He understands how to teach biology. I am a senior, have taken all kinds of biology classes, and he is my favorite. I even took a graduate level class specifically because he was teaching it. He is a very tough grader and the tests are difficult (my most difficult class). Work hard and engage and whatever grade is worth the knowledge.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
David Wassarman
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Exams were incredibly difficult and he's a very fast paced lecturer. Clearly explained the processes and gave several examples, often giving many chances to ask questions after giving a summary of sections. Was very understanding and kind, truly cared for students!Rate My Professors ↗
He was an good professor who would would help you if asked for it, passionate about his content. The class was very difficult though with him rushing through many different things in one lecture making it very difficult to keep up.Rate My Professors ↗
He was good and got his point across, but his lectures/slides were often hard to follow/not clear what you were supposed to take away. He was a tough grader on FRQs (the questions were simple/didn't seem to need very detailed answers but he would deduct if you didn't go in depth parts enough). Some FRQs ask about scenarios not discussed in class.Rate My Professors ↗
David was a good teacher but his material is TOUGH, no matter how much I studied I just could never give enough information on my short answers. I would verbatim write something from his slides and he would tell me I did not have enough depth in my answer. His exams averaged more than 10% lower than the first exams he did not teach.Rate My Professors ↗
I loved Dr. Wassarman! I had an understanding of MCB before coming into class, and so his unit was very easy but I also still learned a lot. Participate in class! Talk to him after class! You may not get a 100% on the exams, but it's very easy to get a 7/8 on every question as long as you show some understanding of some relevant mechanism.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with David Wassarman
EUKARYOTIC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY focuses on basic molecular mechanisms regulating DNA, RNA, and protein metabolism in eukaryotes, including a thesis research project.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2024: 3.54 GPA, 72.4% A/AB (n=58 letter grades); Spring 2025: 3.43 GPA, 64.2% A/AB (n=53 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.57 GPA, 76.6% A/AB (n=47 letter grades). Includes jointly taught sections.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2023–Spring 2026Independent Study
1–3 creditsIndependent study involving research work in Genetics under the direct guidance of a faculty member, with students arranging work and credits with the instructor.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2023–Spring 2024 · limited sampleSenior Honors Thesis
2–4 creditsIndividual study for majors completing theses for Honors degrees, arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Special Problems
1–3 creditsSpecial Problems course for individual advanced work in Genetics under faculty guidance.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Spring 2026Research
1–12 creditsIndependent laboratory research in preparation of a graduate thesis under supervision of a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Independent Study
1–3 creditsIndependent Study is a directed study project course for juniors and seniors.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Research
1–12 creditsA graduate research course where qualified students use departmental facilities to conduct independent research using various approaches.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Distinct courses recorded per term
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | BIOCHEM/GENETICS/MDGENET 620 | Eukaryotic Molecular Biology |
| Spring 2027 | GENETICS 299 | Independent Study |
| Spring 2027 | GENETICS 682 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | GENETICS 699 | Special Problems |
| Spring 2027 | GENETICS 990 | Research |
| Spring 2027 | PHMCOL-M 699 | Independent Study |
| Spring 2027 | PHMCOL-M 990 | Research |
| Fall 2026 | GENETICS 299 | Independent Study |
| Fall 2026 | GENETICS 467 | General Genetics 1 |
| Fall 2026 | GENETICS 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | GENETICS 699 | Special Problems |
| Fall 2026 | GENETICS 990 | Research |
| Fall 2026 | PHMCOL-M 699 | Independent Study |
| Fall 2026 | ZOOLOGY 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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