I have quite mixed feelings about this class. Before I begin, let me mention that Professor Pham in an amazing teacher and is very educated on the topics he discusses. However, his flaw is that he stop class too often to answer questions, which causes us to stay later online or have to watch the recordings after class. Who knows, maybe in person class will be different. I believe that the grading system is quite fair, they give you room to miss a couple of points in each category, similar to LS7A. The textbook and launchpads are absolutely useless. The only thing that is worthy of your time is the PEQs and the quizzes in the launchpad. The tests are pretty difficult and wordy, however if you enjoy the subject that might make it slightly easier. The labs are long and mindlessly boring. Overall Pham makes the subject interesting, but it does take a little time and effort. I believe the lectures and clicker questions are most helpful in preparing for the exams.

The class was overall solid, and Pham is a really cool guy. The tests had really high averages (like 80-90 I think) and extra credit on top of that. Flipped format, but mandatory clickers during lecture, mandatory discussion, and 2 weekly quizzes. I'd definitely recommend it, the concepts were intimidating but very well explained.

One of the best classes I have taken at UCLA. I had taken genetics in AP biology in high school, and in LS 7B, failed to really grasp the concept, and hated everything about genetics. I told myself that I would avoid LS 107 at all costs.
My friend convinced me to join the class a week after it had started, and I was really hesitant to. But I need to graduate on time, and this course would help me do that. Hands down, this is one the best courses I have taken at UCLA. I came to UNDERSTAND genetics and love the concept. Pham is really hard to understand because of his accent, but is an incredibly helpful professor. He helped me catch up on the quizzes and material for the first week that I missed, and helped me change my discussion twice. The class is curved, because on a straight scale, I should have received an A-, but ended up with an A. There are 2 weekly quizzes on CCLE based on the video lectures, but they are relatively easy and count for a small portion of your grade. I had one of the best TA's ever (Lee) and learned more so from her than the professor himself. The 2 midterms were relatively easy and fair. Pham literally gives you all the LS 107 past midterms up to the year 2009. He changes numbers on questions, and has the same sort of questions for the midterms. The final was a bit harder, even though he posted some finals from previous years. If you are the type of person that learns from doing problems and past answers, then this is a class for you. Glad I took this class, learned way more than I expected, and my attitude toward the subject has changed. For those looking for a science upper division class, look no further.

LS 4

So personally, I think a teacher's accent isn't a roadblock to any student's success in a class. Yes, Dr. Pham has a very thick accent, but the majority of people who paid attention in class understood everything he said.

With that said, I don't think you need Dr. Pham nor the textbook to succeed in his class. He gives you all the past exams for both midterms and sample final exam questions before the final. What more can you ask for? I did all of these and got an A in the class. Put in the time and effort and it should be very straightforward. Sure he isn't the ideal professor, but LS4 is a less than ideal course.

The flipped classroom format of this class means it relies on self-learning a lot through assigned readings/quizzes on the online textbook. Each week there are videos, textbook pages, and mini-quizzes (2-6 questions), which make up a fair amount of points (the class is out of 702 points). Staying on top of these is a must - you fall behind and it's really tough to get back on your feet. They are also super easy points that might push you from an A- to an A at the end.

The tests are quite difficult but Pham teaches you well on how to think through problems -- the questions force you to make connections with what you already know, which is why you need to stay on top of readings. There are also CLC sessions (kinda like office hours but led by Learning Assistants) that are of utmost important if you want to do well in the class. They provide worksheets that are of similar difficulty to the tests and the LAs help you walk through the problems and make connections. A lot of people who didn't do well in this class didn't go to these. They are a MUST.

Pham himself is a great guy. He makes funny jokes once in awhile and cares a LOT about his students. His accent takes a bit to get used to, but it's entirely understandable. He could be a bit more helpful when explaining clicker questions in class, but he will always expand more after class or in his office hours.

LS4

I don't know why everyone is bashing this guy.
He's a great professor - extremely knowledgable, passionate and friendly. The course itself is a sedative but Pham does a great job keeping my attention and I'm 100% focused during lectures.

The class is difficult by nature - if you hated 3C you're in for another trip - but he posts ALL his past tests - just do (and understand) every single one and you'll be good come midterm/ finals.

I can't stand complainers, suck it up and put in the work and you'll get the results you want. Don't blame the professor - there are so many resources out there for you to use.

Lastly, enough about his accent... it's thick, but seriously grow up. He knows his shit. Respect it.

Pham is literally the most frustrating professor I have taken. He puts incorrect information on practice tests, and if you put this information down on the actual test, he marks you down and insane amount. His accent is very hard to understand, even though he is nice he is not a great teacher.

LS4 Summer 2016

"Take him during the summer." These are the words of my TA and I can see why. He graciously provides SO MANY PRACTICE TESTS and it is so clear that his tests were noticeably easier during the summer. We skipped a few topics and he told us that because we had less time, we would not go in depth in some questions (for example, he would give a "two gene" mapping problem instead of a "three gene" one; this may mean nothing to you, but it's shiz like this that made me, and the rest of the summer class, crazy (with joy). This man cares. His accent is a little rough, but it's honestly not something that should deter anyone. He goes slowly enough during the summer to guide us through problems that are similar to the exam. TAKE HIM DURING THE SUMMER. I don't know my grade yet, but I have no reagrets (hah).

LS4 with professor pham is a good experience. Workload is low because he walks through the problems with you in class so you can save time going to office hours. His exams are also fair and easy if you understand the problems he goes through in class and do the practice midterms. He also explains problems clearly and repeats the important parts so just attending the lecture and discussions alone is sufficient to prepare for exams.

Pham is great as long as you are able to get past his accent. He repeats important content over and over again so if you miss it the first time, you should be fine. Tests are very fair, and if you memorize whats on the slides, you'll be set for the class.