2.7

Britton O'Shields

Biology - University of Alabama

2.7
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
39%
Would Retake
105
Reviews
2.7
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
2.7
Clarity

39%

Would Retake

105

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

19

4

20

3

13

2

14

1

39

What Students Say

He's nice and knows his anatomy, but isn't a great teacher

BSC216 - 3.0 rating

Avoid him if possible

BSC216 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

64%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 86 grades
Most common grades:
A (26)
B (15)
B+ (15)
Grade Distribution
A(31)B(20)C(10)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(23)
Based on 91 reported grades
A: 26
B: 15
B+: 15
A-: 8
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (70)
Test heavy (55)
Clear grading criteria (22)
Tough grader (17)
Skip class? You won't pass. (14)
Graded by few things (10)
Lots of homework (9)
Amazing lectures (8)
Rating Trend

Improving

+1.65 avg change
Jan
Feb
Apr
May
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BSC215

2.9

(83)

BSC216

1.9

(20)

ANATOMY2

1.0

(1)

BSC219

1.0

(1)
Difficulty by Course

ANATOMY2

5.0

BSC219

5.0

BSC216

4.5

BSC215

3.9

Reviews (105)
3.0
5.0
BSC216
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's nice and knows his anatomy, but isn't a great teacher. His tests are way too hard. You get 3-4 PowerPoints per test to study from, and each PowerPoint has anywhere from 50-90 slides. It's too much info, and then he comes out with these tests that have questions that are just too specific. I've never gotten a B before, and now I probably will.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BSC216
Feb 28, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This is the worst professor I have ever had. I made a 100 on the anatomy lab practical but made a C on his lecture exam. His exams are based off of the most specific, non important details. He says that we need to know the overall idea of things but we actually have to know every single possible detail on the powerpoints which have 80+ slides.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 28, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Horrible professor. Talks to students like theyre stupid and doesnt care about the grades. 200 questions per homework, powerpoints never shorter than 60 slides and the longest was 116. Covered all 116 in TWO lectures. Exam was nothing like he said it would be. Expected to know very specific things from 1 random slide out of 300 to pass the exams

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BSC216
Grade: B
Mar 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Terrible teacher. I can tell he is a very smart man but he has absolutely no idea how to teach this class. He reads word for word off the powerpoint then pulls the most intricate details off of them for his test questions. I have made the lowest test grades that I have made in college so far. Avoid him if possible!!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: A
Mar 17, 2019
Would take again

You can tell he is a very knowledgeable professor who knows a lot about anatomy. He goes very fast in lecture so its better to just take notes on your own. The tests are not that bad if you study his powerpoints. The only downside is that the powerpoints are extremely long so start days ahead of the test or you will be very overwhelmed with info.

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
ANATOMY2
Apr 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He is the worst prof i have taken at UA. I took A&P1 here and i worked so hard to get an A+ but A&P w oshields is impossible. He is a horrible human, lectures way too fast, test are extremely difficult & unfair. They are based on 3, 70-80 slide powerpoints & he will ask q's about irrelevant details. he also makes students feel dumb when asking Q's

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC219
Apr 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He is the WORST!!!! i have a 4.1 and his test are extremely unfair. He has a super thick country accent to its hard to understand him in lecture. He is rude to students when they ask questions. He does know what hes talking about but doesnt know how to teach. it would be one thing if his tests were hard, but he is also rude and dismissive

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2019
Would take again

Britton is a fair teacher. The powerpoint slides are long and have lots of information but if you listen to his lectures he highlights what is important for the exams. Lots of questions are similar to the homework and study module questions. Clicker quizzes almost once a week but come directly off the powerpoints so easy points there.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: A
Apr 16, 2019
Wouldn't take again

OShields is a smart prof, but his teaching style is ineffective. Each slideshow is between 50-100+ slides that are FULL of info, and test questions come from the smallest things that youd see in small print on a slide. You have to work hard for tests, but they end up being major curveballs anyways. It doesnt help that hes very condescending.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BSC216
Grade: A-
Apr 23, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Not a good professor. It was his first semester, so there was a learning curve for him too, but he didn't correct for the extremely low grade distribution of the first exam. Read straight off the slides to the point no one would have attended if it weren't for clicker quizzes. Might as well have just memorized the PPTs down to the minute detail.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BSC216
Grade: B
Apr 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

If your grade is within .5 he won't round it up. He tests only come from the most insignificant details from the powerpoints. The most important stuff isnt even focused on in the tests. He acts condescending everyday in class. He makes you feel stupid for asking questions and is so dumb that he cannot even answer those questions. He knows nothing.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC216
Grade: B-
Apr 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's horrible. I worked extremely hard, studied a lot, and even got a tutor. None of it mattered in the end because exams are based on the more irrelevant and insignificant details that are on his 100 slide powerpoints. Unless you have a photographic memory, you won't do well on exams. Do yourself a favor and take a different professor.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: A
Apr 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Reads directly off the 100+ slide powerpoints only to test the smallest details that are way too specific. The class material wasn't what made it difficult, but unless you have a photographic memory, be prepared to put in major study hours. Avoid at all costs.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BSC216
Grade: B
Apr 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Literally the worst professor to ever exist. You can study harder than ever before and it doesn't matter because if you can't memorize 350+ powerpoint slides for each exam you won't pass the exams. He makes questions word for word from powerpoint slides about the most stupid and pointless stuff instead of actual important concepts. He's awful.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BSC216
Apr 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Very boring lecturer. All he does in class is read off of the slides and expects you to know every little detail about everything. Tests are oddly specific and very difficult.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: B+
Apr 30, 2019
Wouldn't take again

It is clear that he is an incredibly smart person, but has difficulty relaying the material to his students and gets easily frustrated when people ask questions. Tests are entirely based on powerpoints (which he reads word for word). Clicker quizzes allow for easy grade-boosting points. Overall an easy course if you study and can sit through class.

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC216
May 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

worst professor I have ever had. treats his students like they are stupid and should already know the material and neglects that we are there to LEARN not review. He is condescending and degrading, his goal is to have the class average be a 70-75 (direct quote), offers no help, and laughs at relevant questions. Tests are designed for you to fail.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC216
Grade: A
May 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I am trying to give him the benefit of the doubt because he is a new professor, but he is the WORST professor I have ever had. He did not respect his students at all and treated us like we were conniving, stupid, and whiney. I did not learn anything in this class because I was too busy memorizing useless facts for his tests.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC216
May 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE if u care about your GPA. He makes anatomy way more difficult than what it is. I studied extremely hard & also studied the things he specifically told us to study & never made higher than a C on the test. He also doesnt give extra credit. Thought I'd give his class a try because he was new but whatever you do, dont make the same mistake

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: B+
May 20, 2019
Wouldn't take again

O'Shields is a nice guy but this class is just way harder than it needs to be. The tests are extremely specific and he rushes through lectures so fast that I couldn't even keep up while TYPING my notes. He literally told me once that he words questions so that you really have to know your stuff to get it right or you'll get mixed up.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Oct 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Mr. OShields is a nice guy, but his tests are extremely difficult and unrelated to the lectures. If you want to pass, youll have to focus your energy on this class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BSC215
Dec 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor O'Shields reads off of the powerpoint sides during his lecture, which is something we all can do at home. By him doing this, the material is not gone over thorough enough, for you to actually understand. The test are super heavy and full of material.

Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BSC215
Dec 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor EVER .He gives NO extra credit. Other anatomy professors such as Hodges and Andy do, but O'shields does not. That's ridiculous. He does not know the subject material he's lecturing on and he just reads off a powerpoint slide every class. He makes the tests extra hard for no reason, and I had to work extremely hard for a good grade.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A+
Dec 27, 2019
Would take again

i would recommend him. He uses extra class time to review and answers all questions. It is not an easy A tho. I studied a little bit a day about a week in advance of tests and always made A's. You gotta know all of it. Studying the dynamic study modules helps A TON. Attendance is mandatory because of the clicker quizzes (mostly very easy questions)

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Apr 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

While it's Anatomy and is bound to be more challengeing than other classes, O'Shields does nothing at all to help. He's unhelpful, unresponsive, and overall a professor you should avoid if you can. His lack of communication is alarming and don't expect to ever get any real assistance from him if you need it. Don't take him!

1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C-
Nov 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I had the chance to take his class this fall semester during the pandemic and he wasn't the best. It always seemed as if he wasn't understanding and anytime I emailed him about an issue I was having he had an attitude. I recommend to not take his class, but if you have no choice but to, make sure you study and review every day consistently.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Nov 5, 2020
Would take again

Don't be scared of these reviews. If ur a good student that reads the chapters and watches the lectures and doesn't wait until the day before a test to study, you'll be fine. A lot of these reviews are from people who weren't prepared for a college-level anatomy to be hard. I promise, make a study guide of his learning objectives and you'll be okay

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class is NOT impossible. I have an A in this class. However, O'Shields has nothing to do with it. It benefitted me more to mute his lectures because he doesn't elaborate on important info. He is also hard to contact even during COVID. I would not recommend him, but it's not the end of the world if you take him. Worry about the lab instead

Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He's a very nice guy, and I don't think he's an awful teacher. But he's not amazing either. If he's your only option for this class, don't freak out. 30% of his grade (at least for online) is completion, which is great. But I think the other teachers do that too. The class is kinda hard, but it's hard mostly because of the content.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Dec 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

You are better off muting his lectures and taking your own notes from the PowerPoint and book combined because he only reads the slides and doesnt elaborate on anything. He is impossible to contact, usually wont email you back and if he does its short and rude. I would never take him again for anatomy 2. He refuses to give info to help for tests

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Dec 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He is very inaccessible. Seems like he HATES students . He never answers emails or helps us. Also doesnt give any extra credit abs no grade curves or anything. When he does answer emails hes really rude. Someone once emailed multiple times for help abs he never answered and when he did he responded not my problem. Also doesnt actually teach.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: B-
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class is supposed to be hard, but O'Shields didn't try to make it easier for students. Was extremely hard to reach, especially with the class being purely online. Lecture tests aren't too bad, just have a lot of content on them. Worry about the lab and its exams more, they're nearly impossible and were not altered to help online learners.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BSC215
Dec 10, 2020
Would take again

Exams are based directly off lectures, the class itself is genuinely difficult. A lot of memorization. Professor knew the material, but was not too helpful when it came to responding to emails, or asking questions.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2020
Would take again

Over the course of this semester, many students emailed him and never got feedback. Besides that, this class isn't super challenging if you put in the effort and use outside sources. If you just rely on his lectures you won't make an A or probably even a B. Use the textbook!!! I can't stress that enough, it'll help understand the material so much.

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C+
Jan 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

O'Sheilds was a horrible person, he did not want to help you at all. If you had questions and emailed him you will not receive an email back, he reads straight off his PowerPoints and does not explain anything apart from that.... YOUTUBE videos helped me a lot in understanding the material more.... 10/10 DO NOT RECOMMEND

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A-
Jan 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

If there was one teacher I would strongly urge students not to take, it would be Britton O'Shields. This man does NOT care for his students. He does not respond to student's questions in a timley manner, he is rude with his correspondences, and he wants to see people struggle in his course. You can not rely on his lectures to pass the class.

5.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Feb 26, 2021
Would take again

BSC 215 is a hard class and you have to work for your grade but he is a fair teacher. The powerpoints are designed for your success on exams and he is more than willing to meet outside of class to further explain and help you understand. If you are willing to out in the work, he will meet you half way and you should be successful in class.

Respected
Accessible outside class
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Mar 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Don't take anatomy from him. He will change homework policies 3/4ths through the semester with zero regards for how it affects students. The way he conducts the class doesn't make much sense and it is very frustrating. He is not available to students outside of class barely. He will not answer any of your emails ever.

1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Mar 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

O'Shields is the absolute worst Professor. I've had 4 semesters here at UA and I have never encountered a professor with such disregard and disrespect for his students. He never responds to emails and his lectures are awful. Do not pick this professor.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A-
Apr 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Hes not the best. Never gets back to students. But if you put in the work its easy to pass and with extra studying even an A. Test questions came directly from the DSMs

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
BSC215
Apr 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He is very smart and knows a lot but doesn't explain things super well. He is nice and willing to work with his students but can be passive aggressive. His lectures contain A LOT of information and you will have to study everyday. The hw is usually a lot like the test but with so much information on each test, it is hard to do well.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C+
Apr 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor I have ever had in my life. He does not care about his students at all, will not respond to any email, does not care about you or your grade or if you are actually learning. His tests are impossible and not at all what he lectures to the class. If you can, TAKE ANYONE ELSE BUT HIM!!!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Oct 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class is insanely hard. The amount of information you need to memorize for tests will take you days crying in a cold, dark room, and that's to make a low B. NO EXTRA CREDIT. Grade is based off of lab and lecture exams. Lectures are pretty boring. This class will kick you in the face and laugh while you tumble down the stairs. good luck.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Nov 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Not much to say about him besides he is just so extremely rude. I know that there are very limited professors to take for this class but if there is any option besides this man do that. Wants to see his students fail and has no regard for your wellbeing whatsoever.

4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2021
Would take again

BSC 215 (A&P 1) is a hard class but the grades and expectations are clearly outlined. It requires a lot of work but if you study the way he recommends you will be successful on the lecture tests. All the test are very consistent in difficulty. It is a difficult class but if you put in the work and keep up it is very doable.

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I did well in this class but I wouldnt recommend it to my worst enemy. Mr. OShields, I hope you read this. You are a terrible human being and I hope horrible things happen so you can relate to your students that you have no respect for. Ive never experienced a person so incapable of empathy. My lowest RMP was a 3 before this. The worst ever.

2.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Dec 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I would not recommend O'Shields to any student. The only thing that his class consists of is reading off of slides for an hour. He is not a caring instructor, and he is hard to reach. If I could go back, I would rather take the 8 am with the other teacher rather than take his class again. He does not care about his students or teaching.

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2022
Would take again

Anatomy is a really hard class, but I actually thought he gave really good lectures. If you show up, take good notes in the lectures, and put in some effort, it's definitely possible to do good in the class. The lab tests are by far the worst part of the class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Mar 4, 2022

The class is not hard at all he is just a horrible man in general. Doesn't care about his students and thinks he knows everything. If you can take this class at a different uni I strongly urge you to.

Graded by few things
4.0
2.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Apr 3, 2022
Would take again

The ratings on here scared me at first, but I did not find him to be a bad professor at all. Anatomy is a very dense course in general, and while his lectures could be boring at times, he provides you with all the material you need to succeed. He is available after lectures to talk to and he will answer your questions if you have them. JUST STUDY!

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A+
Apr 11, 2022
Would take again

This class is hard. Your grade reflects exactly how much work you put in. I did really well, but I did a couple hours of work each day. It isn't difficult, but it's a LOT of info, so putting in a lot of time will be beneficial. I liked Professor O'Shields; he underlines key things to know and tells you what things to know, so GO TO LECTURES! :)

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
BSC215
Apr 13, 2022

This class made me change my major. Very hard and unless anotomy really interest you, dont take.

1.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: C+
Apr 21, 2022

This man is terrible! He made us go to take a test in the middle of a tornado the canceled it while he wasn't even on campus! He made this one girl take a zero on homework because she was in the hospital with appendicitis and she couldn't turn it in. He hasn't answered any of my emails. He is the worst professor I have had.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C-
Apr 25, 2022

Horrible! Hours of studying to make a terrible grade. One time he forced us to come to a test DURING A TORNADO. 5 mins before it started he emailed the hundreds there saying it was canceled and he didnt even show up. Then we had to RUN through the storms and sirens to take test at home . Terrible dangerous situation and nothing was done about it.

1.0
2.0
BSC215
Grade: A+
Apr 26, 2022

Professor O'Shields was one of the worst professors I have had at my time at UA. He made us test during a tornado warning, only to cancel 9 minutes before start time. I also had a medical emergency that resulted in me missing an assignment, and he was not understanding at all. If you have to take this class, take it over the summer somewhere else.

1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C+
Apr 27, 2022

This is the worst teacher I have had. He made us take an exam during a tornado warning just to cancel it 5 minutes before. People had to run in the tornado watch to get to safety. He is not good at communicating at all and one time he told us his 7th grader was smarter than us. Would not recommend. Literally study for hours on end just to fail test

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C-
Apr 27, 2022

This man is terrible! He made us go to take a test in the middle of a tornado then canceled it while he wasn't even on campus! Doesn't explain in depth when that is all the test is about.Doesn't care about his students and thinks he knows everything

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Apr 28, 2022
Would take again

This is a lecture heavy class, all his testing material comes straight from his lectures. Truthfully if you just study them word for word then you'll do just fine in this class. in lecture he is monotoned and honestly doesn't give much.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Apr 30, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Medical mystery how this guy teaches anatomy but doesnt have a heart, brain, or a spine. Avoid at all costsif hes your last choice just transfer tbh. Id sooner teach myself anatomy than this guy oh wait I already did.

4.0
2.0
BSC215
Grade: A
May 13, 2022
Would take again

I have no idea why this man gets so much hate. As long as you go to lecture and study properly, this class is easy. He takes no crap which a lot of people don't like, but I thought the class was fair. A&P is the hardest nursing prereq which is why he gets so many bad reviews. But don't let it scare you! Put in the work and you will be fine.

Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Nov 16, 2022
Would take again

Honestly, considering how hard of a class anatomy is I thought O'Shields was a great teacher. He gets lots of mixed reviews but I think it's because of the difficult class content. He really just teaches off the lectures but thats where all exam info is from, along with the DSMS!! Make sure to do those. Overall good and engaging, I liked him a lot!

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: D
Dec 9, 2022

You have to study to pass this class.Sometimes even if you do you still might not make a good grade. The professor has an ego and is not sympathetic. You should go to lecture but they are boring.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C
Dec 9, 2022

This has probably been the worst professor I have taken at this university. His lectures are literally him reading off of a powerpoint. Be prepared to spend hours throughout the week studying just to not understand what is on the exam. If you take him I advise you to put your all into this course in order to pass.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
2.0
BSC215
Grade: A+
Dec 9, 2022
Would take again

Ignore the reviews if you know how to study. He provides helpful lectures. All you need to know to ace the tests are the powerpoints in detail and DSM. His tests ask very basic concepts about the material and could be way worse. He is available outside of class. I really have no complaints, he makes this class totally passable.

Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
3.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 29, 2022
Would take again

Reads off the slides but does throw in random stuff we need to know for the exams sometimes. Whenever I went he usually talked until time was up. He didn't take attendance but did have quizzes at the end of each class. Study the powerpoints and DSMs and you should be fine for the exams

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Jan 6, 2023

Professor O'Shields does not care about his students. The class is VERY lecture heavy and the lectures are pretty unbearable. He didn't provide study guides or review sessions which made the tests very difficult because there was so much material to study. He had quizzes at the end of every lecture that count as participation. Homework is simple.

Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Apr 17, 2023
Would take again

People are so dramatic and obviously do not know how to study which is why he gets tough reviews. If you put in the work and study you will do absolutely fine. He is a great guy and I always enjoyed going to his class. I was so scared after I read these reviews, but he's a great professor. Always available and will answer dumb questions nicely

Respected
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Jun 16, 2023
Would take again

Anatomy is a HEAVY course and I believe he gets so many terrible reviews bc of how much information it is. His exam questions come directly from the PowerPoint, tells you exactly what to study and he teaches you how to study for this course. I took this during the summer and currently passing. people are just lazy. Study and you'll be fine.

Hilarious
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BSC215
Oct 20, 2023

He gets so many bad reviews just because it is so much information and a hard class. All the test questions and answers come straight from the power points you just have to learn how to actually study. He is very knowledgeable and very nice and will crack jokes. Just a hard class, but if you are not lazy and put in the work you will be okay.

Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Oct 21, 2023
Would take again

I was super intimidated at first, but he gets a bad rep because the content is hard. Go to class! He is so clear about what to expect on the tests and does a great job highlighting what you need. If you study that, you will do well. I enjoyed anatomy with him, and think that the bad reviews come from people who don't put in the time and effort.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Nov 13, 2023
Would take again

the class is very information heavy but he tells you exactly how to make a study guide and explains well keeps me interested he also will go over the literal test questions the class before the exam so you have an idea what is going to be asked he will read half the question. It was tough but if you study and put in the effort you will be fine

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A-
Nov 14, 2023
Would take again

Dr. O'Shields is a great teacher. Although he posts all the notes on BB, it's still important to go to class because there's a quiz at the end of every class. It's easy to do well in the lecture if you show up and make sure you can apply your knowledge on the content. Definitely recommend studying after every lecture, lab is much harder than class.

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2023
Would take again

I loved Mr. O'Sheilds. This is a lecture-heavy course and the tests are difficult but it isn't any more than you would expect for this class. The homework you can complete until you get 100% so as long as you get 100 on all homework the only hard part is the tests. He is a wonderful teacher and dumbs things down so you can actually understand him.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Feb 16, 2024
Would take again

He has quizzes at the end of some classes which are open note and PowerPoint. The test are on the powerpoint bolded words and the learning outcomes. He's very helpfully and is open to question in class or on tests. he draws and underlines stuff on the powerpoint for test. extra credit question on test. HW before each test which is 100 if do it.

EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Feb 26, 2024
Would take again

Anatomy is just a hard course, but I think Britton O'Shields did a great job teaching. He is descriptive in his lectures; there is just a lot of material to cover.

Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
BSC215
Grade: A
May 2, 2024
Would take again

The course has a lot of information, but O'Shields is an amazing professor. He is very clear on what material will be on exams, even giving a list of questions beforehand. I felt completely prepared for every exam and never made below an A on them. Gives extra credit questions and impossible to not get 100s on homework.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Caring
2.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Nov 2, 2024

A&P is hard no matter which prof you take, but he is not the best prof, take Dr. Webb if you can. To excel, you must teach, learn, and read yourself. He does not give study guides and he will rarely tell you if something will be tested on. He teaches new material for next unit on week of the exam. I did well bc i spend 30+ hours studying a week

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lots of homework
2.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Nov 5, 2024

This is a hard class with a lot of material no matter where you take it, but he does not provide study guides for exams, does not tell you what is on the exam so you cover hundreds of slides for no reason. I strongly recommend Dr. Whitley Webb, she goes over what material will be on the exam and tell you to highlight the important information.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A-
Nov 11, 2024
Would take again

Anatomy is just a hard course but he is the best teacher to take for this class. He makes class as fun as he can by getting people engaged and gives you everything you need to know if you listen in class. The homework is super easy and his test are straight forward and he always has a bonus question. Take him if you need the class.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 11, 2024

This professor is terrible, the study guides do not cover what is on exams at all. I HIGHLY suggest not taking this class with him

Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Nov 12, 2024

bsc 115 is hard in itself but Brittons lectures are good if you attend. its a lot of information and only some of it is on the test which makes it very hard to study. if you can dedicate a lot of time to the course you will do well, but if you want something easy this is not for you.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: B-
Nov 22, 2024

the. worst. on. campus.

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2024
Would take again

I am so grateful to have had Mr. O'Shields for Anatomy 1. The subject is tough, but he is extremely knowledgeable and explains things in a way that is easy to understand. He is also the Lab Coordinator, so he is able to answer lab questions. Attendance is taken by Learning Catalytics quiz for a grade at the end of every lecture with four drops.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Dec 9, 2024

Anatomy is hard in general. Britton is a good teacher, but there is so much info he covers in lecture that is not on the exam. The exam only covers maybe 6 topics in depth but he gives us 130+ slides to cover, so its def easy to over study. Ive talked to other students in this course and they said whitney webb is better I would honestly take her

Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BSC216
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2024

He's not bad but he's not good if you get what im putting down. He talks fast if you know how to study you can pass this class with at least a B, he's efficient out of class ish. If you don't know how to then I am sorry for you. He will start rambling about something else so make sure you record lectures it helps.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2024
Would take again

Professor O'Shields is excellent at breaking down complex topics into understandable concepts, making a challenging class much easier to tackle. A&P is hard. If you put in the effort to study, you'll do well. Make sure to pay attention during lectures—he often gives hints or offers extra credit questions that can boost your grade. Highly recommend!

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2024
Would take again

I LOVED him, he points out what's on the test during lecture, there is a lot of material he covers but he makes it clear what will not be on the test. He explains complex things very well but does ramble a little bit about some things. I highly recommend taking him I enjoyed this class so much

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A-
Dec 30, 2024
Would take again

O'Shields is a great professor considering A&P is a complicated subject. He'll ramble a bit, but he's trying to explain the complicated matter.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: D+
Dec 31, 2024

Way too much information to cover in one semester. Can still pass class even with poor test grades IF you do all homework and attend class.

Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Jan 6, 2025
Would take again

At the beginning of the semester he will give you ways to study anatomy and he is very open to questions at the end of the class. Prepare notes and read the text books ahead of time, his lectures are full of examples that you will want to write down.Homework has unlimited attempts to get 100. Attend class, class quizzes will save your grade.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2025
Would take again

Anatomy is a hard class but O'Shields makes it manageable. He underlines and highlights material on the powerpoints in class and those are the test questions. There are questions at the end of class for attendance that come straight from the lecture. He is very accesable outside of class and wants you to succeed.

Clear grading criteria
4.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2025
Would take again

Very good professor, lecture heavy class. But he explains it well and answers any questions you have. He also explains how to excel in the class. He gives learning objectives and the whole test had at least one question from them. Overall very clear, just need to memorize lots of information which is expected.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A+
Jan 15, 2025
Would take again

Class was definitely among the hardest I've taken, but that's entirely because of the curriculum. O'Shields did a great job presenting the material that we needed to know and was very approachable when I needed extra help. Online quiz at the end of class for attendance. Overall, I liked him as a professor but be prepared to spend time studying.

Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: C+
Jan 16, 2025
Would take again

Human Anatomy is the hardest class I have ever taken. It is a ton of information packed into a couple of weeks. The tests were hard, but if you paid attention to the lectures and studied a lot, you would do fine. Oshields was a fine teacher the class was just hard.

Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Feb 20, 2025

Heavy lectures, can barely access him outside of class, no extra credit opportunities, and rounds down on grade percentages. His office hours are only Wednesdays on zoom from 9 AM - 1 Pm. He would cover so much material only for a fifth of it to be on the exam. Had perfect attendance and still struggled with every exam.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B
Apr 22, 2025
Would take again

He is great at explaining the course. Beware of the lab tests and lecture tests. Pay attention and go to class. He really wants all of his students to do well. He gives tips and advice. It only gets more difficult so really try to understand the content that was taught day 1.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: A-
May 5, 2025
Would take again

Anatomy is a really hard class. O'Shields does a good job of presenting the material, and he gives you tips on how to succeed in his class. Lecture tests are difficult, but doable if you study. Lab exams are very very difficult because of the amount of content, so take them seriously. Do not procrastinate studying in this class!

Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B
May 12, 2025

Specifically as a lab instructor: He knows his stuff, which is very impressive considering the hundreds of terms we went over in anatomy. He cares, and doesn't remind repeating himself in order to help. Lectures were exhausting, and it didn't feel like a lab section, but more like another lecture to attend. Study ahead.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: C-
Nov 11, 2025

do not take him. take online somewhere else if you can. its horrible. you need to study for 10+ hours for every test just to get a passing grade. not much room to improve your grade at all. impossible to reach because he's completely unresponsive to emails. like is his email even set up? somebody should double check that he can receive emails.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 13, 2025

Overall I hated everything about his class. Yes I understand this subject is supposed to be very hard but following him is nearly impossible, he flies through the material and is impossible to reach outside of class the one time I sent an email he never replied until I approached him in class. He is a nice guy but his class was dreadful .

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A-
Nov 13, 2025
Would take again

Everyone is being dramatic about bad he is, the class is just hard but it's not his fault. the notes are thorough but they're all online and he's genuinely good at explaining them. attendance is mandatory but he drops 4 attendance quizzes. for tests STUDY THE DSMS about half the questions on the test are paraphrased questions of it.

Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BSC215
Grade: B-
Nov 13, 2025
Would take again

Good professor with good lectures just a hard class. A majority of the test questions are on the DSM homework, if I knew that sooner I would've had a better grade. If you know the DSM questions you will fs pass the tests. 70% of grade are tests. Pearson quizzes at end of all lectures, you can do from home. Lab tests are awful.

Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: A
Nov 20, 2025
Would take again

Anatomy in general is a hard and intimidating class. Professor O'Shields is by far the best option for this course as he wrote the tests and slides. He makes it very easy to decipher what topics will be favored on the test and will mark out anything that won't be on the test. Go to class and study and you'll be fine!

Respected
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
BSC215
Grade: B+
Dec 11, 2025
Would take again

This class is difficult, but it is not Oshields' fault. If you take the time to study and go to class, you will do fine. He is easy to contact if you go through the link to schedule a Zoom meeting, as stated in the syllabus. Go to class, prioritize studying, and ask him for help if you are confused.

Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BSC215
Grade: B-
Dec 16, 2025

Britton is very knowledgeable and a good professor. Obviously anatomy is a hard course and meant to be. His tests are very wordy and difficult to study for. The homework helped a lot to bring up grades and he offered attendance points for the quizzes during lecture. Go to lecture it will save your grade.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

64%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 86 grades
Most common grades:
A (26)
B (15)
B+ (15)
Grade Distribution
A(31)B(20)C(10)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(23)
Based on 91 reported grades
A: 26
B: 15
B+: 15
A-: 8
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (70)
Test heavy (55)
Clear grading criteria (22)
Tough grader (17)
Skip class? You won't pass. (14)
Graded by few things (10)
Lots of homework (9)
Amazing lectures (8)
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