Catherine MacHalinski - Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA

Professor: Catherine MacHalinski

Department: Science

College: Diablo Valley College, Pleasant Hill, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: BIO117
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very abrasive during lectures. Overall, her class wasn't bad in terms of the material she presented. I do know quite a few students were left confused due to her seeming to assume we have some prior biology knowledge despite being in an introductory level course, and thus some material wasn't clearly presented.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Some parts of lectures she would cover extensively and then tell us we didn't need to know any of it or that we wouldn't be tested on it. Made it seem that we were frustrating her but she has a low patience level. Expects students to finish her sentences like we have prior knowledge of biological terminology despite us being in an intro course-lame

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BIO102117
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I took both of her bio classes which I really enjoyed - they are fast paced and lots of materials but her lectures are amazing and she's extremely knowledgeable. I was excited to be at each lecture. If you talk to her and get to know her, you'll realize that she's very caring for her students and for their success.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I've had my fair share of teachers, but I've had none who were as rough around the edges, passive aggressive, and less patient as her. Teachers aren't there to hold your hand, but she is abrasive. Her lecture style is very scattered, with multiple forms of media (many of which would glitch and take valuable class time, as you sit around and wait).

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Not a nice person. Rough on edges.. Scary to approach

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: BIO117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

She's an amazing professor. Her lectures are interesting and she provides a lot of review for exams in the form of study guides. She also offers a lot of extra credit which really helps. She can get off topic sometimes, but she is a solid professor. I would recommend her to anyone planning on taking her class.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

There is a lot of information thrown at you in this class, but Prof. Machalinski gives you all the tools you need to do well. She covers everything you need to know in clear lectures, and there is online extra credit available for every chapter. I came away from this class with a much better understanding and admiration for biology.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: BIO117
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Loved her! She is passionate, energetic, and interesting to watch. Kept my attention and it was my first science class after being out of school for 4 years. If you study, you'll do well. Some say she can be rude, that's only if you disrespect her by leaving early or not paying attention. She will happily answer any questions you have.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

SHES AMAZING. Such a great teacher! Loves what she does and teaches it so well. Super organized and helpful. Gives study guides which basically mirror the test. BUT its not an easy A class. You need earn that A which makes sense because its college! Would love to take her again! So funny and interesting. Loved her and her class so much! TAKE HER.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

She loves what she does! And she really cares about her students success. She goes out of her way to keep track of the grades and give out extra home works or extra credits when the tests are difficult on the students. I used to get so into her lectures I would lose track of time! She loves science and is a great teacher!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: BIO117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor Mac always made class fun and interesting. She's easily approachable and takes a great interest in her students' success. She WANTS you to enjoy learning about biology and she does a fantastic job of doing so!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Though the class is really hard, it is worth it. You must study as the material itself is rather difficult, but she's a fantastic teacher. She also offers a fair bit of extra credit, which also doubles as an addition study guide for the test.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Highly recommend. She gives you every oportunity to succeed. She gives homework that is actually helpful and sometimes even interesting and fun. Very little homework by the way. She gives you lecture notes and explains things really clear. I can't imagine there being a better Bio instructor at DVC. One of my favorite teachers ever.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

She is awesome. So funny, and SUCH a good teacher, if you get the option to have her as your professor take her. She is absolutely crazy-in a good way though :) She uses great examples and makes things relatable and memorable.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BIO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Even though I have no idea what I'll be getting in this class yet, I still think she is one of the best teachers I've had. She's so funny and makes bio way easier to understand. If I did not have her as a teacher there is no way I would be passing and even have a chance to pass. She's awesome. TAKE HER!!!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: BIO120
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great teacher! Made me a lot more interested in Biology by listening to her energetic lectures. Explains complex topics in a clear, understandable manner. Her unique humor on the side makes each class a pleasure to attend. One of the best faculty members on campus. Highly recommended.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: BIO117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

She's a really cool teacher! She's very enthusiastic and bubbly. I thought she was very clear and thorough when she explained things. Labs are fun! Lectures are super interesting! She can also be pretty funny. I rarely used the book because her lectures were great and she also posts powerpoints and other references on webct. I loved this class!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: BIOL101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Enthusiastic and has a great sense of humor... Entertaining and bubbly personality made lectures borderline enjoyable considering that The subject matter was biology! Great teacher!

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: BIOSC117
• 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:

Great teacher. Attendance will get you an A. What she teaches is what you need to know for the tests and quizzes. Her lectures and labs are interesting. She's got some funny quirks like pouring water from a canteen into her cup to drink and she loves her cats :P She's very helpful and will write on the board everything you need to know.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: BIOSC102
• 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:

Professor was a joy and breath of fresh air. Extremely knowledgeable, great lectures and has fun in class. Good personality. Best instructor I had at DVC out of 17 completed courses. Is a bit strong minded in conveying her opinion, but who doesnt like a woman so passionate about what she belives in? Enjoyed her jokes, made me chuckle.