments the "dorky" students make(which is nice for a change) She is so clear and makes everything so easy to understand. She is a teacher who has really helped me learned and grasp concepts! I highly recommend her!!

4.0
4.0
BIO230
Feb 29, 2012

Quizzes, lecture exams & lab practicals are all timed. For lab tests, you get 1 min per station & each station can have up to 4 questions! So that means 15 sec to answer each question. Even if you know your stuff, your grade also depends on how fast you can answer questions.

5.0
4.0
BIO230
Nov 25, 2012

One of the best teachers I've ever had. She is knowledgable and funny and knows how to keep the students interested. Her class not easy at all. You have to keep up with the class and study with groups. You need to put a lot of time for this class. A Lot!!It is a hard class but you will be happy with yourself at the end!

1.0
5.0
BIO235
Apr 4, 2013

Honestly, no one in the class likes her. The only people in the class doing well are people who have taken and dropped her class twice, so they are used to her. Don't even think about taking if you haven't taken anatomy, she assumes that you have. Extremely unorganized and notes make no sense. Can't even study from the book. Wiki is more helpful.

2.0
4.0
BIO235
Apr 8, 2013

A very out of this world individual. She has very strong opinion about everything. Grading is very strict and unreasonable on the essay session of exam. She will cross out your words just to replace something with the exact meaning, just because that's how she would do it. She has little respect for her students by showing attitude or yelling.

5.0
3.0
BIOL230
Jun 18, 2014

Dr. McMahon is a great professor. She is passionate about Human Anatomy, and is always willing to help students. Having a textbook is useful for studying, but she covers all information in her lab manual and during lecture. Anatomy is not easy so take good notes, ask questions, and study. She will make you appreciate the human body.

3.0
4.0
ANATOMY230
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2015

Anatomy is a tough class to begin with. You have to be willing to take the time to study.. A LOT. Professor McMahon is hilarious she makes class interesting but by no means is easy at all. There is no homework or extra credit so you have to do good on your tests. Also don't be late or use your cell phone she is strict about that.

5.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: B
Nov 8, 2016
Would take again

McMahon is a wonderful human! Each class I learned something I'll remember for life. Remember that ANATOMY IS A HARD SUBJECT. Lots of memorization involved and if you don't spend lot's of time outside of class, you won't pass - no matter what professor you have. McMahon is extremely clear on what she expects of you on tests and responds to emails

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
3.0
5.0
CHEM152
Grade: B
Oct 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Tests are long and too many calculations to be made for the time given. Barely finish within 10 minutes of class left, and when I get up half the class is still there. You are put to the standard at which you know material, know it thoroughly and can answer questions in a format you haven't seen before. No trying to test theories to problem solve.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
2.0
3.0
BIO235
Jun 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

McMahon is an overall sweet person, enthusiastic and caring when it comes to all aspects of the class. However the class is test heavy and her tests do not do a good representation of what we learn in class. Class average in tests were C's and D's. Labs and HW barely count for anything. Great person and physio is hard but she makes it harder.

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BIO235
Grade: A
Sep 1, 2020
Would take again

I took McMahon Spring 2020. My first impression was that she was a cool, hip professor who could relate to you as a student & human. The first few weeks were tough! I found her lectures to be very fast paced, not a whole lot of room for questions, and chaotic. Then I found her lecture notes. PRINT THEM & TAKE NOTES ON THEM! Game changer!

Accessible outside class
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
5.0
BIOL235
Grade: B+
Dec 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

In the Covid environment she is a really bad online teacher. Recorded lectures too long, rambling and repetitive. Not computer say too many places to access simple info. Unsure of grading throughout course. Tests all multiple choice and too hard. Class average 60%!!! Insane! Nice person, interesting, and enthusiastic about physio. Just disorganized

Test heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
1.0
BIOL235
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I was waitlisted for her class which is on zoom so I asked her for the link to watch her class. She doesn't reply until I follow up and she has the audacity to be upset that I'm asking to watch her lectures, which she doesn't allow for waitlisted students. I then ask for help and she doesn't respond. Very unprofessional & rude of a professor

1.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: Incomplete
Feb 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The most difficult online class I've ever taken and I'm only a few weeks in. Initially, I thought I would really like this course because she seems passionate about physio. But she is snarky/rude to students with Q's/concerns. Randomly removes assignments you've already done. Drones on and on with NO organization at all during lectures vids/zoom.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Her tests do not provide enough time for students. 10 min for 10 Qs, 60 min for 75 Qs and theyre not all multiple choice. She says her tests are based off of lectures/study guide. WRONG. Over 50% students failed according to her analytics. She will blame students for not doing well in class. Maybe its the one who is teaching it.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This has been the worst class I have ever taken! She is difficult in more than one way. She sends a ridiculous amount of emails with different information in each one which then gets you confused about what you have to turn in because she doesn't put it on canvas. Her tests are so hard that you have to learn everything she says, even her car make!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO54879
Apr 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor ever, do yourself a favor and avoid Dr McMahon!!! There are too many things wrong with this course and her online teaching methods to be able to type it all out. Just trust all these bad ratings!

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL235
May 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Met up 1x/week on zoom and would have class activities that were not very focused around the material. Lecture slides aren't 100% the same as the ones in her lecture videos. Provided lecture notes are always so long (20+ pages) with a lot of info we don't need to know. Not clear about due dates/info about a project unless asked.

Lecture heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIO235
Sep 19, 2021
Would take again

Unpopular opinion but I enjoyed Macmahon, Extremely knowledgeable and provides extensive lecture notes for free. Yes this class is hard but its the subject itself. I can confidently say she prepared me for the TEAS test and applying to nursing school. You earn your grade for this class.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
BIOL235
Grade: C
Oct 9, 2023

Find another professor if you can. Convoluted, unfair, and overly-complicated tests. Amazing lecturer, caring person but her tests and quizzes are atrocious. The way she words certain questions are misleading, class average for the last test was 65%...I really love her as a person but she needs to work on making her curriculum more attainable.

Amazing lectures
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2023

Hardest class I have ever taken, avoid her. I put in enormous amounts of work and effort into this class but it is not worth it. I love the subject but she did not make it fun for me. Did a lot of studying outside of class and her exams are extremely difficult and worded weirdly sometimes. She realizes later that she made mistakes on the tests.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: B-
Dec 14, 2023

I believe that Dr. McMahon is extremely knowledgeable in her field and has seemingly understandable lectures. I cannot emphasize enough about the difficulty of her exams. It seems that a lot of her exams are filled with trick questions and are just hard overall. The averages say enough. Be aware of hard tests.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BIO235
Grade: B
May 24, 2024
Would take again

I believe Professor Mcmahon is a difficult professor that covered a tough subject. Her passion is clear and her quizzes/exams were very challenging, but lecture videos and practice problems/worksheets were provided. Definitely have to earn the grade and take all extra credit assignments she offers to help.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
5.0
ANATOMYBIO230
Grade: B
May 24, 2024
Would take again

This class is hard. But she is a very educated person who wants her students to succeed. She will immediately know who will pass this class and who won't. Be ready to learn! Please attend her lectures as they are important for note-taking. Her Exams are intense.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
ANATOMY230
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 13, 2024

Nice, but will tell you things that are on the exam the night before or the day of, leaving you no time to prepare.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
ANATOMY230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 12, 2025

Please take this from a nationally certified massage therapist who has taken two separate anatomy classes and passed them:DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH THIS PROFESSOR. She is incredibly chaotic & disorganized. Her instructions are at best unclear or missing information. Her "spelling insurance" policy of handwriting words 25x is archaic & ableist.

5.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: A
Feb 14, 2025
Would take again

I loved Professor McMahon. This is a hard class but if you pay attention, are ready to study regularly and in detail you will learn so much! Get to know the Professor you will enjoy this class, she truly cares about her students and is herself. I felt discouraged at one point because it is a LOT, but I kept studying and ended up with an A.

Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: A
Mar 1, 2025

Great professor!? Would teach us the material and use different terminology for the exams. I love learning on the fly. It's a difficult subject no matter what professor you take, however, Mcmahom made the experience significantly worse. Please do not take her I got a good grade because I was lucky. Course made me feel like I was gambling on answer.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: B
May 26, 2025

PowerPoints and texts were incomplete, I had to google info for when studying for more context. Exams were unfair, worded like riddles with terms not used in lecture. I had to guess a majority of the questions. I had a 4.0 GPA with As in anatomy and microbio, but I nearly failed this class and lost my 4.0. Avoid this professor at all cost.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO230
Grade: A+
May 28, 2025
Would take again

Very knowledgeable and effective at emphasizing the important points of her lectures. She had many useful tips to help remember details and structures that made the sheer amount of material much more manageable. Clearly very passionate about the material which made the class engaging.

Hilarious
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
ANATOMY230
Grade: A
Dec 22, 2025
Would take again

Challenging but rewarding if you are serious about Anatomy. Don't take this course if you just want to get by with minimal effort

Tough grader
Participation matters
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO235
Grade: A
Dec 29, 2025

PRO: Study guides, worksheets, 1 review sesh before exam day, (very few) extra credits. CONS: Dr. McMahon is not good lecturer, occasional stress out rush, mumble and ramble. Hard grader for every assignment. Not a good communicator, can be abrasive and difficult when emailing for clarification (I think her intention is good, execution is bad)

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

92%

Textbook Required

56%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 16 grades
Most common grades:
A (6)
B (5)
Drop/Withdrawal (3)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(6)C(1)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 24 reported grades
A: 6
B: 5
Drop/Withdrawal: 3
Not sure yet: 3
Common Tags
Test heavy (11)
Tough grader (10)
Lecture heavy (10)
Graded by few things (4)
Get ready to read (4)
Participation matters (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
EXTRA CREDIT (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.13 avg change
May
Nov
Feb
Mar
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOLOGY230

5.0

(1)

ANATOMY

5.0

(1)

BIO

5.0

(1)

BIO230AND235

5.0

(1)

ANATOMYPHSYI

5.0

(1)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HUMANPHYSIOLOG

5.0

BIOBIO

5.0

PHYSI101

5.0

PHYIO101

5.0

ANAT230

5.0

Similar Professors