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Very difficult class in general. Lectures are on PowerPoint and on E-companion. Must be in class nearly every day to pass. 15 labs, 17 quizzes, 3 midterms and final. He never goes over the midterms so you know the correct answers. Very caring and smart.

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he is a nice and approchable professor. the subject if difficult and time consuming, and his tests are difficult. but it is "do-a-ble" if you study the lecture notes and read text.

a very helpful , approachable, sweet man. kind of like a grandpa. if you do well in his class, he will help you out in any way he can .

Pr Chen is a very nice person, though his grading is kinda hard... But hey, bio 21 is a hard class anyway. Take him!

I will recommand this teacher! He explains in a easy way when it comes to complicated issue.I enjoyed his class very much, and I got a B which I think is fair. He usually has little quizes which means you have to study, but that's how you learn!

Thom Chen is a consummate University Level instructor. If you want a taste of what a real university wil give you - take his class. It is not an easy class and you will have to work outside of it. Very knowledgeable !!

Very nice man, but not a super easy professor--don't confuse the two. Has an accent, but speaks nearly perfect English. Bio 21 is a difficult course as it is, so you HAVE to read the book and study on your own. Tests are fairy easy if you're prepared and follow the instructions on the labs.

this class is for science majors , so dont expect a cake-walk. he is a really nice person , and a really good professor. the tests are hard , but if you study , there is no reason to get a bad grade.

I really liked this class and the teacher. Chen was friendly, easy to understand and approachable if you have a problem. This is an upper level Biology course, so there is lots of material to know. Study the print out notes and put in lots of time on lab reports and you will get an "A".

I saw some people struggling in this class, but I did not understand why. He gives an almost unreal amount of extra credit opportunities for students, at least for the ones who show up. You do not even have to open up the book. Yes, he has an accent, but if you listen closely you will do well.

After having been scared to take this professor based on the reviews I had read, I have to say I am pleased with him as a professor so far. I am mid-way through his class, and while it's not a walk in the park in terms of difficulty, it is fairly based on material in the book. His tests require that you know the material, so make sure you know it!

He is a great teacher, and easy to talk to. If you actually put in the effort and study for the tests, you will do fine. The tests are hard, but with the appopriate amount of study, I was able to get A's on the tests. He is really helpful if you have questions for him during office hours or before or after class.

Chen is not that bad. He posts all the outlines online and puts a red star on the things coming up on tests. Quizes are easy, and plenty of extra credit is offered. You have to work for an A, but you will also leave with something learned. Even if it is that you hate Biology.

This class has been very easy so far. SHOW UP TO CLASS! you get points just for being there. He really wants everyone to do well so on the quizzes, he will ask 13 questions and still make the quiz out of ten points. I recommend this class if you plan on showing up. He loves to give extra credit and answer any questions you have.

Bio 3 isn't an easy class since the materials are too much! However, I could say that Prof. Tom did a pretty good job. Altho ppl keep saying he's hard, actually he's kind enuf to giv extra points on attendance. So, make sure you come to class on time! I recommend him to ppl who are ready to work hard and learn BIO!! this is not an easy A class..

Easy class if you have the basics. Take it in winter and it's like a breeze. You don't even need to buy the book. Just read the slide that he gives, come to class. Easy A because there are tons of Extra credit.

take him during the winter. he's nice. if you're going into this class without knowing the material at all.. kinda hard. but otherwise pretty easy

HE IS THE MOST AWESOME TEACHER THERE IS!!! SURE HE HAS AN ACCENT BUT YOU CAN PRETTY MUCH MAKEOUT WHAT HE'S SAYING.. UMM THERES LITTLE TO NO HOMEWORK... ONE ESSAY... LABS ARE EASY.... I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS TEACHER!!!

His quizzes are easy, but tests are really tricky.

I love dr chen... his test are hard but he gives you all the info to study he wants you to be successful in the class really just talk with him... hes an amazing teacher but if you try to ask a question in class be specific or else you wont understand the answer but if you e mail him hell answer all your info

Online Hybrid Bio 21. This is a very time consuming class. There were only 3 A's out of 35. If he says KNOW THIS in the notes, KNOW IT! 3 Lab reports are grueling and very abstract. Tests are very difficult and require LOTS of STUDYING. Tom is a nice guy who will help you out if you COME TO HIM! I recommend him if you have a strong bio background.

prof chen is nice, his exams are based on mainly the txt book. his class honestly isnt hard if u put in the effort to reading the textbook and studying the lecture slides. take my word, im not a bio major nor bio is my interest but you can do well in his class if u try

School like life is what you put into it. I took the hybrid class and liked and appreciated it as a working person. Hard? Not too bad. I noticed a lot of people waited until the last minute to do things. Guess what? That will lead to less than stellar grades. The class was fair, P. Chen loves the subject, and if you do the work, you'll be fine.

Tom Chen is the most funnest, nicest, best, and straightforward bio professor at SMC. I am not a bio major, but I loved this class a lot. gives lots of extra credit has a very sweet personality, entertaining, and if you work hard you will pass and get high grades. I totally recomend taking Tom you wont regret it. this guy is the real deal take him!

Dr. Chen is a good instructor. You do have to work in his class to succeed. I took the online course w/labs on Tuesdays. His passion for Biology shows. He gives extra credit so when you stumble, you can get back up. Labs are creative and fun. He helps in class and encourages online discussion; adding points when you participate. Take him and learn.

The most awesome teacher! Had no interest in bio before but took his hybrid class and had a great time. He's passionate about what he teaches and wants you to succeed. Lab and online discussions were a lot of fun. Show interest in what you're learning and he'll give you lots of extra points for participation,attendance, etc. Two thumbs up for Mr. C

This is the hardest Bio21 class at SMC. If you aren't a good student, take Calavito. Participate in the online discussion A LOT and you can end up with 50 EC points easily. A lot of people with aspirations for medical school dropped this course, and good riddance. If you can't handle this class, you aren't meant for med school.

(Online Class) Great teacher! He answers questions right away and is enthusiastic about teaching. The class is curved, but if you expect a decent grade, put in 15 hours a week for studying and labs. Also, participate in the postings. You can get straight A's in all the exams and labs but if you don't participate in the discussions, expect a B-.

Took hybrid class over summer.Tom(he prefers you call him that)is a funny and informative teacher.His online lectures/powerpoints were clear,the labs were easy,and the quizzes/tests are straight on the lecture.Didn't need the book for this class.You do need to study if you want an A,but its very manageable to do. Make sure you participate online!

If you are serious about learning Biology you will LOVE this class. I felt bad for the non-science majors as the work was tough. That said Tom gives lots of extra credit opportunities if you take the time to participate online. This will make your grade if you show consistent work. Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this hybrid class with Tom. He's a great teacher, and makes the labs fun. Tests and quizzes are very straight forward, and there is lots of opportunity for extra credit. I never opened my book, and barely participated in the online discussions, yet still got an A, and felt like I learned a lot. Great teacher!

A wonderful, warm hearted and hilariously funny professor! If you are lucky enough to have Tom, please treat him with the respect he deserves, because he truly has your best interests at heart and wants to see you succeed. If you are not a science major, then yes, this class will be hard but that's why you go to college, folks - TO LEARN! Enjoy!

Prof Tom is a supportive, passionate, giving professor. Quoting from below: "If you are lucky enough to have Tom, please treat him with the respect he deserves, because he truly has your best interests at heart and wants to see you succeed." I could say it any better. It is challenging material, however Tom is always available on your side.

He cares about his students. Great sense of humor, very relaxing way of teaching. A great overall class regardless if you like Biology or not. Oh and go on the field trip, it's easy extra credit; and also a nice way to spend your morning.

Tom is a great teacher. He is very helpful, and always clarify the material. I really enjoyed this class.

I love this class/teacher. The Hybrid course is no joke, it will be your life. The most educational and fun 6 weeks of your life though! Tom gives out so much extra points I have 98% in the class. That never happens for me. Of course I studied a lot, but seriously the material is super interesting and Tom is pretty clear! He wants you to succeed!

tom chen is a great professor! I actually looked forward to going to class because there were a lot of fun labs and he's always smiling and has a great sense of humor. a lot of info but his class is very fun and there were extra credit opportunities so if you study and show some interest you'll do fine

Excellent professor. He genuinely cares about students and wants everyone to do well. Labs are fun. Weekly quizzes and three exams, which are based off powerpoint presentation and text. Study smart and you will do well.

Prof. Chen is great! I took his recent hybrid class. He is so kind, and you could tell he loves his job! He is very passionate and warm hearted! He is funny and tries to make class fun! You notice he wants everyone to understand and learn! If you take his class it will be HARD study A LOT! and participate! It is NOT easy!

I love Professor Chen. I took his hy-brid course this fall. The material is difficult and studying his power points and the book are time consuming, however its managable. He offers extra credit on every quiz and during class time. I received an C+ on the midterm, but was able to received an A in the class. Highly recommended!

I took Tom's hybrid class and I enjoyed every minute of it. Tom is so relaxed that he makes you feel relaxed in his class. Biology is not one of my strong subjects, but Tom really helped me out with any questions I had and everyone in his class really also stepped in and helped you if you needed help!

The class is hybrid so it's a lot of work especially the six-week course. The professor is a nice & funny guy but yes the class is not easy. Make sure to pay attention and prepare your work ahead of time. He occasionally will give points for this, turning things on time or taking good notes. Just make sure to show him you care about the subject

A hybrid course for self-directed learners. 15% of your average is based on participation, so be active on forums & write detailed lab reports to boost your grade. Prepare for mixed-media exams with multiple choice and GRANULAR short-answer (fill-in charts, diagrams, etc.). Memorize slide sets RELIGIOUSLY. Read all labs beforehand: + pop-quizzes.

Professor Chen sets the bar high for academic performance. You will become a better student by attending his class. You must read all the material, read the lab guide in advance and come prepared. I was inspired by Professor Chen, the challenge he provides inspired me. If you want to learn and grow, Professor Chen is your professor!

This review is of the hybrid class. This class is hard, especially the first couple of weeks. There is a LOT of material to cover and you have to be focused. That said, if you do all the work you WILL get a C, if you actually study it's an easy B. Tom grades very leniently. I really enjoyed this class, and recommend it with caveats.

Tom is really great! Just do the work people it's not that hard! You can tell he really wants his students to succeed, take the class seriously and come prepared and you will do great. SO much extra credit too! The bad reviewers obviously didn't even try.

Bio3 Summer: G8 teacher w/a great personality. However, what makes his class a little difficult & a little confusing is that his ppts & study guides don't always align with the txtbook. However, he sometimes takes questions frm the txtbook & puts them on the exam. I appreciate that he provides different ways of learning, but it's too many sources.

I absolutely ADORE professor Chen! Each chapter does come w around 90 pages from PDF textbook, but if you make the effort to read it the quizzes and tests will be a breeze. Adds a few points of extra credit to each assignment if you truly make an effort and responds to emails very quickly. I don't see why his reviews aren't 5 stars all around!!

Professor Chen is amazing! I truly enjoyed his class a lot and I also learned a lot while in it! The bad reviewers must have had a different teacher because he is one of the best science teachers I've had at SMC. His discussions are a really good read and have a lot of valuable info! Don't take it for granted.

Professor Chen really cares about you learning. He responds to questions and emails promptly with full explanations. He covers a lot of material and the tests are difficult. If you want an A you need to work for it but it's worth it. I learned a lot and it was very interesting.

Brilliant! There is nothing this man can't understand. He is the best teacher I have ever had. Receptive, ALWAYS responds to discussions and emails with full descriptions and examples. GO to his live Zoom sessions!! He answers Everything and his time is Yours. Generous, Involved, HILARIOUS & Exceptional. Do Not take Discussions for granted. Perfect

Tom is a great guy but his class is eh. He has information scattered all around canvas so it's so messy. There are discussions every week. The quizzes/exams are proctored and LONG and DIFFICULT but somehow I still got an A even when scoring low on them. You get A's on hw just for doing it and he does give lots of EC. Bioethics paper prob saved me

I absolutely loved Prof Chen's class. He really is one of the most genuine and caring professors I've had. I went through a relly tough emotional time in the semester and he was nothing but supportive and made sure I got the grade I deserved. Don't be lazy, study the materials he gives (his study guides) for the tests, and just have a good attitude

Look over the lectures from his provided files and youll be fine. His tests resemble his quizzes. Very nice and wants you to pass, Im not science minded but I took time to study and finished with an A.

Dr. Chen was very helpful when I took his course. He provided enjoyable and informational labs and reviews. The quizzes were not very difficult and the final was easy. He connects with student deeper than skin level. Pay attention and you will pass. Plenty of opportunities for extra credit. Very nice.

Be ready to put in time and effort. After taking his class I decided on Biology as my major because he was such an inspiration. If he sees you are putting in effort, and care about learning, he will go out of his way to help you, and gives lot of extra credit opportunities. He went and above and beyond for me as a professor!

A lot of self-studying, but a lot of extra credit, and as long as you pay attention in class and take notes on lectures, you should be ok.

Professor Chen's class is challenging but rewarding. Engage with his teaching style, use the free textbook, and try Unstuckstudy for study prep. With effort, you'll learn a lot and may even find a new passion for biology.

Do NOT take this class if you want an easy class to fulfill your life science req. I am a good student and had to study about 42 hours a week to do well on exams. Super sweet and understanding professor, he is GREAT and offers a lot of extra credit. Only take this class if you enjoy biology, or else you will probably struggle.

Not hard as long as you apply yourself, I studied for probably 6 hours a week for a 6 week session and finished the class with over 100%. Offers tons of extra credit if you demonstrate effort. Pretty straight forward material but any kind of science can be daunting. You can tell he cares a lot about students and biology, definitely a cool guy.