Extremely relevant to those wanting to be a DNA analyst. The textbook is a very good resource and teaches more than the actual class modules. The module content is much more simplified but does not explain everything. Protocols in some of the assignments were vague, causing confusion and maximum penalties on grading. Still a decent class because it goes over all steps in the process of DNA analysis. Quizzes were on module content- fairly easy.

Everything about analysis of DNA: history, QA, extraction, quantitation, amplification, separation (genetic analyzer), data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. You need to read between the lines in some modules, especially when it comes to the data involved and its interpretation. Assignments are mostly multiple questions that require a few sentences- but the assignments follow a case study throughout the semester. Final assignment is a report that is a culmination of everything learned from previous assignments- the template makes it easy though.

Feedback on assignments was often unhelpful. The prof didn't always tell you the correct answer- they would make you try to figure it out yourself which led to argumentative messaging over canvas.

Ask for clarification on assignments ahead of time! They won't pre-grade but if you don't understand the protocol in the later assignments, you really need to ask for clarification or risk multiple points off. Some assignments are related- you need to correct what you got wrong in order to correctly do the next assignment (this relates to the ~4 assignments on the case study). It was a lot of reading, but having 2 weeks for some modules made it bearable.

Discussion (required!) & essay assignment every week. Some modules have required labster simulations. Too content heavy for a class that goes over every forensic discipline and gives no guidance on how to prepare for the exam. Assignments focused heavily on CSI, evidence collection, and case studies (JFK, JonBenet Ramsey, Dorothy Kilgallen). NO QUIZZES.

Every discipline in forensics. The modules are extremely lengthy-feels like every week you have to become an expert in a different subject. The amount of information given on each subject is almost like you took an entire class on that one subject.

No interaction with the professor. The TA did everything. A page in a module was updated with significant info after we had passed that module by many weeks- no notice was given that the content on that page was changed- only found out from another student.

Exam questions on the MOST specifically random bits of info from the modules. Told to study EVERYTHING (including the links in the modules)- you do NOT need to study the links (1/2 of them don't even work)! You may think some things are not important...those things will show up on the exam. There is no way to fully prepare for everything on the exam unless you were to memorize everything little detail from the modules. The exam did not test your understanding- it tests your memorization skills.

This workshop is straightforward and not hard, but it can feel repetitive. A lot of it is focused on checking your academic progress and making sure you’re on track. It’s useful, but not always engaging.

The content is mainly about tracking your grades, planning for midterms/finals, and staying on top of requirements like internships and graduation. It is useful in terms of staying organized, but it can feel like a lot of pressure at times.

Dave Latimer is very strict and expects you to know everything about your academic situation in detail. You need to come in knowing your exact grades, deadlines, and have a clear plan. Vague answers are not accepted, which can make meetings feel intense or like an interrogation. To be fair, they do push you to stay accountable and on track to graduate, which is helpful. But the tone can come off as harsh or condescending at times, which makes the experience more stressful than it needs to be.

Come prepared every time. Know your grades, check your syllabus, and have a clear plan for assignments and exams. If you don’t, the meeting will be much harder than it needs to be.

Prof made the class material understandable. Spend labs with TAs not prof, and the TAs were amazing, esp Ilana! Also all assignments and exams are graded by a specific grader TA, whose grading was fair and pretty easy.

Biomechanics of Human Movement

Gave a lot of examples and performed demonstrations in class which really helped to visualize the concepts. However, his slides were pretty wordy and he would quickly run through the slides in lecture; I highly suggest you either take notes on the lectures beforehand or at least read them.

Don't stress it really isn't that bad! Don't let the physics aspect scare you it's just simple moment equations (wayyy easier than PHYS101).