I took this as an easy A science GE and it was indeed an easy A science GE. It was easier than my freshman biology class in high school (never took AP Bio). I never read the textbook unless our weekly problem sets had a question on a section from the book, in which case I would read like 2 pages. Don't buy his book "Mean Genes"; I never read a page and got an A. Since all of the quizzes are open note and he gives the possible questions in advance, ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE and bring those answers in and you'll always get an A. Go to his midterm + final review sections and answer all the questions he gives you during that--have those notes out during the test and you'll be fine. I got a 93 on midterm and an 87on final and got an overall grade of 96; lots of extra credit and smaller assignments to raise your grade, and he seems really nice.

Jay and his class are both AMAZING and this is coming from someone who used to hate biology (that was until I took his class). His lectures are engaging, he makes the content interesting, and teaches the course from a non bio student perspective which is nice.

Lectures: Because I took this class during COVID-19, lectures were prerecorded videos and overall were very engaging. He kept them organized, used examples, and his slides were useful (although he doesn't post them). He also kept the videos short which is nice.

Discussions: Discussions consisted of a weekly quiz (one of the problem set questions), review lectures, a group problem set presentation, and a group debate. These projects did require some prep time out of class but it wasn't unmanageable.

Homework/Reading: This class did have a fair amount of work, especially for a GE. There were weekly problem sets that were assigned, but weren't graded (except for one of the questions was chosen for the weekly quiz). We also had to write discussion board posts and create a music video (which was a lot of work but surprisingly helpful for studying). His books are optional but they are well written and help explain concepts further.

Exams: Exams in this class overall were fair, consisting of both M/C and short answer. The midterm was a bit time constrained and some of the short answers required more explanation to get full points, but the final was more manageable. Open notes due to COVID but could be different if taken in person. He doesn't post review materials which makes it tough, but as long as you understand the concepts and examples, you should be good.

Overall: TAKE THIS CLASS! Prof Phelan is a gem and you won't be disappointed! This class really changes your whole view on science and biology and you find out it is actually cool.

Professor Phelan was a great lecturer, and the course material was really interesting. I’ve never considered myself to be super interested in science, but I found myself liking the practicality and real-world application that this course has. I took this class online, so I think I would’ve gotten more out of the lectures if they had been in person.

In terms of workload, this class has a few bigger group projects and quizzes, but isn’t overwhelming in any way. I definitely recommend reading / taking notes on the textbook before lecture, as Phelan’s lectures are more conversational and better to listen to, rather than take notes on. The textbook goes into more depth and technical terms, while the lectures are more about applying and talking about the concepts. All of the projects and quizzes are completed in the discussion, so participation is really important!

Extra credit was offered, and was a super fun assignment.

Overall, would definitely recommend this class and professor!

As someone who hated biology all through middle school and high school, I really really enjoyed this class. Professor Phelan's lectures are extremely clear and engaging, and he offers extra credit opportunities as well. I'd recommend thoroughly reading rather than skimming all the relevant material from the WIL textbook. Though it was long and tedious this really helped me understand the material. I also took notes on the textbook, which was very helpful.

Jay Phelan is a great professor!
I am Selling What is Life? 3rd Edition (pdf) for $15. Text me at ********** if you are interested.

This teacher was amazing! This is a must-take at UCLA!
Selling the books and weekly questions. Text me 1**********

By far the best professor I have had at UCLA. Clear, engaging, witty. Despite attendance not being mandatory, every lecture was full. Must take class.

Professor Phelan is amazing. He truly cares about his students. Everything except the exams are easy to do well on. For the exams, really study all of the material. Even material discussed once is fair game to be worth a lot of points on the exam.
There were 4 quizzes throughout the quarter, each one was a question given the week prior within a problem-set. Professor Phelan does whatever he can to make our lives easier. He is genuinely a wonderful professor who I'd love to take another course with.
The exams are difficult but he does review sessions before them and those are done with extreme detail. If you study what he tells you to, you'll do great!

This class is honestly the most amazing class you will take as an elective or a pre-req. He is so insightful and really cares about his class. There are problem sets every week that he uses as easy points on a quiz for you to help boost your grade. There is one midterm and one final and basically, even though this class is great and interesting, still take the midterms and final seriously, there is a lot of material. If you're looking to BUY THE TEXTBOOKS, I am selling What is Life and Mean Genes . **********. Text me! Or email me at *************.

I AM SELLING THE PDF VERSION OF "WHAT IS LIFE? 4TH EDITION WITH PHYSIOLOGY" FOR $5. TEXT ME AT ********** IF INTERESTED WITH YOUR VENMO AND EMAIL.

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You only need "What is Life? 4th Edition with Physiology" for this class. Mean Genes is fun to read, but is not really "required" to do well in this class, so unless you're interested in reading more about it then you don't really need to get it. The actual textbook is pretty expensive, so I highly suggest buying the pdf version of the book. I'm selling it for only $5!