2.2

David Canning

Biology - Murray State University

2.2
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
28%
Would Retake
128
Reviews
2.2
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
2.0
Helpful
2.3
Clarity

28%

Would Retake

128

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

9

4

13

3

29

2

29

1

48

What Students Say

Canning is full of himself

BIO101 - 2.0 rating

If you like good grades, don't take his class

BIO115 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

32%

Textbook Required

42%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 50 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
B (15)
B+ (6)
Grade Distribution
A(19)B(17)C(2)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 55 reported grades
A: 15
B: 15
B+: 6
A-: 4
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (17)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (16)
Graded by few things (13)
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
Tough Grader (7)
Hilarious (6)
Test heavy (6)
Get ready to read (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.73 avg change
May
Sep
Dec
Apr
May
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOLOGY115

5.0

(1)

BIO321

4.5

(2)

BIO115321

4.0

(1)

BIO116

3.0

(1)

BIO323

2.8

(4)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIO523

5.0

BIO155

5.0

BIO

4.3

BIO115321

4.0

BIO116

4.0

Reviews (128)
3.0
4.0
BIO115
Oct 23, 2003

This professor is research oriented ONLY. He teaches only because he has to. I advise avoiding this professor like the plague.

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Dec 12, 2003

He seems to not like his job much... which makes him not very helpful. The lecture isn't bad, but the tests are difficult.

3.0
3.0
BIO115
Dec 20, 2003

DOesn't really enjoy teaching, but he will prepare you for college. The class is interesting, but you have to read and take notes over all the assigned material to do well. Apparently he hates the united states...

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Apr 19, 2004

He doesn't like to help individually very much, but in class, he gives decent lectures. Boring, but he doesn't seem as bad as on an individual basis. Wouldn't take him again if I could avoid it.

3.0
4.0
BIO115
Apr 22, 2004

I am an excellent student but it is impossible to succeed when the professor it too busy doing his research to do anything but read off the class handout (lecture). I would highly recommend taking another prof for you can expect to make a lower grade.

3.0
2.0
BIO115
Aug 10, 2004

No Comments

5.0
3.0
BIO115
Nov 11, 2004

Excellent speaker. Helped when I had questions. Mostly, it was difficult material. Enjoyed this course.

2.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 15, 2004

Biggest prick Ive ever met in my life. He shouldnt be allowed to talk to students online the way he did to our class. I shouldve printed it out to sparks hall the comments he made on his online disscusion board. British Pompus A$$.

5.0
4.0
BIO115
Apr 15, 2005

His tests are only hard due to the fact that you have to think a little to do well. It is not the whittled down simple style of most teachers on this campus. He tests for people who are indeed smart, and not just able to spit back a few memorized facts.

3.0
5.0
BIO115
May 10, 2005

The tests were difficult to take in this class because they are done using the PRS system and Dr. Canning only gives you 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes to read through a question and all the possible answer choices..which doesn't give you enough time to even think! I do not recommend him AT ALL!

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Aug 31, 2005

No Comments

3.0
2.0
BIO115
Sep 4, 2005

The class is incredibly boring, and I don't think that was Dr. Canning's fault completely. He relies a lot on the electronic class participation with the little remotes. The tests weren't bad, but you had to study for them.

4.0
1.0
BIO115
Sep 8, 2005

i love his accent!!! keeps me interested!!!!

4.0
4.0
BIO115321
Oct 10, 2005

While there is a bit of a learning curve to understanding the perspective from which he teaches, I find him to be an effective professor. Don't expect him to hold your hand; he doesn't expect that you'll need it.

3.0
4.0
BIO116
Grade: B-
Nov 14, 2005

Don't take him unless you have to. He's a a$$ and kind of hard. He lectures too fast to take good notes and won't post his lectures on blackboard. He says it won't work because they're not true powerpoints. He did curve our class though because the grades were too low.

4.0
4.0
BIO115
Nov 16, 2005

Dr. Canning does a good job in making sure that we have enough information. He is a little hard but you learn. You should give Dr. Canning a shot.

4.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 17, 2005

He is a good teacher but the class is really hard. He needs to put more of his notes in terms everyone can understand. The tests are super hard. I studied everything on the study guide and read every chapter and still got a 60%.

1.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 21, 2005

No Comments

3.0
4.0
BIO115
Mar 21, 2006

Dr. Canning is a decent teacher, but he is somewhat unavailable outside of class.

1.0
5.0
BIO
Mar 31, 2006

He is a terrible teacher...and doesn't care if you pass or fail. When you go for him for help he just tells you to read the chapters. his test usually don't cover the material he goes over in class. he is one of the hardest, uncaring teachers I have ever had!

5.0
3.0
BIOLOGY115
Apr 3, 2006

Dr. Canning's style approach is justifiably different; however, he is extremely helpful if you are not intimidated. This class was a breeze and it was a good "weed" out class. If you are truly dedicated regarding your studies, at all costs you should take him: you will learn so much vital information needed for a Biology major!

4.0
4.0
BIO101
Apr 12, 2006

I actually liked Dr. Canning's biology class. He has online assignments that help out a lot with your grade. While during lecture he does move fast and it's hard to take notes and fully comprehend what he's saying, EVERYTHING he says is in teh book. you really dont even have to come to class to pass, just read the darn book.

1.0
5.0
BIO115
Apr 24, 2006

Awful teacher. Extremely difficult test. Hard to follow in class. Dont take him at all possible.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Apr 24, 2006

He's a terrible teacher that doesn't seem to care whether you fail or pass. He doesn't follow the bio lab, and he seems to think he's teaching an upper level bio class. Unless you know bio really well, don't take him!!! He's hard and uncaring

2.0
5.0
BIO115
May 16, 2006

The worst teacher I have ever had!!! He was so rude, yeah he new what he was talking about but was the biggest jerk I have ever met! I asked emailed him a question about one of our homework assignments, I though he may drop this one becuase is was so hard and this is what he said "The average that Blackboard calculates includes all the people th

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Nov 16, 2006

Lecture

3.0
4.0
BIO115
Nov 17, 2006

you have to listen really closely and read every single word of every chapter because OSA questions will come up on one tiny little paragraph of the chapter. he talks really fast and does not answer questions... take him anyways though

2.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 30, 2006

to early to understand his accent didn't seem to enjoy being in class and was kinda of snooty

5.0
3.0
BIO321
Dec 5, 2006

He loves cell signaling and cell adhesion. All of the stuff he focuses on come from these. Intracellular is the life of a protein (post-translational modification of mRNA, ER, Golgi, proteosome) and the cytoskeleton. Extracellular is what cells do collectively (cell signaling and adhesion), but most of focus of intracellular stuff is it bigger role

1.0
5.0
BIO523
Jan 6, 2007

horrible

3.0
5.0
BIO115
Feb 8, 2007

He is British and his accent helps keep you awake. The class was impersonal, but I don't know how he is if you ask for help outside class. He is pretty hard to find outside class; check outside. He is very intelligent, but it seems like he should be teaching higher level classes.

3.0
2.0
BIO115
Apr 11, 2007

Dr. Canning is a good professor. He gets a bad reputation because stupid people who take him cant do well in his class. All you have to do is show up to class and study occasionally. I had no problem getting an A. There are 4 online tests, a midterm, and final. You are graded based on the class avg. which makes it easy to do well w/a stupid class.

4.0
4.0
BIO115
Jun 1, 2007

Would only recommend him if you are a good student or are willing to put the work in.

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Jun 21, 2007

This is a very hard class. He puts his notes online, and you use the PRS system for inclass quiz questions every day. The OSAs are insanely hard, and the tests are basically impossible to study for. And he grades VERY weird.

1.0
5.0
BIO115
Aug 22, 2007

By far the worst teacher I've had in my life. I loved biology until I took his class.

2.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 15, 2007

by far the hardest teacher i have ever in my life. he's an arrogant JERK who doesn't care whether you do good or not. his tests are IMPOSSIBLE to study for. his online tests are ok, and they help with your grade so does the prs. his accent and funny prononciation of words keeps you awake. i hate his class. Do eveything in your power to NOT take him

4.0
4.0
BIO115
Dec 13, 2007

Don't take this class if you're scared of hard work. He teaches mostly off powerpoint and posts the notes on blackboard (really helpful)and there are in-class mini-quizzes every session. He's very intelligent; really should be teaching an upper-level class. He's kinda blunt, but I liked him. And he's willing to help you understand too.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Apr 18, 2008

His class is a nightmare! Do not take it. His tests are extremely hard, and usually have absolutely nothing to do with the material he goes over in class. He is rude and doesn't care whether you pass or fail.

4.0
4.0
BIO321
Dec 5, 2008

I had heard horror stories about him and this class...yet, it was relatively easy compared to the other classes I was taking, Animal Phys, Biochem, etc. His lectures are completely random, and you generally won't comprehend much from them. However, the tests were pretty straightforward and the grading scale he used made it easy to get a B.

4.0
2.0
BIO115
Jan 12, 2009

amaizing...thats just it. He makes it really easy to get a good grade you don't even have to attend class thought i think you will do better if you do. by doing the papers and online tests you can lock in an A before exams and not even take finals. Really smart, a little hard to follow and don't even take notes... take a tape recorder.

1.0
1.0
BIO101
Jan 13, 2009

This class is easy. You do not have to go to class. Do not freak out when he starts lecturing, just read the chapters that go along in the book and you will do fine. What your grade is depends on what you want it to be. Do the online test and essays and you can easily make an A

1.0
4.0
BIO501
Jan 27, 2009

Horrible. One of the two worst courses of my entire college career.

3.0
5.0
BIO115
May 9, 2009

This guy is HARD. He makes it look sooo easy, but it is the hardest class I've had yet. He's kinda cold and grumpy, but will help you out of compassion if you really are bombing out. Just write the essays, because you won't score well on the tests.

4.0
1.0
BIO115
May 13, 2009

Pros- Extra credit GALORE + PRS quizzes GALORE = Points Galore = easy A, Grades on 72% scale = A, gives bonus points if you work hard in the beginning. Cons - Tests are expansive and difficult, Tests are not what was lectured over. Tips - WRITE PAPERS EARLY AND OFTEN! Go to class to get points via PRS quiz. (I only had to have a 10 on final for A)

3.0
5.0
BIO101
Nov 6, 2009

Spare yourself, don't choose this guy. He lectures for weeks and you study what he tells you to study for and what he has been lecturing and there will probably be two questions over that on the test.

3.0
3.0
BIO101
Dec 2, 2009

He would not help anyone even if they showed up to class

5.0
2.0
BIO323
May 6, 2010

Oxford grad. You don't to many chances to be with this level of a professor in Kentucky very oftenso take adavantage. Class is a blur of inoformation, test are not that hard. Tells you every detail and expects you to only have the basics, so just work hard and you should be fine. Very helpful just ask him and he will help. great professor.

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Nov 3, 2010

Dr. Canning knows what he is talking about and is good at getting his ideas across to students. However, his tests are extremely difficult since they are in true/false format. I took this class after hearing about extra credit opportunities. Only to find out he stopped giving those opportunities. Work hard and you will do fine.

3.0
5.0
BIO115
Dec 8, 2010

While Dr. Canning is funny and his class is interesting, he does not post any of his lectures on Blackboard and does not assign a textbook. For his tests he tells you to review the website he has made for the class as well as the notes we got from lecture, however, none of this is actually on the test.

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Apr 7, 2011

Dr. Canning knows his Biology, however I felt that sometimes he assumed we had his level of knowledge as well. His class is very interesting, but his tests had nothing to do with his lectures or the website that is supposed to contain the lecture notes.

3.0
1.0
BIO115
Nov 2, 2011

This guy is ridiculously easy. But its because he has a God complex where he thinks he's smarter than everyone and builds his class thinking his students can't comprehend material. It works out cause all you have to do is understand his lectures and you will do well on tests. Just take good notes and getting a B or higher is a high possibility.

3.0
3.0
BIO101
Nov 12, 2011

His tests are not Impossible, he has a funny way of grading. usually if you get an 82% or above he gives you a 100% on the test.He just has his own sort of grading scale. does not use Blackboard or Mygate. Emails test score results. Fairly entertaining in lecture. Not Horrible, but refuses to help outside of class

5.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 14, 2011

Awesome, if you go to class, you will do well. Very helpful professor if you actually talk to him.

3.0
5.0
BIO155
Dec 4, 2011

Could tell he didnt want to be there. Just gave 150 page study guide and lectured. He needs to add more material to the class so the class can have more practice and get more out of learning

1.0
4.0
BIO101
Dec 7, 2011

His class could be easy if you can keep up with him. Hard to follow in the book. Will not help outside class. Will not answer all emails.Acts as though he donot want to be there.Cancels class too often. When students asks questions, the whole room can't hear, he should repeat the question so all can benefit and then give the answer.

2.0
5.0
BIO101
Apr 16, 2012

Do not take this class unless you are a genius. If you go ask for help all that he says is for you to read the book. He is very intelligent and just expects everyone to be at his level. Hid homework is all from wikipedia and his tests are impossible.

3.0
4.0
BIO101
Nov 9, 2012

This class was hard but it was challenging in a good way. Canning taught like a colege level class and doesn't spoon feed the information to us, he makes us actually learn instead of memorize things. If you are able to keep up with him in class, take really good notes, and actually put effort into the class you will be fine.

1.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 13, 2012

Do not take this class unless you have the capability of being a rocket scientist. He is a very intelligent man teaching an intro biology course. His tests are impossible. He will make study guides if you ask him. You might as well just read the entire biology book if you want to learn and participate in his class.

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Dec 6, 2012

Unless you have a photographic memory, or the time to actually sit and read chapters out of the book, Do. Not. Take. His. Class. He is extremely intelligent but doesn't understand sometimes that we cannot read his mind on what he expects us to know and do. He lectures for nearly an hour and then tells you none of it will be on the test and to go read the book. If it all possible, avoid at all costs

3.0
5.0
BIO115
Sep 6, 2013

He expects you to know everything about biology prior to taking the class. Tests and quizzes are difficult, definitely need to study, overall, there could be worse

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Nov 1, 2013

I had him for BIO 101. The way he worded his take-home quizzes was difficult for me to understand (multiple correct answers, etc.) and when I would ask for help, he would tell me that I don't understand the English language. Then he tried to tell me that you can observe genotypes, which is false. Only phenotypes can be observed.

2.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 6, 2013

Dr. Canning is a brilliant man, his intelligence shows when he speaks but he lacks the ability to teach. As others have said he expects you to know everything he does before you get into class. You would be better suited taking him for upper level classes.

2.0
4.0
BIO101
Jan 7, 2014

Canning would ramble on during class. Most of the stuff he talks about in class doesn't relate to tests or anything.It was impossible to get a 100% on his online quizzes. The test were easier just because they were exactly whats on the quizzes. He's not very reasonable either. Lectures are boring but usually got out early.

1.0
5.0
BIO115
Grade: A-
Jan 21, 2014

The subject was interesting, but his tests are difficult to the point that other MSU biology professors can't give you an answer to them. If you like good grades, don't take his class.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: C
Apr 9, 2014

Canning is an awful professor. He rambles constantly during class and says nothing that relates to either the quizzes or the test. It is impossible to make a 100 on the online quizzes and his test have nothing on them relating to what he talks about/what's in the book. Don't take him.

1.0
2.0
BIO115
Grade: A
Oct 19, 2014

He is a really smart guy! His bio 115 class is optional due to the fact he lectures on stuff that is not covered on the tests. You get a total of 5 grades for the course! These are all tests. He gives a study guide with 50 to 70 questions and he picks 25 to put on the test word for word! He is a very nice guy!

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Grade: A-
Nov 11, 2014

He is really intelligent but he does not teach out of the book. He does give study guide which is very nice, but the study guide is very hard. His tests are based off the study guide so you are given 70 questions and he takes 25 of them for the test word for word. I don't go to class and i am getting an A, but he is very rude and not helpful

2.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Nov 14, 2014

Dr. Canning is full of himself. Attendance is not mandatory. He gives 5 study guides which contain 75+ questions and then "randomly" chooses 25 to be on the exams. If you READ the book and do the study guides, it's manageable- however, the questions are worded in such a way that "idiotic" and "ridiculous" come to mind.

1.0
4.0
BIO115
Nov 17, 2014

Nothing he teaches is on the exams and the exams are the ONLY grades.

1.0
5.0
BIO323
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 7, 2015

He is an absolutely horrendous professor. He will not help with the study guides, grades horribly, and gives tests I would expect as a biochemistry graduate student. If you're bio, you probably can't skip him, but I would advise it if possible.

2.0
4.0
BIO115
Grade: A+
Apr 2, 2015

horrible teacher, he goes off topic so much . first time I took him I went evey day and failed. the next time I never went to class except to take exams and passed the class

1.0
5.0
BIO323
Apr 21, 2015

Avoid AT ALL COSTS!! If you need a bio elective, just about anything else will be better. This guy does not care one bit if his students understand the material and plays head games regarding tests, study guides. You could take all the notes in the world and read the book cover to cover and still not know what the heck I going on during the exams.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: B-
Nov 5, 2015

Horrible professor! Does not care about his students and does not tell you what will be on the exams which are the only grades in the class. HORRIBLE! HORRIBLE! HORRIBLE! STAY AWAY!

1.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 12, 2015

He gets off track about what he is suppose to talk about. He is also a little quiet and sometimes hard to hear.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 16, 2015

He doesn't take attendance, which makes it very easy to skip, tests are very hard if you don't go and if you dont like to read.

1.0
5.0
BIO155
Jul 2, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Horrible, horrible professor. He does not care anything about whether or not his students learn. He pretty much expects you to learn everything on your own by reading the textbook. The only grades are your exams over the text. You must MUST read or you will fail. ALWAYS look at the study guides, he puts nearly half of those questions on the exams!

5.0
5.0
BIO115
Grade: Rather not say
Sep 14, 2016
Would take again

The most brilliant professor I have ever taken for a class. Since I wanted to learn things, it was easy to see how that made it my responsibility.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 17, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Nothing really

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This year might be the first where he has 5 online homeworks and 1 final exam, those are your only grades. It's impossible to make a 100 on the homework and you will feel completely unprepared for the final. He does not care about his students and rambles during class. Also he told us he thinks our book is wrong and he hates it. Avoid at all cost

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: D+
Dec 5, 2016
Would take again

The comments on this website are so wrong, it is verging on the pathetic. And you guys are making a profit, while providing purposeful miss informed opinions as statistical accuracy. GFYS.

Tough Grader
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
BIO115
Grade: A
Jan 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I liked Canning a lot as a person, but he is not a very good professor. In my opinion, he is just far too smart to be teaching a 100 level class. There are not many grades at all, and the final is a bruiser to study for so it is easy to get behind. He also doesn't take attendance and there are no tests/quizzes so it is very easy to just skip class.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Mar 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Canning is a really funny guy-- that being said he didn't offer much on the side of helping to prepare for his assignments. We had 5 assignments (one got dropped), a final, in class participation, and our lab grade. The assignments were impossible to make over a C on and he offered no help. Would not recommend taking him.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Mar 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Five homework assignments (one dropped), a final, in class participation (answering questions through google forms), and lab doesn't leave much room for error. The homework assignments are impossible to get over an 80 on. His lectures seem pointless, there's a lot of rambling and off topic talks. Very difficult to understand his material.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO115
Grade: B+
Aug 17, 2017
Wouldn't take again

There are only 5 grades for the entire class: 4 homeworks and 1 final. 98% of his homework questions weren't mentioned in the lecture, anywhere, and there was no book for the course to look for references. The final was random questions from the homework, so study those!!!!! Without Google and Quizlet I would have failed. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND.

2.0
3.0
BIO115
Grade: B
Oct 27, 2017
Wouldn't take again

In this class, there are only a few homework grades and the final is pulled from the homework questions. These homework assignments were not based on the lecture OR the book he told us not to buy (don't buy the book). He didn't really seem to care about the class or the students, though his lectures were always interesting and informative.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
BIO115
Grade: B+
Apr 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Canning is a very smart man, but I guess he just does not care much about teaching this lower level class. He chooses a random book that he assumes has all the information he is going to teach in it. All grades are just the 10 homeworks and the final. You could skip this class and get a decent grade doing your own research. Avoid if possible.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Apr 20, 2018
Wouldn't take again

What was done in the lab, what was in the textbook, and what he lectured on were three separate things. Only 7 assignments on Google Forms (the lowest one dropped) and the final for the grade. Offers no help outside of class and brushed me off when I asked for clarification of what he expects. The book is unused. No study guide for the final.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: D+
Apr 24, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is a terrible hot headed professors

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
3.0
BIO115
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 24, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Do not buy the book. He does not reference it & does not follow it at all. You have 6 HW assignments, his lecture summaries, & a final. His lecture summaries are restricted to a 250-word count, then he'll tell you they aren't specific enough. Very unorganized & expects you to know it already. Not personable & arrogant. Anyone but Canning.

LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
BIO115
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Canning lectures in a very disorganized way. He starts big, then describes the little processes for how things work- but he does not specify what exactly he is lecturing over sometimes. No grades, just online assignments, lecture summaries, and the final. He does give feedback on the summaries so you know how you're doing. He zooms through ppts

Gives good feedback
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
1.0
BIO115
Grade: A
Oct 27, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Canning is a fairly good professor. He is quite knowledgeable about the subject matter, but he doesn't present it in a particularly interesting way. He is practically impossible to find outside of class, but he always cuts lectures short to allow time for questions. All in all, a cool guy who just needs to focus on being clearer.

Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO115
Nov 5, 2018
Wouldn't take again

In my experience he is very knowledgeable, but does not seem to put much effort into actually teaching the material. Though he is entertaining through his use of dry and sarcastic humor, you will find this does not make up for having to listen to him read off of a PowerPoint three times a week and typing a summary over it every single time.

LECTURE HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Nov 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

ONE EXAM GRADE ALL SEMESTER!!!!! He is extremely arrogant and not helpful whatsoever. No matter how specific or detailed you are in your lecture summaries he will tell you they need to be more specific. His lectures do not help with any of the 6 online assignments.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
BIO115
Nov 26, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Canning basically stands up & talks for 30 minutes & then at the end of his lecture tells you that nothing he just said was true. He gives ONE test at the end of the semester & nothing he covers in class is helpful at all. I do not feel I learned anything at all from this class except from the last 3 lectures of class which wasn't even on the final

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
BIO115
Nov 26, 2018
Wouldn't take again

oh yeah DO NOT even waste your money on the book, he will straight up tell you first day of class that the book is stupid.

3.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Dec 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The largest issue with Dr. Canning lied in the fact that he is way too intelligent to be teaching a 100 level course. He was very insightful, and sometimes humorous. We had online assignments which were easy 100's, one comprehensive exam, and summaries over every lecture. While attendance is not mandatory I recommend going, it helps greatly.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Canning is great. I was nervous going into his class because of all the terrible reviews. His bio 101 is just basic biology and not too difficult. There were 6 online tests that you can take as many times as you want. Make a quizlet with the questions and answers! All you have to do is that and lecture summaries. He's a funny dude 10/10

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
2.0
BIO115
Grade: A+
Dec 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Canning is a very smart man, but he's too smart to teach a 100 level class. Grades based off lecture summaries, online homework, and comprehensive exam. Can retake homework till you get 100, and exam is based off homework questions. Class is very boring, and I feel I did not learn a thing. Easy A, would not recommend, and don't buy the book.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
BIO115
Grade: A-
Jan 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dont use the book. You have 6 assignments, a lecture summary every class, and one comprehensive exam. The assignment can be took until you get a 100 and you wont know the information. Keep the questions from the assignment because most of it is on the end of the semester's test. He will say you need to be more detailed about your summaries.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
1.0
BIO115
Grade: A
Mar 17, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Canning is all-in-all a good enough professor. He doesn't make the material very interesting, and a lot of the things he says are irrelevant or just don't make sense. But he makes his homework assignments easy enough, and the test comes directly off the homework. If you put forth even a little bit of effort, you'll pass with no issue.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
1.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Apr 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr Canning is not a very nice person. I had to bring a dog with me to class and he was very harsh about telling me I could not bring the dog. His lectures were very boring and there was no point in the class because nothing ever got taught and you didn't learn very much. His "powerpoints" were pretty much just pictures and he talked all class.

Graded by few things
So many papers
4.0
4.0
BIO323
Grade: A
May 8, 2019
Would take again

There are 8 essays in total you need to write and the final at the end. The two lowest are dropped. Unlike any other professor, he recommends using Wikipedia. Use it! In order to get all the points you need an interesting introduction such as an attention getter. This course is tough due to the amount of time it takes, however, it is doable.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Jun 20, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Canning required detailed summaries of EACH lecture he blessed us with. This in itself is annoying, but the fact that the summaries were graded was absolute hogwash. He never seemed to care. He would walk in, rattle off facts, and then leave. The exams and quizzes had absolutely nothing to do with anything he ever said.

3.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Nov 14, 2019
Would take again

only thing to worry about is the midterm and final. the online quizzes you take all year and unlimited with all the answers on quizlet if you just search, and they count more than the final or midterm. nothing he talks about is on either of them. you take notes for nothing and attendance doesnt matter whatsoever. youll be fine without going ever

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
2.0
2.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Jun 5, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Canning really knows his stuff. However, he doesn't need to be teaching 100 level classes. He extremely funny and can be entertaining, but he is also extremely snarky and egotistical. If you get offended easily, I would look into another section.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
BIO115
Oct 26, 2020
Would take again

Canning is one of a kind. Luckily this class was on zoom so quizlet was my best friend. I would have failed if not for no lockdown browser or webcam. 7 quizzes which you can take unlimited times and a midterm and final. Quizzes are easy but midterm and final was challenging. ONLY take if on Zoom. I learned nothing but got an A so a win win.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
1.0
3.0
BIO115
Grade: A-
Nov 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Doesn't teach the subject well. He's too smart to teach this low of a class. Gives very detailed explanations that aren't on the tests and says you don't need. There's about 10 quizzes you can take 12 times and 2 exams one is a midterm and the other is the final. If you're a BIO major I would take a different professor you can actually learn from.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2021
Would take again

Canning is chill, doesn't care if you show up. It didn't really help to go anyway. Easiest class I had all semester, quizzes each week on canvas. then 2 exams ("midterm" & "final"). Our weekly quizzes were 75% of our grade, while exams were 25% so it was easy. RECOMMEND. he is also very funny, so that's a plus.

Graded by few things
Hilarious
2.0
3.0
BIO
Apr 15, 2022

I haven't had any classes with him so far, but I had the misfortune to have him as my advisor. I lost count of how many times I had to ask other professors what I should do.

3.0
5.0
BIO115
Grade: A
Apr 20, 2022

He is kind of rude and isn't a people person. Take his class for BIO115 and then never take him again. The quizzes are worth 65% of your grade and are online with no lockdown browser, so that is nice. There is a lot of reading and work outside class to keep up with and the lectures aren't exactly helpful. He also doesn't answer emails.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
BIO115
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

Very funny professor, but I just think he's too smart to be teaching a lower-level class like this. Gets bored after talking for too long. Quizzes are every few weeks and we could retake them 6 times if needed, and he says to use your resources. Don't talk while he's talking, not even just a whisper. Final exam is 90 true/false questions.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Mar 8, 2023

Dr. Canning has a great personality. However, his Bio 101 class didn't help prepare me for the higher-level bio classes. His lectures are fine, but you have to listen because his topic points aren't on the slides and are vague. Also, his readings are links to random websites and google searches. Only thing graded was exams, so no HW or extra credit

Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Apr 3, 2023

Dr. Canning is funny, but his lectures did absolutely nothing to help me. I never took notes after the first test because nothing was on the test. I was completely lost and just looked at the textbook. He was fine since I'm not a bio major, but don't take his 100 levels if you are.

Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: B
May 2, 2023

I do not feel like I got much from this class. He would teach and then tell you his opinion and then you took quizzes online.

Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
BIO101
Grade: A+
Oct 18, 2023
Would take again

Lectures are amusing and Canning is extremely thorough and interesting, but he can be condescending at times. Be respectful of him and his class. Read everything he gives you, and if possible, record lectures to listen to later. Take detailed notes. Put forth the effort to learn. Online exams, all open book; final was in-class with a scantron.

Respected
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO115
Grade: B
Oct 23, 2023

Doesn't about you or your grade. The tests are open note but its hard to get anything above an 88. if you reach out to him he either ignores you or makes you feel dumb for asking for help. good luck if your prevet, just take bio 100/101 to avoid him.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: C-
Nov 26, 2023

Dr. Canning is an awful professor to learn from. He is very opinionated in his lectures and is very unwilling to accept criticism from students. It is difficult to get a response from him through email or canvas. He also does not include his office hours anywhere so you will never be able to receive extra help from him in person. Don't take.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: B+
Nov 27, 2023

Dr. Canning is condescending and does not care about you or his job. I have a desire to learn, and this professor impeded my ability to do that. I was belittled every time I asked for help and felt like I was not a good student because my grade was entirely based on his impossible tests. This class was ridiculous, and I learned very little from it.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: B+
Nov 27, 2023

Gives you 6 tries each test and expects every student to easily receive 100 because it is open book. Test questions are unrelated to the lectures and so specific that clear answers are almost impossible to find through research. I studied study guides given, including hours of textbook reading, and was unable to do well using all 6 tries.

1.0
4.0
BIO115
Dec 6, 2023

Dr. Canning is a terrible professor. Because he does not care about his students, he does not put forth any effort into the class. It is obvious that he is a smart man, but he is blatantly rude to his students and makes it extremely difficult to pass his class with an "A". I feel as though I have learned nothing this semester in his class.

4.0
3.0
BIO115
Grade: B
May 3, 2024
Would take again

I think Dr. Canning has a particular sense of humor that a lot of people don't understand. He lets you look up the answers for the quizzes on Google, and if you can't find it just go to his office and ask him where to find it. Even if you don't do well on the final, him allowing you to look up quiz answers guarantees that you'll get a C or higher.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO115
Grade: B
Sep 25, 2024

What he teaches and what is on the test are completely differently differently

Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Dec 15, 2024

Dr. Canning can be a hit-or-miss professor. While his lectures are entertaining, the exams are highly specific and unrelated to the material. To succeed, you'll need to study extensively using the textbook, Unstuck AI, and any available study guides. Attendance is mandatory, but the textbook is rarely used.

5.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B+
Apr 22, 2025
Would take again

I think Dr. Canning is genuinely great. He's funny, although what's on his exams aren't in his lectures. Most times you can just look up the answers, and so long as you're not a jerk, he'll help you in his office hours and give you an extension if you really need it. I'm sure he's not for everyone, but I do think everyone's too harsh on the guy.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO
Grade: B
May 1, 2025

I have learned nothing for his class, and he was not helpful.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
1.0
BIO101
Grade: A
May 8, 2025
Would take again

Not very nice guy but tells you to cheat on every test. Don't have to listen in class, doesn't want you to talk to him or ask questions so don't. Go to class, sit in the back, be quiet and take the tests with ChatGPT open in another browser and you will be fine. Tests online btw

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
1.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Nov 21, 2025

Not fun, he's mean to students sometimes

Lecture heavy
2.0
2.0
BIO115
Grade: B
Nov 22, 2025

His class was super boring, but he told you that you can use AI on every test, so the class is pretty easy to pass. I feel like I did not really learn anything, and if you really want to, you have to do a lot of research on your own about the topics he discusses.

Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

32%

Textbook Required

42%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 50 grades
Most common grades:
A (15)
B (15)
B+ (6)
Grade Distribution
A(19)B(17)C(2)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 55 reported grades
A: 15
B: 15
B+: 6
A-: 4
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (17)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (16)
Graded by few things (13)
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
Tough Grader (7)
Hilarious (6)
Test heavy (6)
Get ready to read (4)
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