2.7
Quality4.2
Difficulty29%
Would Retake86
Reviews29%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
13
4
20
3
14
2
13
1
26
What Students Say
“And you might be thinking that application based questions aren't that bad, but they're minor details from the slides that you would expect to be irrelevant”
BIO105 - 1.0 rating“There's 3 exams and that's your grade”
BIO105 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
76%
Textbook Required
29%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.91 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO13
5.0
(2)BIO108
4.0
(2)BIO107
4.0
(1)BIOL105
3.6
(9)BIO105
2.7
(55)Difficulty by Course
BI286
4.7
BIOL286
4.5
BIO105
4.3
BIOL105
4.2
BIO286
4.1
Reviews (86)
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shes a really nice professor but her tests are hard. she uses tricky wording in her tests and questions can be detailed.
Make sure you know the text book inside out! be sure to go to the lectures but try not to fall asleep!*Just read and UNDERSTAND the textbook and ask her questions after lecture because just attending lecture isn't going to help your bio grade.
fearless and inventive
This professor told us on the first day of class "I do not curve, and I do not have a problem with failing the entire class". Apparently QC thinks that everyone taking this class is pre-med, that is how this class is structured - even though pre-med is not actually offered! So unless you actually want to become a doctor, do NOT take this class!
You have to work hard for your grades in this course. Expect to know the text book and to know any other critical information regarding course material. Do some research! Dont wait last minute to study for exams because they are extremely detailed.
very discouraging leave the class or else u will fail thas a given it cant get clearr den dat
clearly the person who wrote the comment with the 4's and 5's is her or someone in her lab.
she taught my class with dr ma, in total a hard class, work hard. she was only there for a couple weeks bec preg. ask her q's on test, gives hints. gotta study for tests, mostly from slides but kno book too.
she taught my class with dr ma, in total a hard class, work hard. she was only there for a couple weeks bec preg. ask her q's on test, gives hints. gotta study for tests, mostly from slides but kno book too.
The course itself was insanely hard. She only taught for a fews week then gave birth. She seems nice though. I wonder how her exams are but I doubt they are anything like Dr.Ma's which is close to impossible
the course was hard but she was clear and kept you interested in what she was talking about...
Interesting
Dont take Bio with her. thats all i can say.
She is extremely caring and is always available if you need extra help. Her tests are fair and based on the material she covers in class. Really nice and helpful. But you do have to read the text before the lecture to understand what is going on in class. Be prepared to do work in this class but she does try to make it as simple as possible.
Dr. Holtzman is really nicee and she makes the class really interesting. I did well on the first midterm because I remembered her lecture slides and even her loud enthusiastic voice keeps you awake compared to dr. ma. She is very approachable and will gladly tell you the best way to study for tests.
Dr. Holtzman is a very approchable professor. She teaches at a very fast pace but she is very clear. Study the slides!!! for her tests because they will help you immensely. Do the practice midterm and final before taking any tests. Ask her any questions that you may have. As always, read the textbook. DEF. RECOMMENDED FOR BIO 105!!!!!!!
Why couldn't she teach ALL of the Bio lectures? Why? Why Why Why? Did I ask why? She's cool. She goes quickly (there is a lot to cover) but stops to answer questions. Very approachable after class. Will guide you towards the right answers if you're putting thought into your work. She's got geek sexiness going on. She's just great! Take her, not Ma!
she's not that great a professor. she make you memorize every tiny detail of lecture no matter how small. she also is't that clear during lecture and her slides aren't that great. qc should find a better professor (some one as good as Dr.baker) to take over and handle this course
Professor Holtzman is another case of a teacher who really wants you to do well. The only problem is that they expect you to memorized everything--EVERYTHING. You really need to know every little detail to do well. Two mini-midterms, midterm, and a final. She's ok...not bad but not great.
Okay lectures. Seems to believe students are all lazy and don't study, which she voices every other lecture; seems like she has no confidence in any students at all. Ma/Holtzman, it doesn't matter, the material is the same, a lot, and involve difficult exams: must study with dedication to do well! She is not sexy. Thankfully she isn't Chabora.
She's ok. Pretty clear, and not as detailed-specific as Dr. Ma. Still gotta read the textbook to do well for the lecture exams though. Approachable-office hours and email, but seems like she has mood swings. Kind of attractive though. Tries to find ways to help students, and bring their grades up. Overall, not bad.
Took her BIO 105 last year, half student dropped after her 1st mid term. and then I still fail even I studied very hard. But her exams in multiple choice are very hard!!! she doesn't give reliable review. the sample exams and practices do not related to exam question at all. And she grade very badly. Many people failed the class.
This woman needs to realize that her class is not the end all be all. Students have other classes too. She's justa case!
Not a very good professor. Goes through material during the lecture far too quickly and doesn't really make herself clear. The exams are preposterously detailed, and the lecture and lab are just not integrated well. It's partially due to the bad setup of the course, but she does nothing to help. Avoid if at all possible.
The biology program is just terrible in general, so in any other program shed probably make an alright teacher. Her tests are tricky and not always clear, with multiple possible answers. Frustrating
Seems unsure of herself when lecturing. Constantly reads what is on the slides, barely ever adds her own intuition. Exams are disgustingly worded, and at times there really could be two answers. Typos sometimes. Very detail oriented.
If you have no prior knowledge of biology or chemistry, you WILL NOT do well in this course. Tests cover random material so you must know every detail.
Difficult course, but very interesting. Prof. Holtzman is knowledgeable and friendly (though she doesn't seem like it from the severity of the class). Study HARD.
I worked in a cell bio lab for a year with about 20 Phd professors I have to say Holtzman is the worst professor I have come across . The required text book is used as well as 3 other books which are not required I do not understand why?? The lectures cover such broad material and the exams are specific . She smiles at every plays nice .Do not take
Great professor I read the assigned textbook chapters before class and understood everything. Cheema is the one who added the 2 additional textbooks and wrecked the course. Professor Holtzman should have taught the entire semester. Holtzman kept the course interesting and understandable. Cheema NOT!
Understandable lively and keeps you interested. Test was fair. Read the chapter before class and you will understand everything. Holtzman is great! Prof. Cheema added the 2 additional textbooks she is the one who wrecked this course! Prof. Holtzman should have taught the entire semester.
Confusing..!!
A very straightforward no-nonsense professor. Taught the material (albeit straight from the slides which were straight from the text) and tested on it. Students appreciated her more in B286. A warning for those planning on working in her lab: she'll work you to death but will also offer you great opportunities.
WHOA! I LOVE HIM SO MUCH THEY'RE SUCH A GREAT PERSON TO BE AROUND AND SO GOOD A+
She is amazing, If I get the chance to have her again I would definitely take her again. She made class fun !
A very accomplished and educated professor, I liked her class a lot and she is funny and can be strict at times!
Her tests are basically straight from the slides, but like, there is no curve. And the questions are application based, not straight definitions. And you might be thinking that application based questions aren't that bad, but they're minor details from the slides that you would expect to be irrelevant. Good luck.
Dr. Holtzmans provides engaging lectures that really aim to teach you the content. She emphasizes certain concepts that she believes is going to help in future courses so you can use your time towards high yield topic. There is no curve. To do well you have to go beyond the big picture theme and know details. This just comes with more time studying
This professor is horrible, she's disrespectful and refuses to help students when they ask for it. Or if she does give extra credit, it's impossible assignments with little reward. Don't take her, you'll regret it!!!
There's 3 exams and that's your grade. Not accessible outside of class, her students are not important to her. You will fail this class miserably, no matter how hard you work, you will not measure up. "If it takes me 6-8 hours to put together each lecture, it should take you that amount of time to study it." -Holtzman. DONT DO THIS TO YOURSELF!
Given that this is a introductory course the contents of the class itself are difficult to grasp but not impossible at all. Professor Holtzman knows what she's speaking about and really does try her best to dumb it down but someone please for the love of bio convince her to put some words on her slides rather than photos upon photos. Read the text!
She actually gives you EVERYTHING you need to do well! She posts questions on each chapter and practice tests which make up around 80% of her tests. The other 20% comes from knowing the chapter review sheets she posts. Don't need to go to lecture but definitely listen to recordings. Wish every teacher was as prepared as she is
Im not sure why she has such bad ratings. If you pay attention in class and study each powerpoint you will do very well. She emphasizes what you need to know for the exam. Reading the textbook is not necessary but definitely helpful. Study hard and care about the course and you'll do well.
Don't get scared away by the tough reviews. Professor Holtzman is a great professor! She keeps lecture interesting and is available to meet and go over any questions. If you study hard, you will do well in this class. But don't count on slacking off and winging it. Be ready to work hard, and it'll show in your grade.
Holtzman is a great lecturer and she makes the material easy to understand which is helpful because bio 105 is not an easy course. However, she does give very difficult exams so make sure to memorize everything and read the textbook if you dont understand something. She does curve a bit but study very hard and come to lectures.
Since covid,she has shown she really does not care about her students. No extra credit offered, she did not try to adjust due dates, and she's made the exams much more difficult. Although she is a great lecturer and can explain things well, she really does not care about students' well-being. she is very rigid, so take her if you just want credit.
Since covid,she has shown she really does not care about her students. No extra credit offered, she did not try to adjust due dates, and she's made the exams much more difficult. Although she is a great lecturer and can explain things well, she really does not care about students' well-being. she is very rigid, so take her if you just want credit.
This class should not be an be labeled as a introductory course for queens college. There is a lot of unnecessary material that you are forced to learn. Despite what path you are pursuing, you are going to be bombarded and STRESSED taking this course. My love for bio simply escaped from being tortured with this schools curriculum.
Take this class only if you're going to take it EXTREMELY seriously. Read the chapter before class, record the lectures, practice questions, and office hours. I did all of this and still got a B. Your grade is the 18% test1 , 18%test2, 24%final and 40%lab. I LOVED the class, her lectures were amazingly taught. She's probably one of the best.
I really think all the other reviews giving her above a 3 are done by her. I took her class as a freshman first semester online due to covid and she was the most inconsiderate professor I had out of all my classes. No extensions, impossible to meet for office hours and just generally inaccessible. Take it if you know you can teach yourself.
She lies to students about what will and wont count towards the final grade and intentionally makes the class more difficult than it actually is so students can fail. She refuses to tell students what will be on the exams, and when asked she tells students to imagine what will be on the exam because she wants students to do poorly.
Only option but really isnt that bad. If you dont need bio 105 and shouldnt be in the class then dont take it. The bad reviews are people who shouldnt be in the class. If you put in the work and study well then its not bad.
Dr. Holtzman is the only professor you can take for BIO105. Although there is a lot of material which is to be expected in a General Biology class, she makes her lectures informative and interesting to listen to. If you want a good grade, you WILL have to study for it.
60+ question HW assignments due before every lecture, and if you submit it one minute late you automatically get a 0, & no she wont accept 1 minute late HW at all. The workload is so large you get information overload really cant retain any of the given material. You end up wasting hours of precious study time on her HW that honestly isnt useful
Just so much work. BIO 105 is so hard.
The prof doesnt matter for bio cuz the lectures are irrelevant. Just study the slides and txtbook and u should be gucci. She rounds grade up I believe, so if ur raw grade is a B+ she will round to an A-
This class is definitely not easy but if you put in the effort and take time to study then you will do well. The material is dense but prof Holtzman does her best to break down the material and certain concepts. That being said do not take this class if it is not a requirement.
Avoid if you can. She can explain the material but when looking over the notes it's hard to study when there's only pictures on the slides. Also since we're in a pandemic one would assume she'd be a little bit more lenient and understanding but nope! Idk what it was but as soon as she came in, the hw became more difficult.
Shed become quite condescending when students got the class participation questions wrong &expected us to read the chapter, read 46 detailed slides, & do the homework before every lecture. The homework consisted of 60 questions, but there where oftentimes more. If you answer the class participation questions wrong it negatively impacts your grade.
Bio 105 there are three tests and then a final to make the test material even and not overbearing for each. Her slides do have more visuals than words so you have to do the textbook reading on Achieve prior to class to understand more. Doing well on the tests is a must to get a good grade. The class is tough so please read and study.
She just does not know how to teach. She's incredibly intelligent, but cannot teach. The tests are difficult, all of Bio 105 is, but because you don't learn much from her lectures the tests are all the more difficult. Didn't learn much from her.
It took this class and it was almost 3 hours long and only 1 day a week so I definitely think this is something that contributed to a lot of bad talk towards this class. You have to remember a lot of things so make sure to always read! I wish they would give this class twice a week with a shorter time because that would help a lot. No curve.
Holtzman isn't a bad professor but her test are way too hard for reason. The lecture material was really heavy by itself, there is really no need to make the tests that difficult. I know you can't avoid her but get ready for hell. The class average was like a 69, if that does scream issue, I don't know what does.
I took this class in the FALL 2020 semester but didn't do well because I didn't pay much attention to lectures or read the textbook thoroughly. It is very essential to attend all lectures, participate in iClicker questions and answer at least 80% correctly. Also do well in lab for boost. Study for at least 2 hours every day by reading the textbook.
Dr. Holtzman was a great professor but the material of the class itself is very difficult. It's either you know it or you don't. The tests are mainly based on what is said in the lecture but a lot of time is spent reading the textbook. It felt like a waste of time reading the textbook at times with all the unnecessary information.
Showed she was intolerant of other backgrounds and religions. Did not have a clear way of teaching. Could not offer help as much and accused all students of cheating. Her peer mentor Sofia also had a huge role in degrading students and talking down.
Her class was beyond disorganized after Garofalo left. Her peer mentor, Sofia Taherkhani, and her degraded students and yelled at them senselessly due to questions they had about grades. She was intolerant of religions and displayed very prejudice vibes. She is the chair of the dept of bio, and she shows a lack of empathy and concern for students.
I never write these but I feel like this one is necessary. AVOID taking this professor, her class is a struggle from beginning to end and she does not have compassion for her students. The tests are ridiculously hard and it is not an intro course. This professor is extremely condescending, try to take another course if possible and save yourself.
Professor Holtzman was okay but this class was impossible to complete in the three weeks that it was scheduled for. It was just wayyy too much material in such a short space of time. I worked really hard to pay for this class to stay on track for graduation however even putting in 46 hours a week studying and I am still failing, Hate myself.
I had to drop this class due to this teacher's inconsideration for the students. The class was very disorganized and the exams did not accurately match the exams. There was never enough time on the exam to even think about what was being asked
worst professor ever! not a fair grader and doesn't answer emails. stay away!
Please dont take her. Her lecture are good and interesting but her exams dont relate so much with the lecture. Her test questions are a lot more in depth with she didnt even cover in class.
this prof was on zoom looking so musty everyday and teaching for extra money over the summer. Couldnt teach, half the class dropped, exams were difficult and she was very careless.
I got an A in her class but that was because I taught my self through many hours. Exams were super hard and she hated all her students. I agree with my classmates that she doesnt look like the type to shower In weeks
Her lectures were OK but she came out as very condescending and rude. The amount of time I am spending on this course is overwhelming. umm yea well its your job AND this was a 4 week summer class. Imagine how students prepared for exams and learned new material if a biologist like herself was getting exhausted just by teaching the class!
She would tell us that certain things she didn't go over wouldn't be on the test, only to show up on the test. The test formats changed every exam without warning (ie. matching/multiple correct answers) and the short answer Q always ended up the first question rather than in the end like she promised. That took away way too much time from the rest
I only got an A+ because of a complicated agreement but it isn't fair for the other students who worked very hard and ended up failing because if how wild the tests were ;n;
Tough to deal with. Only hopeful thing is that she she has been just promoted to Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Sucess. Success?!? Quite ironic. Maybe she won't teach.
Professor Holtzman has to be one of the worst professors I've ever had. Her exams are impossible and she down curved my entire class. She is not caring about her students and basically wants everyone to fail. She is the reason I hate biology and is the reason so many people dropped her course. She made this course a living hell! STAY AWAY !!!!
Sooo difficult tests. I'm telling you avoid her if you can
She hates her students. Would not curve even if the entire class is failing. Her tests are impossible and full of trick questions.
I took her over the summer. Her lectures were over stuffed and so demanding. I studied day and night for 8 hours or more but couldn't pass a single test. She had no compassion at all. We're students trying to learn- not experienced biologists or lab rats- it felt like she was experimenting on us as to how much information we could retain.
Her lectures were interesting don't get me wrong but the exams were very difficult. Since this class was online the test were unbearably difficult to avoid cheating with very little curve. I'm not one to complain but I put in 5 hour study time per each chapter (10 chapters per exam) with a friend over facetime. Be ready to study your brains out
Racist professor, and intolerant. Had students attend class on Eid during the remote days, then in class she stated she would not do iclicker questions. She could have told people this, so many sacrificed their day of worship for class. Now she's with the provost, she got "pushed" out of teaching the class. The Dean of sciences should be aware.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
76%
Textbook Required
29%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.91 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO13
5.0
(2)BIO108
4.0
(2)BIO107
4.0
(1)BIOL105
3.6
(9)BIO105
2.7
(55)Difficulty by Course
BI286
4.7
BIOL286
4.5
BIO105
4.3
BIOL105
4.2
BIO286
4.1