2.4

Aaron James

Biology - Mesa Community College

2.4
Quality
4.5
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
89
Reviews
2.4
Quality
4.5
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

13

4

15

3

9

2

23

1

29

What Students Say

Our exam 1 was 94 questions

BIO202 - 1.0 rating

James made this class harder than it needed to be

BIO201 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

56% confidence
Based on 2 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (1)
B- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 2 reported grades
A+: 1
B-: 1
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.21 avg change
May
Oct
Nov
Jul
Jul
Jul
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO201202

5.0

(1)

BIOLO202

4.5

(2)

AAMPP

4.0

(1)

BIO101

4.0

(1)

BIO201

2.7

(33)
+4 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOLOGY201

5.0

BIOLOGY

5.0

AAMPP

5.0

BIO101

5.0

BIOBIO

5.0

Reviews (89)
4.0
4.0
BIO201
May 18, 2004

No Comments

2.0
4.0
BIO202
Oct 14, 2004

This teacher just reads from the book in lecture, and does not explain much in the lab. His quizzes and exams are EXTREMELY detailed and difficult!

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 2, 2004

We just found out in our class that this prof will not even finish the material set in the syllabus. We will leave 3-4 chapters unfinished, and untaught. When I asked him about my grade, he was very rude to me. He says at the start of the class that he will help, but he only helps his favorites.

1.0
5.0
BIOLOGY201
Dec 15, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
BIOLOGY
Dec 15, 2004

Only reads from text book, and not the book required for class. I was raised by teachers and I married a teacher. This man is no teacher. If you wish to understand the concept of Anatomy and Physiology, avoid Mr. James.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 25, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
BIO201
May 9, 2005

WOW! Thats all I have to say! What a teacher, wait is he really a teacher? His class is very difficult, I probably wont end up passing, very unhelpful when you ask questions during class.. reads from a completely different textbook..avoid at all costs!

2.0
4.0
BIO201
May 20, 2005

Answers questions with wrong answers. Just reads out of book. Test Q's EXTREMELY detailed. However, because his tests are so hard you will study hard and remember concepts long after his class.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Aug 27, 2005

Dr. James is not a teacher.....he is a learning facilitator. Unless you feel like teaching BIO202 to yourself do NOT take this class. All the other comments are valid...lectures are readings, tests are torture. Horrid experience!

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Aug 31, 2005

This is the worst teacher,(if you can call him that)that I have EVER experienced in my life!He falls asleep durring lab and durring exams.He expects you to teach the material to yourself, and don't even think about asking him a question!He makes diragotory comments, and I believe that he is the spawn of the devil himself! Avoid at all costs!

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Grade: A+
Aug 31, 2005

WORST TEACHER EVER!

4.0
5.0
AAMPP
Sep 2, 2005

Stop being pussies!!! YOu are right, he won't hand you an A in the class, you gotta acutally learn the****....oooh what a concept

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Sep 18, 2005

He was a horribe teacher. He was never willing to answer questions in lab. All he would say was read the manual but we did read it and still had qyestions and he wouldn't answer them.....well to some people he would. He has his favorites and focuses on them the whole course. We all hated him in the summer I session of 2005. He sucks. I wish he would transfer to another school but he kisses Minckley's ass all day long.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 26, 2005

Very hard teacher, must be able to teach yourself from the book!

4.0
3.0
BIO202
Apr 26, 2006

takes only 3 exams in the whole semester. no quiz to prepare u for exams. if u r someone that can be up-to-date with material just by studying your self, he might be ur choice. if u r some1 who need to be pushed to work hard, may be not ur choice. exams r not so hard, given that u have gud test-taking skills.

5.0
1.0
BIO201202
Jun 28, 2006

Straight forward teaching, lecture from book little or no direction in class. Exception is that if the student comes to class and shows energy and dedication to study he loves it and runs with the energy and is a great teacher. Tests are very rough but it makes you learn the subject. Overall I liked the teacher.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 3, 2006

I suggest we all complain to the dean and get him fired from teaching. If 0 was an option I would of rated him with that.

5.0
4.0
BIO201
Dec 14, 2006

Dr. James comes off intimidating the first couple of weeks, but once the weakest part of the herd drop the class, he warms up. He is a tough teacher, but he is also fair and a straight shooter. Your chances of being successful in a medical profession are greatly increased by tacking Dr. James’ class. He does understand the demanding nature of the m

4.0
4.0
BIO201
Dec 16, 2006

Teacher that is willing to help if you show interest and dedication to study. He answers any question asked (as matter of fact – he loves when student is interested in the subject and wants to learn more). Very passionate about anatomy and he is not shy to show that. Class was tough; tests were hard, but it was possible to make it. I do not regret

3.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 31, 2006

He is ineffective for 90% of the students. We had approx 55 students at first, ended with about 23. Out of these, at least 15 signed a petition about his lack of teaching, his awol during labs, favoritism showedand generally the class being a waste of their time. Went in with high interest and studied hard but his tests were imposible for most.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Jan 16, 2007

HORRIBLE!!! I have nothing good to say at all about this man.

4.0
4.0
BIO201
Jan 20, 2007

Dr. James is straight forward instructor but if you are doing good (read – study hard) he is truly happy and willing to help. He does not serve anything (have to work hard for it) but he does acknowledge your efforts on the end. Class was hard (there was a lot to learn, a lot of new information) but if you study and prepare anybody can pass his tes

2.0
5.0
BIO201
Mar 25, 2007

Be ready to teach yourself. Very monotone lecture straight out of the text. Wants students to ask questions but when they do he explains the answer in a way that is very difficult to understand and confuses even more. Not a hands on teacher and even gets lost during lab. (Or nearly falls asleep) I WILL NOT EVER RECOMMEND HIM!!!

5.0
4.0
BIO202
Apr 20, 2007

He is a very fair teacher. His tests were more than fair with the x-tra credit. Everything on the tests come straight from the book. People that don't like him are just lazy and won't read the book!

1.0
5.0
BIO201
Apr 24, 2007

He is not helpful and you may as well be teaching yourself.

4.0
3.0
BIO202
May 6, 2007

he is excellent and he does not baby sit students

5.0
2.0
BIO202
May 7, 2007

he was one of the pest teacher i ever hard.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Jun 28, 2007

try to take this class with a different instructor

5.0
3.0
BIO202
Jul 1, 2007

If you need to have a babysitter do not take this class! He is an AMAZING teacher and I only wish all my teachers were as helpful as him. He was always willing to help, and went out of his way when he didn't have to. Its not an easy class but college classes shouldn't be you should have to work.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 26, 2007

Dr. James is possibly the worst professor I have ever had. It almost seems as though he tries to see how many students he can fail. He is obviously a very smart man, but it is painfully obvious that he should not be teaching.

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 30, 2007

Keep away! Over half the class failed. He reads straight from the text, and what he doesn't cover in class is still "fair game" on the exams. The only good thing I can say is that he is more helpful one on one. Overal I would never take him again.

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Aug 2, 2007

I am not the type of student that complains much about professors, but...DO NOT TAKE a class w/ him. Definitely one of the worst professors I have ever had. Reads straight from the book and study guise are useless. Do not try to schedule 1-0n-1 time b/c he will probably be late and tell just tell you to not memorize the concepts.

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Aug 8, 2007

I struggled and had to read like crazy but in the end I did okay. He knew his stuff but his teaching ability was horrendous. Just make sure you don't have any "baggage" when you take his class, such as a life, or he'll despise you and let the class know it. The best tip for his class is to read, read, read! (And know everything!)

1.0
5.0
BIO201
Aug 22, 2007

This guy is so rude. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. He is not willing to help the student and is more worried about people calling him 'dr.' instead of mr.

2.0
5.0
BIO201
Aug 24, 2007

Literally reads textbook to class, test are very very trickey type questions

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 10, 2007

You might as well take this course online and go to him for some doctor talk/tutoring (if you can understand his jargon anyways). He reads (I use reads because I cannot in good conscious say he teaches) from the book in front of the class.You also get the joy of reading the entire book in order to pass his tests! This book is his bible! Godspeed!

2.0
4.0
BIO202
Dec 11, 2007

You will study endless hours with no guidance. You might as well be teaching yourself. It will only be a frustrating experience for yourself & everyone around you. Avoid at all costs.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 11, 2007

Save yourself and just spend a semester doing things that are high risk. You will feel like you got more out of your time. Requires an enormous amount of self teaching as he only reads the book and has nothing planned. Seriously jump in front of a train before taking this class.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 11, 2007

Save yourself and just spend a semester doing things that are high risk. You will feel like you got more out of your time. Requires an enormous amount of self teaching as he only reads the book and has nothing planned. Seriously jump in front of a train before taking this class.

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 14, 2007

Not a great teacher! Is unprepared for class and you can do a better job teaching yourself. I would have rather taken this class online and saved the trouble of coming to class. Also it would have been nice if the labs reflected what we were learning in class. Not the case.

1.0
5.0
BIO201
Mar 24, 2008

not a recommendable teacher.

5.0
3.0
BIO202
Apr 7, 2008

If you need a babysitter don't take his class. I loved him and worked hard for my grade. You are in college you should have to work hard. I got an A in 201 and in 202 and worked full-time. He is more then willing to help you, you just have to ask. People need to grow up and stop complaining about him. It is possible to pass his class.

5.0
1.0
BIOLO202
May 9, 2008

He is the best teacher I have ever met. Because of his teaching style , help and friendly attitude and with my effort, I have acheived "A" in my Bio-201 and Bio-202. He is and wonderful teacher and a person. he wants his students to learn in details which is very helpful for future healthcare proffessionals. I have learned a lot from his class.

4.0
4.0
BIOLO202
May 15, 2008

I really enjoyed Dr.James class. I had a great time learning bio 202.I thought he was a very good teacher. I feel that if you put effort towards learning you can learn anything. Dr. James sense of humor was wonderful. I loved Dr. James. Dorothy

2.0
5.0
BIO201
May 16, 2008

You basically have to write out an outline for every chapter you read. He is NOT helpful unless you are a favorite and LOVE BIO- HORRIBLE TEACHER... If he is the only one available wait till next semester, I wish someone would have told me that~

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 8, 2008

This man is very angry with some aspect of his life and wants you to pay for it. If you are a very intelligent and gifted student and never challenge anything he says, you should be fine in this class and get an A. Being a cute girl and sucking up will work too.

1.0
5.0
BIO201
Nov 7, 2008

This teacher actually bites ass. He for sure has his favorites in class, and if you are not one of them forget it. He uses the book from last semester that is not in print anymore..so do not pay $200 for the new book. Horrible in class and the test suck ass. Dont complain to him, the head of BIO is his personal "love interest". DO NOT take him.

2.0
5.0
BIO201
Nov 25, 2008

he is all over the place wiht his topics and trials off on topics that have nothing to do wiht the lesson or even the class sometimes. not helpful at all. no need to even be in class. you have to learn it on your own basically. you will hate school and almost think about changing your major even. i almost did. take YORK or LEMON at RED MT campus

2.0
5.0
BIO201
Dec 8, 2008

OMG....If you like being lost all the time and unsure of what to syudy this is the class for you! He always talks about how he doesn't make his test tricky, but they are. He is very unprepared and makes you fall asleep during lecture I would not recomend him for anyone! Unless you are a suck up or you are really good at teaching your self.

4.0
3.0
BIO201
Dec 18, 2008

I LIKED HIM! GOOD PERSONALITY.. GOT OVER 100 ON EACH PRACTICAL,, BUT EXAMS WERE PRETTY TOUGH THOUGH,! OVERAL, HE IS PRETTY DECENT

4.0
4.0
BIO201
Dec 27, 2008

hes a pretty hard teacher but he offers his help to anyone that asks for it. he also offers extra credit to make up for poor test scores. a lot of people complaine about him, but honestly, they are just lazy people that dont wanna put in the effort. its a tough class, but if your serious about your career youll do it.

5.0
5.0
BIO201
Apr 2, 2009

dr. james is a hard teacher, but he knows his stuff. if you are willing to work hard, he will help you. he even comes in on weekends! not a piece of cake class, you have to work very,very hard, but it's worth it if you want a career in the medical field. not for babies or whiners!

4.0
5.0
BIO201
Apr 5, 2009

Dr James is a kind and knowledgeable professor unfortunately he is out of touch with the modern age he refuses to incorporate proven teaching methods and current technology into his class. He is teaching the same way he did a decade ago. Although he loves the subject he has not yet adapted the class to the new text book

2.0
5.0
BIO201
Apr 13, 2009

Although Dr. James is knowledgeable on his material and occasionally funny, most of the time his inability to teach and convey messages to his students are hindered. He is merely a book on tape rather than a professor who incorporates different teaching techniques to compliment his lectures/labs in order to create a positive learning environment.

3.0
3.0
BIO201
Apr 15, 2009

Dr. James is very knows the material well, but he is a boring lecturer. I took him for 201 and 202 and got an A in both, but studied hard. Don't ask for letters of recommendation from him, because he will tell you he will write them, but it will never get done. That was with a in person reminder every week.

4.0
4.0
BIO201
May 7, 2009

Dr. James is extremely helpful and intelligent. But just like the other reviews, he is extremely tough, I have never had this hard of a class. But I will walk away from this class with more knowledge then any other class I have taken. If you participate, ask questions, and show up he will be there to answer your questions and help you out.

5.0
5.0
BIO201
May 19, 2009

LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!

5.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 2, 2009

"Apollo Creed"! Dr. J is tough, but so is the content he is teaching. He uses the "red" text book not the green one. He goes out of his way to help you ie; opening lab on Saturday. You have to read the Text Book! He just doesn't hand you an A. Don't take his class for Summer! It's completely overwhelming. He's a great teacher! Would take him again!

2.0
5.0
BIO201
Sep 29, 2009

You better enjoy reading a textbook... all he does is read from the book and he doesn't make much sense. Likes to show off and use terms he knows you wont know. You never get out of class on time, he always keeps you 5-10 minutes after. Not good at teaching.

5.0
4.0
BIO201
Oct 16, 2009

He's extremely intelligent. Very helpful in lab. He reads straight from his ppt's, which is very boring. He has lots of hw in lecutre. It's a tough class, but you lear a lot!

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Nov 27, 2009

Ok, I have never said anything bad about a professor on here before. But I have to warn everyone about Dr James. He is very inappropriate with the girls that he's thinks are "cute". He is very sex-ist. when asked a question that you can't find in his text book he just mutters through a bs answer. Have fun watching the clock!

3.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 9, 2009

I've had this professor for 2 semesters, 201 & 202 (the 2nd resulting in a W). He's difficult & if you feel like being stressed out, he's your guy! Read's word for word from the Red textbook. He should not be teaching @ CC level. His grading scale is very inconsistent. If you ask "intelligent" questions, you'll be his favortite!

3.0
5.0
BIO201
May 10, 2010

Just like many of the comments below, Dr. James will read directly from the text book. It's really all on your shoulders to do well in the class and ask questions when something doesn't make sense. If you study and work hard it is possible to get an A, trust me.

4.0
4.0
BIO201
Jun 2, 2010

Dr. James was very difficult, but he knew his stuff. Ask, and he will help, and I think he likes that people take that initiative. Straight from the book, and with his extra credit I got my A. Just put in the time.

3.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 21, 2010

tried to take a summer class with him, not a good idea. his practicals are easy enough, but his lecture exams are extremely tough. the questions i knew were the ones that my 201 prof taught me. I'm a good student and read the chapters and studied. his exams are ridiculous, HE LOST HIS LAST JOB FOR FAILING TOO MANY STUDENTS!

3.0
4.0
BIO202
Jul 26, 2010

So hard to understand better off just reading the book and go off in tangents all the time

3.0
4.0
BIO202
Aug 15, 2010

I took 202 in the summer and it was a difficult class. My advice is to absolutely not give up! Go to every class lecture and every lab; show interest in the class and he will be MORE than fair with your final grade, trust me. Even if you bomb a test or two, there is still a great chance at an A or B if you plug away and keep trying!

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Aug 22, 2010

This really is a very diffucult and extremely stressful class. Youre really better off just reading the chapters by yourself; be prepared to read every word in order to do well. Isn't a very nice guy either; he either loves you or hates you. However, if you show him that youre putting in effort, he'll help you out with your grade.

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Aug 23, 2010

This class was a complete joke. I have a 3.8 gpa, not perfect, but very good. I withdrew from this class because there was no way i could pass it. Anatomy is my world but he twisted things in such a complex way that I could barely understand it. Lab was a sinch, but lecture was complete hell.

2.0
4.0
BIO202
Aug 25, 2010

Good dude, knows his A&P, but is disorganized (can't keep class paperwork in order), loses track of time, goes off schedule. Lectures are essentially useless. Deviates from the course material, time spent covering sections is no indication of importance, and explanations consistently muddle more than clarify. Learned lots, though. Forced to read.

1.0
5.0
BIO201
Oct 16, 2010

Dr. James is absolutely the worst professor I have ever taken. He puts no effort into teaching whatsoever. His lectures consist of him literally reading passages of the text word for word. During lab, he is absent for most of the period, leaving students to fend for themselves. If you take a course with this professor you will absolutely regret it.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Dec 8, 2010

Dr. James would be an AMAZING teacher for doctors or graduate level courses not the BIO 202 In the community college. He teaches the subject as if you already know it makes things 100x more difficult and it absent literally the whole lab period. I dont know how he is still teaching here

4.0
4.0
BIO202
Dec 12, 2010

This class was hard, but I learned so much. He doesn't just give you the grade, but you put in the effort, you will succeed. I had no problem getting an A in his class and neither will you if you actually study and take college seriously unlike most people

3.0
4.0
BIO201
May 11, 2011

This professor was a tough teacher. After having Ms. Bonnie Kalison for BIO 202 and passing with an A, I would not recommend Mr. Aaron James. He teaches word for word from the textbook and that is exactly what his exams are on...the whole chapter! I passed his class with a B and 202 with an A. He's a great guy but gets off subject very easily.

5.0
5.0
BIO202
May 14, 2011

Dr. James is a great anatomy/physiology professor. He knows the material inside and out. Although he expects a lot from his students, if you put in the effort this class can be very rewarding. I highly recommend his class for pre-health professions students.

4.0
5.0
BIO101
May 17, 2011

Dr.James is an excellent professor, he does not hold your hand step by step and expects alot of his students. That is what will make someone succeed because you become independent of your studies and have to put effort into the class. I got an A in his class and all i had to do was study and use the textbook!

3.0
4.0
BIO202
Jun 27, 2011

Dr. James will make you earn your grade. If you want an A, make use of the extra lab time he offers and know the book inside and out. His tests are demanding so make sure you are completely comfortable with each chapter. It isn't impossible to receive an A but you have to be willing to work for it. Hard class but you WILL learn a ton.

4.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 19, 2011

I withdrew to take with another instructor. Dr. James is unorganized, goes off on tangents in lecture and changes his verbage in many things, making it very difficult to follow for tests and quizes. I am an A Anatomy student and was failing his class. I don't recommend him.

1.0
5.0
BIO201
Jul 28, 2011

WORST TEACHER EVER!I am an "A" student, have since received high marks in both BIO 201 and 202 with different professors. If you want to listen to someone read directly from the text book the take Dr. James. If you want any sort of explanation or guidance then stay far away from this professor!

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Aug 25, 2011

He reads directly from the book, goes off on tangents about things we're not even covering and even graded my lab partner differently than he graded me on practicals. He's completely unfair and expects you to give 20 hours a day to A&P. He's not paying my bills!

1.0
5.0
BIOBIO
Nov 4, 2011

Dr. James is a nice guy but a horrible instructor. Reads from the textbook, uninteresting, and doesn't teach you anything. Expects you to know it already and figure it out on your own. I don't recommend him as a teacher, at ALL! Huge waste of money!

2.0
5.0
BIO201
May 9, 2012

I highly recommend taking this class with anyone but this teacher. He claims that he wants everyone to succeed and acts like he cares, yet he reads directly from the book, he does not give you the material you will need to know for the tests, and he acts like every student has 20 hours a week to devote to his class. Would not recommend to anyone

2.0
5.0
BIO202
Oct 29, 2012

Reads straight from the textbook. Monotone, goes off on tangents. It's clear that he knows his biology, but not how to engage the students in his class.

2.0
4.0
BIO201
Nov 19, 2012

One of the worse teachers I have ever had. Recommends asking questions but will laugh at you if the question is an easy answer. He disappears during lab and leaves students to learn on their own. He also sleeps during exams which is not allowed. If you don't understand a concept he will tell you to read the chapter again. He is a lazy teacher

1.0
5.0
BIO201
Nov 29, 2012

Dr. James made this class harder than it needed to be. He does not want to teach, it's basically read the book and take the tests. The material is difficult and he laughs at you when you ask a question. I do not recommend him if you have a choice.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 2, 2013

By all means people, if you can take this class with anyone else, do it. I'm taking it at asu for 5x the price to avoid this guy. Reads directly from the text book, and expects you to take notes from what he says, and my god, he uses 1pt font overhead slides for images. And literally said you have to devote all day every day to this class.

1.0
5.0
BIO202
Jul 21, 2014

James does not use canvas, provide and study materials, no study guides. His lecture exams and practicals are double the questions of any other BIO 202 class. Our exam 1 was 94 questions. He blabs at the class with a projector screen and pulls questions from thin air. Not one person scored an A. The majority of our class scored a 30-50% on exam 1.

5.0
1.0
BIO202
Jul 26, 2014

Awesome professor! He does not hold your hand or spoon feed you (which is what most students are looking for. Most of us want an easy class, not the class where you actually LEARN SOMETHING that's career beneficial!). If you are serious about your college career, his class is for you. Read your book, study, and walk out with an A... Simple as that.

1.0
4.0
BIO202
Grade: B-
Jul 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Professor James's class was ridiculous. He went off on so many tangents, that by the time the semester was over lectures were 5 chapters behind and he had no intention of trying to speed up to cover them yet they were still on the final. His tangents were so bad that most of lectures were spent on topics other than the class material.

Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

56% confidence
Based on 2 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (1)
B- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 2 reported grades
A+: 1
B-: 1
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.21 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO201202

5.0

(1)

BIOLO202

4.5

(2)

AAMPP

4.0

(1)

BIO101

4.0

(1)

BIO201

2.7

(33)
+4 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOLOGY201

5.0

BIOLOGY

5.0

AAMPP

5.0

BIO101

5.0

BIOBIO

5.0

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