Sam Byrne

It was very easy but I also have a stats background. Very light work load. 4 quizzes that are open book and open note. Lab reports biweekly very relaxed grading wise. R is the program you have to use and there is an incredibly steep learning curve.

Lecture: Professor Byrne is honestly a saint. EcoEvo is a somewhat difficult biology course due to the fact that it's a section of biology that most people don't typically study much of before college, and he does a really good job of laying the foundation of understanding for this course. If his teaching style doesn't click with you, he is really good at providing alternative examples during TA hours. Most importantly, this professor is SO compassionate and understanding. He pushes you to do what he knows you're capable of, but makes himself readily available as a resource to the students. If you're struggling with life related issues, this is one of the professors that literally changes your life by being able to still educate and motivate you rather than a) giving up on you or b) holding your hand through the entire thing. Lab: I had professor Nurok. One of the coolest labs I've done. While I'm personally not a fan of the curriculum that is taught in ecoevo, the labs are very cool. You get to go outside, catch snakes (if you want), and experience a very hands on approach to learning science. Professor Nurok is also one of the most compassionate and understanding lab professors out there. Similarly to Byrne, she pushed me to do what she knew I was capable of and she was always providing her help as a resource. Amazing professors and amazing people. You can tell that both of them really love what they do. While the material isn't my personal taste, I would take this course over and over just to have the refreshing experience of these two professors again. They are the only reason I continued my degree during one of the hardest times in my life.

Lecture: Professor Byrne is honestly a saint. EcoEvo is a somewhat difficult biology course due to the fact that it's a section of biology that most people don't typically study much of before college, and he does a really good job of laying the foundation of understanding for this course. If his teaching style doesn't click with you …Read more

Sam is an awesome professor. He cares a lot about teaching and wants everyone to understand the material he lectures on. Super flexible and always encouraged us to meet with him - was really helpful in office hours. He wrote a really nice rec for me for my internship. Exams were online and I thought they were pretty easy.