LS7A has a pretty streamlined curriculum across professors, so it does not matter which professor you have. Pires's explanations in class can be a little confusing at times, but that's just because there is a lot of information to cover in such a short time. This class does have a lot of busywork attached to it, but overall it is not too bad.

I wasn't that excited about taking LS 7B with Deb due to the reviews, but she is a lot better than the reviews give her credit for. She's very nice and explains concepts well enough, and I felt comfortable asking her questions if I ever needed to. I thought that the concepts were easier to understand than in LS 7A, and the workload was less since the reading guides were optional. She uses iClicker to check knowledge and shows why the incorrect answers are incorrect. I didn't have to do that much studying outside of class besides the practice problems to do well on the exams. She's a very friendly person and I'm happy that I took LS 7B with her.

I didn’t take AP bio in HS so for me this class was a bit hazy. Like many science classes, stuff is just taught from the board and we have engaging tactics to answer questions like clicker. Though as a life science major I wouldn’t say I enjoyed this class during lecture most times. I also did not enjoy the tests.

I wouldn't recommend having Pires for 7A. She explains bio concepts in a weird way that makes everyone more confused.

Due to the flipped classroom curriculum, your professor may not make a huge difference. Class consists of lecture and clicker questions to mark attendance and there are often pod assignments each lecture. I would recommend doing staying a little after in the lecture hall because you can ask the TA's or the professor for guidance and clarification. For exams, make use of resources like CLC sessions and TA office hours! They often went over what would be on exams and I felt much more prepared that way. My TA was Shania and she was super fun and great at explaining concepts. The class is challenging but by the second midterm you'll have a good grasp on what to expect from future exams since the questions are worded a bit strangely at times but it's meant to mimic the MCAT from what other TAs have told me. Best of luck!

Launchpad is the most annoying and boring thing ever. You use it for all the LS7 series, it's awful-- for that part, good luck. You can get by most of the time if you just read the highlighted/bold terms, but if it doesn't make sense then def read the chapter.

PS: I'm selling all of my notes (from both the readings and the lectures) for $15, as well as supplementary practice worksheets, so hmu on ********** if you are interested!

If you're interested in getting the answers to previous launchpad PEQs, PCRQs, and animations email me at *************

Challenging class!

Selling looseleaf version of textbook in a binder! Great condition and selling for cheap. Message me at **********!

LS1 Course Reader

It's the customized UCLA version of

Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
Principles of Life

by Hillis, Sadava, Heller, Price

$20.00
-very good condition, no hilighting inside, pages super crisp

*************

Debra Pires is an amazing professor and person! She truly cares about all of her students and expresses this any chance she gets. From her lectures you can tell she is passionate about ecology and conservation. There are iClicker questions, 75% of questions each class must be answered in order to receive credit, this counts towards your grade but only 72/782 points towards the total grade. The exams cover relatively easy information, but questions are often phrased in confusing ways. It is important to become familiar with the questions she will ask, this can be done by reviewing PEQs, practice midterms/finals, and problem-solving session questions.
Overall, I loved this course! Even though I got a B (my study habits are really bad) most people got A's. I will forever think highly of Dr. Pires!