Debbie Duffield - Portland State University, Portland, OR

Professor: Debbie Duffield

Department: Biology

College: Portland State University, Portland, OR

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: BI416
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Great prof, but very old fashioned. No electronics, no d2l, projector slides. Prepare for up to 20 articles to read, discuss, present, and/or write summaries for. 4 exams, 2 lab quizzes, research project... and VAGUE instructions. But, shes a great lecturer, the information is interesting, it's just a very hard class to apply yourrself in.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BI425
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

She is a great professor! She was always kind, approachable, and you could tell that she was passionate about the subject. She provides study guides for the test: treat these as if they were gold and study everything on them as the tests aren't easy. There is a lot of work for this class, but I found the projects to be fun and helpful for my grade.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BI428
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Duffield is one of the most fantastic professors I have ever had! Every week she hands out a study guide of what you're expected to know, and the midterm and final are straight off of it. Noncumulative as well, with a curve! She's like the sweetest, nicest grandmother who just wants everyone to pass, and the lectures are crazy interesting!10/10

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: BI425BI428
• 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:

Natural History of Antarctica/Human Genetics. Dr. Duffield provides study guides for exams. Know every detail and then some and you will do great in her class. Seriously write everything you know! Take good notes and don't miss class. She is very approachable and helpful, and the sweetest person you'll ever meet.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: BI416
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You have to read a lot of papers, do a behavior project/paper, and the tests are not easy. You need to attend class if you want to be successful, but even if you don't do great on the tests the readings and the project offset your grade by a lot. She really wants you to succeed, but you do have to put in the effort.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: BI416
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Lecture and reading don't always overlap. Show up to class, no online presence. No PP, lectures predominantly conversation and, well, lecture. Will expect you to read assignments and chapters and know them well. Tests equal mix of lecture, videos watched, lab exercises, reading assignments, and rote memorization. Appreciates synthesis over regurg.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BIO428
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Human Genetics. I wish Deb taught all PSU bio classes. Her exams are hard and take a long time to finish, but she gives you weekly study guides that cover everything you need to be prepared, and allows for some test corrections. She is highly knowledgeable about so many topics and is involved in so much, and is clearly invested in teaching well.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: BI416
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I had Dr. Duffield for Marine Mammals, and she does stick to her own technology - it just means you have to pay attention. If you don't go to class and don't do the reading you won't do well. Tests were very hard but she's a fair grader in the end and very helpful when approached. She's passionate about the subject and wicked smart. I loved it!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BI425
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Deb doesn't allow computers in her class (said herself doesn't trust students), uses old disattached figures/graphs cut/paste into handouts, 35mm slides, won't use D2L, old cut/paste VHS tapes. Her aversion to modern technology is biggest disadvantage. Be prepared for LOTS of work, but class material is very interesting. Overall, happy with class.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BI428
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Best teacher I have ever had. Learning is first. Relax and stop worrying about whats going to be on the test etc. Just absorb the info and you will be ok. She is a rockstar scientist and you would never know it. Seriously. Just see how many things she has been involved with. I sincerely wish I could have taken every single course with her.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: BI428
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

She's an extremely nice person, but her pedagogy is stuck in the 1980s. Instead of PowerPoint, she uses 35mm slides that you are unreadable unless you are in the front row. Does not use D2L, so make sure you hang on to any handouts. Prepare to be graded down on exams for failing to answer questions that were not asked.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: BI416
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Excellent prof. Super knowledgeable, very helpful, eager to see you succeed.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: BI410
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Nat. History of Antarctica. Deb's lectures were interesting and straight forward. Her tests were hard! While the lectures cover the general ideas, her tests required specific numbers and details. However, she did provide a study guide for each week that the exam questions are directly pulled from. Great teacher! Slightly ambiguous grading style

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BI410
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Deb is great! Personable as well as interesting. She can be unclear about what she wants but she will clarify if you ask. Class is more open forum while being demanding but you should be ready for that if you're taking any biology courses. Textbook choices are good, usually not just one time use books, more like field guides.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BI428
• 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:

I loved Dr. Duffield! Her class is "easy," but it's really what you want out of it. I think all of the students learned a TON from doing their projects and reading journal articles each week. She has a refreshing, casual style of teaching and it works out really well for learning, which is the point after all. Also, she is one of the nicest profs.

Rating # 16

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

The most disorganized professor ever. I am in awe that she has managed to have any kind of career in science with such a discombobulated mind. Easy once you figure out that she grades on how MUCH you write and not WHAT you write on the exam. Just fill up the page. Repeat yourself if necessary. She won't notice, and you'll get an A. Useless.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: BIO410
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

She is an expert on pinnipeds, and a great teacher. A bit disorganized, and not terribly clear about what is expected for exams, but very understanding about curving to make up for any deficit on her end. Good prof, in general.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: BIO416
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I DO I DO LIKE HER! SHE IS SOMEONE WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT THE STUDENTS EFFORTS. IF YOU GET A F ON THE FIRST EXAM AND A AN A ON YOUR FINAL YOUR GRADE FOR THE CLASS WOULD BE @ LEAST A B. I FAILED THE FIRST EXAM AND PASSED THE SECOND ONE AND I GOT A B. I LOVE HER SHE IS TRULY SOMEONE WHO REALLY WANTS THE STUDENT TO LEARN. LOTS OF WORK THOUGH

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: EVOLUTION
• 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:

I loved her! Her demeanor is very pleasant, calming, and encourages open-ended thinking. Hint for tests: pay somewhat close attention to the "controversial" aspects of each subject. If you can discuss your views on them (and why) in the tests... which tend to be written... you should be successful. Try to include little examples as well, especially from the readings, and she may award extra points. Extraordinary teacher, highly recommended.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: EVOLUTION
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

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