3.3

Merrill Christensen

Nutrition & Food Science - Brigham Young University

3.3
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
50%
Would Retake
113
Reviews
3.3
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.3
Clarity

50%

Would Retake

113

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

28

4

32

3

21

2

18

1

14

What Students Say

Overall I did great on the assignments but hated his tests

NDFS200 - 2.0 rating

Not very respectful in personal encounters

NDFS200 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

45%

Textbook Required

13%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 40 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
A- (12)
B+ (5)
Grade Distribution
A(17)B(5)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(17)
Based on 42 reported grades
A: 15
A-: 12
B+: 5
B: 3
Common Tags
Test heavy (16)
Hilarious (15)
Lecture heavy (11)
Clear grading criteria (9)
Amazing lectures (6)
Get ready to read (6)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Caring (5)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.06 avg change
Jun
Nov
Dec
Feb
May
Jul
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

UNIV101

5.0

(1)

NUTR100

5.0

(1)

NUT101

5.0

(1)

NFDS100

5.0

(1)

NDFS3

5.0

(1)
+8 more courses
Difficulty by Course

NDFSNDFS

5.0

NDFS200

4.1

NDFS03

4.0

NDFS100

3.4

NDSF100

3.2

Reviews (113)
2.0
3.0
NDFS100
Dec 8, 2005

He skips over all the slides and is very anal. He does not like you asking questions and treats you like an idiot when you do.

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Dec 14, 2005

I really enjoyed this class. Prof. Christensen was great & covered the info, he moves very quickly though. He is more than willing to answer questions & bring up some discussion as long as it doesn't take to much time & that it pertains to the info. The tests are department tests so they are just rediculous but you will get that with any NDFS prof

2.0
4.0
NDFS100
Dec 14, 2005

He moved quickly and did nothing but regurgitate the info from the book (which tries to cover too much info anyway). The class was boring and he did not help me AT ALL to understand the material.

4.0
2.0
NDFS100
Dec 17, 2005

he's great! I learned so much in this class. I expected it to be boring, but he made it really interesting and if you pay attention you're very well prepared for the tests. His style's a little different, but you really have an opportunity to learn a lot and he's funny- easy to listen to and pay attention.

5.0
1.0
UNIV101
Dec 24, 2005

Keeps the material interesting and applicable to everyday life.

3.0
3.0
NDFS100
Jan 9, 2006

Good Class. He is a fair teacher, and curves the grades at the end to make enough people have A's. The class can be a bit slow (with some unneeded group activities during class), but he's answers all questions and the assignments are very relevant. If you study, you'll get an A or B.

2.0
3.0
NUTR
Jun 29, 2006

loves to make students feel inferior. He's more interested in doing research than actually teaching a class. Don't take a class from him unless you absolutey have to. Won't admit to grading mistakes.

3.0
5.0
NDFS200
Jun 30, 2006

Dr. Christensen made a hard class harder than it needed to be. He moved very quickly and practically expected the students to memorize the book. His tests are hard and difficult to prepare for.

2.0
3.0
NDFS200
Dec 21, 2006

Not a good teacher at all. Class was meaningless because all you need to do is memorize the book. Does not prepare you for tests.

4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Dec 26, 2006

Class sucked. I don't care about nutrition, but my major sure does. The teacher is very entertaining, the class taught my a lot, but the tests were not the easiest. If you studied outside of class awesome, i didnt and I got a B in the class. Take the class if you required otherwise avoid at all costs.

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Dec 28, 2006

Class reiterates the book, so if you go to class and skim the book, or read the book and miss class, you do great. The teacher was good, moved too fast through the Power Points to take good notes, but most of them were stuff from the book. Test questions can be too specific but he'll tell you what to study.

4.0
5.0
NDFS100
Jan 7, 2007

The class is a hard one, but the teacher doesn't control that, the department does. The class requires learning a ton of information, and Christensen does a good job of presenting that information. He does go a little fast at times, but I think it's because of the large amount of learning required.

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Apr 7, 2007

he is interesting. i enjoyed that he was passionate about this class!

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Apr 16, 2007

he is good... he teaches well.. the tests are just hard.

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Apr 16, 2007

he is good... he is funny butthe test are hard...

1.0
4.0
NDFS100
Oct 23, 2007

I HATE this class. I will probably do alright with my grade, but I dread going every week. He is unclear during his lectures and I always feel lost even though i go every week. I hate his tests, no matter what I always missed studying something even if i followed the study guide. I was always frustrated. Take this class from someone else!

5.0
4.0
NDFS100
Nov 8, 2007

He is a really good teacher. he really cares about his students and willing to help if you just ask. THe tests are hard, but they are department tests so any ndfs100 class has the same tests. great class. great teacher!

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Nov 15, 2007

It's an interesting class and he teaches well, but you are expected to know a lot of information. As was mentioned, the tests are rather difficult, but it's not his fault.

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Dec 11, 2007

I think he is a great teacher, the class itself gets a little boaring but he is a funny guy and tries to make things entertaining

4.0
4.0
NDFS03
Dec 13, 2007

Professor Christensen is a great teacher. He is very entertaining and tries to make the info as applicable to us as possible. He has great stories. If you take Nutrition take it from him!

4.0
1.0
NDFS100
Dec 28, 2007

Dr. Christensen is a great professor. He made the class really interesting. I heard that the tests were really hard, but they weren't bad at all. Just go back over the lecture notes and skim the chapter. He gives a few assignments and in class problems that are easy A's and will raise your grade if you do them all.

5.0
3.0
NUTR100
Apr 8, 2008

Great professor, very lively and extremely knowledgeable. He is also very entertaining in class. you'll flunk the quizzes if you don't read and the tests are a lot easier if you do actually read the chapters. plus the info you gain from the class is super useful for anyone.

2.0
5.0
NDFS100
May 3, 2008

one of the worst teachers i've ever had. gets off track in class, doesnt answer questions, and tests on details he never covers. if you take his class be prepared to learn from a book, and pay attention to the smallest things in the chapters.

4.0
3.0
NDSF100
May 30, 2008

For those taking NDFS 100 its not the professor that makes the class hard. The class is a weeder class Dr. C doesn't write the test they are department issued. I liked the way he taught just do the assignments and do well on the quizzes and you will be fine.

5.0
5.0
NDFS100
Jun 30, 2008

I studied a ton for this class. Christensen is not who makes the class hard it is the department. He prepares you well for the test. Just make sure you take notes. It is a hard and rigorous class but well worth it. Don't forget to do online quizzes they end up being a big chunk of your grade.

5.0
4.0
NDFS200
Dec 4, 2008

Dr. Christensen's classes are hard. Pay attention to small details he covers in class for the test. But he is a great, interesting teacher. He does a great job applying concepts to real life, and his lectures are usually really interesting. And he is hilarious.

3.0
3.0
NDFS200
Dec 6, 2008

Christiensen is a really great professor. He has a quirky but really fun sense of humor and is really good with the subject matter. He was very personable- he memorized every single student's name in a class of like 200 people- I was very impressed. Hes very helpful and the class wasn't bad. He basically just tests off his powerpoints.some projects

2.0
5.0
NDFS200
Dec 27, 2008

Do not take this class unless you have to. He is a horrible professor, the tests are extremely hard and he does not prepare you very well for them. I liked the information, but his lectures were really confusing and hard to follow. I did not learn much of anything from him.

4.0
3.0
NDFSSCIE
Mar 26, 2009

Dr. Christiansen is a really great teacher, and he makes lectures very interesting. The NDFS tests are very hard, but its not the teacher that makes it, its the department, so expect hard tests which ever class you choose.

5.0
3.0
NDFS100
Mar 28, 2009

I liked this teacher - it's a departmental class, so he didn't really determine the difficulty of the class. Christensen was very knowledgeable - he can answer any question about nutrition you could think of. He makes the class funny. I would recommend him.

1.0
5.0
NDFS200
Oct 1, 2009

Merrill is not a good teacher. He knows what he's talking about, but does not prepare you for the tests. If a teacher writes the tests or uses department tests, either way their lectures should prepare you for them and his do not. I would take all nutrition classes independent study or with richards.

4.0
3.0
NDFS200
Dec 25, 2009

Dr. C is very knowledgeable and makes me laugh. Class goes by very quickly. Even though I don't like nutrition much, I enjoyed his lectures. I didn't do great on the tests, but all but one of them were fair. He's a pretty good teacher. The TA was amazing. He saved me.

1.0
5.0
NDFS200
Jan 2, 2010

HORRIBLE TEACHER! Lame jokes and ridiculous busy work that do nothing to prepare you for extremely difficult department tests. I am in the dietetics program and nothing I learned from his class helps me in my major. Take whatever class you can independent study instead of taking it with him. CANNOT TEACH! ONLY CARES ABOUT HIS RESEARCH

3.0
3.0
REL122
Mar 8, 2010

The class periods are fine, and the discussions are good. However, the organization of his class is horrible. He makes all quizzes and tests closed scriptures but are WAY too specific and ambiguous. Prepare for a ton of memorization of annoying trivia if you want an A.

5.0
4.0
NDFS100
Apr 30, 2010

I've taken this class twice, first time i got a D, this time an A. Same teacher, difference was effort. You must study hard for the tests and take notes in class, the tests are easy if you know the material. There are lots of assignments in this class, it's not an easy class if you don't put in 100% effort. Dr. Christensen was nice and funny.

4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Sep 26, 2010

Great teacher! He really expects that you've read the book before class, so if you don't, then the lectures are completely useless, but if you have, it's awesome. People I know who don't like his lectures didn't read the assigned reading before coming to class. He's extremely helpful if you're doing the assigned reading and homework.

1.0
5.0
NDFSNDFS
Oct 5, 2010

This class is a joke, the test are departmental, so they are impossible unless you memorize the book. There are a bunch of research-based studies that you have to do in this class that are worthless. I'm studying food science, not statistics. Take this IS if you can...

3.0
4.0
NDFS100
Dec 21, 2010

I thought I would like this class more than I did. I studied hard for all of the tests and still managed to fail half of them. However, I don't feel like this is really the fault of the prof, but more just the fact that the tests are hard. The Prof himself was okay, but not very exciting. I had a really hard time paying attention to him...

5.0
3.0
NUT101
Dec 28, 2010

Really sweet guy. All nutrition classes are difficult, but if you have to take the class I would recommend Dr. Christensen.You have to read the book and do a lot of outside studying if you want to get a good grade.I suggest sitting in the front so you have to pay attention in class.Test are very difficult but if you study very hard and A- is doable

3.0
4.0
NDFS100
Jan 2, 2011

Hard class, but totally worth it. Dr.Christensen was told funny jokes (sometimes they were kinda of lame), but it keep me awake. He will probably make you feel dumb if you ask him a question, good teacher overall though. Be prepared to work hard, the test are seriously hard.

2.0
3.0
NDFS100
Apr 6, 2011

His lectures were hard to follow and he was pretty unorganized. I loved the material and learned pretty much everything from reading alone. The tests are manageable if you do the study guides, assignments are easy. Loved the material for the class but would recommend a different teacher. He always made me feel inferior.

2.0
4.0
NDFS100
Aug 29, 2011

This is a really hard 100 level class. The class and the book are very interesting, but the lectures are not. They did not help me at all on the test. The study guilds are what saved me in the class!!

4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Dec 19, 2011

Professor Christensen is good. He is willing to help you out if you need it and he doesn't grade too harsh. If you put some study time in you should do fine on tests. You're only tested on what he covers in lecture and you're given a really good study guide. Lecture is enjoyable and Professor Christensen is pretty funny. Overall a very good class.

4.0
1.0
NDFS100
Dec 22, 2011

This class was one of my favorites. It is quite easy. People overstudy for exams. Just study what he covers in class and you'll do fine. He is very genuine and passionate on the subject. He also incorporates the gospel into the lectures. Highy recommended class!

3.0
2.0
NDFS100
Dec 23, 2011

I like him. Honestly I never paid much attention in class and I did fine. Really easy class, basic stuff. The study guides are awesome! Only study those. I only paid attention in class when he gave us notes for our study guides. Easy class. I've heard other professors are better, but Christensen really isn't bad at all. Great guy, funny

5.0
4.0
NDFS100
Jan 5, 2012

Christensen is great! This is an awesome class--so useful! I love that we started out with a hymn every time. And he always shared thoughts from that day's devotional or forum. Good at tying the subject to the gospel. The class is definitely not easy--it takes a lot of work, thought, and reading, but it's so worth it!

5.0
2.0
NFDS100
Jan 24, 2012

Very interesting class. TA's suck & don't do anything, but he is a funny prof-constantly cracking jokes. Tests are department-based but as long as you read the chapters & do the study guides you'll be fine. If taking NFDS 100-take from him!

3.0
3.0
NDFS100
Jun 20, 2012

I took 100 & 200 from Dr. C, & he's a really nice man, & he knows lots about nutrition. However, his lectures are not the best use of time. He spends lots of time on stuff that isn't really helpful for our learning let alone on the tests, but then (especially in 200) he didn't really let you know what to study so it was hard to know what to study.

3.0
2.0
NDSF100
Oct 2, 2012

I found him to be a very dry professor who didn't care at all that much for his students. I wouldn't go to the class except for that he takes attendance, otherwise its useless. Luckily the subject is really easy. But if you can take it from another professor, do. One of the most unhelpful and inconsiderate professors I've had so far.

5.0
3.0
NDFS3
Nov 26, 2012

Dr. C is a great teacher, incorporating devotionals and spiritual messages at the beginning of class and humor throughout. His enjoying the subject makes it that much easier to understand. Very personable and applies subject matter to life well.

1.0
5.0
NDFS200
May 16, 2013

Although Dr. C is a very animated professor and obviously enjoys teaching, he does not effectively prepare you for tests. He will frequently delve into explanations of things that you will never need to know, meanwhile neglecting to mention test material even once in lecture.

5.0
3.0
NDFS100
Sep 26, 2013

Dr. Christensen was a great teacher. His tests were specific and difficult, but he was very straightforward and clear in his lectures. He was a lot of fun and really helpful. The class requires a lot of studying out of the textbook and slides. If you do that, then you will do very well in the class.

3.0
4.0
NDFS200
Dec 5, 2013

You can tell he has a love for nutrition and he makes you want to love it, too. I liked his enthusiasm in class and his funny remarks. But, he does have a tendency to go into depth about topics that won't be on the test. The only reason I did well in this class was because the TAs were awesome and told us how to prepare for the exams.

3.0
4.0
NDFS200
Grade: B+
Sep 1, 2014

Dr. Christensen is nice and teaches clearly enough, but his TAs give out FAR too much information before exams. On one exam I scored 20 pts lower than the rest of the class despite having studied well. Come to find out, I had missed a review session from a particularly "helpful" TA while most of my peers hadn't. So go to reviews and you'll do fine!

4.0
2.0
NDFS100
Dec 9, 2014

This was a good class. Professor Christensen is decently entertaining-although his humor is a little weird. It takes a lot to keep students engaged during the late afternoon. Not a hard class. A few online quizzes where you can use the book. Attendance is graded, but tests are totally straight forward. I'd recommend this class from him.

4.0
2.0
NDFS100
Dec 15, 2014

Absolutely loved this class and the professor. He is smart and really funny- the class was an hour and 15 minutes but i didn't mind. Weekly quizzes are open book and easy, and his lectures have lots of interesting stories. 3 midterms and a final, all of which weren't difficult. A couple of easy assignments too. Interesting & useful for everyone

2.0
4.0
NDFS200
Jan 8, 2015

While I think that Professor Christiensen really does know his stuff, he's not really there for the student. He'd talk about things all the time that were never on the tests. Certain TA's were more helpful than others. Overall I did great on the assignments but hated his tests. They are the A, B, C, D, A and B, A and C, All of the above kind. Lame

3.0
4.0
NDFS200
Jan 20, 2015

Not very fond of his teaching style or use of class lecture time. Lots of little assignments like bi-weekly quizzes and readings. I felt unprepared for what would be on tests but TA lectures were the most helpful. Very kooky personality and likes to joke around, although I was annoyed with his remarks. Not very respectful in personal encounters.

4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Feb 3, 2015

Gahh! He is hilarious! If you read before taking his class, it'll be easy class. Be prepared and pay attention to his jokes. He is busy because he's doing research which most university professors do so we can't blame him for not being there... but as long as you attend TA test prep classes, you'll be fine.

5.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Nov 10, 2015

Dr. Christensen is the sweetest, cutest old man ever! He is so funny. He loves nutrition and will answer any question you have. Go to the TA reviews for the tests.

5.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2016

I loved Dr. Christensen! He is the sweetest guy ever, and he also adds funny jokes and stories into his lectures, which is good motivation to actually go to an 8am class. If you go to the TA review before tests you will make a fine grade in the class. It was my favorite class of the semester!

4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Jan 19, 2016

I absolutely loved Professor Christensen's class! You can tell he loves what he teaches. Even though NDFS 100 is one of his easier classes, you can't slack off. You are expected to participate in the Graded Team Problems and get the Assignments in on time. Doing the readings before lecture helped with understanding and having questions to ask him.

5.0
3.0
NDSF100
Grade: A-
Apr 29, 2016

Loved Dr. Christensen, he's like a funny, cute Grandpa or something. He was really helpful and he was good at keeping everyone's attention. The class is pretty laid back, and if you do the assignments and work you will get an A.

5.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Jun 21, 2016
Would take again

He was an amazing lecturer, and really knew how to break things down into simple terms.

5.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Apr 4, 2017
Would take again

I'm pretty sure every NDFS 100 course is the same in terms of assignments and tests, so it doesn't really matter who you take it from. With that said, I had a really good experience with Professor Christensen. I never read the text book (only for open book online quizzes every other week) and studied the day before each test and got an easy A.

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2017
Would take again

Loved Dr. Christensen. Super funny guy. He gave out a study guide for the entire year, divided by chapters and subdivisions, and talked about each question in lecture. He always included spiritual aspects, and he always made sure you were aware of assignment and test dates. Assignments are few and easy but sometimes take a while to complete.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Caring
1.0
4.0
NDFS100
Oct 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Took this class because it had great reviews, THE TRUTH IS, that the lectures are VERY BORING! You are pretty much on your own in this class. Dr. Christensen is a good guy, but he just does not help me understand the material, I feel like I am being over stuffed with information! The lectures and packet are pointless! Take it from someone else!

GROUP PROJECTS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 1, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This class is not too bad with homework, however the few assignments we had took FOREVER! I hated going to class, so I stopped and I was fine because he posts her lecture slides before each exam. GET SLIDES FROM ANOTHER PROF!!! His slides suck and don't help too much. There are 3 midterms and a final. This is my most stressful class and I hate it!

TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Dec 28, 2017
Would take again

Dr Christensen is super cool! He really knows his stuff. All the NDFS 100 teachers follow the same schedule and do the same assignments, and he's pretty chill. I didn't really read the textbook, but it's pretty useful and you need it for the chapter quizzes. There are no TA reviews for the test, so find a good group to study with and you'll be fine

Tests? Not many
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
NDFS100
Grade: A+
Apr 10, 2018
Would take again

Beat professor at BYU! His lectures are informative and entertaining. Really knows his stuff. Highly recommend any class he teaches.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
NDFS100
Apr 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Sweet guy but department sets requirements for what to teach so they basically set him up to fail. Amount of info you need to know for this 100-level class is ridiculous. Be prepared to memorize info in headings and subheadings of every chapter-basically have to memorize textbook. You'll do more work in this 100-level class than any 300 level-class

3.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Aug 2, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Funny guy but some things he joked about rubbed me the wrong way. He starts every class with a song and does a really good job tying what we learn into the words of the prophets. Not easy but definitely not the hardest class I took. I read the textbook most of the time, not because it helped me on the test but because I felt I learned more from it.

Gives good feedback
Respected
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 28, 2018
Would take again

Professor Christensen is very lecture heavy, there were not a lot of group projects, but you always got to take the exam review with a group. However, his lectures were interesting and funny and he tried to make everything easy to understand. Tests were very difficult, but I'm also horrible at science. Study and you'll do well.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
NDSF100
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2018
Would take again

I tell all my friends to take nutrition instead of bio. This teacher is very funny and quirky, and it makes lectures so much more fun. The tests were difficult though, but I feel like I could have gotten an A if I had studied better. Uses iClicker for attendance. Has a very lenient late work policy

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Dec 13, 2018
Would take again

He is such a funny little guy. His tests are pretty hard and you are graded on a few things in the class.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Feb 15, 2019
Would take again

Professor Christensen provides you with everything you need to succeed. Go to the lectures because he explains the content a bit more simply than the textbook, easier to understand. Make sure to look at the class schedule so you know what assignments and tests that are upcoming, he only tells you the week they are due.

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
2.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Mar 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

very possible to do well but the tests are a little difficult. I usuallly studied the day of and would get B+s. the TAs are not helpful and the professor doesn't explain well, sometimes felt like being in class was useless. he posts the slides online

Accessible outside class
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Mar 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's an older, pretty quirky guy. He means well, but honestly this class was unbelievably boring for me, and I'm someone who is interested in science and nutrition. The exams are oddly specific for a 100-level class, and you will definitely need to study a bit, but it's not something to stress about. His slides aren't very helpful; use the textbook

5.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Apr 7, 2019
Would take again

I loved this class and would recommend it! He is really entertaining and if you listen and attend class, you will do well in the class. The textbook is easy to read and shapes the entire tests. They were very straight forward and not difficult. I only had to study for a few hours for each of them and felt very good about my scores. Great professor!

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Apr 9, 2019
Would take again

Brother Christensen is such a funny professor and makes this GE class more interesting. It is important to read the textbook, and there is a lot of memorization, but this class is fascinating. Even when the lecture gets almost boring, he gets animated and loves his subject. This is a class that can be applied to everyone and every major.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
NDFS100
Dec 4, 2019
Would take again

Professor Christensen is an amazing teacher who knows the subject well and is passionate about it. He is hilarious and always makes the lectures worth coming to with good humor and interesting material. His was the class that was the deciding point for my major. Would 100% recommend his class even if you are not majoring in anything related.

Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
NDFS100
Dec 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Had to teach myself most of the information!

Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
NDFS200
Grade: B+
Jan 2, 2020
Would take again

He's a funny professor but I struggled in this class. He went from slide to slide too quickly and didn't post the slides on Learning Suite until a few days before the exam, so it was hard to learn the material. But the way he teaches is good enough that when he spent enough time on a subject, I could remember what he taught because it was funny.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Jan 7, 2020
Would take again

He is alright, not my favorite ever but definitely not bad. You need to put a moderate amount of effort in to understand everything, but you don't need to fully understood the specifics of everything taught in order to do alright on the tests. A pretty good class to knock off the Bio GE.

1.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Mar 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class was awful. The professor seems more focused on making jokes than actually teaching the material. The questions on assignments are very poorly worded and often contradict what the class-assigned text says. Answering questions feels like trying to guess what the teacher thought would be a tricky way to ask them rather than learning.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
NDFS100
Grade: B-
Mar 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Just a boring guy and a boring class. Super hard and the TA didnt even look like she wanted to be there. The dude is super ancient. He needs to get with the times. DO NOT TAKE NUTRITION IF YOU DO NOT 100% HAVE TOO. It is not worth it.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
NDFS100
Apr 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Don't take him if you have the option. Strays from material and takes forever to post slides online. Has clearly not looked at the exams in years and will often speed past things that are important for doing well on the exams. The study guides are ultimately unhelpful as they just list the learning objectives for each chapter.

Test heavy
Caring
1.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: B
Apr 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

If you aren't in class you wont understand the material. If you can just read the book and understand everything you still need to go to class because not everything in the book in on the test. He says stuff about the slides in class that he doesn't post so you will miss it if you dont go.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
May 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Christensen is a funny guy but I hated his tests. They were extremely specific and tried to trick you. You have to memorize all the small details that seem unimportant because he'll probably ask you about it on the test. (All NDFS 100 professors give the same tests and assignments so it will be equal difficulty with another professor)

5.0
3.0
NDFS100
May 25, 2020
Would take again

Okay, let me tell you--this is one strange and very funny dude! He is straight-up super corky. He does this thing with his eyes, haha! But I really looked forward to each lecture! Can he get distracted? Sure. But DOWNLOAD THE STUDY GUIDE THE FIRST DAY and use it for each lecture, and it shall guide your note-taking like the Liahona! Fun class!

4.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Jun 26, 2020
Would take again

This is one funny dude-- "funny strange" and "funny haha"! His lectures are solid, although sometimes his answers are a little unclear. Download the study guide the first day of class and use it to take your notes every day! Tests are hard, but all the material is covered in the lectures, which follow the study guides. Great class.

Hilarious
5.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Nov 25, 2020
Would take again

This class was one that I thought was going to be a breeze and turned into a heavy wind. There is a lot of reading and there are outside projects. Even with those it is a fun and very informative class. Dr. Christensen is hilarious and TA office hours were a blessing. Definitely a worthwhile class and even better if you find a good study group.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
NDFS100
Dec 11, 2020
Would take again

Professor Christensen is literally the sweetest guy on the planet. The homework and projects are super easy. You definitely have to study for the tests, but he gives you a study guide for each one which is nice.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
NDFS100
Grade: C-
Dec 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He's funny. But I feel like the TAs could've taught it better; it wasn't clear what he was talking about was something we needed to know. The study guides are great until you get to the test and have no idea what the answers are. I struggle with science and online classes, and not everyone struggles so much, but if you don't have to take it, don't!

Respected
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Christensen is a super funny guy, but can definitely get off track a lot. Be sure to follow the study guides and as long as you pay attention in class, you generally don't need to read the textbook. This class does require quite a bit of memorization but its definitely useful information and worthwhile.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
NDFS100
Dec 26, 2020
Would take again

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE NDFS. Its not bad bc of the prof, but the class is difficult to get points in. went in 1st day on zoom thinking easy A, got a D on exam 1. Take some notes every class. Download slides asap. Attend TA Hours and you will pass the exams. Dr.C is funny/dry humor/lovable. dont make small mistakes on quizzes and projects if u want A

Tough grader
Respected
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
NDFS100
Nov 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class is insanely hard. The TA's are always behind on grading and are not good at responding to emails. The lectures are not helpful when it comes to test material. Do not take unless you absolutely have to.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
4.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A+
Dec 19, 2021
Would take again

with the right attitude and appreciate dad jokes, you'll have a blast in this class. He can get off topic and tells lots of stories that are only vaguely relevant, but does give good detail during lectures. Textbook is not super essential, attend lectures! Just reading the slides will not cut it! Taking time to review class notes prepared me well

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Dec 27, 2021
Would take again

This is a really great teacher! He has some pretty funny dad jokes and it is obvious he cares about his students. I found that it is best to read the textbook and take the quizzes before class so that you can have better recall for the tests. If you actually try, you can at least get a B.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Dec 29, 2021
Would take again

Professor Christensen was a wonderful professor. The class wasn't too hard. Show up and take the notes, take the open note quizzes, complete the test reviews, and study for the tests and you will be just fine. We had 2 mini projects and they both didn't take more than an hour or so.

Inspirational
Graded by few things
Caring
3.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: B
Dec 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Christensen is a funny, sweet person-great guy. His lectures are accompanied with a slide show that he goes through too fast to catch all the notes and can be unclear and scattered which made it difficult for me. The TAs post the notes after the chapter but often are late to post them. I used the online textbook which helped.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: B+
Apr 11, 2022

Exams were often on topics that were never discussed in class. Try to make a friend so that you can study together with them. Lectures often did not have a coherent flow from topic to topic. Professor Christensen was fun but often hard to follow.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
NDFS100
Apr 16, 2022

He's super goofy! His tests are hard, but shouldn't be hard if you pay attention in class, participate, and get help from the TAs.

Hilarious
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
NDSF100
Apr 18, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Don't buy the textbook, you won't use it. The prof is very old and has very boring lectures. Not nice and all and not willing to be helpful. Not accessible outside of class at all.

Test heavy
1.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: B
May 31, 2022

The class was disjointed and terrible to follow. I think I'm a competent student, but despite studying really hard before each test I left the testing center frustrated because there's no way I could have reasonably prepared myself for that test. I would not recommend this class. Find another professor or another way to get your Bio GE credit.

2.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Jun 8, 2022

I did not really enjoy this class and my major is directly related to it. Professor Christensen is funny but not super interesting and speaks quietly(especially with a mask). He goes through important slides very fast and then drags out less important material. It is not too difficult to get an A though, especially if you have a science background.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Jun 22, 2022
Would take again

Professor Christenson is all around a great professor. He has a clear appreciation for nutrition that you can see and feel in his in-depth and well-rounded lectures. He wants all his students to succeed in their academic progress and futures as healthier citizens. Take this course and take it from Professor Christenson.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
NDFS100
Grade: B-
Nov 16, 2022

I didn't like this class at all. The professor was nice but his mike never worked and the lecture slides were all over the place.I herd from a couple of friends that it was an easy A, but it is not. Highly recommend taking it from another teacher or doing a biology credit instead.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
NDFS100
Grade: A-
Dec 12, 2022

Be ready to put in the time for studying.We basically only had to do 2 assignments and then a weekly quiz. The professor is very funny and kind. However, he tends to get a bit off topic and goes through the important material quickly. His tests were very difficult, and he did not do study guides or reviews for them.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
NDFS100
Grade: B+
Dec 31, 2022

His lectures often went into long tangents on unrelated content, ended up having to teach myself most content. Attending class was frustrating because I usually left confused or with little new info. Tests were 90+ questions and weighted heavily, with little hw to balance points. Easily my hardest class this semester.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
NDFS100
Feb 10, 2023

This class was awful. His slides were all over the place. Nothing was said about textbook readings. I had no idea what I was supposed to be studying for the tests. I'd leave class feeling like I didn't learn anything. The teacher was so quiet I had to sit in the front row to hear him. I only stayed in this class for the GE.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
May 31, 2023
Would take again

Sit near the front so you can hear him. The guy is ancient, but he knows his stuff and is absolutely hilarious. Make sure to study the textbook, especially the vitamins and mineral section! Pretty easy class and TAs are helpful. My diet improved dramatically after taking this class! Great for freshmen who've just started cooking for themselves.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
3.0
2.0
NDFS100
Grade: A
Jul 4, 2023

He's a good professor if youre taking the class as a GE science credit. His lectures are very general and he tries to be very funny, so if youre just there to learn a bit about nutrition, he's good. However, if youre a Nutrition Major, he does NOT teach the material in depth enough for what you will want to know. Take a different professor

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

45%

Textbook Required

13%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

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Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 40 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
A- (12)
B+ (5)
Grade Distribution
A(17)B(5)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(17)
Based on 42 reported grades
A: 15
A-: 12
B+: 5
B: 3
Common Tags
Test heavy (16)
Hilarious (15)
Lecture heavy (11)
Clear grading criteria (9)
Amazing lectures (6)
Get ready to read (6)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Caring (5)
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