Very good lecturer. I personally hate biology but he made it interesting. It was hard for me but his grading scale is: 85% A; 75% B; 65% C; 55% D; and everythign below is a fail

If you want an easy and entertaining teacher, take this guy. His lectures are always entertaining and is very helpful if you ask him questions. He made made a boring subject for me less painful.

Great teacher for a difficult subject

ok look, he is very very clear in his lecturing, but his tests are so difficult and he asks his questions in a trick way. his notes are great and he a cool guy, but it's definitely not easy, why else would he lower the grading scale so much.

Dr. Mauk is a great teacher..very precise and clear and EXTREMELY smart. His class requires a lot of studying (6+ hours per test) but you learn a lot. He is a very cool teacher.

Very Good professor, He explains very well, has fun labs, and knows what he is talking about. His tests are moderate, but if you actually study you should do fine

This guy is a genius. He has such a passion for this subject and it shows in every single one of his lectures. He's very organized and very clear. Note: Hardcore Christians, Mauk is a total evolutionist, so beware.

You have to work hard for his class, but you'll get a LOT out of it. He pushes his students pretty hard, but at the same time he's happy to answer any questions you might have. Very highly recommended.

These people are lying! Don't listen to them. This tests are so confusing and tricky you'll come out of class with a stroke. You'll be lucky if you DO come out. Take this class if you're a psychic or a genius. That's the only way you'll pass his tests.

very hard, i thank god i took him, he made me ready for UC. i highly recommend takin him, like u got a choice if ur takin 103, for 122 ppl(non-bio majors) that need a bio class dont take him unless u are good in bio.

Dr. Mauk teaches a hard class but he cares about his students. He's glad to help. Though you will have to put a lot of time into reading and studying to get a decent grade. The class is interesting and you will learn a lot but it's tough. A "C" is achievable.

very good teacher. ask him questions and he will take his time making sure u get it, very open to helping students during office hours as well. Nice guy tries to make class as bearable and easy as possible, but tests are not easy. If u study u will do well.

This man believes that every student that steps into his class is a future M.D. or some****. Dont lie to yourself and think that if u study you will do good. this guy has expectations that exceed a right frame of mind. If you want a manageable class, DONT TAKE HIM. HE IS way to hard.

Despite what people say I think Mauk was a great professor and not hard at all. I never read the book and barely study from my notes and always got A. Besides, his grading scale is easy, A=85. He is always willing to help you and he is very passionate about what he teacher. Recommended!

if you have ever seen the movie "the Big Lebouiski(spelling?)", Dr. Mauk is like an educated, kind of nerdy Dude.

Excellent professor! Dr. Mauk is very passionate about what he teaches that passion motivates you to do well. He knows his stuff and will answer just about every question asked of him. Just a nice guy and great teacher. Definately take this class even if youre not that into biology.

very hard teacher,75% is B.However, he is an AWESOME teacher.His hard tests forced me to actually study, and I prooved to myself that I am smart. At first i took the class lightly, and got a "D" and "C", and my quizzes were bad too. So i picked up the book and actually studied my ass off and got A's on the other tests, B on the final and in class

Very helpful teacher. He might go a little fast in lectures, but if you have trouble understanding something he will take the time to help you figure it out. His class is not the "easy A type." You have to earn the grade. If you are really serious about learning. Take his class.

Excellent teacher.. passionate about the material. Goes straight to the point in lecture, not a storytelling teacher. Very sructured class, grades fair, NOT an easy class, but he is helpful if you have questions.

I loved this class. He lays all the material out for you. lectures are fun. he makes things very clear. if you attend lecture and lab and study the notes you'll get an A. 85% is an A... so there is room for error. I was never bored with his class. He has a goofy humorous side to him.

GREAT TEACHER!... He knows his stuff. HE is funny. He loves when u ask questions. The class itself is a bit challenging if u r not a Native Englis Speaker.So, u have to put a lot of extra work to understad it better. He is very helpful! Just keep track of the quizes and be ready 4 them. THey are supper important!

Great Professor, however the subject is just inherently difficult hearing it for the first time. Very helpful and answered all questions. A great class to take before entering a University, because it challenges you think in an entirely new way not presented in other Bio classes.

Excellent Professor. Dr. Mauk's pedagogy is definitely a unique one, and one you don't see with many professors. If you are willing to learn and put effort into a science class and then be amazed then take this class, and take the lab class with him as well. You will love this class, however if you're lazy then this isn't the class for you.

Currently a Psychology UCLA student I have to admit Mauk's class topped them all. You enter a different world when you enter his class, a true Wonder Land, where you learn why Zebras have strips, or the importance of the colechia. Take his class, sit back and enjoy what you learn because this is the study of life with quite an amazing man. G.S.

Best teacher so far. Really easy to get an A if you study. 85% and above is an A. he is very organized and gives really good notes. almost all tests are curved. No homework, no reading from the book. you have to study for lab quizes but labs are really interesting and time passes fast. down side: he can put you to sleep the first 5 min of class.

Dr. Mauk is one of THE BEST biology teachers here at GCC. He is very crystal clear in everything he says. He makes biology fun (hilarious!). Awesome field trips and labs! If you need a general bio class, i highly recommend him. Just study the notes he gives in class and you have a guarenteed A in the class. Bio is only difficult if you don't study!

Love him! I got a C in his class but its the fruit of my labor so cant complain. Tests are all based on lectures and some reading. Never be late or talk in class or he will let you have it. You dont have to buy the book any bio book will do. You will learn whether you like it or not.

He is awesome. He's super clear about his expectations, makes sure that you are understanding the material, and is freakin hilarious. i really hated him from my first impression because he is SOO no nonsense and seems so serious, but he turned out to be the highlight of my semester by far. take him :)

I heard horror stories after signing up, but he turned out to be an amazing teacher. His notes and expectations are very clear, and his tests are easy (provided you study the notes.) Cares a lot about the environment and has a great sense of humor. There is ONLY one bad thing about his class- DO NOT BE LATE. other than that he's great!!

Class is hard. Or maybe I didn't pay enough attention. I was in honors & had to do other projects, too, you see. He curves a little, but it's not much. He is intelligent & tries to help. As a teacher, hm.. he's hard, & people are scared of bio103. Some get annoyed w/ his excessive movements, but it's OK, really. Not like Dr.Gago, but handsome, too.

Class is hard bec it's not easy to picture DNA & molecules & genes, & I am an excellent visual learner. You talk abt FACS and cell-sorting & all these experiments but don't perform them (understandably, though), so please consult w/ him when lecture notes get confusing, which is often. Class can get long & boring. He's clever & helpful & handsome.

The class itself is a bit challenging but what YOU put into is what you'll get out of it(i.e. if you really study and do well on the tests you will be in a real good shape when you transfer). He is extremely helpful,and challenges you to think in a different way. All in all i highly recommend the class for all bio majors before transferring.

I took Mauk with a little doubt due to some ratings, but after the first couple weeks, I realized what an awesome professor he proves to be. His notes are crystal clear (and always on the board in full), his lab quizzes are like cake, and lectures are not too dry with his handful of humorous animal-related stories. Best biology instructor yet!

Dr. Mauk is great! He will spend time after class to help you understand the amterial. If you attend lectures and try hard in his class, you will pass. o and DONT BE LATE! If you walk in late, he will stop lecture and gives you this look that makes you want to turn around and walk back out. Just follow his rules and you'll be on his good side.

awesome teacher! class is not easy at all, you do neet to study a lot, but the material itself is very interesting. does not feel like a GE class, but if you do your work you'll get at least a B if not an A. His A is at 85% btw. I missed a lot of lectures and still got an A but do not miss labs! It's a great class.

Very animated and is willing to stay after class and explain anything you don't understand. Passing his class is all about attendance. The in class notes that are given daily are your free pass for each test. But of course you must study. ;)

Dr. Mauk is one of those teachers you wish other professors were like. He is a very gifted speaker who knows how to entertain as he speaks and gets you really interested in a subject that you may not be interested in. I personally don't like lecture, I have ADD, but Dr. Mauk's passion really shows in his lecture. He is a one-in-a-million professor.

Professor Mauk is AWESOME! He has such great passion for biology! He seriously piqued my interest in plant biology. I'm really not good at science, but learning about biology with him was extremely fascinating. I never once fell asleep in class. He's hilarious, don't take anyone else!

Let me tell you that I couldn't stand biology before taking his class. Guess what? I love it nowwwwwwwwwwww and it's all cause of him. He is very passionate well sometimes too passionate, but he truly makes the subject seem interesting. If you put some effort you will get an A. And i loved the noises that he would make. G@gushhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

First of all, he is funny which kept me staying in his class. His exams are not easy, but he doesn't give u problems he didn't cover on lectures, so u will do fine if u study for each exams. He is also a very good person n encouages students do well in his class. In fact, he is the best professor I have ever had!

He's a very fun teacher, partly I admit because he's a bit awkward but he's also very into this subject. His only weakness imo is that he has this tendency to put questions on the test that are really obscure in your notes and the text. I think he could organize his testing methods a bit more, but otherwise just keep up.

Dr. Mauk does a wonderful job teaching a very difficult subject. His lectures are clear and he is very accessible outside of class for additional help. The tests are hard but he is a fair grader. Bio 103 requires a lot of studying and is a tough course. I enjoyed it and recommend it to people who are serious about bio. Funny and quirky guy.

Very hard for a non-majors class.

The class isnt easy , but for those people who wants to really learn biology then go for it . even though i didnt do well in his class, but i should addmit that it was all my fault. Dr. Mauk is a great teacher, i have learned a lot from him, i still keep all the lectures and notes from him and read sometimes. thnx n love you Dr. Mauk

A somewhat difficult class, but yes it is possible to get an A if you dedicate yourself to studying a fair amount. He's a pretty fair grader, but he is also strict about attendance and tardiness. Just be professional, study, get interested in the subject and you will be fine. Enjoy the sound effects he will make throughout the semester. :].GUGSH!

didnt like him. Went to his class once and dropped the next day. i got in trouble for looking for a pen in my bag to take notes. He just really wants you to be paying attention at all times. He has funny gestures though.

Took him over summer of 2010. everyone was saying how hard his class was but seriously, i just went to class everyday and looked over my notes before the tests. i thought he was pretty interesting in class, made some lame jokes but i like lame jokes. if ur gonna skip class, dont take him.

AMAZING. IMO his class was very very EASY. 90% of the questions on the tests are almost word for word from the notes. 85% is an A.lets you drop 2 quizzes. Offers couple EC points on his tests/quizzes which add up!notes are crystalclear and in powerpoint!warns you before hand about hard parts. IF youre one who studies hard anyway might as well take

Dr. Mauk cares so much about what he teaches, and it shows. He requires that you show up and pay attention, and if you do both those things consistently, you'll benefit from his excellent notes, hilarious gestures, dark humor and overall enthusiasm for the subject. If you'd rather mess around than pay attention, you're not going to do well.

Definitely a weird professor. If you dedicate 2-3 hours A DAY to studying for his exam a few days in advantage you should do fine. Not an easy A but is very knowledgeable about the material.

Dr.Mauk turned out to be one of the best and most memorable professors I've ever had. I hate Bio with a passion, yet he managed to make it extremely interesting and fun; this is a class you'll actually learn something in! Given you show up and study; it is not an easy A, but I studied about an hour for every test and went to lecture, and I got an A

I had Prof Mauk and he made class interesting and fun. He does not grade hard, and his tests are based on his lecture. If you review his given notes and go to class regularly you will pass the class easily. I RECOMMEND THIS PROFESSOR!!!!!!

Don't take any other bio teacher!!!! Prof M is one of the best in GCC... Helps students get the grade they want

TAKE HIM.... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR NONE BIO MAJORS

Dr. Mauk is awesome! Definitely take him for Bio. PS: His resemblance to Thom Yorke of Radiohead is UNCANNY!

Most reviews here are for the easy intro 122 course, if you're a bio major taking  BIO 103 READ THIS. Mauk is a great professor, but 103 is conceptually much more demanding than 101/102. The tests are more critical thinking & figuring out how to apply what u memorize over pure memory recall like most classes. So u see exam problems u cant fully...

veryyy hard class but great man! you have to memorize a lot and his tests are tricky but hes nice

Dr. Mauk is invested in and passionate about biology. He is one of those great and memorable teachers @ GCC, whose classrooms you walk out of as a much more refined person. He has one helluva sense of humor, too. Overall, Dr. Mauk's class is fascinating, entertaining, hard, but absolutely worth taking!

Difficult, but he's a great man.. Just be ready to study and you will do fine.

He is hilarious in his own way. His tests are hard, his lab quizzes are much easier. Study.. study study.. that's all I have to say. It's difficult but not impossible to receive an A!

Mauk is the best bio Professor I know! Test Qs are all from lecture notes (study each page). Fair amount of extra credit. No busy work, which means students have time to study instead of wasting time on assignments. Very enjoyable class. "Easy A" for students with college level study skills.

Professor Mark is great! he really wants to see his students succeed and does whatever he can to try to help you to preform well! tests come from notes, lots of EC opportunities. doesnt assign homework, only one outside (zoo) assignment. don't be absent or late, don't use your phone in class. basically come ready to learn or stay home!

You will actually learn in this class, as opposed to many community college classes. a must if you want to go to a four year college. this is the level you will be required to work at.

Dr. Mauk is a memorable professor. Funny and smart, totally immersed in his subject - a pleasure to have as a teacher. He cares deeply about his students and is always available for questions. Exams are tough, record the lectures for review. Highly recommend Dr. Mauk.

He's very straightforward. His notes are crystal clear and he is well educated on the subject. Study his notes and read the book for the exams and you'll be fine. There are lab quizzes and you do have to dissect a pig for one lab. It is very in depth for a non-major class but as long as you do the work and study well you'll pass with flying colors.

This is a very hard class. Study the lecture notes because thats what 90 percent of the exams are one . Do not be late or absent to any lab! He is very strict on his rules. Follow them and put in 4 hours of studying per exam and you should be fine. Exams/quiz are very difficult so you need to put in more hours than you normally do . He is very fair

Dr.Mauk is a really intelligent professor and you can tell he wants his students to learn and not just memorize the notes.His tests can be quite difficult so you need to put a lot of time into studying.Although this isn't an easy class, it's definitely one you'll learn a lot from.

My most intimidating course but he made it one of the best ones ever. His lectures are clear and he really cares about the students. Plus he is hilarious and will help you if you don't understand anything. Definitely recommend him. You need to do the work and study, but he makes the road very clear.

HE CLASS IS THE HARDEST ONE I EVER TAKEN IN GCC. His lecture is very interesting and clear. But his exams are tough and final is even harder. He will give 4 exams and 1 final. Final will be about everything you learned since first day of class. Get ready for that and good luck for those who taking it

To those saying that he did not give any study guides, you should've paid attention in class. First of all the power point slides were available on moodle and he also sent a list of study terms for the test. Yes you have to put a lot of work into it. He helps the students who show that they want to learn and work hard.

His tests are based off on critical thinking and riddled with "how and why" questions instead of "what". Pure memorization of concepts will get you a C. This class is one of the toughest courses you will ever take. That is not an exaggeration. Teacher is quirky and nice though.

Very awesome person. I enjoyed his class.

Very awesome person. I enjoyed his class. He is very fair

Dr Mauk is a very intelligent professor. Very organized notes that give you EVERYTHING you need to know. Tests, however, are not your standard Bio tests. They consist of pure critical thinking and application of concepts instead of regurgitation of info. If he sees you working hard he'll help, but if not then don't expect your hand to be held.

Highly recommend this professor. He is knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and funny. No homework/ material is very straight forward. Very organized and let's you know in advance about anything you need to do or know. Everything you need to know for the 5 exams and 5 quizzes are in the power points which he posts on moodle. I used the book/not needed

The class is slightly difficult but is definitely manageable. Before each test, make sure you know the slides like the back of the hand (as Professor Mauk says)! If you really understand the material, you should be able to get an A. Hope this helped!

Compared to liberal arts classes, this class will be challenge. Compared to math classes like College Algebra, this class will be on par. You have to pay attention and study. If you do that, it should not be a challenge to get the grade you want. Mauk is a good and knowledgable professor. His tests are kinda hard but the grade scale's in your favor

Notes are your life, always have class notes. Take them yourself or get them from someone else. They explain everything on the test, and guarantee's you at least a B if you have them all and study them a bit. I hate bio, but this man really levels with you as a non-bio major trying to get credits. Energetic lectures, good man, great class. 10/10

You must show up to class and take notes! The tests are almost completely based on the notes. You can definitely get away with not reading but the book helps clarify anything from the lectures. You really have to study and put in the effort for an A.

Basically what he graded for the class was just the exams and lab quizzes, which left little room for error on your part. He was a great professor though, very passionate. It was a tough class (grading scale helped a lot) so try to set up study sessions with your lab group or friends. Pay attention in lab! The quizzes were harder than than exams.

This class is challenging for non-bio majors, however the class criteria is laid out from the beginning. I didn't do so well in my first few lab quizzes, but studied extra hard for the exams and that pretty much assured me an A. Lab attendance is mandatory and he hates it when people are late. Overall, great class. Just study the class notes!!!!

Robert Mauk has to be one of the greatest biology professors gcc has to offer. I recommend him only IF you take the class seriously and actually study the notes, slides and read the book whenever you don't understand something. All of this will most definitely get you an A or B+. He is always willing to help a student if they ever have questions

Very organized and straightforward with his lectures and class notes. The labs requires a little more effort, but one should be fine by doing basic studying and preparation.

He's very dedicated and knowledgable in his field. He's truly passionate about what he teaches and it makes the lessons enjoyable and engaging, even if you are not extremely interested in the subject matter. Spontaneous at times but mostly straight forward and consistent lecturer. The zoo trip is a fun activity that provides a decent learning op.

Dr. Mauk is one of the best professors I've ever taken. He is passionate about what he teaches and although he's big on lecture, he knows how to express the material in a way that is engaging and interesting. You will really benefit from this class, academically and personally. Take a lot of notes, don't skip class, don't be late and be curious.

Theres no doubt that Professor Mauk is a nice man and great professor. But honestly this class is really difficult and the labs can be a pain in the ass. Id try not to take him again just because of that.

Bio is a hard class, but Mauk is a layback prof so he makes it better. But study and if you miss a class you'll literally end up 2 chapters behind

He is very nice! With that said, this is a very hard class. Lecture heavy, often gets side tracked! Since covid-19 everything has been messier and more difficult. He can be hard to reason with. Majority of the class said they didnt have enough test time, but he was stubborn to think he was in the wrong. Online class took a big toll on his teaching

A fantastic lab instructor with a very thorough teaching method. You will get to learn so much in his class. Highly recommend him if you are planning on taking biology.

I had him for a few classes and he is a great instructor. You will need to give a good amount of effort to succeed in his courses but he is much better than most of the other bio instructors here. Takes his time to answer questions and gives a good, detailed overview of how certain processes occur.

This professor is perhaps one of the best in terms on knowledge attained and distributed. He is very passionate about biology and knows his material the best. However, this class difficulty is similar to that of a graduate degree. It is incredibly difficult and loads of study needs to take place for every test and quiz. 10/10 difficulty.

This class was difficult in that there was a lot of information to learn, but there was nothing unexpected. Professor Mauk makes sure you know what the important points are and where you need to focus for studying (the slides are color-coded). Your grade is dependent on your quiz and exam scores, so take notes and flashcards are extremely helpful!

I loved his class! He tells you all you need to know to pass. He's open to discussing tests or material outside of class if you need anything. I was worried because of bad reviews, but after taking his class I really don't get why he has so many. His class is difficult if you don't pay attention or study, but that's a given for any college class.