Reviews of professor Samantha Orchard

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
This class is a little harder in the beginning but gets better. Her way of grading the class gives lots of opportunities to succeed in different kinds of work. She solicits and responds to student feedback on the class and is a really good lecturer.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
One of the best professors I've had. I took her online course and still felt engaged and connected as a student. Group work was easy, lectures were to the point. The quizzes and exams ALWAYS lined up with what we learned in class. She was always willing to accommodate students and wanted everyone to succeed. Very interesting material as well!

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Took this online and can say hands down that this is one of the best online classes I've taken at UA. It is extremely well organized, intuitive to navigate, and the grading criteria is clear. She is super intentional about biotech and gives great feedback. This class literally will make you excited about biotech and applied bio. Would def recommend

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
It is a bit difficult but if you try you'll get a good grade. A lot of the concepts are kind of hard to grasp just re-watch the presentations.  I was failing for most of the semester but was able to save it last minute, she's pretty understanding if you need extensions. Although you can turn in assignments late for at least half credit.

Rating: 3.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
While it is clear Dr. Orchard cares about the material, I found the lectures insanely hard to follow along with. None of the assignments were too difficult, but they were way too time-consuming. She was a bit passive-aggressive when grading my essay, which I wasn't a fan of. She did give us extra credit and was considerate regarding the pandemic.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Professor Orchard is one of the best teachers I've ever had. Lectures tend to include helpful discussions, and she answers every question asked. Her office hours are personal and accommodating. Samantha is kind, caring, funny, and very knowledgeable. All quizzes and exams are online and open note. Make sure to take careful notes on the lectures!

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
She is the nicest professor I've ever had. Passionate about what she teaches & is open to discussion going off topic. Lectures are actually fun and involved.  Assignments vary so it doesn't get boring and repetitive. 1 12Q quiz/week , 5 (200 words) discussions/semester, 1 paper, 1 group presentation, 3 take-home exams, & no final. Take this class!!

Rating: 1.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
Lots of writing assignments, harsh grading feedback, and extremely difficult and wordy quizzes made this Gen Ed class by far the most difficult one. this class will not be an easy A nor B. PLS170C2 requires lots of effort and proper understanding of the material to succeed in the class.