The material taught in the class was not difficult. I have taken previous classes on chemical/biological oceanography that helped me succeed in the class. The lectures provided were semi-detailed and well structured, but the exams were graded harder than they should have been. The class/professor could have been improved if the exams were graded less harshly. Most exam rubrics required specific answers to receive 100% on each question, but the questions themselves did not indicate the level of detail needed. The lecture slides were provided by a different professor, which caused confusion for many students as our professor contradicted what was given on the slide. My TA, Brandon, was great. and helped clarify a lot of the topics covered. I would not have succeeded in the class if it weren't for my previous knowledge of the material.

Unlike what everyone else said, I enjoyed this class. It is A LOT to memorize tho. Her lectures are decently organized, she knows her stuff well. She encourages questions however, in one class she kinda got frustrated with a student for questioning her. She is not sympathetic but that does not stop her for being a good lecturer. Just attend ALL classes, and take notes (some things she adds are on the tests). There are weekly readings with short assignments (formulating 3 scientific questions regarding readings) so your grade for that depends on your TA. If you memorize and understand all her slides then you will do good on the exams. Warning, exams are VERY long contain MC, fill in the blanks and short answers. The topic is very interesting and fun! I recommend this class if you are willing to put in the work because it is not an easy A.

I think some people are overly critical of Professor Cat. Yes her lectures are somewhat disorganized and it seems like she reads off of them, but you can tell she is passionate about what she’s teaching. She would go out of her way some lectures to connect material to potential jobs and careers.
The tests themselves were confusing sometimes. You couldn’t always tell what was being asked. It was half written half multiple choice and you could choose 3/5 of the written questions to answer which helped a bit. When the class didn’t do well, she made sure to scale it at the end to ensure everyone did better. TAs are available outside class to help and are friendly.
It was her first quarter teaching so I definitely think there’s a learning curve to being a professor but that she did fairly well!

As many of the other students have already stated, the professor being confused about her own lecture slides is discouraging, because if the professor needs to ask the TAs for help on her own material then what does that tell us, the students, who study these lecture slides to prepare for exams? This is especially concerning given that the slides are what the tests are based on and that the professor writes the exam based on slides that she herself is sometimes confused on! Additionally, I along with many other students felt discouraged in office hours due to her condescending responses. 109 has glowing reviews as an EEB class from students who took it with other professors, so if I were you I would just wait to take it with somebody else. I honestly regret letting my introduction to marine science be with this professor.

her slide is from others, her materials are extremely messy. you need to study hard by yourself. i didn't read any reading she assigned.