Kate Susman - Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Professor: Kate Susman

Department: Biology

College: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: BIOL245
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Susman is a sweet lady, but a very difficult professor. Took human physiology with her, and it was probably one of the most difficult courses I have ever taken at Vassar. I feel lucky to have pulled off a B+ considering that I flunked the first exam. I would still recommend her class; I actually did enjoy it. Just be prepared for her workload.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BIO105
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Susman is extremely lively, even at 9am! She does not teach by the level of detail in the textbook, so as long as you are attentive in class and review her slides you will be prepared for the exams. With that said, the exams cover a LOT of material at once and are difficult. She is extremely approachable and gives quick feedback.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BIO105
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Kate is such a wonderful teacher. I was originally a Chem major, but she made me change my path - and I think it's for the better! I don't know what I'd do without her help. When I felt discouraged she was always there with advice and really pushed me to work harder and keep putting in effort. Would take again

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: 100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

holy cow; katy is T H E best. wow. cool class; lots of pop quizzes, but i guess thats what you get when you sign up for science. highly recommend!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: BIO316
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Going to class with Kate is wonderful. I always felt like I was learning something. She pushes you to really understand the material and think critically. You can tell she really loves and is passionate about the topic. She is tough while absurdly constructive with criticism but its clear she's tough for your benefit, not hers.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: BIO105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

prof. susman is a really nice lady. she did, however, made me hate biology. lectures were always boring, tests were always impossible. for someone who loved and excelled at bio all my life i came out of this class feeling discouraged and looking to switch majors. she is really nice though.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BIO105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I loved Kate Susman. She made me fall in love with bio really late in the game. Her tests were pretty hard and I often felt like I was in over my head, however, I always ended up getting A's. Just study and you'll be fine. She's VERY lenient when it comes to subjective grading. She's quirky and extremely enthusiatic.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: BIO105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I almost fell asleep every class. The powerpoints could get boring at times. However, I was never surprised by the tests (you can almost exclusively study class material) and I learned a TON. She's nice and enthusiastic about the subject, I just found class a bit dull at times. It was also cool that she had us read so many articles.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BIO106
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Kate is a great professor. She expects a lot, but she teaches you a lot, as well. Very excited about what she does, especially C elegans! I found her lectures to be interesting, although occasionally a bit long and tedious. Not too much hw. I rarely open my textbook, except for studying.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BIO316
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Kate is an amazing professor and person. She's so enthusiastic, with a true love of teaching and of the material which she brings to every lecture. She expects a lot from her students but will do everything she can to help you get there. She's also been my adviser and boss and has changed my life as a student and as a friend.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: BIOL316
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Kate Susman is awesome, funny and extremely smart. I learned a lot in her neurobiology class and had a great time working in her lab. She is very helpful as a mentor and is great about engaging students. She's a bit of a tough grader, but she is always willing to meet with students. Definitely take a class with her if you like biology.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: BIO106
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

susman's lectures consistently kept me interested. she's very enthusiastic about biology and it's contagious, especially in 106 when one of the units is in her area of expertise (C. elegans). love her.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: BIO106
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She has a great sense of humor! You must ask questions because she expects a lot out of you. However, she's very easy to talk to and eager to explain

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BIOL106
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very funny and nice, but a hard grader.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BIO152
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

As a person, rocking. As a professor, pretty cool too.