3.8

Craig Packer

Biology - University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

3.8
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
88%
Would Retake
89
Reviews
3.8
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
3.6
Helpful
4.1
Clarity

88%

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

34

4

31

3

15

2

6

1

3

What Students Say

He has an accessible presentation and does have deep knowledge of the topic, the potential is there for a great professor, but he has a great pitfall

BIO1001 - 1.0 rating

pay attention in class as almost all of the test is based off of class discussion

BIO1001 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

84%

Textbook Required

82%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 17 grades
Most common grades:
A (10)
A- (3)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(10)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
A: 10
A-: 3
B: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
Respected (9)
Group projects (4)
Clear grading criteria (3)
Participation matters (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Gives good feedback (2)
Get ready to read (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.11 avg change
Dec
Jan
Nov
Dec
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO1101

5.0

(1)

BIOL1001H

4.4

(5)

BIOL1001

4.3

(36)

BIOL1001ETC

4.0

(1)

BIOLOGY1001

3.8

(5)
+2 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1001

4.0

BIOLOGY1001

3.2

BIO1101

3.0

BIO1001

3.0

BIOL1001

2.6

Reviews (89)
4.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Dec 15, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
BIO1101
Apr 17, 2004

This professor has wonderful lectors. He is really easy to understand and he understands students. He will keep your attention and you will understand the topic!

1.0
5.0
BIO1001
Sep 22, 2004

I hated this class. Because he is a world famous person who studies lions, he was NEVER at lecture because he was literally in Africa. So we constantly had different prof's.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Nov 15, 2004

he's an awesome teacher, although he is gone to africa a lot. he makes the material incredibly fun to learn and he is a good lecturer.

4.0
3.0
BIOLOGY1001
Nov 18, 2004

The class is difficult in itself if you don't do the readings. Packer's lectures are funny and entertaining at times but he is also gone alot as well.

3.0
3.0
BIOLOGY1001
Nov 23, 2004

Boooooooring!!

5.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Dec 15, 2004

He has been gone several times, but he makes sure we are all on track when he returns. Also, he is such a great lecturer that this class, which is not within my usual interest, has become my favorite. Plus, he's a really cool, entertaining person who is hot in a unique way.

5.0
1.0
BIO1001
Dec 22, 2004

Very knowledgable. It is cool having a professor with field experience. Yes his misses class sometimes, but his subs are good teachers. His tests are fair. He was a great prof.

5.0
3.0
BIOLOGY1001
Apr 30, 2005

very knowledegable and made it interesting

4.0
2.0
BIOL1001ETC
Sep 11, 2005

I had Packer for Biol 1001 and for a CBS freshman seminar several years back. I thought he was great and a very interesting guy. The 1001 class was pretty boring but it's so broad that I don't think anyone could make it interesting!

5.0
2.0
BIO1001
Sep 13, 2005

He's a good man. Down to earth & such.

5.0
2.0
BIO1001
Sep 15, 2005

he's a funny guy- makes being in a lecture with 300 other people more personal/interesting

4.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Grade: B
Oct 4, 2005

very smart guy. knows his biology. a little bit too anti-religion, but it's all good. got a B, so i'm not complaining.

4.0
3.0
BIO1001
Grade: A-
Nov 2, 2005

Knows what he's talking about. The humor allows the class to go by a little faster.

2.0
3.0
BIOLOGY1001
Nov 6, 2005

what an arrogant jerk- you better not be religious or he automatically hates you- thinks his way is the only way

3.0
5.0
BIO1001
Nov 14, 2005

Does not make lectures specific enough, he almost knows too much about what hes talking about, as to where he explains oncepts with other concepts that I am unfamiliar with, don't take his classes, exams are very difficult as well

3.0
4.0
BIO1001
Grade: F
Dec 7, 2005

Adds unneccesary detail and concepts to his lectures-Made it hard to decifer which parts he wants you to know for the tests. He catches you off guard with his humor which is a definite plus! Tip: when you feel like sleeping in class (you will), review your notes from the previous weeks before dozing off. that way you dont have to cram last minute.

3.0
1.0
BIOL1001
Dec 14, 2005

he talks way too much about his personal research on lions- it gets real old, but i guess he is a pretty good teacher other than that.

1.0
5.0
BIO1001
Dec 19, 2005

LAME!!!!! That's about it.

2.0
4.0
1001
Dec 20, 2005

lots of slide lectures

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Dec 28, 2005

he is clear and teaches well

4.0
4.0
BIO1001
Dec 30, 2005

The lectures were VERY boring and the exams were really hard, but the professor tried to make class interesting and is very passionate about his work. He was also funny at times. I would recommend him as a teacher.

4.0
1.0
BIOL1001
Jan 25, 2006

It's an easy class if you're not stupid. It probably helps if you have an interest in biology and know some of the basics. He's a good professor, keeps lecture relatively interesting, and despite what others say, I found the lions bit interesting. If you're relatively good at biology, this class is a breeze.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Jan 31, 2006

Well, like the previous poster said, all you need to pass this class is a basic understanding of biology (examples: trees don’t talk; humans require oxygen) and the will to show up to class. Packer’s lectures are interesting…the Tsavo lion bit is really good…and you can leave feeling biologically smart.

4.0
4.0
BIO1001
Mar 22, 2006

He was a good instructor but his tests were hard and lectures could get very boring. But he makes things a little easier if you miss class by putting all the lecture slides up in the tutor room.

5.0
3.0
BIO1001
Jul 11, 2006

Good prof. Tests come 100% from lecture, don't even look at the book, no help at all. Make sure you take good notes. The Lab difficulty varies widely; you can see people get C's on the test but 100% in labs, or the complete opposite. Tests are easy if you go over notes. However, beware the grade killing Lab TA.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Oct 17, 2006

Great guy. Inputs good humor into his lectures. Never really have to touch the books; his quizzes can be aced by lecture alone.

3.0
3.0
BIO1001
Nov 11, 2006

Nice guy. Lecture is painfully boring, but there are in lecture quizzes so you have to go most of the time. I've fallen asleep in more lectures than not.

5.0
1.0
BIOL1001
Jan 8, 2007

excellect teacher...very interesting

4.0
5.0
BIOL1001
Apr 29, 2007

Very boring lectures, not very helpful to students. He is gone about 25% of the time so get ready for guest lecturers. Very hard exams. Overall class percentage for both mid-terms was below below 55%.

4.0
1.0
BIO1001
Oct 17, 2007

All I can say is thank God for calculator games...The book is completely useless, just go to class, try to stay awake, and don't waste your time reading. He tends to spend way too much time on easy concepts while glancing over the hard stuff. Tests are easy and follow the notes closely.

4.0
1.0
BIO1001
Oct 17, 2007

All I can say is thank God for calculator games...The book is completely useless, just go to class, try to stay awake, and don't waste your time reading. He tends to spend way too much time on easy concepts while glancing over the hard stuff. Tests are easy and follow the notes closely.

3.0
4.0
BIO1001
Nov 30, 2007

Very long lecture (one hour and fifteen minutes) He sprinkles it with jokes and anecdotes which help. Even with studying and note taking I did terribly on both midterms, don't know if that was just me though.

3.0
4.0
BIO1001
Dec 3, 2007

He is Okay, but kind of boring.

4.0
4.0
BIOL1001
Dec 15, 2007

Considering this is basic bio, I would say Packer does a good job of presenting the material in an interesting way. Study the lecture slides, don't bother with the book. At all. As far as always being gone, this semester he only missed 3 lectures. Tests are hard, but that's so the curve is huge.

5.0
2.0
BIO1001
Dec 18, 2007

2 things - GO TO LECTURE, and don't bother with the book. Packer knows his stuff and presents it clearly, however, he likes to focus on little details, leaving you to determine the major concepts to be studied, which WILL be on the test. But again, don't bother with the book, and Packer is very competent and rarely boring.

4.0
3.0
BIO1001
Dec 21, 2007

You must attend lectures to do well in this class. They can be boring sometimes though. You learn a lot from this class, but it takes work to get an A. His midterms and finals are difficult but if you study his lecture slides, you should be alright

3.0
4.0
BIOL1001
Jan 3, 2008

I never opened the book, and never needed it. To understand the info, you MUST attend lecture. Mid-terms and finals were kind of hard, but paying attention, using his review sheets and looking at his slides (which he posts online) help.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Jan 8, 2008

The professor kept lectures engaging by adding dry jokes where needed! He was very punctual at answering emails and did a great job explaining things that may not have been clear in lecture. Tests were kind of hard but the notes, lecture slides and practice texts online were helpful.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Jan 21, 2008

Great Professor. Very Helpful. As long as you read what you need to for the lectures you will do fine... grading system is very easy.

5.0
1.0
BIOL1001
Jan 24, 2008

Interesting teacher, lectures were interesting. Will use jokes to keep you awake, some of the jokes can be quite crude. the class is easy. you have to believe in evolution.

5.0
2.0
BIO1001
Jan 30, 2008

i really liked his class. he kept lectures interesting. wouldn't skip any lectures because of small quizzes at end. lab was semi-boring. overall, great prof

3.0
4.0
BIOL1001
Nov 7, 2008

Lecture is interesting. Tests are somewhat difficult. There are no review sheets or old practice exams. Labs are dry and boring, but easy to get a good grade in them. Not very helpful personally.

3.0
3.0
BIO1001
Dec 12, 2008

ATTEND LECTURE. In the end if you attend all of the lectures, pay attention, and take detailed notes you'll do alright. Lab is a joke and your TAs will take away points whenever they can. Professor Packer is an interesting lecturer just make sure you write down everything that he says.

2.0
4.0
BIO1001
Dec 14, 2008

One of the most arrogant professors at the University. If you want to hear offensive comments about religion and constantly hear about his lion research, then this is the class for you. I can't believe he teaches a bio class for non science majors. What a jerk! You will be MUCH better off taking Biol 1001 with the amazing Sehoya Cotner!!!!!

4.0
1.0
BIOL1001
Dec 15, 2008

If you attend lecture and actually pay attention you'll do well. Never studied and got an A on all the tests. Lab is easy, but TA's can vary in quality. He's a cool guy and will insert jokes every once in a while in lecture. As long as you're not an over-sensitive freak and believe in evolution, you'll have no problem.

4.0
3.0
BIO1001
Jan 23, 2009

Makes lectures interesting. Not too hard if you pay attention in lecture. Don't really need the textbook.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Aug 12, 2009

Amazingly witty. Cute and charming man, really. Loves the subject of biology. Truly cares about animals, plants, and the Earth. ATTEND LECTURES and you will pass. Pop-quizzes every so often. 5 points each. Be there. Take good notes. Don't really need the book at all except for lab assignments. Review notes and you'll ace tests. Top notch guy.

3.0
5.0
BIO1001
Dec 1, 2009

You MUST attend the Lectures or you WILL fail! His tests are IMPOSSIBLE! All the tests are way more conceptual and really detailed. This class made me hate bio. If anything don't take it. He knows his stuff but his tests are too hard.

2.0
5.0
BIOL1001
Oct 14, 2010

Please do NOT take this class if you do not have a background in Evolution. But the most frustrating part is this class is supposed to be a introductory class... and that's a straight up lie. I'm a junior and I've NEVER taken an intro class this difficult. Look for another professor or a straight up different class if your just filling generals

5.0
3.0
BIO1001
Oct 30, 2010

This professor is pretty much perfect. He definitely deserves a chili pepper.

2.0
3.0
BIO1001
Nov 13, 2010

If you love evolution, then you're fine, but this class is not a normal intro course. It is completely about evolution and Packer never stops bashing all other ideas over the head. Even not having particularly strong feelings either way, it got so old.

3.0
5.0
BIOL1001
Dec 5, 2010

Horrible. only reason i went was to watch movies on my laptop, just copy what people around choose for the answer to clicker questions. get ready for him to bash religion first day of class and bring up lion research every class....Hard tests Anton savonav as TA was awesome.

2.0
5.0
BIO1001
Dec 19, 2010

His tests were impossible. I am a very good student, and I got a C in this class. Do not have Melody Lee as a TA because she is an extremely hard grader and I heard most of them were very easy. I would take Horticulture if you need a bio credit for generals. my roommate took it and got an A-

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Dec 23, 2010

he keeps class interesting, has reasonable tests, and the class isn't very much work except for studying for the tests. i enjoyed this class and would recommend this professor.

3.0
4.0
BIO1001
Dec 27, 2010

Averages on tests are 60% but I studied a lot for them and averaged around 85%. Atleast one pop quiz each week, he gives them randomly at the last 5 mins. They can be hard and are from the previous lectures. Very biased and makes things very hard like tests and quizzes but TAs are easy.

3.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Jan 22, 2011

Completely intolerant of any opinion that differs from his idea of what "science" is (which is ironic because that's not a very scientific way to act). Arrogant. Does not stop bashing other belief systems or past scientists who got things wrong. Nice guy, personally, and a pretty solid teacher and lecturer. But very very intolerant.

4.0
2.0
BIOL1001
May 11, 2011

Easy class, pretty fun to go to. People that complain about the tests or the TAs are off in their complaints. I had studied under an hour per week, including lab prep, and did very well. He is a good teacher. Talks about his own research a bit, but at about the same level as other professors.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Dec 4, 2011

Funny guy. Interesting class. (Unless you're super religious, then this class will make you very uncomfortable). Don't really need to buy the book, just go to lecture and study for tests.

4.0
1.0
BIOL1001
Dec 15, 2011

Class was very interesting. He states on the first day that if you don't believe in evolution you should leave since it is the basis of his class. So if you DO believe in evolution this is a great class.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Dec 12, 2012

This guy is the bomb. You can't ask for much more from a lecturer. He pulls no punches when stating his own views on the material, especially evolution. I'm not especially interested in Biology, but Packer made the material engaging and relevant. Quizzes aren't bad if you stay off Facebook during lecture.

3.0
4.0
BIOL1001
Dec 16, 2012

This professor was terrible. The tests are not on the main ideas of his lectures. You will spend three days talking about a subject and it wont be on the test. His tests are at the 3,000 level and basically footnotes or words he mentioned once and didnt even explain. absolutely terrible.

4.0
3.0
BIO1001
Dec 19, 2012

This class is VERY difficult, but Craig presented the material enthusiastically and clearly. His tests are difficult and very detail-oriented, but if you attend lecture regularly and have a mild understanding of basic biology going into the course, you'll be fine. I highly recommend Craig Packer!

5.0
4.0
BIOL1001
Dec 19, 2012

Packer is a weird, but funny. Not a very easy class. Lecture isn't mandatory but is highly recommended for random quizzes at the end of class. I would recommend him to others for his sexual references.

4.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Dec 21, 2012

This class is very reasonable as long as you attend the lectures and study off the powerpoints for tests. Tests are detail specific but its all in the lectures. Would recommed this class.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Jan 11, 2013

Packer is great at keeping the class interesting, but it is an hour and a half long, so people fall asleep. He won't tolerate talking during class, he called people out on it on multiple occasions even though the class had 200 students. To study for tests, just go through all the powerpoints. If you pay attention, you'll get an A.

5.0
4.0
BIOLOGY1001
Nov 7, 2013

GREAT Teacher! Super funny. I highly recommend taking any class taught by him.

4.0
4.0
BIO1001
Dec 16, 2013

He's great! Very funny, very clear. The tests are very difficult, so make sure you pay attention. Don't bother with the textbook, you never use it. There are quizzes at the end of lectures most week to encourage attendance.

5.0
1.0
BIO1001
Grade: A
Nov 2, 2015

Craig is the sassiest man over 60 you'll ever meet

4.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Grade: A
Nov 6, 2015

THE slowest talker on the face of the planet. He is very monotonous and boring, but its an easy class to pass.

4.0
4.0
BIO1001
Dec 1, 2015

Runs on "flipped classroom" where you watch lectures at home then review lecture during class time. Not terribly hard but extremely time and labor intensive, if you have other commitments like work or harder classes you're screwed. Good if you're invested, definitely not if you just need the bio science credit. Packer is delightful, though.

4.0
2.0
BIO1001
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 4, 2015

Professor Packer is a really cool guy and definitely respected by students. He does a good job explaining material in an interesting and sorta funny way.

4.0
1.0
BIOL1001H
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2016

Professor Packer rarely teaches during class because of the "flipped classroom." His lectures are posted online, and class time is devoted to discussion, activities, and quizzes (99% of which is handled by Annika Moe). However, his online lectures are very easy to follow; he offers plenty of examples for each concept. Tests are extremely easy.

4.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Grade: A
May 26, 2016
Would take again

This class is "flipped" with lecture videos online and then class time for group work and what would usually be homework. Craig's videos were easy to follow but could sometimes be boring, recommend not doing it at night when you're really tired! When he came up to speak during lecture he always had really interesting stories and connections to bio.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1001H
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2016
Would take again

He genuinely cares about what he teaches and does really amazing work.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
2.0
BIO1001
Dec 14, 2016
Would take again

pay attention in class as almost all of the test is based off of class discussion. He's super funny and obviously cares a lot about the subject!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
1.0
3.0
BIO1001
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He has an accessible presentation and does have deep knowledge of the topic, the potential is there for a great professor, but he has a great pitfall. He takes every opportunity to shame anyone with different beliefs than him while puffing up himself and those who think like him. This is a biology class, not your blog or your platform.

Respected
5.0
3.0
BIOL1001
Dec 15, 2016
Would take again

My favorite professor so far. He's an awesome dude that is passionate about what he teaches.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
BIOL1001
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2017
Would take again

Craig Packer is an INCREDIBLE lecturer. Funny, passionate, caring -- wants to help you understand the things you need to pass the class. BIOL1001 is ridiculously easy if you're looking for a libed credit, but it's also very, very informative. I got a surprising amount out of a class I did nothing more than show up for.

Respected
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
4.0
2.0
BIO1001
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

it's a "flipped" class and his lectures are sometimes boring, but the class itself is easy to pass. Only 3 exams and some lecture quizzes, no cumulative final.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
4.0
3.0
BIOL1001H
Grade: B
Apr 16, 2018
Would take again

Easy to pass the class if you watch the lecture videos. speed up videos to 2xs speed and take notes. Labs are very easy

Gives good feedback
Respected
Participation matters
4.0
2.0
BIO1001
Grade: A-
Aug 24, 2018
Would take again

The GOAT! Dr. Packer is such a great professor with so much knowledge its unbelievable. While learning about lions in the Serengeti and watching a random Youtube video one night on Lions hunting, out of nowhere came Craig Packer giving a narrative and description! The guy is well respected in the real world and has even done work with Jane Goodell.

Respected
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
2.0
BIO1001
Aug 31, 2018
Would take again

Great class

Respected
5.0
2.0
BIOL1001H
Grade: A
Dec 27, 2018
Would take again

Professor Packer teaches the content thoroughly through his preclass assignments and clarifies with lectures. The preclass work is necessary, including reading, to understand the content. It can be a lot of work or a little. His voice is kinda soothing, so morning class or videos can be hard. Simply put, do the work and show up. Then, you're good.

Respected
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
2.0
BIOL1001
Grade: A-
Jan 5, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Packer rocks! This course was co-taught and I wish we had more ability to interact with Dr. Packer during our course meeting times. He is so interested in wildlife in Africa and our earth and it's really moving. Definitely wants you to succeed and learn. Unfortunately our main professor for this course was not him which I wish was different.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Accessible outside class
4.0
2.0
BIO1001
Nov 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I like Dr. Packer a lot, but this class was useless. I hate the flipped model, and his lectures were super repetitive if you watched the videos (which I stopped doing like a week in). All projects are group projects, which sucks a lot. I'd recommend him if you're into bio + in an advanced class, but I hated this course. He was cool tho. 8/10

Lots of homework
Group projects
Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
BIO1001
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2023
Would take again

BIOL 1001 was FULL of group work. Personally ended up with only 2 of the 5 members of my group contributing to the work, but it ended up helping my test grades. Exams are easy if you do the in class and pre lecture work. Good amount of extra credit opportunities.

Group projects
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO1001
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 9, 2024
Would take again

11111111111

Group projects
4.0
2.0
BIOL1001H
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Packer is extremely kind and friendly. He is very passionate about his research and biology as a whole, and that passion comes through in his teaching. Expect lots of reading and pre-class homework assignments, but as long as you attend his lectures, it's pretty easy to succeed in his class.

Participation matters
Group projects
Lots of homework
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

84%

Textbook Required

82%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 17 grades
Most common grades:
A (10)
A- (3)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(10)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(4)
Based on 19 reported grades
A: 10
A-: 3
B: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
Respected (9)
Group projects (4)
Clear grading criteria (3)
Participation matters (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Gives good feedback (2)
Get ready to read (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.11 avg change
Dec
Jan
Nov
Dec
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO1101

5.0

(1)

BIOL1001H

4.4

(5)

BIOL1001

4.3

(36)

BIOL1001ETC

4.0

(1)

BIOLOGY1001

3.8

(5)
+2 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1001

4.0

BIOLOGY1001

3.2

BIO1101

3.0

BIO1001

3.0

BIOL1001

2.6

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