3.2

Mary Gamble

Biology - University of South Carolina

3.2
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
45%
Would Retake
131
Reviews
3.2
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
3.1
Helpful
3.2
Clarity

45%

Would Retake

131

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

32

4

32

3

26

2

16

1

25

What Students Say

I would never take her again

BIO302 - 3.0 rating

Gamble does not respect her students

BIO301 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

32%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 81 grades
Most common grades:
A (30)
B (13)
A+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(40)B(16)C(8)D(4)F(2)A-/B+(14)
Based on 95 reported grades
A: 30
B: 13
A+: 10
Not sure yet: 10
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (30)
Tough grader (29)
Skip class? You won't pass. (28)
Graded by few things (28)
Get ready to read (26)
Test heavy (26)
Tough Grader (17)
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.80 avg change
Sep
Nov
Dec
Apr
Oct
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOL550

5.0

(1)

BIOL110201

5.0

(1)

BIO250

5.0

(1)

BIOL102

5.0

(1)

BIOL534

4.6

(7)
+18 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOL302

5.0

BIO302H

5.0

BIO302

4.7

BIO101H

4.6

302

4.3

Reviews (131)
4.0
4.0
BIOL101L
Dec 9, 2011

She is a good teacher and knows what she is talking about. However, she requires a lot from her students. She is a harsh grader and is very critical with the work. At the beginning of every class she gives a quiz that is ridiculously hard. She does not give any extra credit. I would avoid taking her if possible.

4.0
2.0
BIOBIO
Nov 8, 2012

Very clear and interesting lecturer. Made bio understandable to a class of non-major students. Great puns and dry sense of humor. Tests are huge and over about 5 chapters at a time so knowing what to study is tricky. Not a bad class overall but be prepared to do lots of memorizing.

5.0
3.0
BIOL110
Nov 9, 2012

TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HER. She is very organized, doesn't take attendance, and the tests come straight from her lectures which are straight from the book. You will have to study the book. She puts homework online but they are relatively easy and there is only one per chapter. If you work hard, an A is easily attainable.

4.0
3.0
BIOL110
Nov 16, 2012

Not the most interesting material, but she makes it fun. Most of the exam questions are straight out of the book. I'm a non-major but this class is better than i expected. If you read the book and come to class and do the homework you'll do fine.

5.0
3.0
BIOL110
Nov 28, 2012

Dr. Gamble is a great teacher. I highly recommend taking her for Biology 110. It's a science for non-majors course and she definitely understands that. She only teachers what absolutely needs to be taught. AND she has a sense of humor. Also, be sure to go to the Friday lectures because sometimes she's gives out bonus points for attendance.

5.0
3.0
BIOL110
Nov 29, 2012

Dr. Gamble's section is probably the best of the 110 classes from what I've been hearing. She doesn't deviate from the book much, so if you show up & take notes, you do well. She also is good about emailing you back about questions & will meet with you after class. I've enjoyed it so far, and yes she does give extra credit for class attendance!

4.0
2.0
BIOL110
Nov 29, 2012

To follow up on my review earlier, if you're making a c or less in this class, it's your own fault & you probably haven't shown up all semester!

5.0
1.0
BIOL110
Dec 15, 2012

I really enjoyed Dr. Gamble's class. She knows this class is for non-majors so she presents the material in a fun and fascinating way. Exams are a breeze if you read the textbook.

3.0
3.0
BIOL301
Oct 25, 2013

She goes over a lot of information in a class, and she could test on any word she writes or says during class. Hard, but she really teaches you about ecology. Take her if you want a challenge or love ecology.

5.0
1.0
BIOL550
Nov 24, 2013

Dr. Gamble presented interesting lectures on bacteriology. Easy tests, especially for the fact that they were 500 level, she definitely reduces the amount of information tested on to a reasonable amount. 4 tests total including a non-cumulative final.

5.0
1.0
BIOL110
Grade: A
Nov 25, 2013

This class was so easy! I am terrible at biology but I am making an A. There are 4 tests and she drops the lowest grade. HW is easy, like 10 problems per chapter. She does not take attendance, but its much easier to make a good grade if you go to class. The labs were also very easy ( I had Millisa Bates for my lab teacher)

5.0
2.0
BIOL101
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2013

She is a pleasure to learn from. And easy in the eyez.

4.0
3.0
BIOL110
Grade: B+
Dec 22, 2013

Relatively easy class if you study. Make sure you do well on the homeworks and lab quizes because they should be easy As. She gave us extra credit for coming to class on the day before Thanksgiving break.

5.0
1.0
BIOL110201
Jan 9, 2014

Very helpful. Made the class easy and enjoyable.

4.0
3.0
BIOL110
Jan 13, 2014

I had never had any biology class before this one and made an A. She talks fast but take good notes and you will do fine. Homework and quizzes are online. Don't bother getting the textbook you won't need it.

3.0
1.0
BIOL250
Apr 15, 2014

Easiest professor ever. Only negative is that she is slightly sarcastic during office hours, which is annoying. The lab was harder in my opinion.

3.0
5.0
302
Nov 11, 2014

Bio 302, cellular and molecular biology. Attendance is not mandatory but she only lectures out loud. No power point for reference and she is hard to understand. The book is very helpful but there is a ridiculous amount of information for each test (DAYS of reading). She at least drops the lowest test grade. If you can, AVOID FOR 302.

3.0
5.0
BIO302
Nov 11, 2014

A third of the class failed the first test, yet there was no curve. Her lectures are dry and boring, but that is the only way to get the notes. She is willing to help, but don't waste your time, she just isn't capable of explaining things well. Get ready to spend all your time reading the book. Tests are extremely hard. I would never take her again

3.0
5.0
BIOL302
Grade: C+
Dec 30, 2014

She is very knowledgeable but not great at explaining the complex processes of the cell. You must rely on the textbook heavily. I read the entire textbook for this class and still did not do great. She expects a very high level of understanding to receive an A on the exams. She is a very tough grader.

4.0
3.0
BIOL301
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2015

As a biology major, this class is required. It's not the most entertaining material but she made it enjoyable. I took this section because a friend had her last year and said she's tough but you'll learn the material, which is on med school exams anyways. also writes letters of recomendation if you meet with her. I would take her again!

4.0
3.0
301
May 14, 2015

This class was simple and clear cut. Four tests and if you are happy with your grade you can exempt the final. Tests can be a little tough, but she goes over everything in class and has an in-class review. Not my favorite subject, but she made everything very clear and understandable. I highly recommend. The textbook is helpful, but not necessary.

4.0
2.0
BIOL250
May 17, 2015

Go to class you will most likely end up with an A. There are no power points so it is crucial to attend class and take notes but the exam questions come from her notes so memorize them and you'll ace the exam. Grade is determined by 4 exams & if you're happy with your grade at the end you can exempt the final. Very straightforward lectures & exams

4.0
3.0
BIO110
Grade: A
Jul 9, 2015

I first took BIO 110 and got a D. I retook it with Prof Gamble and got an A. I am really not a science person at all but as long as you go to class and actually listen to the lectures and take good notes the class is actually pretty easy. she genuinely wants to help you understand the info and the tests are straightforward and really not that hard

5.0
4.0
BIO301
Oct 19, 2015

Awesome teacher. She makes the material interesting and you will learn a ton. Unfortunately, the tests are terrible. Plan on studying for weeks before. She does not curve.

2.0
4.0
BIO301
Dec 3, 2015

Dr. Gamble gives unbelievable exams which are extremely hard to get an A on. Expects a lot from her students and is one of the toughest graders I've ever had. 5 Exams and the lowest can be dropped. Class not mandatory but you have to read everything to pass. Would not recommend. At all.

2.0
5.0
BIO301
Grade: F
Dec 14, 2015

RUN! do not take her! listen.. I have never ever failed a class as a bio major... and this is by far the worst class! Take April south or Freedmen, make your life easier. you want to take her? go ahead.. you'll have to read the whole book. listen to her lecture and then when the test comes you'll think you're ready.. but you're not. record her!

4.0
3.0
BIO301
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2015

She is really great at explaining things during lecture. I thought this class was relatively easy compared to my other classes. Like most classes, you have to go to lecture and pay attention to actually pass the class. I did not have to use the textbook much in this class. I only used it when I missed something in class or did not understand.

5.0
1.0
BIOL250
Grade: A
Jan 3, 2016

The class has 4 MC tests & a final but she drops the lowest test grade so if you like your grade before the final you don't have to take it. There is online homework but you don't need to buy a textbook because the ebook comes with the access code. She loves microbiology so the class is pretty interesting & the tests come from the lecture notes.

4.0
3.0
BIO301
Grade: B+
Jan 6, 2016

teaches mostly out of the textbook. material doesn't seem hard when you read it but sometimes she'll go over in class that confused me but I ended up with an B+ in the class so I can't complain. everyone i've heard say they don't like Dr. Gamble didn't get a good grade so take those with a grain of salt! she will meet after class if you email.

4.0
2.0
BIOL250
Grade: A+
Mar 2, 2016

Dr. Gamble is an amazing professor. She is easy to listen to during lecture and her tests are straight from what she writes on the board. Attendance is mandatory as she doesn't post any of her notes online. I would take her again! She writes awesome letters of recommendation!

5.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: A-
Mar 14, 2016

I love Dr. Gamble. She's probably my favorite prof at USC. Her lectures are interesting and fun, but you won't get all the information you need unless you really read and study the textbook. The tests require some studying but I got an A- on all of them. Average grade on tests is usually a D, but those are the kids who don't get the textbook.

4.0
3.0
BIOL250
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 12, 2016

She's a very funny professor. she has good analogies and examples that students can understand. The class is very fast-paced with non stop writing/typing. There is a lot of material covered so it takes a lot of time to study and really learn everything and the homework is due the week before every exam. Not too bad but takes effort

5.0
3.0
BIO301
Grade: A-
Apr 16, 2016

Dr. Gamble is awesome! I'm not a biology major, but her lectures were very accessible and interesting (she will try to scare you off at the beginning of the semester, but you'll be fine if you come to class). Participate in the class, do the qrect questions, and ask if you don't understand things. Her exams aren't too bad either, if you study.

5.0
3.0
BIO301
Nov 15, 2016
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is an amazing professor! She gets so excited about everything that she talks about that it makes it hard to not be excited too! She assigns online homework and class work to help boost your grade and she drops the lowest test. Class isn't mandatory, but it helps to solidify the concepts. READ THE BOOK. I cannot emphsize this enough.

5.0
4.0
BIOL534
Grade: A
Nov 15, 2016
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is a funny and likable professor. There is no textbook for this class, but instead there are weekly or bi-weekly readings (usually 7-13 pages) about a specific animal behavior. Exams are essay based on these papers and great specificity is needed in order to get an A.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: C+
Dec 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Don't do it

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
BIOL250
Grade: B-
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Gamble is one of the worst professors that I have had in my time at USC. Her classes are completely lecture based, and she has no notes or PowerPoint to help guide your studying. Her test questions are ridiculous and super specific. I could not make above an 80 on a test, even when studying for a week. She is so dull & you should avoid her

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIOL250
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She is absolutely awful. Would study a lot (like a week out) and still only made B's on the test. No power points and she changed the way she taught the class on the last test. Test on random facts in the book that she says isn't important in class. Avoid her at all costs. She's dull and she's one of the worst professors I've had at USC.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIOL250
Grade: B
Dec 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I would have to agree with the previous sentiments; this class is pretty grueling. The material itself is fairly easy but there are indeed questions on exams that are not covered and because everything is verbal & she talks as fast as Clinton's poll numbers dropped, it is easy to miss information. Also, if you are visually challenged, sit at front.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIOL250
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

To succeed in this class, read the textbook. She gets her info straight from the textbook, but she talks so fast and doesn't include important things in lectures, but puts them on the test. Most of the nursing majors in this class struggled more with this class than PATHO - which should NOT be the case. AVOID her if possible!!! Very hard class.

2.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: B-
Dec 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I had a VERY hard time in this class. I actually like Dr. Gamble's lectures, but her tests are all written (including vocabulary with no word bank) and she is an insanely hard grader. I have never made a D on a test, and these are tests that I would study for an entire week for. You will need to know the entire textbook, not just read it.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
5.0
BIOL250
Grade: B
Dec 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This class was not as easy as I expected. Expected it to be an easy A but I struggled to get a B. I am a fast typer and writer, tried both and still could not get all of the notes down. Final is optional, but cumulative. You cover A LOT of chapters, sometimes you will cover 2 huge chapters in one lecture, that is how fast she talk. No powerpoint.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: B+
Dec 28, 2016
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is a really good professor. You NEED the textbook for this class; you will not pass the tests without it. Her tests are difficult, mostly short answer. Know lots of examples! With a lot of flashcards and dedicated studying, you will do well in the class. She's a little zany but very funny and very passionate about what she teaches.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
2.0
BIOL250
Grade: A+
Jan 16, 2017
Would take again

She presents all of the material you need to know in class, which you need to show up for as she does not provide powerpoints slides. You do not need the book. The exams were based off of her lectures. I love Dr. Gamble. She is an incredible professor and person. She wrote my letters of rec that helped get me into med school.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
3.0
5.0
BIO301
Grade: C+
Apr 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She is very knowledgable on ecology and evolution, but grades tests super harshly. Lots of textbook reading, you basically have to teach yourself. Test 3 covers almost 100 pages in the textbook, so don't procrastinate!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
BIO302H
Grade: B
Apr 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She just rambles on for the entire class period talking, but doesn't have notes on a powerpoint so you just have to guess what she wants you to know. All of her answers to questions take like 10 min and barely answer the questions. The tests are awful and almost all open ended

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
BIO250
Grade: A
Aug 12, 2017
Would take again

She talks really fast and doesn't upload her PowerPoints so you have to record her lectures and take notes in class. Listen to her lectures at least twice before each exam, study your notes and you should do well. Final is optional if you like your grade

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 15, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Don't take her if you can avoid it. 301 is supposed to be easy as alot of students are freshman but she literally tells you on the first day she doesn't care and that this class will be difficult. She lectures with no powerpoint and writes things on the board that sometimes are unclear. And her tests are super specific. Wish I would have dropped.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
3.0
BIO301
Dec 6, 2017
Would take again

I really enjoyed her as a professor! Funny and knowledgeable. Def lecture heavy and doesn't use any powerpoints, so you do have to follow along w/ what she says and writes on the board. She uses lots of figures from the book as examples that you need to know. Total of 4 homework assignments, 4 exams, optional final, and chances for extra credit.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I liked her, but she doesn't use power points for lectures and just writes stuff on the white board. Going over the chapters and making flashcards for the examples can help fill in any missing material from the notes because tests are very detailed and she is a really tough grader.

Tough Grader
Tests are tough
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
BIO301
Grade: C
Dec 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Gamble does not respect her students. When asking why a test question was wrong, she proceeded to laugh in my face. She grades all of her tests very harsh and only gives a few extra credit points on the actual exams . Would not recommend her to take.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
5.0
2.0
BIOL250
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2017
Would take again

I liked her a lot! She's very straight-forward and tells you exactly what you need to know from the exams. Definitely recommend recording the lectures, because she talks very fast. She genuinely loves what she teaches and always tells funny stories in lecture. Once you get used to her teaching style, she is great.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Would take again
3.0
4.0
BIOL250
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

No extra credit for the BIOL 250 folks. Tests are rough. It is nice that the final exam is optional. However, if you want an "A" you will work for it. Her attitude towards you varies from day-to-day. Don't take it personally if she comes off as rude. It varies.

Tough Grader
Tests are tough
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIOL250
Grade: B
Dec 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Very challenging class. Dr. Gamble's exams are extremely difficult and often the questions are ambiguous even though they're multiple choice. She's also rude to students, especially during office hours. She talks very fast during lectures. She doesn't take attendance but you need to go to learn what'll be on the exams. Would not ever take again.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO301
Grade: F
Jan 15, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This was literally the hardest class i've ever taken at USC. Her tests are incredibly hard, she doesn't grade fairly AT ALL, she takes attendance every single day & she has homework every week. I failed this class; retook it with a different professor and got an A. Literally do not take this class with her; half of us had to retake it.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: B
Feb 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Would not take under any circumstance, her grading was not just difficult but ludacris. On multiple occasions after getting the exams back I would go ask her about certain questions which I thought I had answered correctly and she marked wrong, she said I was right but never changed anything, she only told me to "be more precise next time".

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
4.0
4.0
BIOL301
Grade: A
Apr 2, 2018
Would take again

You truly earn what you get in this class, so expect to put in effort and several hours of studying for each exam. Try to note everything that she says during lecture, and definitely outline the textbook. If you study following both the textbook and lecture, you can do fine, just have to know everything and put in work

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
5.0
1.0
BIO534
Grade: A+
May 10, 2018
Would take again

TAKE IT! If you come to class this will be one of your favorite classes at USC. The material is really enjoyable and the class is fun. Dr. Gamble provides you will all the information to succeed in this class and it really is great. Tests are essay based, but don't worry because as long as you pay attention and read the articles you'll be fine.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
5.0
BIO301
Grade: B+
Oct 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The worst professor at USC. Exams seem average in difficulty, but she is the pickiest and harshest grader I've ever had. Besides that, she has the worst personality and professionalism I've ever seen. Completely unwilling to help, and outwardly rude to students in emails and in person. Horrible teacher and human being.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIOL301
Grade: A
Nov 14, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is a brilliant woman who knows the ins and outs of what she teaches, and her lectures are extremely comprehensive. If you go to class, take notes, and ask questions, you will do well. Reading the textbook is helpful, but her lectures cover most of the important content. Shes also really funny and makes goofy analogies.

Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIOL534
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2018
Would take again

This class has been one of my favorite classes taken at USC. The material is so interesting and Dr. Gamble presents it in a way that makes sense and connects. The exams are all essay based but don't let that scare you - if you go to class and take good notes, you will be OK. I practiced my essays (you get to chose) before exam day and did great.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO301
Dec 14, 2018
Wouldn't take again

worst professor on campus. tough grader, no help to students, did not show up for a meeting we scheduled, she doesn't listen, wrong profession.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
BIOL534
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2018
Would take again

Really entertaining class and interesting material, but exams are essay based and theres a lot of material to memorize small details and she's a very tough grader.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
3.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: A
Jan 16, 2019
Would take again

The tests are so much of the grade- like 90% much. I had to withdraw and take this course again, but got an A. shes passionate about marine biology and is pretty good at giving lectures but i think her tests are too hard/ specific

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
BIOL534
Grade: A
Apr 16, 2019
Would take again

So many people have the wrong idea about Dr. Gamble. She can come off a little standoffish, but she is SO helpful. She gives AMAZING lectures, and so if you go to class and take notes you'll do perfectly fine in the class. She is very specific in her test grading but it only helps to make us better at understanding and conveying the topics.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
BIO302
Apr 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Gamble knows her material very well and is very passionate about her teaching. However, her exams are basically impossible to study for. She goes over so much material and expects you to memorize the entire textbook. Her teaching is very broad and she doesn't give any help in preparing for her exams. She is also a very tough grader.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO302
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 18, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is super passionate. I will warn you - her tests are extreme. Memorize the textbook. I started off taking vigorous notes and gave up after exam 2. If you literally memorize the parts of the textbook she covers AND listen in class, you will get a B/A. I had nothing against her, but i really didnt enjoy how hard she graded. Written exams.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
BIO302
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Gamble is one of the most knowledgeable teachers I have had at USC. That said, her tests are partially multiple choice/fill in the blank and partially written. She makes the MC &T/F very detailed and is very knit picky when grading written responses. I don't want to say an A is impossible, but it requires that you know the textbook in and out.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
4.0
5.0
BIO302
May 7, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Gamble certainly was one of my favorite professors Ive had thus far! Her exams are very challenging and she is probably the toughest grader Ive had and you pretty much have no choice but to read every page of the text book, but if youre taking the MCAT, shes the professor you want. Definitely would recommend.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO302
May 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This class is supposed to be an easier segue way into upper level science courses and I felt that she taught it poorly. First off she doesn't use powerpoints or write on the board and then she expects you to know minuscule details from her lectures. Read book which helped me pass but still would not recommend

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
BIO302
Grade: B+
May 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

made 302 so much harder than it needed to be, any other professor would be better. Tests are mostly essays and shes SO PICKY. Doesn't matter if you can explain a concept perfectly if its not what she wanted, be ready to loose 10 points. Memorize the textbook but honestly just avoid her its so much work for a class that's supposed to be kind of easy

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BIOL101
Grade: A
Oct 29, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is very lecture heavy. She is passionate about her material but most of her lectures are based out of information from the textbook. Therefore, attendance is not mandatory since you can basically just study the textbook and be prepared for each exam. She is very nice but be prepared to know the textbook by heart as her exams are detailed

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This was the hardest class I ever took. I didn't have AP Bio and took bio in freshman year. Feels like you are drowning. She taught at a 302 level in our class. This class you have to take notes on everything she says and puts on the board AND study on your own. Easy to get questions answered. Go to office hours. Helpful but you have to study.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIOL534
Apr 20, 2020
Would take again

Shes tough, but also nice. You have to come to class or you won't pass. She tells you everything you need to know for the tests. They are a lot and are essay based, but it isn't impossible. If you show her you care she may be willing to work with you. It's not easy, but not too bad.

Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
BIOL250
May 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Doesnt care about helping her students out at all. Only gives feedback if you go to her office hours and teaches lectures straight out of the textbook. Exams are very specific and are usually pretty tough. If you can take someone else, do it.

Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIOL101
Grade: A
Nov 4, 2020
Would take again

I took her Honors Section and she was a great prof. Moves incredibly fast in class so pre-reading from the textbook is recommended but never used it in class. If you pay attention and put in the effort, you'll do well. Usually available during office hours or after class to go over material on exams and such

4.0
4.0
BIOL101
Grade: C+
Nov 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Amazing prof but is unable to teach at a 100 level. Took this as an honors course and she taught at a 300 level because she "believed we were capable". Dedicated most of my study time to this class to barely get a C. Do not skip class as she draws diagrams that are helpful on the 4 exams and optional final. Kind of picky on the SA q's of the exams.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO301
Grade: A
Nov 21, 2020
Would take again

Dantzler Gamble is super sweet and funny and she definitely loves what she does. She is very strict on attendance and participation which are both grades. Textbook is important because her tests are very very detailed examples. You can really mess up memorizing only the big concepts. overall a good choice and great lady

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
BIO301
Nov 30, 2020
Would take again

Loved her! Only good teacher Ive had during COVID

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
BIO301
Grade: B+
Dec 17, 2020
Would take again

Gamble is a great prof but at times I did feel that the tests were super specific. The optional final was great for those who get stressed about finals week. Textbook was not "mandatory" per say, so I did not purchase, but if I did, I would have gotten an A. The older version of the textbook that is online for free did not suffice.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
BIOL101
Grade: A
Jan 4, 2021
Would take again

I absolutely love Dr. Gamble! Her lectures were interesting and her class was very straightforward. She is a very nice person and genuinely cares about her students. If you go to her for help, she will try to help you succeed. I would take her class again in a heartbeat!

Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
BIO301
Grade: A
Apr 16, 2021
Would take again

She is so sweet and gives lots of extra credit opportunities. She uses figures from the textbook but you don't really need it. She really loves classes that participate!

Accessible outside class
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
2.0
BIOL534
Grade: A
Apr 21, 2021
Would take again

Loved this class! Lectures were super interesting, and you def need to attend every day and pay attention to do well. Grade was attendance, two exams, and two partner presentations - the exams are essays but she gives you everything you need to know in the review sessions. No textbook but readings are posted to BB for each lecture.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
BIOL301
Grade: D+
May 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Shes obviously a nice person but not a good professor. If you dont study the text book basically everyday you will NOT pass. The only things youre graded on is homework and tests, and the tests are NOT anything she teaches on. Do not recommend, also dont expect responses to any emails

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
4.0
2.0
BIOL250
Grade: A
Dec 3, 2021
Would take again

This class is not as hard as others make it out to be. If you attend class and actually study the material given, you will do well on the exams. The only bad thing was the first two exams were on the same days of my patho exam, but that was no fault to the professor. Put in the time to study and you will do well.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL250
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took her because I needed to take this class. I do NOT recommend her. She goes over material that we don't even need to know for the exam and IF it's on the exam it may be one or two questions she went over in her review. Her exams are NOT based on what she says in her "review session". She's a nice teacher, but cannot teach.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIOL250
Grade: B
Dec 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

There are 5 exams total, 1 gets dropped. The tests are difficult and overall hard to study for, she lead us in the wrong direction more than once. She is tough, the exam average was in the 60's once and she didn't budge on our grades, definitely no curves. She is nice, but not super entertaining. Definitely attend class if you want a chance.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: A-
Dec 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She seems like a sweet person, but she isn't a good teacher. She goes extremely fast in her lectures, and if you are honors, explains a more than what you need. Her exams are a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and true/false, but she is a pretty tough grader and expects you to know specific things. I would not recommend her for an intro course

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: B-
Dec 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Awful teacher. Lectures extremely fast and never really teaches the content she only talks and expects you to pick up on every detail. Directions on tests are unclear and she grades far too harshly. Teaches honors students as they are professional biologists with years of experience. Not helpful outside of class and does not care about her students

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
BIOL250
Dec 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I studied so hard and attended every single class and even reached out to the teacher on how to do better on exams, none helped on the exam. The material itself is not super difficult but the exams were super specific and challenging. I have never hated a class more. The teacher is nice but the class was extremely difficult.

Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIOL250
Dec 25, 2021
Would take again

Daily attendance questions. Easy class. Exams multiple choice. Highlights key things in powerpoints to know.

Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
BIO101H
Jan 21, 2022
Wouldn't take again

I have never put so much work into a class just to feel like I couldnt succeed. She lectured so quickly and expects you to understand every concept at a 300 level and could not care less about when a student is struggling. She made what was supposed to be the easiest biology class one of the hardest and most frustrating classes I have taken.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIOL101H
Grade: A
Jan 25, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Gamble expects you to have a decent biological background coming into her class and this seems unreasonable for an entry-level course. She was the reason many people in my class switched their major. Posts powerpoints that she will claim cannot be trusted but still teaches from them. Very inconsistent grading. Focuses too much on bacteria.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
Bio102
Grade: C
Apr 8, 2022

This class was very hard for me as the exams were super hard and the lectures were hard to understand. I would study a week before the exam and review the chapters in the textbook leading up to that exam but still did poorly. She is a really sweet professor but grades harshly and expects us to be experts at biology.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIOL102
Apr 23, 2022
Would take again

Lectures are primarily her talking and referencing Images and figures from a PowerPoint but the lectures are very helpful. She wants to see her students succeed.

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
BIOL534
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 25, 2022
Would take again

Animal Behavior is the easiest elective you will ever take. Dr. Gamble is passionate about this class, and loves teaching it. There are readings for each lecture, but they're pretty short and easy to understand. There are two open-note exams, a group presentation, and a final project that can be whatever you want. Easy class and a great professor.

Get ready to read
Group projects
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: A+
Jul 19, 2022

Avoid this professor's class, especially as a freshman. I spent most of my time studying for this class my first semester. She expects you to have a strong background in bio. If you must take this class, always read the book and take notes on the book since many of her test questions come from it. She is not very helpful when you have questions.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: A-
Dec 2, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Gamble was nice and approachable but I didn't love her teaching style. She lectured very quickly and it was hard to take good notes before the topic was changed. If you don't read the textbook (openstax or paid-copy) or study frequently outside of class, you won't do well. Exams make up 90% of your grade. Bonus points on exams, optional final.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOBIO
Dec 9, 2022

Do not take her. She does not care about her students and will not do anything to help them. She is awful. Her exams arent too bad but you need to do a lot of studying. She is not good at teaching and most is self taught. I do not recommend her at all. Take another professor if you can.

Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIOL101H
Grade: A
Feb 1, 2023
Would take again

tests were hard but if you studied with lecture notes and textbook questions it wasn't so bad. know your vocab and be able to explain all concepts. expectations were very straightforward.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
Bio102
Grade: A-
Apr 2, 2023
Would take again

Lots of powerpoint and pictures. You will have to spend at least 2 days before the exams studying and teaching yourself the material. Better than my 101 bio teacher. She is very interested in the material, but not very interested in her students. Test heavy, homework before every test, one reflection assignment at end of semester.

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
BIO534
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 26, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is a very sweet professor who cares about her students. Put the effort in, and you will do well. The class does not have a lot of homework, and you get what you put in. The final grades are based on 2 exams, a group presentation, a final project, and attendance during the group presentations. Attendance not required for first 1/2 of sem.

Get ready to read
Group projects
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIOL301
Grade: B
May 4, 2023
Would take again

She made lectures interesting. Tests are mostly written response. Graded based off of 4 homework assignments, 4 or 5 tests, and 1 written assignment. I had to study for this class the most of my 5 classes. Attendance isn't required but you have to go to class to do well. She posts lecture slides with explanations/ information removed.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: A
Dec 4, 2023
Would take again

She is a good teacher, but lecture-heavy. She usually offers more points than 100 on the tests, but grades it out of 100 so there is extra credit. Only gives 4 homework assignments the whole semester. You need to know many little details from the notes to do well on the exams. Good professor, but it was one of my hardest classes of the semester.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
Biol462
Grade: A+
Dec 6, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is great for Advanced Micro. The class is incredibly easy IF you show up and listen, I made a 103 without studying. She's a wonderful lecturer. I would not rely on the powerpoint slides, they are more confusing than anything. Go, take notes, succeed.

Amazing lectures
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
Biol462
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2023
Would take again

Great class in terms of difficulty and work load...you do have to study a good amount. Attendance isn't mandatory but helps with seeing what she wants you to know. Exams are multiple choice and short answer. Grade comes from your 4 highest exams out of 5 and 1 project grade (which is super easy and you get a 100 for just doing it).

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
Biol462
Grade: A+
Dec 6, 2023
Would take again

She is a great professor and breaks down topics to be more digestible. This class is hard but not impossible, attendance is not required but I recommend going to class. I got the textbook but, she provided her slides on BB so I wouldn't buy the textbook. Tests are a combo of multiple choice and short answers with some extra credit.

EXTRA CREDIT
Gives good feedback
Respected
4.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2023
Would take again

Overall the lectures were good if you find the subject matter interesting. Very lecture-heavy and requires full attention. Only 4 exams and a homework assignment before each exam, but optional final to replace lowest exam score. Not sure if attendance is mandatory, but missing a class will get you very far behind in material

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: C+
Dec 8, 2023

Way too difficult of a class for a 101 course. Makes the exams extremely difficult to pass and she doesn't allow for any room when grading. Extremely harsh grader, hard to reach outside of class, no TA or SI sessions. Worst grade I got this semester and very hard to pass this class. Lectures are fast and hard to follow and often contradicts herself

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: A-
Dec 14, 2023

I had a really hard time paying attention because it was all lecture and her words were too complex for Bio101. I had to teach myself everything outside of class for the 4 exams which took hours but in the review classes she basically told you what would be on the exam. She was really nice and knowledgable. Really tough, unfair grader.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
5.0
Biol462
Grade: B+
Dec 16, 2023

content in this course is not the easiest and the lectures can be boring. exams are mc and short answer but are very made to be very difficult and complex questions. you absolutely have to study very hard to get the grade you want as the course is only composed of 4 exams and a 10 point project. she is a kind & great prof but its a hard course.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2024
Would take again

decent teacher, covers a lot of content, but moves very fast and is sometimes hard to follow have been told she prepares students more than well enough for bio 102

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2024

Dr. Gamble is a very knowledgeable person! She's very accessible outside of class and she gives extra credit on her tests. Her tests are worth 90% of your final grade though and they are pretty tough. She's a fairly hard grader. She tests on the lectures, textbook, and her slides- which is a lot of content to memorize without a guide.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
Biol462
Feb 26, 2024

Do not take this class if you have any other class with a decent work load. She is an extremely hard grader, and expects you to know every small detail in her 100 page slides for the test. She acts like this is the only class you are taking with the amount of information you need to study for each test. Her exams are really hard and are on paper.

Tough grader
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
Biol462
Grade: A+
Apr 15, 2024
Would take again

She's great and pretty clear of what she wants from the class not to much work! Definitely recommend!!

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
2.0
Biol462
Grade: A+
Aug 31, 2024
Would take again

Most straightforward class I've had in my four years. As with all college courses, the exams are the make or break. Pay attention in lecture and you know what will be on the exam.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 13, 2024

If you don't have an amazing background in bio, don't take this class. Gamble teaches everything as if it was a summary. She uses words from content so many times unnecessarily making it hard to understand what she's teaching. The class is 90% on tests, and what she teaches makes no sense. She's speaking but not actually saying anything. Study.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 6, 2024

Hardest class I've taken. Exams make up 90% of your final grade and are extremely complicated, homework is only 10%. She is lecture-heavy and expects you to remember little details from hundreds of PowerPoint slides. She is a very tough grader. The amount of studying you do does not accurately reflect your grade. Please take a different professor.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: C
Nov 8, 2024

The lectures are fast paced and in-depth, which makes it hard to take notes on all the things you need to know. Tests make up 90% of the grade. She's accessible outside of class and office hours help, but you are responsible for understanding the material. She's nice, but the class is very difficult and requires 10+ hours of studying for each test.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 10, 2024

Do not recommend this class unless you enjoy tests full of complicated, open-ended questions. 504 plan accommodations are not taken seriously. If you have a medical condition affecting your ability to take a test and cannot finish it, she may see that as unfair and not allow you to retest; you will just fail. Save yourself. Unsympathetic

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
BIO101H
Grade: A-
Dec 5, 2024

Extremely educated&passionate about biology but moved way too quick. Often taught myself the material. I studied more per each exam than AP exams in high school. You need to know everything about everything--and had to do well on these killer exams since they're 90% of your grade. ALWAYS willing to help, but I was too lost to know what to ask.

Tough grader
Caring
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO101H
Grade: B
Dec 26, 2024

Professor Gamble is knowledgeable, but the class moves quickly. Staying on top of the lectures and studying the textbook is key. Using resources like unstuck ai alongside the course materials can really help with test prep. Overall, a challenging but rewarding class.

1.0
5.0
Biol462
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 5, 2025

This professor I believe needs to realize we are in undergrad and not graduate school... She expects you to answer questions on her exam the way they came out of her mouth word for word. She gives no homework and the study guide she gives is nothing like the exams. She expects you to know what the figures mean on exams as well with no words on them

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
302
Grade: B
Apr 22, 2025

Honestly if you just ignore her in lecture and know the textbook like the back of your hand you will excel. Attendance isn't taken and honestly waste of time. Rare extra credit of any. Comes off condescending sometimes but not the worst professor ever. Grades exams kinda heavy but she ight

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
302
Grade: B
Apr 29, 2025

She is very passionate and knowledgeable, but if you do not memorize the entire textbook to her liking, you will be disappointed in your grade. The exam average on the first exam was very low and since then she has not told us any of the other exam averages. Exams are worth almost your entire grade. No SI sessions or any sort of study guide.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
1.0
Biol462
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 14, 2025

DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR IF YOU WANT TO PASS THIS CLASS. our class slowly and slowly got so much smaller after the first and second exam. 75% of your entire grade are 3 exams that you are likely going to fail if you do not memorize the textbook!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
Biol462
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 15, 2025

Your entire grade is basically based off of 4 exams which are insanely difficult. Points will be taken off for not adding enough information even though the question was answered to its entirety. No homework and the "extra credit" on tests are supposedly stuff covered in class but it is not. Exam class averages have been insanely low as well.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
Biol462
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2025
Would take again

Its a 400 level bio class so obviously the content is not easy. Dr. Gamble makes it abundantly clear what topics will be emphasized on the tests and posts review questions well in advance to help you prepare. She also includes extra credit on every test and allows a drop exam, which is generous for an upper level course.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO301
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 15, 2025

Every time I was on the way to take one of her exams, I hoped I got hit by the uofsc transit shuttle so I didn't have to take it.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO302H
Nov 16, 2025

Choose any other professor, except for her

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
Biol462
Grade: A+
Nov 26, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Gamble is truly amazing. She is beyond caring and wants her students to succeed. She creates a list of topics/ guiding questions to study before every exam and is generous by giving 10+ points of extra credit per exam (and drops lowest exam). She is organized, engaging, and available for help. She prepared me for the DAT and gave me confidence.

Caring
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

32%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 81 grades
Most common grades:
A (30)
B (13)
A+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(40)B(16)C(8)D(4)F(2)A-/B+(14)
Based on 95 reported grades
A: 30
B: 13
A+: 10
Not sure yet: 10
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (30)
Tough grader (29)
Skip class? You won't pass. (28)
Graded by few things (28)
Get ready to read (26)
Test heavy (26)
Tough Grader (17)
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
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BIOL550

5.0

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5.0

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5.0

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5.0

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4.6

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5.0

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5.0

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