2.5
Quality4.0
Difficulty32%
Would Retake104
Reviews32%
Would Retake
104
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
23
4
14
3
7
2
15
1
45
What Students Say
“Espinosa is one of the worse instructors I have ever met”
BIO182 - 1.0 rating“PROS: No lecture book PP only, lab book is easy, seems like a nice lady BUT horrible instructor”
BIO182 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
55%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.20 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO120
4.0
(1)BIO181BIO182
3.6
(5)BIO107
3.0
(2)BIO181
2.7
(60)BIO182
2.2
(35)Difficulty by Course
BIO105
5.0
BIO182
4.1
BIO181
4.0
BIO107
4.0
BIO181BIO182
3.2
Reviews (104)
not a fair grader, take off points for EVERY little thing, not clear on what she wants, expects everything when she gives nothing, and not the brightest professor
this teacher is really undetermined to help you. not clear in her lectures, does not know the material well. kept me confused the whole sememster
Well Yvette is a new professor, she is a very hard grader, she will take points for spelling something wrong, her exams are very difficult and mostly from book, her teaching style did not work for me, i barely passed the class, but it worked for others. You must put ALOT of time for this class, Read the book b4 coming to class and Ask her for help
I took this professor for BIO/181 and BIO/182. She is very helpful and explains what she wants. Do not listen to any negative feedback on her. She gives a chance to make up credit after a test. She hands out study guides for the test and if you complete it and study the guide you will do well.
She is a great teacher and as long as you show up to class and you study, your going to pass the class.
She is very hard, boring lectures, hard to get ahold of class. And does not let you make up any work.
This is by far one of the best instructors in SMCC. Sure she's not easy, but if you're looking for a science major in the university, then take her. She basically holds your hand with study guides and her tests are worth pretty much nothing (~20%). If you care about retaining the material you learn, then take her class.
Agreed, don't listen to negative feedback. She gives lots of work, but she is incredibly helpful and will do her best for you. She gives test makeups, EC, excellent study guides, and you can even turn in work late. She is one of the best professors in SMCC, and will no doubt prepare you for university. If you study her powerpoints you will be fine.
Very inflexible, treats students like children. Unfair with grading and assignments. Lectures are boring and monotone, in addition she expects students to print out each lecture before class(at least 10 pages) yet talks about diminishing rain forests in Africa?!
Yvette Espinosa is the type of professor you would want if you are planning to transfer to a University! The people who trash talk her are probably the students who expect to "sail" through college without trying. Espinosa is a great instructor who knows what she is teaching. Only the slackers fail this class. If you try your best, you'll do well!!
She is an excellent instructor! She is very passionate and informed on her field. If you attend class and have a fraction of brain, then you should have some sucsess in her class
Only the idiots fail this class. This instructor gives her students so many opportunities to pass the class with an "A" or a "B." The ones who don't do so well are the ones who don't go to her review sessions! If you think her class is too hard, drop out now before it's too late!
Fantastic teacher!!! She has a great sense of humor. She takes her class very seriously and helps those who want to learn reach their goals. ESPINOS ='s AWESOME.
Lets just say, ill probably end up either trying to drop this class or failing by the time someone reads this :(
She wastes time and talks about her personal life - like how her husband doesnt have a GED! She does give chances to bring up your grade but she is kind of boring. She also makes you buy an expensive ass book and a lab manuel that she wrote- what a rip off!
This is a power point teacher, which in opinion is kind of lame in a lazy kindd of way. She's very nice though and level headed. I would take her again if I had to, but I would try and get a lecturer first instead of a power point opperator if you know what I mean.
Yvette Espinosa understands the topic she teaches to her classes. I've read a lot of comments towards her and wanted to experience her class myself to determine how well of an instructor she is. I like to think her class as challenging and she encourages students to try. If you expect to pass her class without trying, drop the class now.You'll fail
You people who complains about this class and the instructor and failed are stupid. I missed five days and still got a B. & I wasn't as dedicated to the class as some of the other students who had her.
Teacher is most intrested in her latino students, even her bio states this. Not a quality college professor . . . a high school teacher at best.
let me tell you this - i took her class last semester and there were 16 students and 10 students failed her class (including me)...She is that good....NEVER going to take her class again...
SHE MAKES YOU TO BUY A TEXT BOOK AND A LAB BOOK WHICH IS SUPER LAME.
Very unreliable as well as poor at going over work sheets handed out as well as being clear in what she is looking for in assignments. While the concepts of the course are easy, the difficulty in the lack of logic and teaching strategies make this likely not a pleasant experience.
Assigned a final project in one day with little clarification and expected done in one day. Absolutely worthless in terms of quality you will get out of an academic professor. Time best spent with another intstructor.
Personally everything a student needs is on black board and on her schedule that she hands out the first day of class Many of the students expect to be baby fed and failed on their own terms, due to the lack of effort She is very good teacher and people need to stop complaining, for she gave extra credit and allowed student to redeem some points
Many of the students that dropped expected to be reminded of what was already put on the schedule, which was given the first day of class Everything that is needed in on blackboard, many of the students that dropped lack responsibility and want someone to blame Dont expect it to be like high school and pass for attending
You can get an A, but that doesn't change the fact that she is a horrible instructor! The biggest problem is that she is a horrible writer with a combinational of being terribly disorganized. I feel like she spent far to much time teaching people how to jump through hoops rather than teaching her subject. We deserve better!! We deserve better!!
Yvette is an amazing instructor! She knows what she's talking about. It may be hard but if you do the work and put time into this class you'll do good. She's one of my favorite instructors at SMCC.
I have never met a teacher who wants her own students to fail! Avoid taking this course with her because you are wasting your time and money. She never responded to emails I sent to her. Course load was ridiculous. This is 182 and not an upper level class but she prided herself for teaching as if it were one! She was unclear and all over the place.
What can I say about this class. It was so unclear. Many times I was trying to figure out what she meant instead of just understand what she was saying. Lots of group work, was hard to keep a group with everyone dropping her class around me. Then would penalize you for missing group members work. WOW!!!
I'm pretty good with science classes but this course is ridiculous! She lectures the WHOLE class, the power points are confusing. Even with going to the study sessions it didn't help at all. She does give you the opportunity to make up points on test. At the end of the day I would not recommend taking her class.
I took her last semester and now I am at ASU. Her teaching method is similar to the university level. Her class is a breeze compared to these classes! I recommend taking this course if you want to succeed and further your than community college!
Not Worth taking!!.She has favorites.Not organized or clear.Very inconsistent. You email her she doesn't mail you back. Majority of the class had low exam scores that she would let you retake exam to correct what you got wrong.Did not help grade!DO NOT TAKE HER!
I took this class online and its not that hard but yes she doesn't have any organization or a method at teaching. I love biology and taking her class makes me question that. Lab is in person and she doesn't do much but sit and watch without answering questions. I wouldn't recommend her.
Choose another teacher. Ms. Espinosa doesn't clarify labs at the beginning. She changes how the curriculum is presented in the middle of the semester. She DOES NOT respond to emails in a timely fashion if at all. She is not very helpful either. She is not organized and loses papers. She is slow in grading as well.
I tired soo hard to pass this class, she is really unorganized and isn't much help. The labs are confusing. I tired so hard to avoid from taking her classes.
You better study hard and know your stuff else the exams are going to take you down hard. Espinoza gives chances like replacing your lowest test grade for your highest test grade and ditto for the quizzes. Turning in single lab assignments as a group is allowed as well. But there are no make-ups for anything. Not the quizzes, labs, or exams.
Unorganized and loses your work. And the tests are really hard!!!
Good teacher and clear about what she talks about. Though, if you don't keep up with the work or miss a day you can drop a letter grade. Won't offer help, but if you ask she will help you. Expects you to do the reading and prepare for lab assignments. Beware the tests they are tough, but everything is on the PowerPoint which are on Canvas.
CONS: Doesn't respond 2 emails, hard 2 work with, rough grader, syllabus was always wrong, lab material doesn't correlate to lecture 1/2 the time, test/quizzes didn't match outline/study guide, etc. PROS: No lecture book PP only, lab book is easy, seems like a nice lady BUT horrible instructor. Don't waste your time and money choose another schoo
She is clear in teaching but the test are a lot of information and not able to redo tests. You have to be able to keep up with the work and not miss a class.
Nice lady, TERRIBLE teacher. Expected to learn from book; book too complex for 100-lvl & HW doesn't follow. Lectures clear but doesn't seem to want to; hurries on to lab so she can grade. Seems too overloaded to help. Won't put PP online: "Doesn't want people studying it for test." Asks unclear ?'s, grades strictly. Makeups must be done same day.
Tests are EXTREMELY tough, never scored above a 75%. Refuses to put lectures online. Lectures range from 60-80 slides. Death by PowerPoint. Doesn't give homework so you don't have the chance to score those extra points. No test corrections. She doesn't explain labs very well either. Take this class elsewhere..
Avoids answering questions about the subject at hand when asked. For example we had to memorize the entire process of photosynthesis and when no one could do it she still put it on the exam and everyone failed that particular essay question. Does give extra credit, her lab book is a waste of money since most of the labs in it will not be performed.
Mrs. Espinosa is one of the worse instructors I have ever met. She's not helpful,. Her grading system makes no sense. She will allow you to work for extra credit (just a few points), but that will not make your grade any better. Avoid her. You can definitely find a better instructor.
Mrs. Espinosa is not a good teacher. She does not explain things properly and will not help you when you don't understand something. Find a better instructor for this class.
Mrs. Espinoza, Is honestly one of the worst she is a tough grader her teaching skills suck she explain things a certain way and the quizzes and tests are written differently. At the end of the day you end up failing. Take biology with another professor. From 24 student at the beginning and only like 10 make it till the end and only like 5 pass.
Ms. Espinosa was a great experience to take she treats the class like a college level should, which I appreciated. She does expect you read the chapter prior to every lecture which was a hassle but its not the end of the world. Her exams are difficult but if you study and do the work you will pass. Stop complaining about the class and do the work.
Sucks the life out of biology. Horrendous errors in grammar and spelling/logical inconsistencies makes one wonder how she has a Masters/how she dares grade so strictly. Grade weights are completely arbitrary and senseless. Needs to rein in the paperwork or make it consistent lesson to lesson. Labs are usually a rushed debacle. Uses lab to grade.
She seems to probably have improved since some reviews were written (now answers emails promptly, lets you study from power points), though the one about grammar and spelling is unfortunately still true. She's the kinda teacher who gives you what you give her- show up and do assignments, you're fine. Gripe and don't show up, DANGER. Typical lab.
Ms. Espinosa is not really bad. She has a reasonable syllabus (but it's subject to change). You have to study (by your own) and follow her instructions to pass. Only some of lectures are on Canvas. Overall, it was challenging to get an A. If you want to find an inspiring instructor, probably she is not for you.
Ms. Espinosa has a wonderful personality, but she sucked the life out of biology for me and I'm a biology major. She will take points off if you word things different than the way that she taught it. If you show up, participate and attempt to memorize her every word you can maybe pass with a B. I went to another school for BIO 182 .
Bio 181 is a passable class but not with this professor. She doesn't teach the information she just reads the slides and expects you to understand. She does not let students withdraw from the class, you have to take the failing grade. Do NOT recommend her for bio.
I took this class and I had nothing but great feedback because I spoke to the teacher and explained what I was struggling with and she helped me immensely. I was afraid to fail as it is a very tough subject, however, I have learned so much from her, and all the experiments and hands on work that I would take her class again in heart beat.
If I could say one thing about Mrs Espinosa is that she gives Amazing lectures. She has a system set up where you will get a few encounters with the main concepts throughout the semester allowing for better understanding and memorization. If you follow her recommendations the class will be simple, and perhaps even fun. Did I say Amazing lectures?
Yvette Espinosa is extremely good at what she does. If you want to actually learn the material for professional degree she is the way to go. If you want an easy A, go elsewhere. I absolutely loved her class. Only used the book as a reference, study her notes very closely. She gives a couple projects. She provides demonstration of lab procedures.
Yvette Espinosa is intelligent and aware of the material she teaches, she is very knowledgable. She explains the material very well, in ways that are engaging and easy to remember. She shares her power points with us. She gives extra credit. She is flexible as long as you're giving her your all. She is thorough and organized. She simplified Bio.
I took BIO181 with another prof but the test & quiz material was developed by Prof Espinoza. often poorly written & contained wrong answers. Terminology used didnt match the text or other study materials making studying difficult. feels like an effort to be "tricky" rather than accessible and inline w/ more universally available explanations
Ms. Espinosa excels in lecturing, but fails in most other aspects. She does not answer her email in a timely manner (about two weeks, if at all), changes the time of the extra credit field-trip the day of, does not show up to study sessions that she planned, and leaves class early on numerous occasions (which makes the class turn in labs early).
I took her BIO182 online class and that was probably the worst thing I could have done. She does not answer emails until the day before we meet for class. So if you have any questions about a study guide or the test, good luck trying to get a hold of her.
Was never in class, always had her TA do everything. Wasnt even there for the final. Dont take her class!!
The tests were very difficult and multi choice answers. The overall class was fine, expect long lectures with a-lot of information and examples of definitions.
Expects you to know things that she did not teach, and expects you to do assignments she did not assign or even mention. She once told our class "just because I didn't talk about it doesn't mean you don't have to do it", even though teaching is her job!! Does not respond to emails, grades way too harshly, weight of different assignments are a joke.
Class has no structure. Does not even reply to emails even though she says to contact her. The weight of her assignments make no sense. Takes forever to grade and when she does she goes ham on it. Lectures were boring and long. Relies so much on exams. The class literally failed and she had to do make ups. Just an awful time.
Bad grader. Often lost out on many points due to errors on the her end. I did decently in this class but its probably the worst instructor I've ever had. Hated the lessons.
Takes too long to respond, doesn't grade right, and expects you to do things that weren't even mentioned by her/in the rubric. So glad to be done with her class.
Literally ruined my chance for being a doctor, not by the work but by her words. She said if you cannot pass this class, you're not mean't to be a doctor. Whether you are a child or grown adult NEVER EVER say that. Whether you pass the class or not, it's not in the curriculum to put people down. It's your job to encourage your students and help us!
I took this course during the Fall 2019. She is not for everyone. When it comes to being stuck on a particular project or assignment, it would take too long to hear a response from her. I would not recommend this course if your not at the intermediate level of biology.
Worst college experience I have ever had. I am fond of online classes when the professor treats you like an adult, but this professor must assume she is teaching 6th grade with how condescending her lectures and labs are at times. She is also convinced she is your only class, since she will fill your calendar with nonsense busywork. Skip this one.
Does not take the time to help her students. Grades extremely hard. Takes forever to return graded assignment, and respond to emails. Everything is done independently never pairs off into groups, which is a necessity when doing labs. Don't ever use her as a professor!!
HORRIBLE. Very inconsistent & super tough grader, be prepared to fail almost all exams, lectures are VERY wrong according to answers on the exam, & some exam q's are wrong. Offers extra credit. Without it, I would not have passed the class. Nice person outside of class but for the sake of your grade and your knowledge, find a different teacher.
Professor Espinosa was an incredible professor. Biology is my worst science subject and not only did I get a good grade, I was the top of my class. The work load is very heavy, but if you buckle down and do the work, success is on the other side. I would've been completely lost without her lectures. Any time I needed her, she was promptly there!
Wish I would've perused through these reviews prior to taking her class. Her due dates for assignments are all over the place (slow pay attention to the syllabus), she's slow with communication, and the lectures just seem uncreative. I am sure she is a great biologist, but her class system is horrible. I'd rather learn from YouTube.
This teacher has been by far the worst teacher/professor I have ever encountered. She gives LONG video lectures with outlines to them that have non specific questions. Answering the outlines do not even HELP with the weekly quizzes. Oh and get ready for the sudden extremely hard unit exams she didn't prepare you for. First class I've ever failed
She's very nice, but her class system is horrible. I have never felt so unmotivated in a class than taking her course--the exams feel like she WANTS you to fail as the quizzes and lectures don't prepare you. Also, she requires items in her labs that aren't included in her syllabus under the Required Materials section!! Run away from this class.
Worst class I have ever taken had a C ended up with an A. Assuming there was a curve because everyone was doing so poorly. Mind you I'm an A student.
Her lectures are really difficult to understand, doesnt tell you whats important to write down and what isnt. Very hard grader and will reply to your email weeks after you send one. Have to end up taking this class again because I feel like I didnt learn anything despite passing with a C.
TERRIBLE. Tough grader, replies late for questions/help, doesn't prepare you well enough for her own tests, and her lectures do not help. Read online she received a C in her first Bio class, so she probably has some sort of "tough experience" complex. SHE IS THAT BAD. I have never felt so unprepared in a class. It was a very depressing experience.
She is horrible. She does not respond to emails, she does not make grading criteria clear. Her lecture outlines have nothing to do with the quizzes and exams. You "take notes" based on questions she asks in the outlines and the material does not end up on the tests. Do not take her and this school should be ashamed to have her employed.
The lack of effort from Professor Espinosa was so apparent. The class did not have to be this difficult or stressful. I finished with a high A, but that was not due to her. If you send a time sensitive email (say you need a response in a week), she will not respond in time. The labs are ridiculous and she grades so intense regardless of your effort
Prof. Yvette is amazing; I took BIO 181&182 online with her and she is always willing to help and is very organized and knowledgeable; the course itself is difficult and there is a lot to do, but if you reach out to her, she will assist you. (still using her lectures for BIO205 class).
I was nervous after reading the other reviews. Yes, there is a lot of homework between the lecture videos, notes, and labs, but as long as you stay caught up, you should be fine. There are several chances to earn a few extra credit points all throughout the semester. As long as you do all of your required work and stay caught up, you should pass.
Too many homework assignments due a day, takes me about eight hours to complete. Taking this course with another course is not a great idea. Plus, she doesn't accept late work which doesn't make sense since there are about 4 assignments due a day. Only taking this class because of credits, not because I wanted to.
This class is hard to keep up with if are in other classes as well. Hours worth of homework and the professor is a tough grader.
Bio class with Dr. Espinosa I would have to say was rewarding when you worked hard for it. Definitely video-lecture heavy (15 min- 2 hour) and homework every other day. So make sure to set aside some time to really delve into those videos! If I could tell you one thing, it would be to REMEMBER THOSE TEST QUESTIONS! They'll come in handy! Good Luck!
I do not recommend this professor at all. I took an online course because I couldn't physically go to class, but I was expected to drive to different places several times a week to complete these labs and even after driving to south mountain park several times a week, printing out papers, and spending hours on these labs I still would only get 50%.
Lots of homework and lectures (online) daily. You'll spend a couple hours a day on this class. Lectures were really helpful. She explains things broadly, then narrows in on the details. Hard but fair grader. Provides study guides that go over everything that's on the exam. She is passionate about science and made me realize how much I enjoy it.
I loved this teacher! She was committed to making sure you do well, she had study guides (for extra credit) before the test and practice quizzes after each lecture. Was willing to meet with me on her own time and was very kind! Labs were kind of annoying as you had to go out and buy different things, but was inexpensive. Loved her!
Prof. Espinosa was a solid Bio. and lab professor. My advice would be to preview the assignments at least a week before they are due, especially for labs! I remember having to travel to different places, and having enough time to complete the assignment is very helpful! In-depth lecture videos and study up on the HW, really helped me with exams! :)
Dr. Espinosa is always available and replies quickly. She is kind, but her teaching is just not my favorite. I have to always look for videos or google it, she overcomplicates it. Her questions are confusing. She will help you if you ever need her. Workload is a lot, but manageable. I enjoy her lectures, you won't really use the book.
I love Dr. Espinosa! It is lecture heavy w/ lots of studying, but manageable. She is always willing to meet and elaborate on concepts. I was nervous bc of the reviews, but she is amazing and knows her bio. Will take her for bio182. The practice exams are a life saver! Take her if you're not lazy and willing to put in the work:)
Professor Espinosa does not care if you work late, have other classes & other responsibilities. Her grading is as harsh as her spelling mistakes & lecture errors. Do not take this course if you value your self worth & mental health, this professor ensure that everyday you end up working away on the many assignments she will not grade on time.
She uses lock down browser which isn't bad but her practice quizzes state we can use notes, materials, ebook, but if it's locked down, you can't use that material unless you print out ALL of the info. HW due daily. Recordings are often > an hour long with questions that aren't in order.
I was so nervous, reading how bad she was etc... But once I was in her class it was very good. The class comes with lecture and after lecture is lab. Take advantage of her office hours she helped me a lot to understand the material after class. She is very passionate about biology. Study you will do good. I will definitely take her for bio182.
if you're taking an online course while planning to do outside things she will make it very hard. Homework is due mon-Friday with a new assignment everyday. Doesn't accept late work. If you take the class online you are required to buy materials each lab to complete labs for credit. While taking pictures of you doing the lab. Uses webcams lock dow
Dr. Yvette Espinosa was an amazing professor to me for both Bio 181 and 182. There are challenging exams and quizzes because biology is a hefty subject. As long as you understand the material efficiently, and turn in work on time, you will get an A. You will have to make a commitment to this class, so bare minimum work will get you nowhere.
Please do not believe everything you hear about this professor! She is extremely kind! I reached out about struggles and she provided guidance and support. The coursework is light and reviews she gives are true to the tests. I LK had mad 0s but got an A. She will help if you ask her and gives extra credit. she usually wont take missed quizzes tho.
Just don't take her class. She is opposite of what a professor should be in terms of empathizing for students. She is an extremely tough grader & expects you to know everything in an intro bio class. She is extremely unprofessional & students at south deserve better.
Professor Espinosa's class is challenging but manageable if you put in the work. Lots of homework, but study guides and practice exams are super helpful. unstuck ai was a game-changer for my test prep.
I consider myself to be a hard working dedicated student and I put in the effort but her grading was unfair. She deducted points for my drawings of cells not being good enough when I spent a hour detailing every detail though im not a artist. I expressed this to her but gave me very little time to fix this. This is not a art class grade fair.
Dr. Espinosa may be strict , but she knows her material & will work with you to clarify anything. Lots of extra credit & the study guides will literally save you! Most questions on the quiz will be on the exam.
Professor Yvette is a good professor when it comes to fairness and advanced notices. She offers exam reviews as extra credit. Do be prepared to spend a large amount of time in her class, as it is a science class after all, and it requires a lot of memorization and maybe a little bit of calculating. The labs are fun! Take advantage of the labs.
Harsh grader with awful lectures. I spent a lot of time researching info on my own. I aced this class but it was unnecessarily difficult and her grading methods were very unfair. She took off lots of points for simple things that she never clarified and was zero help when I asked for clarification on things. Not a good professor, don't take her.
lecture videos are long and they are not engaging. She always has something to say about the assignments you submit. She deducts a lot of points which can slowly build up and bring down your grade. As well as her labs she expects us to do it but I feel like it would be easier for her to record the lab and explain it so everybody is on the same page
She grades very harsh and often unfair, never clarifies questions, never helps just lets you do things on your own, often had to do research on my own, never answers emails, her lecture is very heavy and often not very helpful and unclear on the subjects, instead of supporting students she made it more difficult Class was very unnecessary difficult
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
55%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.20 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO120
4.0
(1)BIO181BIO182
3.6
(5)BIO107
3.0
(2)BIO181
2.7
(60)BIO182
2.2
(35)Difficulty by Course
BIO105
5.0
BIO182
4.1
BIO181
4.0
BIO107
4.0
BIO181BIO182
3.2