Jay Phelan
Department of Life Sciences
AD
4.7
Overall Rating
Based on 232 Users
Easiness 3.4 / 5 How easy the class is, 1 being extremely difficult and 5 being easy peasy.
Clarity 4.7 / 5 How clear the class is, 1 being extremely unclear and 5 being very clear.
Workload 3.3 / 5 How much workload the class is, 1 being extremely heavy and 5 being extremely light.
Helpfulness 4.7 / 5 How helpful the class is, 1 being not helpful at all and 5 being extremely helpful.

TOP TAGS

  • Engaging Lectures
  • Uses Slides
  • Needs Textbook
  • Often Funny
  • Gives Extra Credit
  • Would Take Again
  • Tolerates Tardiness
  • Is Podcasted
  • Useful Textbooks
  • Has Group Projects
  • Appropriately Priced Materials
  • Tough Tests
  • Participation Matters
GRADE DISTRIBUTIONS
28.3%
23.6%
18.8%
14.1%
9.4%
4.7%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

41.5%
34.6%
27.7%
20.8%
13.8%
6.9%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

37.9%
31.6%
25.3%
18.9%
12.6%
6.3%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

45.8%
38.2%
30.5%
22.9%
15.3%
7.6%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

60.3%
50.3%
40.2%
30.2%
20.1%
10.1%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

29.3%
24.4%
19.5%
14.6%
9.8%
4.9%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

28.2%
23.5%
18.8%
14.1%
9.4%
4.7%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

30.6%
25.5%
20.4%
15.3%
10.2%
5.1%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

27.1%
22.6%
18.1%
13.6%
9.0%
4.5%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

28.0%
23.3%
18.7%
14.0%
9.3%
4.7%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

26.9%
22.4%
18.0%
13.5%
9.0%
4.5%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

27.1%
22.5%
18.0%
13.5%
9.0%
4.5%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

27.1%
22.6%
18.1%
13.5%
9.0%
4.5%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

26.4%
22.0%
17.6%
13.2%
8.8%
4.4%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

26.7%
22.2%
17.8%
13.3%
8.9%
4.4%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

27.6%
23.0%
18.4%
13.8%
9.2%
4.6%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

27.8%
23.2%
18.5%
13.9%
9.3%
4.6%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

26.1%
21.7%
17.4%
13.0%
8.7%
4.3%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

26.5%
22.1%
17.7%
13.3%
8.8%
4.4%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

26.7%
22.2%
17.8%
13.3%
8.9%
4.4%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

25.7%
21.5%
17.2%
12.9%
8.6%
4.3%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

22.8%
19.0%
15.2%
11.4%
7.6%
3.8%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

26.7%
22.3%
17.8%
13.4%
8.9%
4.5%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

29.4%
24.5%
19.6%
14.7%
9.8%
4.9%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

31.9%
26.6%
21.2%
15.9%
10.6%
5.3%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

33.7%
28.0%
22.4%
16.8%
11.2%
5.6%
0.0%
A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-
D+
D
D-
F

Grade distributions are collected using data from the UCLA Registrar’s Office.

ENROLLMENT DISTRIBUTIONS
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Reviews (199)

14 of 20
14 of 20
Add your review...
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: A+
April 6, 2017

Selling What is Life textbook (3rd edition & with physiology) for $30!!! Text me if interested (562)682-0293

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: B+
April 3, 2017

His class is a class where you learn a lot of different things ranging from reciprocal altruism to how caffeine affects the chemicals in your brain to the scientific method. His quizzes are easily doable, his tests are not -- STUDY. Also, do not make the mistake I made on the midterm -- do NOT write on the back (it will not be graded, cost me an A). Last but not least, go to class...some of the material he talks about in class that is not in the textbooks is in his exams.

I am selling the What is Life w Physiology 3rd ed Loose Leaf, midterm and review session notes, class notes and problem sets/handouts for $55. Email me at chiz143@gmail.com

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: B
April 2, 2017

Took this class my first quarter at UCLA and it was my favorite class. The content is super interesting. Phelan is great, he actually made the lectures enjoyable. My TA was a tough grader but I ended up with a B. Just go to all the lectures, read, and you should be fine!
Selling my mean genes book, email me if interested! valeries2017@gmail.com

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: N/A
March 31, 2017

This class is honestly the most amazing class you will take as an elective or a pre-req. He is so insightful and really cares about his class. There are problem sets every week that he uses as easy points on a quiz for you to help boost your grade. There is one midterm and one final and basically, even though this class is great and interesting, still take the midterms and final seriously, there is a lot of material. If you're looking to BUY THE TEXTBOOKS, I am selling What is Life and Mean Genes . 818-370-2470. Text me! Or email me at zoey.dew@gmail.com.

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: A
March 22, 2017

I LOVE PROFESSOR PHELAN. I created a bruinwalk account just to leave a dank review for him. He is an amazing professor, and by far the best professor I've ever encountered so far in UCLA. I truly admire his passion and love for science. His lectures aren't dull at all, but rather engaging and fun. The discussions aren't bad either; weekly quizzes and a mini debate. The topics for the debates are very controversial, but interesting overall. Honestly, the exams can be tough, but he uses curve so it's shouldn't be that bad. Overall, the class itself was so worth it and I would definitely take another class with Phelan!

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: A
March 1, 2017

The workload was light. We only had one debate (pair work) and a mini quiz every week. The quizzes were VERY short (took about 5-10 minutes at most) and the questions were taken from the handouts. The exams were a bit challenging, but if you study the past papers you should be fine. Also, Prof. Phelan had a review session before both midterm and final, and it was quite helpful. I read the textbook and I thought the exams weren't that bad, but I know people who didn't read the textbook at all and they still got an A. Overall his class was really engaging. It was fun and not much work. Definitely take this class if you can:)

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: A
Feb. 23, 2017

This might be the best class I have ever taken. The content is extremely interesting and Phelan is phenomenal. As long as you go to class and pay attention, it really is not a difficult class.

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: B+
Feb. 14, 2017

I honestly probably owe this man a fruit basket. I got to his 8am final at around 9:40am, and I was scared I wouldn't be allowed to finish. He just laughed and said, "Have a nice sleep? Sorry, I should not be laughing. You were probably terrified. You can finish in your test in my office; I would hate for this to affect your grade at all." He then proceeded to tell me that he was afraid he would sleep through the test too and that his son made a funny joke the day before. His lectures are fun to listen to and give you fun facts to spit out in random conversation. He loves teaching, and genuinely cares about his students. I cannot recommend this class enough. (Sidenote: don't buy the textbook.)

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: B
Jan. 11, 2017

Phelan is the absolute best. I've never been great at science and I didn't take AP Bio so I was nervous going into it, but he was so funny and gave such great lectures and made everything very clear. I actually learned a lot and I feel like I am more open to learning more about science. His tests are trickier than I thought they would be, but the review sessions are extremely helpful. I thought the midterm was going to be easy (like the weekly 1 question quizzes) so I kind of blew off studying which killed my dreams of an A, but I highly recommend taking this class. He makes science so applicable and interesting! If you need the What is Life textbook email me! @gillian.morgan77@gmail.com

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2015
Grade: B+
Jan. 9, 2017

Professor Phelan is so amazing. Apart from being hilarious and super interesting, he is very helpful when coming to the tests. I would highly recommend this class. Selling Mean Genes with previously used weekly quizzes. Email me at sandyest08@g.ucla.edu.

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: A+
April 6, 2017

Selling What is Life textbook (3rd edition & with physiology) for $30!!! Text me if interested (562)682-0293

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: B+
April 3, 2017

His class is a class where you learn a lot of different things ranging from reciprocal altruism to how caffeine affects the chemicals in your brain to the scientific method. His quizzes are easily doable, his tests are not -- STUDY. Also, do not make the mistake I made on the midterm -- do NOT write on the back (it will not be graded, cost me an A). Last but not least, go to class...some of the material he talks about in class that is not in the textbooks is in his exams.

I am selling the What is Life w Physiology 3rd ed Loose Leaf, midterm and review session notes, class notes and problem sets/handouts for $55. Email me at chiz143@gmail.com

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: B
April 2, 2017

Took this class my first quarter at UCLA and it was my favorite class. The content is super interesting. Phelan is great, he actually made the lectures enjoyable. My TA was a tough grader but I ended up with a B. Just go to all the lectures, read, and you should be fine!
Selling my mean genes book, email me if interested! valeries2017@gmail.com

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: N/A
March 31, 2017

This class is honestly the most amazing class you will take as an elective or a pre-req. He is so insightful and really cares about his class. There are problem sets every week that he uses as easy points on a quiz for you to help boost your grade. There is one midterm and one final and basically, even though this class is great and interesting, still take the midterms and final seriously, there is a lot of material. If you're looking to BUY THE TEXTBOOKS, I am selling What is Life and Mean Genes . 818-370-2470. Text me! Or email me at zoey.dew@gmail.com.

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: A
March 22, 2017

I LOVE PROFESSOR PHELAN. I created a bruinwalk account just to leave a dank review for him. He is an amazing professor, and by far the best professor I've ever encountered so far in UCLA. I truly admire his passion and love for science. His lectures aren't dull at all, but rather engaging and fun. The discussions aren't bad either; weekly quizzes and a mini debate. The topics for the debates are very controversial, but interesting overall. Honestly, the exams can be tough, but he uses curve so it's shouldn't be that bad. Overall, the class itself was so worth it and I would definitely take another class with Phelan!

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: A
March 1, 2017

The workload was light. We only had one debate (pair work) and a mini quiz every week. The quizzes were VERY short (took about 5-10 minutes at most) and the questions were taken from the handouts. The exams were a bit challenging, but if you study the past papers you should be fine. Also, Prof. Phelan had a review session before both midterm and final, and it was quite helpful. I read the textbook and I thought the exams weren't that bad, but I know people who didn't read the textbook at all and they still got an A. Overall his class was really engaging. It was fun and not much work. Definitely take this class if you can:)

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Winter 2017
Grade: A
Feb. 23, 2017

This might be the best class I have ever taken. The content is extremely interesting and Phelan is phenomenal. As long as you go to class and pay attention, it really is not a difficult class.

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: B+
Feb. 14, 2017

I honestly probably owe this man a fruit basket. I got to his 8am final at around 9:40am, and I was scared I wouldn't be allowed to finish. He just laughed and said, "Have a nice sleep? Sorry, I should not be laughing. You were probably terrified. You can finish in your test in my office; I would hate for this to affect your grade at all." He then proceeded to tell me that he was afraid he would sleep through the test too and that his son made a funny joke the day before. His lectures are fun to listen to and give you fun facts to spit out in random conversation. He loves teaching, and genuinely cares about his students. I cannot recommend this class enough. (Sidenote: don't buy the textbook.)

Helpful?

0 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2016
Grade: B
Jan. 11, 2017

Phelan is the absolute best. I've never been great at science and I didn't take AP Bio so I was nervous going into it, but he was so funny and gave such great lectures and made everything very clear. I actually learned a lot and I feel like I am more open to learning more about science. His tests are trickier than I thought they would be, but the review sessions are extremely helpful. I thought the midterm was going to be easy (like the weekly 1 question quizzes) so I kind of blew off studying which killed my dreams of an A, but I highly recommend taking this class. He makes science so applicable and interesting! If you need the What is Life textbook email me! @gillian.morgan77@gmail.com

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
Quarter: Fall 2015
Grade: B+
Jan. 9, 2017

Professor Phelan is so amazing. Apart from being hilarious and super interesting, he is very helpful when coming to the tests. I would highly recommend this class. Selling Mean Genes with previously used weekly quizzes. Email me at sandyest08@g.ucla.edu.

Helpful?

1 0 Please log in to provide feedback.
14 of 20
4.7
Overall Rating
Based on 232 Users
Easiness 3.4 / 5 How easy the class is, 1 being extremely difficult and 5 being easy peasy.
Clarity 4.7 / 5 How clear the class is, 1 being extremely unclear and 5 being very clear.
Workload 3.3 / 5 How much workload the class is, 1 being extremely heavy and 5 being extremely light.
Helpfulness 4.7 / 5 How helpful the class is, 1 being not helpful at all and 5 being extremely helpful.

TOP TAGS

  • Engaging Lectures
    (125)
  • Uses Slides
    (109)
  • Needs Textbook
    (118)
  • Often Funny
    (125)
  • Gives Extra Credit
    (108)
  • Would Take Again
    (115)
  • Tolerates Tardiness
    (83)
  • Is Podcasted
    (92)
  • Useful Textbooks
    (99)
  • Has Group Projects
    (96)
  • Appropriately Priced Materials
    (68)
  • Tough Tests
    (78)
  • Participation Matters
    (86)
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