Western Kentucky University / C / Mark Clauson
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
True/False: 10
Multiple Choice: 34
Matching: 15
Fill in the Blank: 12
Problem Solving: 6
Mandatory Final: 22
Cumulative Final: 2
Textbook Required: 31
Extra Credit: 1
Attendance Required: 30
35 Total Evaluations
BIOL-208 : Lab Gen Microbiology - Posted 2/23/2013
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Enjoyed the professor - 3 exams, read lab for the day in advance, study and make note cards as you go.
BIOL-208 : Microbioloy Lab - Posted 12/4/2012
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
First of all, this is a tough class, much harder than I expected. If you think you can show up and get an A, forget it. However, if you are willing to study, this class is great. Dr. Clouson is one of the most entertaining, knowledgeable and helpful professors I've had. He is funny, seriously hysterical. If you go into this class knowing you'll have to do the work and study, you'll do fine. He is the head of microbiology so I wouldn't take anyone else, unless you like foreign professors you can't understand. He is super-willing to work with any personal situation you have and he answers questions thoroughly.
BIOL-208 : Gen Microbiology Lab - Posted 5/2/2012
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Much more challenging than most lower-level labs, but unlike most lower-level lab teachers, Mr. Clauson is a pro who is engaging and engaged with both students and topic, which makes this course fun and interesting. Three exams that are short but that means your grade can drop quickly, so keep up by doing the work in the lab manual. First exam is, in Mr. Clauson's words, baby bear: the subsequent ones are much more difficult so make sure you know your microbes.
BIOL-208 : Gen Microbiology Lab - Posted 4/29/2012
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class is definitely worse than the lecture. The physical lab part of it isn't bad but Dr. Clauson spends ENTIRELY too much time going over stuff that really isnt prevalent to your tests. The tests are nothing like you go over in class. Make sure you study the Case Studies throughout the labs, not really the procedures. The exams are definitely harder than the lecture exams. I sat in one of Dr. Weidners lab because I was sick during one of our lab meetings and he got straight to the point and let his class out early. Dont ever expect to get out of class early, you will be in there the whole two hours. All of the exams are the same no matter who you have so I would suggest Dr. Weidner. Dr. Clauson is a really nice teacher, very smart and loves what he does, but being in lab the whole two hours is a little ridiculous.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Laboratory - Posted 1/16/2012
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I just took Dr. Clauson for this lab and most what everyone says is true. he goes fast but he does cover what is in the lab manual so study your manual and notes. My friend didn't like her instructor, it was on a different day so ask around before you sing up. I liked Dr. Clauson and I would take him again.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 12/15/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This is made out to be an extremely difficult course but Clauson is an excellent teacher. He does tend to talk at hyper-speed but a lot of things he says...you don't really need to know. All of his tests are 25 multiple choice questions including a few case studies. A lot of studying went into this course to do well but I think that goes for most Biology classes. I wouldn't have taken anyone else for Microbio lab!
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 8/30/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
The lab is pretty straight forward, few notes and Clauson is really helpful and nice. He talks fast but just highlight the points he says from your manual and you should be fine. Tests are tricky so know the details!
BIOL-208 : Micro Lab - Posted 5/18/2010
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Clauson is a good teacher, but there was WAY too much information for a one hour class. His tests are only 25 questions multiple-choice, which means you can't miss very many. I didn't have the time to study for this class, and after failing the first and second tests, I tried to drop but it was too late, so I stopped going. For whatever reason, he gave me a C in the class (I was expecting to fail!) If you are good in biology and have the time to study, then you will do well in this class. If not, then good luck!
BIOL-208 : - Posted 1/25/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 5/14/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class was amazing. He was the best teacher I have had at WKU. He made the lab interesting to learn and he was very helpful! Always in a good mood and willing to make you laugh, even when you screwed the experiment up. He makes his own lab manual, so you need to know just whats in it! There were two tests and then a final, the final was like any other test! It's 25 multiple choice questions, so it couldn't get any easier!
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 7/3/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Mr. Clauson is the sweetest teacher I have had in college. He makes a very hard class lots of fun.
BIOL-208 : Micro-biology Lab - Posted 5/10/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This lab is one of the harder ones, minus anatomy, but Clauson makes it easy to understand and he will definitely help you out both inside and outside of the classroom.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 5/6/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Mr. Clauson was very nice, he's one of the best instructors I've had in college. He was very helpful with our questions and he answers his email. This class isn't easy but he explains everything very well. He draws lots of pictures on the board and made the lab fun. I'm not sure if he will continue to teach due to MS or something like that? but take him if you can.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 1/11/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
this is the hardest class I have had so far. I should have got an A but I did really bad on the final exam. Dr. clauson was really nice and he lets you take one failed exam over. i was lucky to get in his class after I dropped my tuesday lab that was supposed to be Dr. King....it wasn't and the teacher couldn't speak english. If you have to take the lab take Clauson. everyone in my group really liked him. and he doesn't like cell phones.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 12/13/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
I really like Mr. Clauson. I know students who took the lab with the other instructors and they didn’t understand anything. This is not an easy class and you will need someone who can speak good English and knows microbiology. There were three exams and an attendance grade. The second and third exams are hard. I studied 10 hours for the last exam. He also lets you take an exam over if you fail, he’s a really nice person too.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 12/12/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
You have 3 tests in this course. Each test is composed of 25 multiple choice questions: that's it. This may sound easy, but trust me it's not. You have to read the lab manual thoroughly to get a good grade and study your notes for a good 6 hours before each test.
However, this course is difficult no matter who you take it under. I really liked Mr. Clauson and would advise you to take his class if you need it for your major.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 12/5/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I switched to mr. clauson’s lab after the first 2 weeks of class and it was the only way I got through this class. Be careful when you sign up for microbiology. You do not know who is going to teach the class and the name on the schedule is not the instructor you will have. I had a graduate student from the middle-east try to teach the lab I signed up for and it was a nightmare. Nobody could understand him and he didn’t know how to answer our questions. Take mr. clauson. I went to him and ask if I could add his lab and he was really nice. He knows microbiology and was a good instructor. He can talk to much sometimes but everything was explained. I didn’t think the exams were that bad but you need to study.
BIOL- : Microbiology Lab - Posted 4/13/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I agree with a couple of the other people who wrote evaluations about this guy. He is very smart BUT he is not a good professor. Don't even expect to take notes in his class because you will never keep up. You might as well bring a tape recorder. Also, the questions at the end of each section of the manual, that he says will help you tremendouly if you answer? Don't even waste your time cause I did and it was pointless. Probably 5% of the exam questions came from those review questions. This class is ONLY a 1 hour class but you would think it was worth 4 because he crams a ridiculous amount if information in and expects you to recall it ALL and makes you feel as dumb as a rock if you can't. Long story short... if @ all possible TAKE SOMEONE, ANYONE else!!!!!!!!! Seriously!
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 12/12/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Ok, this class is not fun but Mr. Clauson is really good at presenting the material and he always helped with the questions in the lab manual. He will let you take a bad test over at the end of the semester which helped me get a B out of the class. I recommend him, he has a good sense of humor too. He follows the manual so if you just study that you should do ok, go to his web page for the exam study sheets. It doesn't hurt that he's cute.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology - Posted 10/25/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Clauson is an AWESOME teacher, I absolutely loved his class! I first had Elliot and wow, I am so glad I got into Clausons class. He will help you work through anything and he is there for you if you need extra help! Great teacher, higly recommend!
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 8/10/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I took the lab in the summer term, i think it was easier that way because there is a lot of material to cover for a 1 hour class and it meets three times a week for 4 weeks. It moves real fast in the summer but Dr. Clauson was very helpful. I dropped the class in the spring with Elliott (don’t’ take that man!) and waited to take it with Clauson in the Summer. If you are having trouble with the class do it that way, I'm glad I did. The first exam was easy compared to the second and final exam. You can take one exam over but only if you fail it. I didn’t’ like that policy. Take Clauson because he will answer your questions and he sticks to the material that’s on the exams. Everyone in my group really liked him.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 6/15/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I didn't think i would pass this lab in the beginning but if you study the questions at the end of the lab exercises you will do ok. I failed the first exam because I didn't know what to expect. Mr. Clauson was really nice outside of class and answered my questions and helped me organize my notes. He also returns an email, which i can't say about all my instructors. extra credit is getting to take 1 exam over. I didn't like taking it during my other finals but I did ok. Start asking questions in the beginning and look at the reviews on Mr. Clausons web page. He really is a good teacher, much better than some of the other instructors -I heard people say not to take Elliott.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology - Posted 12/20/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is a lot of memorization! It’s not easy, but clauson is the best teacher and really cares about how you’re doing in class. If you have trouble go talk to him. I didn’t do well on the second exam and he showed me how to organize my notes and study for the final…I got a C in the class but not without his help. I would recommend him for sure. He’s funny sometimes and that helps with the stress.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology - Posted 12/9/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Take Mr Clauson, he's the best. My friend took Elliott and she said he was rude and she couldn't understand what he was lecturing on. She ended up studying my notes from Mr. Clauson's class. Mr. Clauson is always around the lab during the day and will offer help whenever you need it. I don't know why they won't put the instructors names in the bulletin but Mr. Clauson usually teaches the evening labs.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 7/6/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I don't think it would matter who you take for this lab it would be hard. mr. clauson go so fast that you can't take the notes that you need for the exams. and answering the questions in the lab manual is useless. he will say that it will help but it don't. and you can't get a straight answer when you ask about the questions. he is ok but beats around the bush to much. good luck with this class
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 11/15/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I had Clauson for Micro lab in the summer. He's a great teacher. He wrote the lab notebook, so he knows how to teach this particular lab. Very funny and always has a good attitude. I would recommend him anytime. DO NOT BUY THE LAB MANUAL. Go to his website on the bio dept. site and PRINT IT OFF FOR FREE IN THE LIBRARY! its a big one, but its better than payin 15 bucks for it. anyway, great teacher, would recommend to anyone
BIOL-208 : Micro Lab - Posted 10/21/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Alot of students really like Mr. Clausson, I don't particularly dislike him- I think he is a terrible insructor- He is incredibly smart- but this is a ONE credit class/ I mean he really flies through it and expects you to remember everything. I think he also plays favorites. He really should stick with research or what ever else he likes doing. I am not picking on the man- but I am a straight A student making a C in his lab
Plus he makes me feel stupid
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 7/7/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This is a difficult class and requires a lot of study time even though it's only a 1 hour class. But if you have to take it, I would definitely take Mr. Clauson. He is a fun teacher and makes the class interesting for those of us that are not "science people". He does go through the material pretty fast and he is very, very knowledgeable....sometimes too knowledgeable. Seriously, take him. He is a good teacher and a great person.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology - Posted 7/1/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I took this class in the summer. Mr. Clauson goes fast but the summer class meets three days a week and that's a lot of material. Mr. Clauson knows his microbiology and always helps with questions outside of class. He's always excited to be in the class room and moves around a lot. I enjoyed the lab and I would recommend him. He's the first professor I've had that learned everyones name in the class. The exams are not bad if you study the manual. He followed the manual step by step and its free if you down load it but I bought mine for 17 dollars.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 12/13/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Professor Clauson is great! The class, however, is a lot of work. It's mostly memorizing...but there's a bunch of material. Most of it you have to learn for lecture anyway. If you have to take the class then definitely take Clauson. Everyone who had one of the other two teachers complained about not learning anything. It makes the tests a lot easier if it is taught well. There were a few questions on the tests that I thought were tricky and over something that I didn't think was important enough to be tested over. Those questions, however, weren't enough to take you down to the next letter grade. Take Clauson - he's funny and makes the class enjoyable. Although, he does sometimes move the clock back and say that we have plenty of time left and keep you over....I didn't like that.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 12/6/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I started out thinking that I was going to drop the class because it was so hard, but it turns out that the first test is your hardest test. The second is pretty easy and don't get scared about the final...if you make flash cards over everything that you read you will do fine. but you HAVE TO STUDY!!! there is no way around this class, you just have to study, alot, more than your other classes. I wouldnt take anyone exept Clauson, ive heard hes the only one who acually teaches the material...oh yeah hes really really really cute too.
BIOL- : Microbiology Lab - Posted 1/4/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Clauson is a good instructor who seems to love his job. He always has a good sense of humor and explains the class lectures at a student level. I recommend this class.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 5/25/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Clauson's a great teacher. He's very friendly and has a good sense of humor. He does a good job explaining things, and he's always willing to help you when you have questions. Even though you have put in A LOT of study time for this class, the tests aren't bad. I thought this was a really cool class.
BIOL-208 : Microbiology Lab - Posted 1/10/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Clauson is very enthusiastic about teaching this class. It is very interesting to learn about all the microorganisms and the different ways to treat them. His tests weren't too bad and don't let him scare you about the final. It is hard, but not impossible.
BIOL-208 : Lab Microbiology - Posted 4/20/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mr. Clauson is energetic and excited about microbiology. He seems genuine and is most helpful in answering questions regarding laboratory exercises. I highly recommend him.