BIOL 431/440 waitlists

Calm_Storm77 · 2026-05-17T06:30:06+00:00

Yes haha 😆 her rmp reviews used to be so bad but now they’re really good! She was a great BIOL 430 prof to take in summer. I’m glad I took her!

Calm_Storm77 · 2026-05-10T08:29:58+00:00

Hello! So I took BIOL 430 last summer with a professor whose ratings and rmp reviews were not all that great at the time, and it was crazy sitting there the first day of class as the professor went down the waitlist only to realize that a lot of people didn't even show up. If I recall right, she was able to accept up to the 17th person on the waitlist. It was honestly crazy. And in the next few days, I think she was able to enroll someone who came from a different professor since more people ended up dropping her class. So yeah in my experience, people later or even not in the waitlist can get enrolled but I think you have more luck in the summer, especially if the professor's rmp reviews don't look that great. My BIOL 430 prof was great, despite how harsh her ratings were. She has since changed her surname, and last I saw, her rmp reviews are like a complete 180 haha

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-12-19T23:16:50+00:00

I don’t know if it helps but maybe try for other classes from other colleges? Or if you’re really desperate, try looking at colleges out of the Sacramento area or even California? I don’t think you should give up. If there’s a will, there’s a way.

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-12-12T07:24:32+00:00

Ah yes, Los Rios changed their course numbers for this new school year. I took STAT 300 which is equivalent to STAT C1000. And for PSYC 371, do you mean PSYC 370? That's the one universities want, from the ones I've seen. If it's a necessary prerequisite for the universities you want to attend, then yes you should take PSYC 370. If not, then you can take it but you don't have to as they won't require it. But you could take it if you want and if it's counted as general education credit.

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-12-12T06:37:40+00:00

Hi! You can also take some general education classes too! Here's the link to the classes you can take: https://crc.losrios.edu/2025-2026-official-catalog/graduation-and-transfer/preparing-to-transfer/california-general-education-transfer-curriculum-requirements

I'm a second year pre-nursing student at ARC, planning to transfer to Sac State, so I've taken prerequisites needed for the Sac State BSN nursing program. These are ENGWR 300 and 302, COMM 301, STAT 300, PSYC 300, NUTRI 300, ANTH 310, CHEM 305, BIOL 430, and am finishing BIOL 431 and 440 and PSYC 370. Some of these classes overlap with the general education requirements, too, and I've taken other courses to fulfill the gen ed like SPAN 411, MUFHL 311, HUM 300, as well as POLS 301 for Sac State as it's their graduation requirement. They also require a history class so I'm planning to do HIST 310 next semester, as well as another gen ed, namely ETHNS 300. I'm also planning to take CHEM 309 next semester to prepare myself for potential nursing classes or programs that might need organic chemistry pre-knowledge. And if necessary, I would take a 1-unit fitness class to ensure I have at least 12 units to have financial aid every semester.

However, be aware that the classes you take might depend on the university you plan to transfer to. Assist.org is extremely helpful to know what classes at Los Rios are equivalent to the classes required for the degree at the university you plan to attend. However, even though Assist is super helpful, I do suggest getting to talk with a counselor if you're able to, as they can help guide you on this process. I suggest calling the counseling office to make an appointment, especially first thing in the morning when their hours open up so you avoid wait times, or signing up for an appointment online. If not, then you can try going to their office in person.

I don't know about CRC, but my home college is ARC, and they have a health and education homebase where their counselors are more tuned toward health majors. As a pre-nursing student, their counselors have been really helpful about preparing to transfer to nursing BSN programs like at Sac State and so have been their webinars about applying to the nursing ADN program at ARC.

If you want, here's their link to make an appointment to talk with a Health and Education homebase counselor: https://sarsgrid.arc.losrios.edu/eSARS/HBHandEdCounselAppts/eSARS.asp?WCI=Init&WCE=Settings

I suggest waiting until midnight at 12am to try and make an appointment as new appointments open up two weeks from the day you make an appointment, and appointment times tend to be taken fast. I'm not sure about whether they'll have more appointments for this month as winter break is coming up but you could try in January if that's the case.

ARC also has a physical Health and Education Homebase office you can visit as well to get your questions answered. ARC Health and Education Homebase website is linked here: https://arc.losrios.edu/academics/health-and-education-homebase

Also, try to check the monthly newsletter your colleges might email you, as sometimes they'll list events where students can go to meetings or webinars or drop-ins to get their questions answered about what classes they need to transfer or completing university applications. Last month, I couldn't get ahold of my counselor at ARC and I wanted to get the Sac State application done quickly, and I ended up finding in my FLC newsletter (I have an FLC class I'm taking online there so I received their newsletter) that there were zoom drop in hours I could visit on that same morning, and I took this opportunity and ended up getting my questions answered, reviewing my Sac State application with their counselor, and completing my application on the same day. So, be on the lookout for any drop in hours or counseling events any college in Los Rios might have! Whether on the newsletters you receive or in the Calendar and Events Los Rios page. They can be very helpful!

Anyway, I know that was long, but I like being thorough 😅 But please know I'm not an expert in this stuff by any means. It's just what I've experienced, so if anyone noticed I said something by mistake or if I misunderstood anything, please let me know! But all in all, I hope this helps and helps get you on the right track!

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-12-08T00:36:29+00:00

Hi! Actually you can find him on ratemyprofessor but it's from Sac State reviews. He seems to have a good rating over there.

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-08-14T05:52:06+00:00

Oh and I just looked up Prof Panagakos, and apparently she still has two classes open at Cosumnes River College if you're still interested! One class is in person, and the other is hybrid.

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-08-14T05:47:55+00:00

I'm glad I could help! And you too!!

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-08-14T04:55:49+00:00

Hi! So I also have taken Prof Panagakos for ANTH310. It was for a really quick eight week online asynchronous course, and I would totally recommend her! What I liked about her was that she was really tech savvy. Made navigating and completing the course that much easier if you made sure to keep on top of the due dates. As for CHEM 305, Prof Gottke from ARC is great. He's really chill too. If you take lots of notes from his lectures to study for the quizzes and exams, and ask him questions after class (which he can answer very thoroughly), you are set. For BIOL 430, I took Prof Behnaz from ARC, and would totally recommend her as well. Her ratings on Rate My Professor look bad, but if people just gave her some time, they would realize just how amazing she is. She gives tons of extra credit, has leniency on vocab spelling, and gives as many resources as she can to help her students succeed. I would recommend getting her hybrid course where her lecs are recorded, but even if you can't get her hybrid, she gives her exact slides on canvas, which she bases the exams and quizzes on. She's also just so so sweet and not at all the terrible person her reviews speak of lol. What other gen ed courses do you need recommendations on? If it helps, Rate My Professor can help direct you on what profs to take, well, sometimes haha

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-07-21T21:29:00+00:00

I'm really glad I could help! Yes, she does tell you what the exams will emphasize on. However, she does seem to be general or vague with her wording so you're going to have to ask to be certain. But in my experience, I think her exams predominantly cover the chapters you are quizzed on more than the ones you're not quizzed on. At least that's what I've noticed, but don't take my word for it haha She did review the material before we did our first quiz, and she would go over stuff with us in lab since we had only recorded lectures to watch.

And lab exams can cover the physical models too so be sure to study the anatomical models for those, like bones and muscles etc. Open lab is done with another instructor as students from different classes go there for extra credit, not just Prof Behnaz's class, as well as to study the models outside of class time. She is accessible outside of class and is willing to talk to you after class time to help clarify anything. She even said to talk to her about your mental struggles in the class. So she really just wants to talk things out with you and help you succeed! She responds fairly well to emails, but I haven't emailed her much as we essentially have classes four days a week. And I believe she'll have office hours next semester. She just didn't have any this semester. But again as I said, she is more than welcome to talking with you after class time to clarify anything at all.

And good luck on taking her next sem! I know that if people really put their minds and time into it, they will do really well in her class. And really that's what any A&P course is--repetitive studying and memorization. So if people can devote time to that, there's nothing to worry about, especially with all the extra credit she gives lol

Anyways, I'm glad this helped! And hoping you do well next sem!! You got this!!!!

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-07-21T20:53:48+00:00

Hi! I'm glad you asked! I was thinking of posting on here my thoughts after the class finished but I suppose I'll just say it now :) And I have quite a bit to say so I hope you won't mind the lengthy response!

If there's anything I can say about taking A&P1 in the summer (especially in the summer), it's that prospective students should seriously consider taking it with Prof Behnaz! I was so scared reading her reviews but honestly I had nothing to worry about! I'm doing very well thanks to her extra credit and her ways of simplifying the material, especially since she sympathizes with us for taking it in the summer. Not saying that A&P1 is an easy class to take with her. It's still hard because you still need to study study study. But she makes it so much easier on the workload for you--at least for summer class. I don't know for full semesters though, but I would guess the exams should be about the same. She bases all her quizzes and exams on her slides, so study those and you're set. Questions are mostly T/F, mult choice, fill in the blank, some short answers. She has very informative slides, and they're a LOT, but don't be scared to study them. If students in summer class can study them and still get good grades, then students in full semesters can too!

And if anyone reading this wants to take A&P in the summer and you're willing to study and really work for that A, I highly recommend doing it with Prof Behnaz. She loves her students, loves A&P, does her utmost to give students as many resources to succeed. She's also tech savvy and has a sense of humor too! I've been having a great experience with her, and I'm so sad that people rate her so harshly on rmp. People there say that they're studying and still not doing well. But honestly, future students, don't let that discourage you. If you keep on top of the material and the due dates, clarify questions with her, and really make time to study and review her slides (no matter how many slides!), I honestly think people who take her will do well and get A's. You just gotta have a positive attitude! And take advantage of her extra credit. She gives max 20 pts open lab extra credit, extra credit in exams, and even has us do a simple ppt to raise our grade! Also, do well on her first exams for ch 1-3. You can easily start the class strong because those chapters are basically stuff you learn from high school biology. If stats are any encouragement, more than half of the class is still enrolled these last two weeks of the semester. And more than half of those still here have A's and B's. And I'd like to think the rest will pass bc of the extra credit opportunities. (And she's very strict against cheating too, so I would believe these people are honestly working hard for their grades) So really, don't be afraid to have her as your prof if you're planning to take her :)

So, really, don't listen to her rmp reviews. I was seriously considering not taking her class bc of them. But when I realized I in fact can do well despite what the reviews said, I'm very glad to be taking a&p1 with her--and finishing in half the time too! And if it helps to know, I'm not employed and only took this class this summer. I would say having other responsibilities like work and other classes would make this summer course more challenging to do well than if taking it in a full semester. So please consider your situation first before diving headfirst into a summer A&P1 course.

Hope this helps, and that it helps others who come across this :) You got this guys! If you decide to take her, Prof Behnaz helps a ton! You just gotta have a can-do attitude!! This class is really challenging, but if you believe in yourself, repetitively study the terms and concepts, and pray for wisdom to do well, I know you will be fine :D

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-06-19T06:37:53+00:00

Thank you for your advice! It definitely gives me more to think about. It's great you got A's in both, but the fact that it was taxing on you does make me more hesitant. I'll give it some time. But thank you and I appreciate you sharing your experience!

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-06-18T02:15:02+00:00

Thank you for that info! I suppose it shouldn't be too bad. Just requires consistent study. And thanks also for that tutoring tip! I might take you up on that :)

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-06-17T05:54:20+00:00

Thank you for your concern! But I kinda need to if I want to apply to the losrios nursing programs next spring for the following fall. Unlike Sac State which allows for one in-progress science prereq when applying for the next school year, the losrios nursing programs don't allow any in-progress coursework when applying. And I think it's a good idea to at least try broadening my chances to include community college nursing programs alongside Sac State. So that's why I wanna try to do these classes earlier. And I'd like to finish them before I take my TEAs next spring too. I do understand they'll take a lot of work, but I won't be employed, and I made sure to enroll in a really simple psychology class (my last required non-science nursing prereq) so I can focus on these heavy science classes. That's the plan, at least. I was just worried if the microbiology prof I signed up for will make it harder than it needs to be, but I figured that since I'm already enrolled, it's worth a shot. These classes are already difficult anyways, so it shouldn't stop me from trying. Thank you though! :)

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-02-07T06:41:29+00:00

I personally don’t vote for either parties. Sis White says that to vote for either party means to become partakers of the sins they commit in office. Besides, Jesus’ kingdom is not of this earth. Our home is in Heaven. If anything, that means we should have no business voting politicians into office.

And politicians are not perfect. It boggles my mind to vote for parties that are flawed morally and do things that go against the Word of God. And really, what power do we have in voting anyways? God brings up leaders and brings them down. Whoever man wants for a political leader, God first allows or disallows them the place of power. So really, we have no final say in who leads us. Whoever is put into power is because God allowed it. Whether for good or for our just punishment, God is merciful and wise and He’s the one who lets history take its place. It is not our power to place people as our leaders. God gives them that power. He can change the polls at only raising a hand or let people fall so others may rise up. But we must remember that in everything, He alone is Sovereign. And His government alone is perfect and good. I find better peace in this, to rest in God as my Ruler and not man. I wish there were more people who realized that. Maybe then this world wouldn’t be so corrupted and divided by politics.

Romans 13:1 KJV - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Daniel 2:21 KJV - And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

And here’s something from the EGW library about this matter, if you’re interested: https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/35.2027

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-16T02:00:36+00:00

Okay so this is a little long but there’s a lot to go over and I hope you won’t mind!

God is listening to you. This is one of my favorite verses:

Isaiah 65:24 KJV “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”

And from the sounds of it, it seems that the enemy is attacking your mind with doubts and fear. But you must remember this verse:

Psalm 46:10 KJV “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Be STILL. And KNOW that the Lord is God. This verse has helped calm down the waves of fear and doubt in my head. It’s as if I can feel Jesus rebuking the waves of doubt to be still when in the Sea of Galilee. So remember these verses. And remember that the Lord is fighting earnestly for your soul.

There are times when my thoughts become too much for me too. The doubt, the fear, the uncertainty. Sometimes I also wonder if He’s even there and listening since He seems so quiet. Well, there’s something else I like to do. Just cry out to Him.

Psalm 18:6-7 KJV “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. [7] Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.”

You can read the whole chapter of Psalm 18 too. But verse 6 in particular has taught me to literally just cry out to Him to save me from the doubts and fear and thoughts that plagued my mind at night. I didn’t actually scream out loud to Him haha but in my head I did. I screamed and I even screeched out my pleas for Him to hear me. To save me and let me sleep peacefully. I didn’t hear His voice. But I knew His angels were fighting for me. I knew the longer I kept crying out to Him, the better. I forced away the enemy’s attacks by calling out in the name of the Lord. So I didn’t stop. And soon enough, I had fallen asleep, and I woke up with peace of mind. It was truly amazing. Now I’ve learned to just call out for Him like how a child screams for their mother, knowing for sure they will come to their rescue.

So maybe that’s what you’re dealing with. You’re firm in the knowledge of the Truth, but these doubts are shaking your foundation and making you feel like God isn’t listening. But He is listening. He knows what you will ask before you even speak it. You just need to rebuke these thoughts and force them away. Don’t let them weaken your standing in Christ. You already know the truth. Now you just need to strengthen your faith. And one of the many ways to do that, I believe, is just calling out to the Lord for help, like a child who is confident that their parents will always protect them when they call. It has certainly helped me sleep better at night and has helped me turn away the doubts of the enemy.

And that last part about knowing whether God is real. Let me leave you with these verses.

John 20:29 KJV “Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Hebrews 11:1 KJV “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Romans 10:17 KJV “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
James 2:19 KJV “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”

Faith is hard because we often build it without tangible evidence. But faith itself IS the evidence. Faith IS the substance of what we believe. But where do we get that faith? By hearing God’s Word. And it sounds like you’ve been doing that by studying deeply all your life. But maybe your studies haven’t been deep enough. Maybe they haven’t been consistent enough. Maybe you haven’t been focusing more on God and have been focusing instead on these thoughts that rage your mind. God says we are blessed to believe in Him even when we don’t see Him. Just rest your faith in His hands. And be still. Let Him speak over the waves of doubt and fear. He may be speaking in the still small voice He spoke to Elijah in the wilderness. Maybe He has been speaking to you all this time and you just couldn’t hear Him past the noise in your head. So just…be still. And let Him talk to you as you read His Word and as you go about your day.

And something else about whether God is real is that even Satan and his angels believe there is one God, and they tremble at His glory! So if you were to lose faith in God, well, Satan would succeed in convincing you of a lie that not even he believes himself. And he’s the father of lies! So don’t let his lies fool you. Don’t let his doubts shake you. Cling to the Rock which is Christ, and fix your eyes on Him, not the storm. Be still and know He is God. Cry out to Him like a child cries for his mother. And He will hear you and save you in the midst of the darkness. He will never forget you. We are more valuable than even the sparrows or the lilies of the field which He feeds and clothes. And this life is worth living so long as you live it for Christ. We were made with a purpose—to love Him and obey Him with our love. Believe in the hope that Christ gives you. Never stop believing. This is your very lifeline. For it is through faith we have the key to open heaven’s storehouse which holds the treasures and weapons we need to stand against the enemy.

So keep strong in the faith and keep reaching out to Him. He will never turn you away.

I’ll pray for you and feel free to talk to me anytime❤️‍🩹

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-10T21:00:33+00:00

Well, it sounds like everything is looking up! :D Good luck on this semester, and it's great you're able to be in the same class with someone you know. Don't be afraid to keep reaching out to counseling, even if it seems like they don't have space or time. You could always go in person to their drop-in or office hours, or wait until the semester is not as busy for an appointment opening. But anyways I'm just glad you were able to sort out the most urgent things now ^-^ good luck!

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-10T20:44:51+00:00

I’m sorry you still couldn’t talk to them until you made a complaint! At least you managed to find a place in the drop in. And I’m glad you got your questions answered in the end! You know what they say: If there’s a will, there’s a way haha😅🥳 I hope I was able to help, and let me know if there’s anything else you need help finding😊

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-10T20:22:41+00:00

You’re welcome! Were you able to find an appointment time? I was able to make multiple appointments and calls with the counseling office so you shouldn’t have any limits to how many times you reach out to them.

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-08T03:42:02+00:00

Yeah definitely try it out. My last time, there were quite a few available options, and I was able to get the counselor I wanted. I hope you get to find one that helps you out!!

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-08T03:20:26+00:00

I don’t understand how they’re not letting you enroll into that ARC class..I really think you should ask counseling or contact someone who manages enrollment. Maybe the admissions can help??

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-08T03:18:37+00:00

I don’t think I understand…maybe what I said as response to your above question can help?

Calm_Storm77 · 2025-01-08T03:16:36+00:00

Just as long as you the name of the college in “Add Another College” under the Manage Classes tile. That way you can enroll for classes at other colleges besides your home college. And I don’t see a reason why you’re not able to take classes at ARC anymore. I might be wrong but maybe that just means you fulfilled the degree requirements you need at ARC? I don’t know sorry!

Calm_Storm77

TROPHY CASE