1.8

My Lien Dao

Biology - University of South Florida

1.8
Quality
4.3
Difficulty
14%
Would Retake
105
Reviews
1.8
Quality
4.3
Difficulty
1.9
Helpful
1.8
Clarity

14%

Would Retake

105

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

8

4

9

3

11

2

14

1

63

What Students Say

This was a co-taught class

MCB3020 - 1.0 rating

Second time taking this course w/ Dr

PCB4234 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

32%

Textbook Required

23%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 44 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
Not sure yet (8)
B (7)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(8)C(7)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(8)
Based on 59 reported grades
A: 15
Not sure yet: 8
B: 7
C: 6
Common Tags
Test heavy (36)
Get ready to read (29)
Graded by few things (22)
Tough grader (16)
Lecture heavy (11)
TEST HEAVY (9)
Tough Grader (7)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.71 avg change
Nov
Dec
Jan
May
Dec
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PCB4000

5.0

(1)

MICROBIOLOGY

3.5

(2)

MCB3000

3.3

(3)

PCB4424

3.0

(1)

BSC4933

3.0

(2)
+10 more courses
Difficulty by Course

3023

5.0

BIO

5.0

PCB4000

5.0

PCB4424

5.0

PCB4234

4.8

Reviews (105)
4.0
3.0
MICROBIOLOGY
May 6, 2005

Great professor. She has an accent that is kind of hard to understand, but she is very caring and loves her students. She gives lots of extra credit. In order to do well, focus on her notes and read the book. I really enjoyed her class, but it is very challenging.

3.0
3.0
MICROBIOLOGY
May 10, 2005

Dr. Dao is very "cold" during office visits. She thinks her time is too valuable to spend on her students. I am glad I got an "A" in her class and don't have to see her ever again. If you take her class, don't be fooled by the act she puts on during lecture. She is very moody.

2.0
3.0
IMMUNOLOGY
Dec 11, 2005

Avoid her like the plague! She has favorites, and she makes it very obvious during class, when she picks on those people to answer questions and gives the bonus points. She is incredibly boring, but wants everyone to pay attention, when most of the time her lectures are just her reading her powerpoint slides. It was torture.

1.0
5.0
BIO
Feb 7, 2006

No Comments

5.0
5.0
PCB4000
Dec 1, 2006

When students express their emotional needs in here, it is obvious. I was lucky to have had Dr. Dao. I learned A LOT from her. She is kind and sweet and most of all a hell of a scientist. If you want professors with no accent, then work hard to fill in these positions so no professors from other countries get the jobs. I have an accent myself too.

3.0
5.0
PCB4424
Nov 9, 2007

Dr. Dao is many things. She is a great lecturer and really does want her students to do well. with that said the class (and immunology is general) is HARD. Her multiple choice tests are tricky and one or two reads of the book will not suffice. She will take advantage of any holes in your knowledge of the material.

1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Jan 7, 2008

I am sure that she is very smart but a HORRIBLE HORRIBLE teacher. I highly reccomend that if you have a choice...DONT TAKE this women. She ruins a wonderful subject.

2.0
4.0
PSB4000
Apr 28, 2008

She's very inconsiderate. She thinks her hours are too valueable to spend them on students. If you come to see her, she will be like " I am very busy, come back later" My experience at USF was ruined by her even though I have an A in her class, I highly recommended everyone NOT to take her class!!!

3.0
5.0
PCB4234
Dec 12, 2008

Immunology is a very hard subject. Dr Dao tries her hardest to simply things and it works. Her exams are very tricky, you must ATTEND CLASSES and BRING A RECORDER b/c she will mention minor stuff in class that will be on the exam and you may miss it. Exam Retakes and a super easy Final will bring your grades up (our final avg was 94%) DONT GIVE UP!

3.0
5.0
PCB4234
Nov 8, 2009

VERY, VERY hard class. At first it doesn't seem so bad, but it gets very hard very fast. Dr. Dao is nice and funny from time to time, but her tests are the most tricky tests I've ever taken. I wouldn't recommend taking this class unless you're prepared to put in a lot of effort and study time.

2.0
3.0
BCP4234
Dec 1, 2010

Dr. Dao is wants her students to succeed, but her multiple choices are often tricky, and she changes her mind a lot about grading. Do NOT miss class.

4.0
5.0
PCB4234
Mar 23, 2011

Dr. Dao is VERY knowledgeable about immunology, and she is loads of help if you visit her in office hours. Pay attention, be willing to ask questions, and utilize her office hours. Immunology is HARD, so you're going to have to work for it if you want to really learn it. Her tests are tricky, so pay attention!!!

2.0
5.0
BSC4933
Nov 15, 2011

HARDEST COURSE I took in my last semester. She's a very nice person & extremely knowledgeable but can't lecture plus her accent makes it even harder. Put in the most work for this class & barely passing it (thanks to the book). Look for another professor if possible!

4.0
3.0
BSC4933
Nov 30, 2011

Dao is one of the most brilliant and sweetest professors at USF. Her accent is very hard to understand but after the first two tests when she realized that people were not doing well she started making study guides that were almost verbatim to the exams and she gives extra credit. if you talk to her she is always willing to help.

1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Dec 13, 2012

Dr. Dao obviously loves immunology, but her class is ridiculously hard. She does not meet with you outside of class because she is too busy with her research. She changed the grading so many times I dropped a whole letter grade and so did much of the class. Her tests are super tricky. Do not take if you have a heavy load.

4.0
1.0
MCB3000
Jan 5, 2013

Excellent professor for Microbio. Exams are very easy and is willing to do anything to help her students pass. Take for Microbio. Trust.

1.0
5.0
PCB3023
Sep 16, 2013

Very hard to understand, she read ppt and show online videos of other teachers explain the materials instead of her teaching us, she is a nice lady but cannot teach at all if you dont wanna hurt your grade avoid this lady period

2.0
4.0
PCB3023
Jan 9, 2014

Nice lady, but I could not understand her. She simply reads her powerpoints, which is direct figures from the book, without elaborating. The only way to do decent on her tests are by reading and studying the chapters completely.

3.0
2.0
PCB3023
Grade: A+
May 12, 2014

Honestly, her accent is not that bad. She played youtube videos in her lecture instead of actually lecturing. She dragged on with simple subjects that were supposed to have been covered in gen chem. I liked the class but I liked the later stuff much better.

1.0
4.0
PCB3023
May 12, 2014

SAVE YOURSELF.Have to teach yourself the subject by using the textbook.She is absolutely useless.You MUST go to class for extra credit points that you WILL NEED."Lecture" is from PP/Youtube.Every exam was a different format.Not consistent.Changes due dates at the last second.Surprise short answer section of exam announced the DAY OF exam! AWFUL!!!

2.0
5.0
PCB3023
Oct 28, 2014

Thou shall not pass? More of like "Dao shall not pass." I went to her office hours once and she opened her door 6" and closed it before I could get a second question in. All she cares about is her research. She spends more time being meta and talking about how she's awesome at teaching than actually teaching.

5.0
2.0
PCB3023
Nov 4, 2014

Professor Dao is one of my favorite professors at USF. She's a genius! I can see that she truly cares about students, and frequently gives bonuses for free. I thought her tests were easy. Pretty much strait from the powerpoints she posts. She has quizzes each day that help grade. Accent is really not bad at all in my opinion. Great class!

2.0
4.0
PCB4234
Grade: C
Dec 9, 2014

Dr Dao is very knowledgeable about the material although it is sometimes difficult to understand her due to languageaccents. Tests are difficult but she gives ample in-class extra credit. I did ask for help after doing poorly most of the semester and was told basically I was going to fail and I should have dropped. I did pass her class in the end.

1.0
5.0
3023
Dec 21, 2014

Not a very good teacher. Only take her class if you have nothing better to do. Office hours? good luck with that. Buy the book, you'll need it.

1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Dec 29, 2014

Worst professor I have ever experienced. She can not speak english clearly, so you find yourself constantly trying to figure out what she said! Very disappointed with USF, that they would force the students to struggle with someone who cannot communicate properly. First half of course was taught by Dr. Burkhardt, so the first half was great.

5.0
1.0
MCB3020C
Feb 9, 2015

Dr. Dao is an amazing professor. She is extremely funny and knowledgable. She cares about her students and wants them to succeed. She cares mostly that her student's learn the content and not assigning a letter grade. Review the tests, her review questions, come to lectures, do the extra credit, and take the online quizzes seriously and get the A.

5.0
4.0
MCB3020C
Apr 23, 2015

Dr. Dao really wanted to instill a love for microbiology in students. She was very kind and took the time to work with students when they were struggling. She offered extra credit during class in the form of in class assignments to increase participation and interest in the course. She's helpful and more importantly, she teaches well.

4.0
3.0
MCB3020C
Apr 30, 2015

I don't think you will ever get a teacher who is as passionate as she is. She makes you want to know more. Many students who are only interested in passing would not be able to deal, but this is not high school. However, she does go above and beyond to make sure you have all you need to pass, even when she does not have to! I would recommend her!!!

3.0
2.0
MCB3020C
May 2, 2015

Classic example of an intelligent person who's a horrible professor. I give her a zero in the teaching aspect. She rambles a lot. The only reason I went to class is because she gives out extra credit. Easy class though. You just have to study. Read the assigned book and don't rely entirely on her review questions. She's very witty too.

2.0
4.0
PCB4234
Dec 16, 2015

Online: Immunology. Dr. Dao is not helpful in emails and directs you to waste your time with her useless TAs. You NEED the book for this course, the powerpoints alone will not cut it. All questions are from TEST BANKS, making everything more difficult. ONLINE Quizzes added to IN PERSON Exam Score Passing grade. Take quizzes seriously and read!

3.0
3.0
MCB3020C
Grade: A
Feb 22, 2016

She does not teach. She talks about her work and credits. She will go through 10 slides during the class and tell you that you handle the rest on your own. She gives review sheets but half of the things come from outside sources that she did not mention in class. Her quizzes are easy but her exams are not due to the lack of information conveyed.

1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: C
Mar 25, 2016

Tests are rough, extremely rough. She will test you on a large portion of material but she only focuses on the VERY small details. Her tests are tricky, she does the whole "1 of the above" and "2 of the above" nonsense. She does offer extra credit but youll still barely stay afloat at the end of the semester.

2.0
5.0
MCB3020
May 4, 2016

Do Not TAKE Her exams cover a colossal amount of information from really complex chapters. I'm not exaggerating when I say that it's nearly impossible to remember that amount of detail from so many chapters in an intro to Microbiology course. She advocates reading the book, but even if you read the book, there's way too much to remember.

1.0
4.0
MCB3020C
May 12, 2016

Very hard to focus in class as she just reads the powerpoint but then the whole test was from the book. Gives outline for the exams which I completed in detail and still did poorly on the exams. There are in class pop quizzes that are added to the exam grade (only helps doesn't hurt grade) overall would not take her again.

1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Dec 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Good luck with this professor, that is all I can tell you guys.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
1.0
1.0
PCB3023
Apr 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE!!! Dao doesn't not accommodate students and sets you up to fail. First half of class was taught my Varma and by the time she came around everything changed and her exams are way hard. You have to know specific. Very rude and will not answer questions clearly. Also shows up to class late very single time.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: C
Apr 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Only graded on 3 tests. Cannot go to her 1 office hour then you are out of luck. Tough test maker. Only reason I passed is due to having previous semesters quizzes to allow for some practice.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
3.0
PCB3023
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Really bad at teaching and incredibly disorganized. Be prepared to be confused 100% of the time.

2.0
3.0
PCB3023
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She is just a really bad teacher. Her powerpoints are useless and she likes to really mess with your grade, adding and taking away points randomly because she changes her mind every two seconds. However, if you read the book and understand the details in all of the figures (use the study guide for guidance) it is doable, it just sucks.

4.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: A
Oct 27, 2017
Would take again

Second time taking this course w/ Dr. Dao. First time D+; this time I'm on my way to getting an A. Here are some tips: make diagrams, pay attention to the illustrations and side bar stuff from the text as well as the captions under her powerpoint slides, *make more diagrams*, use the Lecture Notes for quick study sessions between classes/lunch

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MCB3020
Grade: A-
Nov 17, 2017
Would take again

Dao means well and loves her students and want us to do well. She gave extra credit to people who went to class and of course, exams are difficult but its MICROBIO. I taught myself a lot but her class, if worked for, was very possible to get an A.

5.0
3.0
PCB4234
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Dao is exceptionally passionate about immunology and taking this class has been one of the most conducive decisions made towards being a health professional. This class will help build a strong foundation. Obviously what you get out of it depends on how much you put into it. Lastly, she is helpful and accessible if need be.

Inspirational
Caring
Would take again
1.0
5.0
PCB3023
Grade: A+
Feb 19, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Currently enrolled in her microbio class. The class is co-taught (thank god) so I only have to deal with her for half a semester. Her first exam was so awful she curved the test 3 times... Her lectures and powerpoints are useless. Reading the textbook and knowing everything helps. She asks questions on exams not included in slide or textbook.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
MCB3020C
Grade: A
Mar 4, 2018
Would take again

Honestly shes not that bad. If you're willing to work for an A and don't expect it to be handed to you, you'll be fine in this class. Study hard and you will come out on top. She gives lots of extra credit which is very helpful. Currently have an A due to some hard work which is expected if you want to get anywhere. Grading is very straightforward

Get ready to read
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
MCB3020C
Apr 15, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Coming in I was expecting to work hard but geez. I have no idea what to study for her tests, I'm not even learning, I'm memorizing just to see if she takes her information from the book, or videos, or lecture notes, or slides or other reading. The class is not organized at all, there should be a clear idea of what to study. She's nice, don't take.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Grade: B
Apr 23, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This was a co-taught class. Thank God for that. She expects you to basically teach yourself by reading from the book. Her lectures are 100% useless since none of it will show up on the test. She had to curve both exams but made you take a super hard quiz in order to earn the curve points. Do yourself a favor, there are better professor out there.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: B+
Apr 30, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The course was difficult especially with her but if you put in a lot of time and effort into studying then you will pass. Her lecture notes are the most beneficial. You have to put in extra time reorganize the notes, compare them to lecture and powerpoints as well as make diagrams to make sure you understand the material

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
4.0
4.0
MCB3020C
Grade: A
Oct 19, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Dao is challenging compared to your average professor at USF, but this is an upper level biology course. If you cannot handle this level of rigor and you're planning on doing medical school, forget it. Are people seriously complaining about reading a textbook? Aren't you a student??!? Go to her office hours, watch videos, use your resources

Respected
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: B+
Nov 18, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This class was co-taught. With her, I failed both of the first test with Dr. Eswara who was by far more interesting I got A's. When I went to office hours and she saw I was doing better with the other professor she spent 40 minutes trying to explain why she was the better professor despite the obvious change in performance -.-

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: B
Nov 25, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She does powerpoint presentations in class and goes over the "main ideas" and says that is all she will test you over. In reality she tests you on very specific pieces of information that is not given in her powerpoint. She expects you to dedicate all your out of class time to reading and memorizing the textbook for the test. Good luck.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: Incomplete
Mar 23, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The average on the first exam was a 52 and she did not curve. She offered us to retake the exam with the opportunity to bring our grade up to a max of 70%, in the class not on the exam. Okay then... extremely disorganized and her grammar is SO BAD it makes her notes very difficult to understand without rereading the same sentence 10x. DO NOT TAKE!

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
MCB3020
Grade: B
Apr 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! If you truly care about your GPA do yourself a favor and do not take her. I have been a straight A student for the past 3 years and I struggled to even keep a B in this class. I only got a B becuase it was co-taught and we got another professor for the second half of the semester. Otherwise, I'd probably have a D with just her.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
MCB3020
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Tough to understand and goes fast in lecture. Does not go over everything but expects you to know specific details for the exam. I do not consider myself a smart person but I am a hard worker and ended up getting an A in the class without even taking the final. Go over the study questions she provides thoroughly and do the extra credit given.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
May 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Never take if you value your GPA. This professor DOES NOT TEACH. She also says she cares about students learning but if you come up to her shell shut you down. I dont know why USF keeps professors that dont teach nor care about students in general.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
May 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Stay far away from her. Does not care about students. Makes class unnecessarily complicated. Test questions are extremely specific, and we did not get a clear understanding of what to study, so basically study everything (the book, her reviews, and the powerpoints). Heavy accent and has a soft voice, so it was hard to understand her. Don't take her

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jun 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

WORST PROFESSOR EVER...... Tough grader who is not clear on what you are even being tested on. Would study for hours every day reading lecture slides and the text book . When i got to the exam, the questions where very detail oriented making it next to impossible to pass with a decent grade. Do NOT take....

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

My biggest regret of my college career was taking Dao. She gives a MOUNTAIN of content to study with minimal to no hint of what will be on the exams. There is no homework, meaning if you do poorly on exams you'll do poorly in the class. She does not keep grade book current and makes it very confusing to know what you have in the class. AVOID!

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
PCB4234
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Dao is a very sweet and caring woman. She provides a lot; filled in power points, personalized lecture notes, review questions etc. Given this class was online it was difficult. However, READ THE TEXTBOOK, use the power point and then lecture notes, draw and redraw anything with a lot of steps. Learn all the IL, TGF, Integrin etc. crap early.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She expects you to know the material as well as she does. Test heavy, and the average for the first test was 43%. She says she doesn't curve at the end. If so, she's gonna have an 80% fail rate. Don't take her if you want to learn anything or pass the first time.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: B+
May 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

First half of the class was taught by Eswara, who was a fantastic teacher. Dao continued the second half. Her exams are incredibly difficult in comparison, and constantly makes mistakes on questions. The questions usually asks for material not covered in the PowerPoints, and a TON of trick questions. STAY AWAY. There are better microbio teachers.

1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: C
Nov 10, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This is the worst professor I have ever taken in my college career existence . She always makes mistakes on her quizzes and exams and tries to find some kind of justification for her wrong doing . she simply does not care in any way to guide or help you . She is very condescending and rude .DO NOT TAKE this professor you'll regret it !

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: C
Nov 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Worst worst worst. Her class is online during COVID-19. She doesnt know how to use technology to interact with the students. Half of the blackboard live sessions are her figuring out how to use the blackboard, so basically you dont gain anything from attending . Her tests are extremely hard with a lot of errors and mistakes. DO NOT TAKE HER!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This professor is by far the worst professor I have ever taken at USF. I cant for the life of me understand why USF still has her as a professor .I tried emailing her for help and she basically dismissed my questions . The exams are impossible . I would rather take organic chemistry 10 times then have her as a professor again .DO NOT TAKE !!!!

1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE this professor . I am a hard working student and Have always gotten A's or B's on my science courses . This is by far the worst professor I have ever taken at USF . She makes so many mistakes on her quizzes as if they aren't already difficult enough. Her exams are so detailed and she doesn't guide you in any way to study for them .

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I don't usually leave comments on rate my professor but I feel that students need to know that this professor was terrible and she does not care about her students. The average for her exams are usually 50 % and you would think that she would try to change her teaching styles knowing that her students are doing poorly . Do not take her !!

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I am absolutely fed up with this professor ! She always has mistakes on her exams and quizzes and it just makes things so complicated . I don't understand her her teaching styles and what information we need to know for the exams . This professor is very unorganized and this is probably the worst microbiology professor at USF . Do Not take her!!!!!

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Please do not take this professor ! In all my four years at USF this is the worst professor I have ever taken . she always had mistakes on her quizzes . Exams are worth a majority of your grade and those tests are basically impossible to pass . She gives extra credit quizzes which are hard and doesn't even raise your grade . I'm over this class !

Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
PSB4234
Grade: A+
Dec 18, 2020
Would take again

youre basically on your own. no real lectures, just videos and ppts. 100% read the book. she offers extra credit quizzes for each module worth up to 6 points. 4 exams w optional final. lots of repeated questions in exams but rarely were there mistakes beyond the occasional grammar issue or ambiguous wording. gave points back when due.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
PSB4234
Grade: A+
Jan 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

To put it simple: AWFUL PROFESSOR!

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Dao is a researcher, should not be a teacher. She is knowledgable and knows her topics but she does not know how to teach. Very thick accent, not clear enough to understand. PowerPoints have nothing to do with exam or quizzes. I've never been more STRESSED over a class. Does not respond to emails. Grades do not add up.

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Apr 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

"I'M HUMAN I MAKE MISTAKES" No. not when it comes to my grades. Her exams and quizzes always have mistakes and wrong answers, doesn't correct them. Repeated questions with wrong answers. does not explain why you received the grade that you received. does not communicate. prepare for a very stressful class for no reason.

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MCB3020C
Apr 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Not clear. thick accent. wrong options on exams and quizzes. worst experience ever. read the reviews. USF should not have her as a professor. Leave researchers where they belong, in a lab and not a class room. Does not know how to use Canvas or add up grades correctly. does not respond to questions.

1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Apr 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

not clear. mistakes all over the place. would not take again!

1.0
4.0
MCB3020
Grade: B
May 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Stay away from this professor. Dr. Dao is the worst, so disorganized and honestly needs to retire ASAP! She is a great person but a horrible professor. Her exams always had the wrong answer or poorly written questions and answers. The only reason I ended up with a B instead of a B+ was that she wouldn't round up .5 of a point when she messed up.

2.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: A
Sep 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She purposefully leaves important information out of her ppt which forces you to read the text book. You have to dissect every diagram and tiny captions in the text book and read it religiously. Legit studied for this class Mon- Sat and my 3 other classes on Sunday. Test questions are oddly specific on the most minute things. You have been warned.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: A
Oct 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I tend to use this site to search for new professors, and take these reviews with a grain of salt as I find most professors are never as bad as their reviews. I want to reiterate that this was not the case with Dr Dao. This is by far the worst teacher I have ever had. Terrible at teaching and gives no instruction. She is 100% there to fail students

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

If you want your only grade to be exams, go ahead and take this class. By far one of the worst professors Ive ever had. Changes the class set up every week. You dont know what your grade is because she doesnt calculate it very well. Exams are nothing like her lectures and theres so many mistakes. Nothing is dropped either. Dont take this prof.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She literally is the worst teacher at USF. My experience with this professor was not a good one. I got into a serious car accident at the beginning of the semester so I wasnt able two go to class. Since lecture wasnt mandatory I decided to continue in the class and just go based off her PowerPoint because she reads from her powerpoints. Part 1

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Nov 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Part 2 This was a mistake on my part I shouldve dropped it when i had the chance. She didnt allow me to make up the first exam and then made me take the second exam without having any preparation at all. Didnt care that I broke both my legs and couldnt come to class. AVOID THIS PROFESSOR

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She constantly changes things: grades, formats, exam questions. There are no straight/smoothly flowing processes. It was a terrible learning experience. It seems that she is trying to make everything unnecessarily harder and does not support students that are trying their best to just pass the class (not even get a decent grade).

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: B
Nov 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

inconsiderate, rude, cold, unorganized, apathetic. Gradebook is changed every week. The syllabus is changed every week. Dr. Dao says one thing, does another. If you take this class, get ready to have your anxiety levels skyrocket, and regret even enrolling in her course. She does not adhere to the deadlines she sets for quizzes/tests.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Do not take this professor, unbelievably difficult class with absolutely no guidance. I have never in my life seen a professor set up students to fail

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Nov 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

the WORST professor ive ever had. constantly changing the layout of the class. she expects you to read the textbook, her lecture notes, her lecture slides, AND listen to an automated lecture recording. the information in this class is already a lot in itself, and she does not make it any easier. she literally sets the students up to fail

1.0
4.0
MCB3020C
Dec 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This is the worst professor that i have ever had. First of all you can't understand a word she says. You are better off not going to class and teaching yourself everything because her lectures are worthless. She changes exam formats the day of the test. She has changed the class structure multiple times during the semester. Do not take this class.

Test heavy
1.0
4.0
MCB3000
Grade: A-
Dec 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

this professor is the reason i made an account. By far the worst professor i ever had. Lectures are useless, has changed the exam format three different times, and the grades in canvas are inaccurate. Also, many of the answers on the quizzes and exams are graded wrong. She is hard to understand and it is clear she needs to retire.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Dec 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This was the worst online class experience you will receive. Tons of misspellings in notes, announcements, and tests. Switched grading policies at the end of the semester. Out of my normal nature to make a review but this professor needs as many as she can get to deter people away.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: B-
Dec 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The bad reviews are underplaying how bad she is. She did not show up to class two times unannounced. Most classes she will spend 30 minutes on the first two slides then skip through 45 slides at light speed. Only 8 students showed up to lecture after two weeks. Harder than orgo 2. Microbiology would be an easy class if it was taught well.

Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst class I've ever taken. Dr. Dao provides no guidance and gives you tons of information to learn perfectly. There were constant issues on exams that she had to correct, but she would not specify what questions were messed up and how, making learning impossible. She changed the policy on grading right before the final. Avoid at all costs.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
MCB3000
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

super sweet, super supportive. would die for her. 12/10 makes me feel loved.

5.0
3.0
MCB3020C
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

I love her, she is super caring and accommodating. She understands quite a bit as long as you keep communication up.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Do not take a class with her, seriously. I wish someone had warned me about her before signing up for her class. She changes the syllabus constantly throughout the semester, this includes test dates and the way you are graded. She is also not good at teaching and will make your semester hell if you decide to take her class. Don't do it to yourself

Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
PCB4234
Grade: C
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She is always changing assignment due dates with no warning. She has changed the makeup final exam date three different times at the last minute for no reason! Anytime you ask for help, she only has one answer: "understand the bigger picture." I also emailed her and the TA multiple times and would not get a response. I would never take her again.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Grade: B
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

When I registered for this course, I read the reviews on RateMyProfessor and thought that past students were just over reacting, wow was I wrong. SHE IS THE WORST PROFESSOR I HAVE EVER HAD! She accuses the entire class of cheating, she will force you to retake the final, the exams always have incorrect answers and will refuse to change your grade.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020
Grade: C+
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Ive never had a class been so unnecessarily difficult due to the incompetence of a professor. With constant syllabus changes, exams not being administered at correct times, constantly being accused of cheating, and a lack of communication, this class is not worth taking if you want to save yourself several headaches and a semester of stress.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Don't take unless you're good with teaching yourself. The material she provided was unorganized. She made so many changes throughout the semester. and made the course structure so disorganized, it became stressful. The only good thing was her TA Ken, he was actually helpful. If you HAVE to take her class, good luck, you'll need it!

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: D+
Dec 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Do NOT take this professor!!! If your students need to take a rescue exam to barely pass the class, something is wrong. She or the TA NEVER answer her emails in a timely fashion. She changes things all the time. The rescue exam date changed FIVE separate times. Absolutely unprofessional teacher. She is terrible.

Test heavy
3.0
3.0
MCB3020C
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Honestly, everyone is really critical of Dao and she's relatively unorganized but she isn't a bad person. She did change her syllabus several times and it was pretty frustrating but she's just old and doesn't really understand what she's doing. Personally, the class wasn't too difficult as long as you read the powerpoints you'll be fine.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
MCB3020C
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Is Dao a kind teacher and have people been very critical of Dao? Yes. In the perspective of taking a class to learn the material, is Dao a good teacher? No. This class was not set up so the students had a clear understanding of the learning objectives and didn't provide great learning materials. I wish this class had clickers to make it better.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Dec 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Do not take her please. This semester was draining just from this class and everyone feels the same about her. It got escalated and things got bad, no one deserves to go through what she makes you go through in this class. Just don't take it with her, its not worth it.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Dec 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Please avoid this series of unfortunate events.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MCB3020C
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2022
Wouldn't take again

will makes you cross the street without looking both ways(: but a lovely woman outside of lecture!

Test heavy
1.0
4.0
MCB3020
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2022
Wouldn't take again

worst professor Ive ever had. She made everything unclear, was defensive if you questioned her, and changed criteria and due dates every week. Im not an anxious person but she literally gave me anxiety with every announcement sent out. Her first test included information that was spread among 800 ppt slides

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PCB4234
Grade: B+
May 22, 2022

AVOID THIS CLASS AT ALL COSTS! This teacher is very rude, barely speaks English, and only grades on tests/quizzes. Even though it was an online course, there was simply too much material and tests wanted you to know every single detail. It is not worth taking. I tried so hard and got a B+, when I asked for a bump I was flat out ignored.Rude teacher

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
MCB3020
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2022
Would take again

General Microbiology wasn't hard but we had a lot of lectures with 80+ slides and tricky questions on exams that were concentrated on minor details from pictures. For BSC6932 we also had a mini-review but I don't think she even checked it. Overall, don't be scared of her classes, it's not that bad if you can work with ppt slides and the internet.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
1.0
1.0
PCB3023
Grade: A+
Oct 26, 2024

Unable to use technology and effectively communicate with students and TAs. Exams are often filled with errors and students are responsible for reporting these. Exams don't match format given prior to testing. Atleast the tests are easy, high school cell Bio. Note: She was removed as my professor and switched to a new one by the university.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

32%

Textbook Required

23%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 44 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
Not sure yet (8)
B (7)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(8)C(7)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(8)
Based on 59 reported grades
A: 15
Not sure yet: 8
B: 7
C: 6
Common Tags
Test heavy (36)
Get ready to read (29)
Graded by few things (22)
Tough grader (16)
Lecture heavy (11)
TEST HEAVY (9)
Tough Grader (7)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.71 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PCB4000

5.0

(1)

MICROBIOLOGY

3.5

(2)

MCB3000

3.3

(3)

PCB4424

3.0

(1)

BSC4933

3.0

(2)
+10 more courses
Difficulty by Course

3023

5.0

BIO

5.0

PCB4000

5.0

PCB4424

5.0

PCB4234

4.8

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