2.5

Shelley Berg

Biology - Westmoreland County Community College

2.5
Quality
4.3
Difficulty
30%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
2.5
Quality
4.3
Difficulty
2.6
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

30%

Would Retake

94

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

21

4

12

3

7

2

14

1

40

What Students Say

"go home and make it yours" so pretty much go home and teach yourself

BIO - 1.0 rating

This is her teaching style: the grass is green and weeds grow in the grass but the sky is blue and birds can fly because they have wings and worms live in the ground and there is a river with a waterfall and the water is green and fish have gills in order to breathe underwater and a cow, repeat after me "coooooow" now what sounds do a cow make

BIO171 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

33%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C+

95% confidence
Based on 47 grades
Most common grades:
B (9)
C (7)
C- (7)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(9)C(18)D(11)F(1)A-/B+(9)
Based on 62 reported grades
B: 9
C: 7
C-: 7
D: 6
Common Tags
Tough grader (33)
Lecture heavy (27)
Skip class? You won't pass. (20)
Test heavy (20)
Tough Grader (8)
Caring (7)
Gives good feedback (7)
Lots of homework (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.21 avg change
Dec
Jan
Mar
Apr
Jun
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO171AND172

4.2

(5)

APBIO

4.0

(1)

AP172

4.0

(1)

BIO161

4.0

(1)

ENG161

4.0

(1)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

APBIO

5.0

AP172

5.0

BIO172LAB

5.0

BIO

5.0

BIO172

4.8

Reviews (94)
5.0
4.0
BIO151
Aug 29, 2007

This woman is the finest instructor I have had from kindergarten to today. Her teaching methods are exceptional. She is kind hearted to a fault and would do anything for her students. I cannot say enough about her as an instructor. Do yourself a favor and take this instructor's classes!

5.0
3.0
BIO107
May 6, 2008

Excellent teacher, very caring, this course is very hard, but she tries to help as much as she can by giving out coloring sheets for extra credit, if you try your best she will help.

4.0
4.0
BIO171
Oct 19, 2009

she was friendly and intresting however her test are mostly t/f so that can be hard and she grade lab reports tough

3.0
5.0
BIO171
Dec 8, 2009

very hard teacher! grades lab reports unnecessarily hard! teaches very fast and lecture consists mostly of looking at pictures on the overhead projector the entire class time...for an A&P I class it is extremely hard...wouldnt recommend this teacher

3.0
4.0
BIO171
Feb 21, 2010

worst teacher ever

4.0
5.0
APBIO
May 10, 2010

She is a very tough grader. Her lab reports are impossible. Her tests are very, very challenging, but she is very helpful. She will spend days talking about 1 topic just to make sure everyone understands it. I liked her a lot.

5.0
4.0
BIO171
Jun 29, 2010

She was a very helpful teacher and she was a nice person too. Her lab reports were graded very tough, but it helped me in the future. Tests ere also hard, but agian it prompts you to study well.

4.0
5.0
BIO107
Aug 27, 2010

I took Ms. Berg for an evening Human Bio class. Not very organized in her notes. She really pushed us, very difficult class. But it paid off in the end. A&P wasn't as hard as some ppl were finding it. Quizes weekly, color pages, 3 ch. exams, not an easy class, but come to class, do your best; it will reflect your final grade.

3.0
4.0
BIO171
Oct 27, 2010

She makes anatomy so much harder to understand

4.0
5.0
BIO172
Mar 4, 2011

Very nice, but tests are tough.

4.0
5.0
AP172
Jun 19, 2011

Love Shelley! You won't find a more helpful teacher. Tests are hard, with essay questions. She wants you to critically think through things. I learned a lot from this class.

5.0
2.0
BIO171
Dec 10, 2011

Shelley is Super Nice and goes above and beyond to help her students succeed. If I have a choice, I will choose her again.

2.0
4.0
BIO171
Apr 24, 2012

Her tests are impossible but she makes class fun. I really didn't mind going to class. Although, you think you understand the material she has given you... until you take the test.

5.0
4.0
BIO172
May 3, 2012

Shelley is the best. So helpful and will take the time to clarify what you don't understand. Sure tests are hard but you actually learn in her class and that is why she give lots of bonus questions!

5.0
4.0
BIO171
May 15, 2012

A&P is a tough class, but I wouldn't take it with anyone else. I'm actually skipping a semester to take her for part 2

5.0
3.0
BIO151
Sep 3, 2012

Shelley was the BEST instructor, ever! Yes, her tests are hard but, if you know the material and participate in class then, you will not have a hard time or bad grade! Extremely sincere and helpful to everyone, always asking if everyone understands material before moving on!

2.0
5.0
BIO171
Dec 21, 2012

Made may people give up and drop her class because she gives difficult test that make sense only to her. Studied very hard and knew the material very well and did get a decent grade but she is confusing in note format and I would recommend taking someone else.

5.0
3.0
BIO171
Apr 17, 2013

Excellent instructor--knows her subject and cares for students. Holds students and herself to high standards. Test are application based, not just basic knowledge. She challenges students to think critically and strives to prepare students for future courses and careers.

2.0
5.0
BIO171
Jul 23, 2013

This is her teaching style: the grass is green and weeds grow in the grass but the sky is blue and birds can fly because they have wings and worms live in the ground and there is a river with a waterfall and the water is green and fish have gills in order to breathe underwater and a cow, repeat after me "coooooow" now what sounds do a cow make?

2.0
5.0
BIO171
Aug 20, 2013

AVOID HER! Very confusing in her teaching method. Has "her own" set of per-print so-called notes, which she hands out in class. You would think if she wrote them they would be in chronological order, but no!

2.0
5.0
BIO171
Aug 21, 2013

She is a very hard teacher. She teaches in a way only she can understand. Her notes aren't that helpful and her tests are super hard. I would recommend staying away from her.

1.0
5.0
BIO171
Oct 25, 2013

lazy. leaves lab all of the time leaving her students without instruction. doesn't explain concepts. doesn't even give the pronunciation of anatomy terms.

5.0
4.0
BIO171
Nov 12, 2013

She is definitely my favorite teacher/professor in the sciences ever. She explains things multiple ways (written, visual, auditory, act it out) so that everyone finds some way to understand. I love her in lecture and lab. The course is hard, but if you attend class and study at home she makes grasping the difficult concepts achievable!

1.0
5.0
BIO172LAB
Nov 25, 2013

so confusing. only had for lab, thank god. gives pointless labs, not related to human body, takes months to hand back reports. grades extremely hard & gives little to no legitimate feedback to improve. definitely picks favorites. not a fan.

2.0
5.0
BIO171
Dec 17, 2013

Very nice lady, and easy to talk to. But impossible to pass. Her labs aren't clear, and I worked hours and hours on lab reports to barely pass. Expects you to know how to perform labs with very little instruction. Her lectures are fun, and class was actually interesting, but you will think you know the material, until you take her tests.

1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: D
Dec 18, 2013

No. Just... No.

4.0
4.0
BIO171AND172
Jan 29, 2014

I absolute love this professor! She makes lectures interesting and explains things in everyday scenarios so that you can relate to the concepts. Are her tests hard, well yes but this is difficult material. Pay attention in class, take good notes, participate, and study your outlines! She is very receptive to those who need help IF they ask for it.

1.0
5.0
BIO
Grade: F
Dec 17, 2014

"go home and make it yours" so pretty much go home and teach yourself

1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: B+
Sep 7, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Never in my years of schooling had a teacher that was so difficult. Material is so scattered and not easy to understand. Even if you know every note and outline front and back, you will still do poorly in class. Was the worst class I ever took. Did pass with a B, but I lived anatomy 24/hrs a day to obtain the grade and taught myself basically!

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
BIO161
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 23, 2016
Would take again

Her lectures are actually interesting and she is very clear with what she wants you to know. I went into the first exam thinking I had it because I went over everything she repeated over and over. I failed. The second exam I knew how to study. I recorded lectures and wrote clear notes. I flew through the exam no problem. You work for what you get.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
BIO171
Grade: C
Dec 20, 2016
Would take again

I loved AP 1 with Shelley. She was very interactive with the class and lecture was never boring. I enjoyed going to her class and picked up on things through her demonstrations that I would never understand by reading the text. She is a tough grader. She takes off half points for spelling and specific word content on essays. Lots of quizzes!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: B
Apr 25, 2017
Would take again

Shelley is one of my favorite professors that I have ever had! She goes above and beyond to help you if you are confused. Even if you are taking the exam, you can ask her to clarify what she means by the question because she only wants you to succeed! Shelley will give you lots of bonus on the exam which really helps with exam grades! Incredible!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
4.0
BIO171AND172
Jun 12, 2017
Would take again

A wonderful professor with a BIG heart. She wants you to succeed. Teachers incredibly and making learning a difficult subject fun! You'd be disadvantaging yourself by not taking A&P with her!

Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: A
Jun 16, 2017
Would take again

A and P is a hard class, so it is time consuming. Very good teacher but you still have to put some work into it.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: D
Oct 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Shelley seems like a caring and nice person to be around, but is terrible at teaching. During her lectures she constantly jumps around from topic to topic. She expects you to remember everything that comes out of her mouth for quizzes. Clearly she does not care about your grade. You put so much work into her class to basically get nothing in return

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: B
Jan 7, 2018
Would take again

Professor Berg is an amazing person and a wonderful instructor. You will need to take clear lecture notes. The book is really only a reference for pictures. Everything youll need is from her lectures and outlines she provides. All quizzes are fill in the blanks. Makes it pretty difficult but she wants you to actually learn the material.

Tough Grader
Tests are tough
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C
May 11, 2018
Would take again

A&P is hard, so you really need to put time and effort into all that you do. Pay attention but don't just study outlines and notes. Make sure you read your chapters and study hard. If you show up to class and show you care about giving forth your best effort, she will show you some mercy. Don't take her or A&P if you don't feel like studying.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Caring
5.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C+
May 11, 2018
Would take again

Great professor and great person

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: D
Oct 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Don't do it. You will regret it.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: D-
Oct 18, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Tough to follow.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

An oay professor, she jumps around a lot and isn't very clear as to what she wants. She oversimplifies things in lecture yet expects you know extremely complex details about subjects on the test. Very very tough to follow and overall confusing.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Personally I would not recommend taking her. She makes it so much harder than it needs to be. She jumps from topic to topic to much in lecture, a lot of the questions on the tests are things she has not mentioned or taught in lecture. Asked for help numerous times & got nothing in return. If you want to pass take someone else!!!!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: D
May 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She definitely struggles with staying on the same topic during lecture. MAKE sure to take good notes, basically is the only way to pass. She gives outlines to study, with WAY more information than needed. She spends a lot of time on 2/3 topics in class and doesn't go over the rest. She is very sweet, just very tough! Good luck :)

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: B
Jul 26, 2019
Would take again

I loved her class it was fast paced since it was a summer class but she is one of my favorite people and she did a great job at explaining things, she wrote the important stuff that she wanted you to know on the board and she had tons of pictures to show and they always stuck with me during tests.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Caring
4.0
3.0
BIO107
Grade: C+
Aug 7, 2019
Would take again

i absolutely love her! She is always willing to listen and explain things as you need.

Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
BIO171
Grade: A
Oct 15, 2019
Would take again

Shelley is a fantastic teacher who helped me really enjoy AP1. She is always up front with what content will be tested on & frequently references the book for pictures or more in depth reading. Flashcard lecture notes, outlines, and powerpoints and the tests are straightforward and fair. Loved this class and love her teaching style.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
3.0
ENG161
Oct 29, 2019
Would take again

10/10 love her.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
BIO171
Nov 5, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Hated this class. I enjoy anatomy but this teacher made me hate it. Very confusing and jumps from topic to topic. Very unorganized teaching method. I have already taken anatomy twice and have passed both times (credits just didn't transfer) and this is the only anatomy class I completely failed. Def taking a different teacher next semester

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Very confusing, very fast paced. She definitely is a tough grader, jumps from topic to topic in lecture. I worked really hard for this class, I studied a lot, read the book, i watched extra videos on youtube, and even went to tutoring halfway through to help me out & my grade suffers regardless.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Very confusing, very fast paced. She definitely is a tough grader, jumps from topic to topic in lecture. I worked really hard for this class, I studied a lot, read the book, i watched extra videos on youtube, and even went to tutoring halfway through to help me out & my grade suffers regardless. I wouldnt take her again at all.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C
Nov 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

To be honest i never studied in highschool and i was still a straight A student. Now in college i study all night and everyday. If you take berg you could dedicate your whole life to this class and youll still fail. Her lectures are all over the place. She does not teach, she tells so then you have to teach yourself. Would not recommend.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: D
Dec 16, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She's a great person, but as a professor she's the worst I've ever had to endure. I feel like most of the time I had to teach myself and my time in lecture was wasted listening to her go off on a tangent an belittling anyone that answered her questions. Not to mention she adds SO MUCH unnecessary work to the class.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
5.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: B+
Dec 30, 2019
Would take again

I recently completed BIO 171 with Shelley Berg, the class was difficult, but it was manageable. Shelley gives you all the outlines and tools you need to pass her exams on her websites, as well as she gives hints (and even will out right tell you to memorize certain things) on extra credit. She is very caring and will try to help you pass her class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
BIO107
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I will never in my life take her for another Biology course. She goes off the rails talking about her dog for 10 minutes. The worst instructor I ever had I actually used to be interested and like Biology now I do not. Mentally draining, boring, hard to follow at times. She is a wonderful person but a terrible teacher. I will be lucky if I pass.

Accessible outside class
Participation matters
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
BIO171AND172
Grade: B+
Jan 27, 2021
Would take again

I love her. I'm online due to COVID so I can't judge in person lectures. But in our videos and Zoom sessions, I feel she is fair and answers questions clearly. I have learned a lot from Professor Berg.

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Mar 12, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor I have ever had. So confusing. She doesnt have a clear train of thought. She doesnt teach out of the book so nothing you learn is even close to whats on the test. Do not take her, it will be a mistake. Take Matthew sisaks class please, youll thank me later.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
BIO151
Grade: B+
Apr 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Low key condescending and tries to play it off as humor. Cannot teach online and has no clue how to encourage participation. I can think of many professors that have found a way to make online learning work, but Berg is not one of them. If you do participate and give a wrong answer, she makes you feel like a child. Never again.

1.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: C-
May 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She is a very complicated professor. Jumps from topic to topic. Tell the story, but tell it the way she expects you to. If you tell it your way, its wrong. I had to teach myself and even then it was STILL wrong. She belittles you if youre unsure. Most of the questions on tests are reworded to the point you wonder if she even taught you it.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: A-
May 4, 2021
Would take again

Not sure why there are so many bad reviews, she absolutely does not belittle you. Seriously one of the most caring and genuine professors I have ever had. Its a very tough class but if you follow her lead and take good notes as well as study frequently, you will do just fine. She is super helpful and will answer any questions! Great teacher!

Lots of homework
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: B
Nov 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Its not a matter of understanding the material and getting a decent grade. Its Even if you understand it, if you dont word it exactly how I want it worded, you wont receive full credit. She jumps back and forth from topic to topic claiming its the proper way to understand it, but in reality, its just making anatomy harder than it has to be

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I have taken Anatomy and Physiology twice and failed both times because she was the professor. Definitely would not recommend taking her if you have the option. She jumps from topic to topic and then stops to talk about her dog. Taking notes in her class is mandatory but whenever taking exams they are never the questions that she prepared up for

1.0
1.0
BIO171
Feb 2, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Very disorganized, she is just a definition of an ADHD child. Her tests are on a Mcgraw hill connect in which you will purchase. Her labs are really tedious and difficult to follow through. I do not recommend taking this class. I would suggest taking this at CCAC. Also, this is an online class because of the COvid-19

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: D
Feb 9, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Failed the course, exams are never consistent with what she taught, never made sense and was very discouraging when I would ask questions about something I didnt understand (which was basically everything, she never made any sense) Im retaking the course with a different professor and Im doing great, so save yourself the trouble.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: B
Mar 20, 2022

Took this class completely online for credit while enrolled at another school - struggled to keep up with work. 5-8 videos to watch a week. Bounced from topic to topic so it was hard to follow. Posted outlines but did not utilize them well. Have never been more stressed/anxious about a class. Wants everything explained the way she thinks exactly

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: B
Mar 20, 2022

I felt like I was supposed to know a lot of the information before it was taught with how quickly it moved. Also felt as if I was being talked down to at times, just with the tone/choice of words.

5.0
2.0
BIO107
Grade: C
May 6, 2022
Would take again

my fave biology professor who I match well with learning wise. I will be taking her for bio 171 a&p 1. you watch a lot of videos and do the work, but if you take good notes and study and do well on the quizzes/exams you can pass the class. She makes the videos funny to watch at times. can't wait to take her in the fall again.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
3.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: C
Aug 9, 2022

If you understand her teaching techniques you will pass. Lots of videos every week DO NOT FALL BEHIND! Her test are long & can be very confusing she wants you to be able to answer things how she would which makes them harder. I took it online so test that you had to type the answer if it wasn't exactly how she put it, it would be marked wrong.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO
Grade: B
Aug 17, 2022

She will not return e-mails until what you needed is already past due. Her quizzes and test are not accurate since her lectures, were done when Covid hit, and she tells you to be sure you know this or that and you try your best to remember everything, and then it's not on the quizzes or mid-term/final. I will never have her again.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
BIO171AND172
Grade: B
Feb 13, 2023

She tends to jump around; if you're not paying 100% attention you can get lost easily. She expects you to do heavy lifting in regards to studying and maintaining your grade; no extra credit. Thankfully homework is far and few between, with summaries only used as more of a study tool. If you don't have the time and ambition needed you WON'T pass.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO172
Grade: C-
Oct 25, 2023

Teaching yourself is way better, BUT the problem is even if you answered the question correctly from the book if you DIDN'T word it the way she wanted' SHE WILL MARK IT WRONG! When taking the Board, you don't need to answer the way she answered it bcoz it'll be WRONG! GET ANOTHER PROFFESOR. Unlike other teachers, She doesn't want U to succeed!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO107
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 25, 2023

She doesn't give a good feedback! You won't even know which one you did wrong, cause she doesn't return the tests with corrections! You will only know when you got an F after the semester. She implies that she's grammarian, but can't even make a correct sentence with correct grammatical structure. Don't mind buying the book, u will FAIL with her.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
2.0
5.0
BIO172
Apr 11, 2024

do not ask a question in class or she will say "some of you guys really need to start studying!" she is very rude when someone doesn't understand something. she calls you out if you don't understand. online videos are basically the same as her lectures. her lectures are a discussion! if your a professor u should be teaching not discussing!

Tough grader
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIO171
Grade: A-
May 31, 2024
Would take again

I took her online class, with only pre-recorded lecture videos. I thought she was amazing. Her grading was more than fair (every big lecture exam has bonus questions) and she always answered my emails. I only had good experiences with her, even if I asked her stupid questions (I would ask about things clearly laid out in the instructions, lol).

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: C-
Jul 25, 2024
Would take again

The midterm was the worst part of the class. I took her class online and emailed her to come in for a meeting because I was struggling. She gave me points back just for coming and for advocating for myself. She is a very unfair and inconsistent grader, but she is more than willing to help you if you're lost and explain things for you.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 15, 2024

I am in the first few weeks of BIO171 online and if I didn't absolutely NEED this class for my program I would drop it and if there was availability with another professor I would do ANYTHING to switch. Multiple videos weekly in which she bounces from topic to topic, very unorganized online course. I am struggling and spending 3 hours daily.

Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C+
Sep 26, 2024

This is the most excruciating course I have ever taken.Very unorganized,its a task itself to navigate course materials.Lectures hop back and forth between topics making what is already a difficult course harder.Arrogant attitude when asking questions.Take this course at another college/with another professor.I wish I had more characters to explain.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Rather not say
Sep 27, 2024

Instruction is terrible and grading must be word for word what she says in her “videos” to be correct on exams. Take this class at another college or with the male instructor because unless this is course the only concern in your life you will not do well.

Tough grader
1.0
1.0
BIO171
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 2, 2024

She is big on “wanting you to be able to tell the story” even after hearing information for the first time. She is incredibly rude when asking questions, have not had assignments graded that were complete from weeks ago. I genuinely question if information was ever taught. Do NOT take her course. She is the worst instructor I have ever had.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 14, 2024

I took this class in hopes that the years of bad reviews were just angry students and that her course wouldn't be that bad. I wish I didn't have only 350 characters to explain, but I can confirm that the other reviews from this past year are all true. Do not spend your money on this course with her. She is the worst, and that is being kind.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C
Nov 22, 2024

She is absolutely one of the hardest teachers to satisfy. I will be avoiding her at all costs for upcoming classes. She does not teach this class hoping for you to learn or understand she enjoys picking at everything and giving extremely unfair grading. Her test are also timed to less than a minute a question even in detailed open ended. I

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 7, 2024

There is not enough characters to describe how horrid of an educator Berg is,&to make it worse, she is condescending when asking questions!WCCC keeps her because she teaches 7 many sections of Anatomy, students fail&have to take again,&WCCC keeps making money off of her poor teaching.Avoid her at whatever cost. All recent ratings are true!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2024

To know her is to have anxiety of her(class.)Berg is THE worst,&most condescending teacher that I've ever encountered.I'm leaving WCCC as a whole because of her. A&P is already difficult, but she makes it so much harder with her unclear lectures and grading criteria. Her course feels like a game of survivor and you are just trying to get by.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C-
Dec 12, 2024

Just finished my final exam and I can say that I have learned nothing in her class because she was that bad and you are more focused on getting by in her class than learning. She is the worst person ever

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2024

This indicates that you should not enroll in this course. Really harsh grader. Quick-paced. Challenging lab final. Challenging lecture exams. Lab/Lec.quizzes every week. Spending money and not knowing if you will pass the course is such a disappointing experience. Very difficult to please. One opportunity for extra credit, only 3 points. Avoid!!!!!

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C-
Dec 31, 2024

In summation, a constant sense of doom and despair.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 5, 2025

I only get 350 characters so I'll try to use them wisely. Don't waste your time. She does not prepare you to pass her class, unrealistic expectations, her grading doesn't make sense. She takes points off for spelling errors but she can't spell to save her life. Can't stay on topic, broken record, during every lecture gets onto us about something.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C-
Jan 10, 2025

Preparing to take AP2 (with another professor of course) and was given a list of prereq content from AP1. I can say that I have learned nothing from Shelley. Along with horrible delivery, condescending attitude, you will not be prepared for further courses.I'm very relieved to never take a course with her again.Stay away from her at all cost.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C+
Jan 18, 2025
Would take again

Ms. Berg is extremely knowledgeable, and she wants to see you do well. The courses are very lecture heavy and the class is extremely fast paced. Sometimes when I would ask a question she would get a bit patronizing. She wants you to understand the information and not just memorize it. Shes harder than other Bio teachers according to other students.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C-
Jan 25, 2025

She has ruined my academic confidence. Actively degrades you as you're watching a pre-recorded lecture for the first time and not understanding.? Very particular "summaries" which are either a horrible/great way for points. You will be scraping your points together all semester long! Wouldn't recommend, BUT if you are in her class don't give up!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO171
Grade: A-
Mar 20, 2025

Multiple people received different scores for the same answers (multiple choice included). She was pretty mean to some students. She told me that I would never make it as a nurse because of my disability.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: C
Mar 21, 2025

Taking BIO172 with another professor and constantly being told "like we learned in AP1" and realizing that I have never even heard that material.Her class did not prepare me whatsoever for the continuation of my education!You are constantly in fight or flight dealing with this prof. Just horrible! She is also incredibly rude as well.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 3, 2025

Evil professor. Inconsistent grading, degrading responses even with genuine questions. Left WCCC as a whole because of this prof. Her current 2.5 rating is quite generous

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO171
Grade: B+
Jun 5, 2025

Grading unbalanced. Lectures disorganized, hard to follow, & unhelpful for tests, which are poorly written & weighted heavily. Expectations unclear, feedback, if any, is dismissive. Class feels designed for failure unless you commit all your time, even then you'll need to relearn/teach yourself the material.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
BIO171AND172
Grade: A
Aug 10, 2025
Would take again

Tough on students because she cares. Learned a lot that will stick with you for future courses. Class participation helps you to keep up with material and not get behind.

Participation matters
Inspirational
Caring
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

33%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C+

95% confidence
Based on 47 grades
Most common grades:
B (9)
C (7)
C- (7)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(9)C(18)D(11)F(1)A-/B+(9)
Based on 62 reported grades
B: 9
C: 7
C-: 7
D: 6
Common Tags
Tough grader (33)
Lecture heavy (27)
Skip class? You won't pass. (20)
Test heavy (20)
Tough Grader (8)
Caring (7)
Gives good feedback (7)
Lots of homework (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.21 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO171AND172

4.2

(5)

APBIO

4.0

(1)

AP172

4.0

(1)

BIO161

4.0

(1)

ENG161

4.0

(1)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

APBIO

5.0

AP172

5.0

BIO172LAB

5.0

BIO

5.0

BIO172

4.8

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