Great teacher, she is fair and will go the extra mile to help you whenever you need it. Enthusiastic, and knowledgable yet explains very well. Best geology instructor here by far.

Very good teacher. Give great notes and tests comes exactly from notes. Still is a pretty difficult class though.

Awesome teacher. Even if you don't enjoy geology, she makes it interesting. Very helpful. Very little work outside of the classroom. Tests are part multiple choice and part fill in the blank and short answer. I really enjoyed it.

You can tell she enjoys teaching. She has been one of my favorite science teachers. If you are struggling, she is there to offer assistance. Very friendly and helpful!

Awesome prof! She knows what she is talking about and breaks it down for the idiots of the world that dont understand rocks!! EASY A

One of the best professors I've had so far. Has great enthusiasm for teaching and loves to encourage students to reach their greatest potential. She is always prepared and gives a great outline of notes. Her tests are moderately difficult but if you show up for every class and take notes then you should be fine.

She is a GREAT teacher! Very funny and passionate about her job! Very enthusiastic and makes you have fun with the class! Highly highly recommend her! Great class! Not hard at all as long as you write down the notes! Test are straight off the notes! She will definantly help you if you are confused!

Very fun class. She is very knowlegdeable about her subjects. lots of notes (very useful), must attend class to get notes. over all very enjoyable.

She is very passionate about Geology. Make sure you come to class, do the labs thoroughly, and take lots of notes. Tests are based off of lecture notes. Book is not required. Will respect you if you show interest, and do well in class. If you are struggling then her mannerism might struggle too.

Natalie is a great teacher, and very helpful with the labs. She writes everything down on the board in understandable format for notes and test review. Great sense of humor, and very good understanding of the material. Frequently available outside class for help. Take this class!

She is probably the BEST professor that I have had so far. Her passion for Geology is obvious and her help with the Labs is exceptional. No book needed; exams from lecture notes. Extra credit available. She truly makes Geology interesting. She has an extensive Geology background to share in lecture.

she is AMAZING. she makes class extremely fun and up to beat. she is one of the only teachers i have had that loves there proffession that much to make the class so exciting. she moves along with the students and does not leave any behind. i recommend her !!!!!

She is a great professor, and does make it fun to learn, but her tests are harder. Just be sure to go to all classes cause you will stay busy and study study study ALL of your notes for the test!! She will test you on all of them!!! FYI!!!!!

BEST TEACHER EVER!!!

She is a great professor!!I dont like rocks &it sounds boring,She makes it very interesting.She gives U the notes to help you with test, quiz, & HW have 2 b @class 2 get.She does test U on everything(from NOTES).Her mapping project she helps U with.She gives Aprox 50pts of extra credit. Book is not necessary.Always willing 2 help U if needed.

this is has to be the worst teacher i have ever had in my life. if you struggle in geology/science dont take this class!! she laughs at your questions and talks to you like your 4. makes your feel stupid and doesnt explain why you get things wrong on a test.. its just how it is.. she's down right rude and mean.. i hope she gets fired

Best professor I've had to far. Awesome awesome. Notes are easy and she writes them on board. Wants to make sure people understand, at all times. Willing to help. Offers almost 100 points extra credit, added to tests. I hate science, and she made it fun. Loves what she does. Anyone who is not good at science has a high chance at a good grade.

This class is FAR from easy, but Prof. Brandes is extremely knowledgeable AND helpful. She actually KNOWS geology and has worked in the field--real life experience, imagine that!! She covers alot every class; if you're not there, you'd better get the notes! Don't expect her to spoon feed the material so you don't have to work--it's college not HS.

The subject is just hard period but from what everyone has told me she is the better Geology teacher at MOCO, she lets you use the lab book on tests and her quizzes are open book/note. She isn't easy, but she is fair. There are 2 extra credit opportunities that are easy. I Don't miss class and study her lecture notes and you will do fine.

This teacher was great, I took her summer class. she writes all the notes you need for the test on the board. The tests are difficult bc she has so many short answers but there are no tricky or long questions. Study all notes and you'll make an A. She's very nice and confident about geol bc shes worked in the field.

She is a really good teacher, she gives excellent notes by writing everything on the board and even drawing pictures to help you understand. Most everything you need to know for the quizes and test will be in the notes. Not a very easy subject, and there is alot you have to learn in one semester but Natalie is helpful and knows alot about geology.

Great prof. Knows a lot and gives very clear notes on the board. Don't think you can not come to class and just copy someone else's notes. You need to be there to understand. If you are not an idiot and show up to class and pay attention, you can get a good grade. Yes you have to work, but last time I checked, that is what college involves.

Mrs. Brandes is a fun teacher. There is hardly any homework and she lets you work with partners in lab. Her test are pretty hard (my highest was an 88) but if you do the extra credit and all the other work its not hard to get an A. I took her for two diff classes and got an A on both. But to pass the test it is A LOT of studying.

Test are very difficult, but manageable, expect C's. This has a plus side, in that you actually learn the material. She is very clear and concise, perhaps even with a mildly condescending tone with the material. I.E she makes it painfully simple at times, and you'll easily understand the material. Fun teacher,2 hour lectures fly by!

Had her for environmental geology. Great teacher, fun class, only bad thing about it was its start time: 8AM. Tests weren't too hard as long as you took notes and looked over them.

Professor Brandes is a great professor. She goes out of her way to make it as simple as possible by drawing pictures and showing you slides of everything. If you show up to class, take good notes, understand them, and study you will be fine. She gives out little homework and a lot of extra credit.

Getting an A in this class is quite doable. Very little homework so there's not much course load other than studying for test. The tests are not THAT bad, my grades on the lecture tests were two 90s and 1 80. Just study and you will do alright.

Very awesome teacher. Very into what she teachers and very helpful. You get to work with partners on all labs. There's tons of extra credit. Its very possible to receive and A in this class. You get study guides for all the tests. I received a B for the course and I didn't even put much effort into the class. Shes been all around the world for Geo.

Best teacher I have ever had! So passionate about geology! If you attendance class you will get an A. Lots of extra credit is given, up to FIFTY points! Everyone should take her if you need a science!! I took her for 1401 & 1403! No homework and you dont have to buy the book!

She w areally cool teacher! Very energetic and loves what she teaches.Took her for summer class. Little homework,only a few quizzes,tons of labs that you can have a partner with and the tests are pretty hard if you do not study. Passed with a B and got 30 pts extra credit! Class was interesting and she always had cool stories to tell!Take her!

best teacher you will ever have. i hate school and all teachers but this one made me want to go to school every day and i found myself with my first A ever!

She is tied for my favorite teacher I've had ever. her test are hard but her personality and passion for the subject makes up for it. I made all high B's on her exam but she gives extra credit which makes my grades up to an A. would gladly take her again

Awesome teacher! She is so passionate about geology and shows it when she lectures. Tests are somewhat difficult (she makes you think!), but she gives study guides. No major projects or papers. Two extra credit opportunities. No final exam. Don't need the text or lab book either. Highly recommend this teacher! Her accent is awesome too!

Best Professor Lonestar has to offer. Her lectures give you the exact notes needed to pass the course. No home work. Just study the notes and you will pass. Easiest college course I have taken so far.

One of the absolute bests professors I've ever had. She is passionate about the subject, has a great sense of humor, very down to earth. Put together, she makes class fun. Gives plenty of opportunity for extra credit if you need it, including field trips. Her lectures are well organized and easy to take notes in her classes.

One of the best teachers I have ever had. She had me cracking up all the time in class! It wasn't an easy class, but I still ended up with an "A". I highly recommend attending class. You never know when you will have a pop quiz(which are EXTREMELLY easy).

By far the most intuitive professor I ever had. Her teaching methodology is impeccable and her class presence is second to none. For the rest of my life, every time I pick up a rock, I think to myself, "Now what would Mrs. Brandes do, say, or think about specimen?"

Took for 1403 & 1405. Didn't need the books. She is the best professor I have ever had! She is hilarious! She walks you through notes & as long as you write them down you have everything you need for the test. Tests are mostly MC & T/F w/ some short & long answer. She has 4-5 lecture exams & a few lab exams, a few hw's and a few open note quizzes.

Great teacher. Attendance is mandatory in order to make an A. If you memorize the rock types and print pictures you will do well in the lab category. Also you have to study at least 4 hours for each test if you want a B+ or an A on it. B+'s will get you an A in the class. I highly recommend this teacher. Tons of enthusiasm.

Easily one of the best professors I've ever had. She is passionate about her work to a point to where I became interested in Geology as a major. I cannot recommend her class any higher. It does take work, but if you take notes on her humorous lectures and just study for her tests using the notes, you'll be perfect. TAKE THIS CLASS!

Received an A for Environ Geol. Shows you videos at the end of lecture so you have a visual of what you are learning. Book isn't mandatory but helps. The review sheets she hands out are about 85% of what is on the exam. Do the extra credit! Her accent is Norwegian, so expect Viking talks, they are interesting! Highly Recommend Her!

Excellent professor, very passionate about the field, so it makes lecture interesting. Tests are about medium difficulty, so you have to study a fair amount to do well in them. Labs are easy, though they're not very fun, at least when compared to the other sciences.

I went through a living Hell just to try to make an A.Her tests are hard and most people made C's and D's, glad I made B's and A's.She takes off for every little thing especially spelling which is ironic because she's a foreigner and spells things wrong. If you take her study at least 4 hours like I did and you should be ok and do extra credit too.

This is an AWESOME professor. Seriously, one of the best I've ever had. Very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, makes the lectures very interesting. If you show up and pay attention you'll do great. Ask questions! The lab book is mandatory, the textbook is not.

I wish she taught all my classes.

I took her environmental geology class. It was harder than her physical geology class but still pretty interesting. Just like the rest of her classes you do have to study and it does help if you show up to class. She's really prompt about getting back to you with questions and concerns. Always do her extra credit. It helps a lot.

This is my second semester with this professor, and I am not disappointed! This professor never fails to be the best professor I have ever had a class with. Her tests are hard but there is a ton of extra credit, and the tests are not unfair (straight from the notes). You need to attend ever day to make an A! I can't recommend this professor higher!

Enroll with this Professor if you are taking Geology! Not an easy class, but if you do not miss class, take good notes, and turn in all assignments, you will pass this course. Book and lab manual not required, but very useful for studying. She offers amazing extra credit opportunities, and keeps the class interesting with stories. Take Prof. B!

This is honestly one of the best professors I've taken in a while. Her enthusiasm for what she teaches makes a huge difference in the classroom. No, her tests are not "easy" but as long as you study there is no reason not to make a good grade on them. Book/lab manual are not required. Go to class everyday and take notes and you should be set : )

I would have taken Chemistry, but scheduling got in the way. Was a great class though. Prof. Brandes truly loves geology, and relates the material really well. Show up, take notes, study the guides for tests, and profit.

One of the best professors I have ever had! She loves what she teaches and that made me want to come to class. If you can get through the first test then you should be set! She does multiple choice, short answer and matching. This class will change the way you see the world! Its amazing! Take her if you can!! Don't buy the book or lab book!

Her lectures can be long, but her passion for geology will keep you interested. I thought it would be a boring class, but her passion will rub off on you, now I'm thinking about taking even more geology classes.

Tests are reasonably hard, the study guide she gives has exactly what's on the test so if you answer the study guide as if you're taking the test you'll do well. Lectures are interesting and fun because she's hilarious and interesting. Cares about the student and wants to help you get a good grade. 2 extra credit opportunities with high point value

The tests are very hard. You have to study the notes, study guide, and homework in order to pass. Even I studied everything, I'm still doing bad on the tests. However, extra credit opportunity saves my life to pass, and I hope I pass this class. Other than that, she did a great job with the lectures, and she's willing to help!

She is really funny and makes class interesting. Don't need the book, which helped me because I couldn't afford it. Tests are tough but you do get reviews. She also offers extra credit, but I didn't do any and I got a C. I'm not into Geology, but she made it fun.

She is absolutely amazing, incredibly helpful, and very, very funny. She has a lot of field experience with Geology and has so many pictures to use as examples during lecture. Her lectures are long (summer semester--3-4 hr classes) but she gives 10 minute breaks every hour. Finally, she helps us on the labs but makes us work for the answers.

Summer classes are long. Show up to class and put forth effort. Tests are tough. STUDY EVERYTHING SHE SAYS IN CLASS.

I needed something different than my failed bio classes that I could earn credit for so I took a chance with Geo. I struggled with her tests because they are hard, but I went to class every day, did the labs & went to both extra credits. All of that saved me and I passed (with terrible test grades). She's an awesome teacher. Her lectures are fun!

This professor is great she has a lot of experience in the Geology field and her passion for the subject makes it interesting to learn. Go to class, take notes, and study all of your notes for the test because tests are not easy. Besides that, she gives extra credit opportunities to help your grade. She is funny and will help you if you ask for it.

Although she does give extra credit, the test are very hard. The study guides are very broad, they do not specify what to study. Just be ready to really study for the exams and take accurate notes. Goodluck!

Professor Brandes is a great teacher, especially if science isn't your strong suit. Tests are kinda hard but take good notes from class lectures, study them and you'll do fine. She makes a subject that can be boring very interesting. One research paper but other than that not too much homework. Several options for extra credit.

Best teacher I have ever had. Super sweet. Great Scottish stories. Makes you love Geology. Take both of her classes and make sure you do the extra credit. It will jump you a full grade point. You may think she is tough but she is really funny. Stay till the end of the class for the awesome random pic of the day. It always has an EPIC story!

Great teacher, amazing lectures and makes the course very interesting. My favourite class this semester, I was almost sad leaving it. Not very difficult but not an easy A either. Stay up late the night before the test reading your notes and the study guide and you will get an A. I recommend this class as an elective.

DO NOT BUY THE TEXT BOOK Also she makes you do a big paper, I should've got an A but she graded me off on stuff she thought would sound better not the content of my paper, this is a geology class not an English class!! Test are hard as well! she grades off for how u spell the words instead of you knowing the material. ITS RIDICULOUS! Don't take her

One of the best professors that I have had! Dont need txt book but you will need lab manual. Take good notes and record lectures so you dont miss anything. Study guides will help you memorize information, but you need to study everything. Not too bad after first test. Quizzes are easy. Lectures are great, professor is hilarious, and you learn alot!

This is the toughest class I've taken and the tests are pretty hard, the final is comprehensive, and there is a 5 page essay. The labs are also a pain in the ass unless you have prior knowledge of Geology. I took this class thinking that it would be interesting but it was a huge stress. She does offer tons of extra credit though. Great lectures.

Amazing teacher! She gives great lectures and is very knowledgeable and experienced in geology plus lots of extra credit opportunities! Be sure to take good notes and do the test reviews because the tests can be quite difficult.

Professor Brandes is AWESOME! She's hilarious, and shes extremely knowledgeable about geology. She is great at explaining concepts and she's always willing to help if you need it. If you show up and take decent notes, its an easy A. There is one required trip to the science museum but you can go alone or with her.

Engaging lectures. Tests are almost entirely based on essay questions, but she grades those Qs easy, so study the night before and you'll be OK. Labs are a pain, but she guides you through them. Go on the extra credit field trip to central TX, it's fun and you'll learn a lot. Challenging, but fair and FUN professor. Take her. You won't regret it.

She is an amazing professor. Most of the information on the tests come straight out of the lectures. The tests are difficult but are possible if you take good notes. Her lectures are interesting. Labs are also difficult but she helps you through it. She offers extra credit! She does not use the textbook or the lab manual.

Overall this class was not difficult but Brandes makes it slightly interesting. Frankly she is pretty unique and I found the course material to be really boring, but all of the graded work is possible it just takes some thought at times.

Dr. Nat is amazing. She is Indiana Jones and Wolverine rolled into a badass Norwegian Geologist. Ask questions and study hard, I struggled to make an A. Her personality is amazing though and she's always happy to help so if you put in the work you can do it just fine!

AMAZING! Her lectures are very in-depth and her personality and enthusiasm are fantastic! The tests are difficult, but as long as you study hard you should be fine. She walks you through the labs and makes sure that you have a good understanding of the material. She makes geology fun and interesting! Also, go on the field trip if you can, its fun!

She is the single best professor I've ever had. She gives opportunity for extra credit, makes class enjoyable, and is fair when grading. She gives partial credit on tests and labs, is passionate about what she teaches, and goes out of her way to make her own PowerPoints and study guides (which match the test content).

I love Nat! She doesnt treat students like theyre lower than her. The field trip, while long, is a blast and well worth a Saturday. She makes you study guides, walks around during labs to ask if you need help, and is not afraid to say that she doesnt know the answer to a specific question. Id take her again in a heartbeat

Awesome prof. Walks around and helps everyone during labs. Always ready to answer questions. Class is difficult but she will go out of her way to help. I'm not good at science but still did ok.

Professor Natalie was one of the best professors! She teaches so easily for you to understand the content. Nat often asks if there are any questions so that she can help you understand. 4 tests, no final. Easy to do if you attend class and study the study guide/notes. Easy take home homework, these are on the test. Labs are simple. FUN EXTRA CREDIT

Took three of her available classes in geology. From physical to environmental she inspired me to take up geology as a career choice through her passionate lectures and humor. She always offers help if you are having a hard time understanding, and truly cares about each of her students. Easily the best professor I've ever had. Stay awesome Nat

She is one of the best professors I've ever had. The class itself was difficult so make sure to study for the lecture tests, there are mostly open ended questions. She does not take attendance but would not want to miss class. She puts notes online. Gives extra credit opportunities and she is very funny and sweet! will answer all questions.

Dr. Nat is an amazing human being and if you get the chance to take any of her classes you definitely should. labs are intuitive and lectures are easy to follow. She does turn off the lights during lectures so maybe bring a latte to class but overall great. extra credit was given through an easy tour of a museum with her and a really fun field trip

Dr. Nat is awesome. Classes went online after spring break and I didn't like that but she helped me and always answered my questions. I hated online classes but Dr. Nat was great and made online better than I expected.

Brandes is an amazing professor. She is so passionate about the subject and she is super quirky too so it just makes it even better. The class is laid back but u for sure have to put in the work to get a good grade. She hands out reviews that are VERY helpful, but I recommend studying with as much time as you can in advance. U can get extra cred 2!

Dr. Nat is by far the greatest professor I have had to this day! Her lectures are so entertaining that it made learning about rocks the highlight of my day, every day! I did not use the textbook, her lectures were so detailed and easy to follow along with that I did not need it. Trust me, take her class. I don't care what it is, just do it!

Easy A class, discussions, 3 tests, you do need the lab manual unless you use google. The lectures were great I just took this class in Fall 2020. I recommend it 100% professor is very dedicated, the homework is not hard at all. Do not miss the homework and you will pass.

Loved this class. I hate that it was online, but I learned alot. The videos are very helpful, Dr. Nat shares real-world experience and she replies to all questions quickly.

Dont like online, but Dr Nat's video lectures are interesting. There is alot to learn but she always answers questions quickly and is very helpful.

Not an easy A. For tests there were things on it that weren't on the review and it was a lot of memorization so get ready to study hard but the hw's and labs were easy. overall she cares about her students and let's you turn things in late and make up things you missed. she's also pretty funny the lectures were never terribly boring.

Professor Nat is one of the best teachers Ive ever had! She makes geology such an interesting subject, and explains things in such a way that they can easily be understood. She will help you with anything you ask when it comes to class work! Tests are hard, but if you study what she tells you to you will be fine. Also do the extra credit!

Great professor!! I highly recommend for taking science courses, be sure to do all the homework and study for her written-answer tests..... It's super easy and basic tests if you study!

If you have questions just ask. Nat is very helpful.

Professor Nat. is one of the best professors I have taken she cares about her students. Her lectures are amazing. She is very dedicated to her job. So happy I took her. I wish she taught more than just geology. If you are going to take geology. Take her. Her tests are a bit difficult but if you study it should be a piece of cake.

Please take the Advantage of ask Professor Nat Question when you struggling for certain reason I regret not asking her the first time. Overall she is caring. Amazing lecture. Just study for her tests TAKE ADVANTAGE TO ASK HER QUESTIONS!

Dr. Natalie Brandes is THE BEST geology professor. She is a passionate and well-respected geologist with incredible stories to share. Her lectures are fascinating and she has a fun sense of humor. Tests are a little difficult but she prepares you well for them, JUST STUDY. Extra credit and easy assignments to cushion your grade. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

If you are looking for an easy-going instructor... just keep on looking. She is a VERY tough grader on both labs, HW, and exams. She taught at Harvard so expect for this course with her to be Harvard tough. Lots of long-answer questions on the exams. If you aren't great at geology and you pick her, you will waste your time, money, and FAIL.

Professor Brandes is a great professor, she knows what she is talking about. But she is a tough grader. The test we had consist of half multiply choice and half written answers. So if you don't study you are screwed. If I did more studying I think I would've gotten a higher grade, if you don't do any of that you will fail the test.