3.6
Quality3.9
Difficulty47%
Would Retake97
Reviews47%
Would Retake
97
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
45
4
18
3
12
2
4
1
18
What Students Say
“The most confusing and toughest class I've ever taken”
BIO1610 - 1.0 rating“Smith is the most unapproachable professor”
BIO1010 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
46%
Textbook Required
32%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.31 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOL1010
5.0
(1)BIOLOGY1010
5.0
(1)BIOLOGY1610
5.0
(1)GEO1010
5.0
(2)1610
4.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
ENVIOR1010
5.0
BIO1015
5.0
BIOL420001
4.5
BIOL1015
4.5
BIO1610
4.2
Reviews (97)
His class is just hard, he seems to think that everyones in there to be a Biologist cause he tells things that we don't need to know, just cause they are "intersting" and it confuses the heck out of students My hubby took a Biology 1010 from someone else and he didnt have to do half the work I had to do, he also got an A and I ended up with a C
No Comments
He is a great teacher. He makes his tests fun and stress free. Very helpful.
Honestly one of the best teachers I've Had. Not the easiest or funnest (actually he is pretty entertaining) but thats not why you take his class. He is obviously interested in what he is teaching. Take him if you seriously want to learn about Biology
This guy is a stud. Class is something to look forward too. You buy a book of notes and that is all you need, dont waste money on the text book. Grade isnt just based on all the tests. Tests have gimme questions, but are hard. If you want to build a solid foundation, This is the guy if your looking for an easy A someone else is probally better.
Seriously he has got to be one of the best teachers at Dixie! He is very knowledgeable and fair. If you attend class and study you will do just fine. HIGHLY reccomended!
awesome teacher love his book he uses for notes, much better than using slides on computer. review your tests with him to help you on your final
Dr Smith was really good at explaining things clearly. There is a lot of information on each test, but he gives you all of the info needed to pass. Overall, I liked his class
He's a very fun teacher and his lectures are always enjoyable. However the class covers a lot of information and you will be taking a 75-100 question test about every other week. However you can buy his lecture notes from the bookstore which makes taking notes a breeze. Just make sure to pay attention and study because the tests are fairly hard.
Great teacher. Explains things thoroughly and very well. Always available to his students. Returns work and tests almost immediately. Highly recommend!
Goes on alot of tangets and asks trick questions on his tests. He will make you laugh. But you will shake your head just as much. He does not believe in climate change and in the class I attended spent a lot of time disparaging those who do beleive in climate change rather than teaching you what you need to know for his tests.
Del Smith was a very helpful teacher for students who, although not interested in pursuing a career in the biology field, wanted the class to know what the subject was important. His teaching methods and activities were very useful in test prep, intrigue, and overall fun in the course. I would recommend taking this teacher everytime.
Loved him, he's very understand and a joy to have as a teacher. I had his early mornin class,and loved that he joked and liked to make his students feel comfortable. He provides his own notes, and the biology book he uses to just show pictures of the things he talks about, or if you miss class you call use it. Other than that highly recommend him
Del Smith is one of the best professors I've had on campus. If you are taking any biology, and he is teaching it, take it from him. The note book he writes is priceless. You have to go to pass. He is funny and highly intelligent. Great professor!
Very entertaining, makes you think. Really wants you to learn the material for YOU! The class is just downright hard because it covers so much. he always avails himself though, kinda hard to take him at first, he teases alot, if you are sensitive you prob don't want to take his class. everything on test he goes over...but you gotta study alot
If you really want to learn, definately take his class. He is an awesome professor and really makes you think. I've learned more in his class than any other. He has teasing personality that lighten the load of his class. Definately an A+ for him!
I loved him. I would definitely recommend his class to anyone! He is a hard teacher, but is so worth it! He is a huge tease, you just have to learn to not be offended. Awesome biology teacher, he really knows his stuff!
He's great, and fun to listen to
It is biology, it is going to be hard. However, his teaching methods are always interesting, the lecture book is extremely helpful(not the text book) study for his tests. The tests are easy if you study. And I will highly recommend seeing him in his office for ANYTHING. He is VERY EASY to talk to. Love the class
Very big tease and great teacher
Great personality and makes class enjoyable! I would totally recommend him for any type of student! All biology classes take work, the tests are pretty hard, but his class was very interesting! Just study often you'll do fine in his class!
He is a good teatcher and keeps the lecture interesting. It is a must though to attend class and do the assignments, so long as you do that you are good. He will explain things over again if you didn't get it the first time.
He makes you work for your grade (as any good teacher would). The thing I liked about him most was that he kept his lectures interesting and I actually looked forward to attending his classes. He allows class discussions, which also got very interesting. Overall I think he's a great teacher.
Great teacher. Keeps class interesting with jokes and tangents. Few assignments. Tests are decently easy if you study
One of the best professors at the school in my opinion. I was already interested in Biology but after this class I loved it. Del Smith makes coming to class not such a chore. His lectures are interesting and he likes to joke around and have fun. He makes sure you understand the subject and his lectures are pivotal to doing well on the test.
My favorite teacher ever. Really does a good job explaining the concepts - very opinionated, but is willing to joke. I always looked forward to going to his class.
Now, Smith is nice. Opinionated and loves to joke. I think he doesn't explain things very well. But the notes he gives you are good and if you study those you should be able to do well on the test. My tip if you decide to take his class is to watch youtube videos on the material. It helps a lot.
I've had two teachers completely blow me away in my two years at Dixie, and Del was one of them. I took him in the summer of 2013 and I only wish I had had more time to pick his brain.
Great lecturer. Clear handwriting and pictures. Only negatives are that he talks a lot about his personal life and is late to lectures most days. Tests are very easy if you know the notes and pay attention to lectures. He is a nice guy and it is easy to ask him questions. In-class discussions are encouraged.
I was really intimidated to take this class (not a science oriented person at ALL) let alone take it jam packed in a summer semester, but Del made it worth it. He made everything clear to understand, and class was so enjoyable. Yeah he talks about his personal life, but it's FUNNY and he (usually) relates it back to what we're studying.
Del is the best biology teacher hands down. Lectures are always interesting. You do have to work for your grade. Too bad he doesnt teach 1620. If he did I would take it
Literally hands down the best teacher at Dixie State period. Of coarse this is college so you have to work for your grade, but his classes are NEVER boring, always making jokes and keeps the students interested, when he covers material he breaks it down so you can understand, and if you don't get it still just go talk to him he will guide you.
Del is awesome at explaining the material. He uses great examples to explain the concepts, and will answer any questions you have. He teases a lot and has great rapport with his students. The tests are SUPER HARD, but the material is straight out of his lecture notes. Memorize the lecture notes A on the test. I will definitely take him again.
Great teacher! Tough exams but very clear notes. He's a funny guy who likes to tease but he makes time for office visits if you need it. This guy is clearly an expert in his field and I would recommend him to anyone!
Go to every class and study hard for every test. Dont and Cant miss class.
He's an amazing teacher, he came recommended and after taking his class I understand why. The people in class were a bit odd but I found a love for plant tax. The fiedtrips were fun and Del is down to earth. Use common sense and don't try and argue. He likes to joke and has good moral character. this was actually my favorite college classteacher
I took him this summer for the BIOL 1610. The tests are semi-difficult but absolutely everything you are tested on comes from the lecture notes, so study them and in groups. He also has funny tests, you'll see. Go ahead and look forward to taking this guy, you're sure to learn a lot and see if biology is the field for you. :) Thumbs up for Smith!
Professor Smith is awesome. He's very clear on what he expects out of his students and of the material. The tests are pretty tough but fair, so study the lecture notes and participate in class and you'll be fine. Wish more professors were like him.
This class was very hard. His tests were hard and go very into depth that he doesn't go over in class.
Del is by far one of the best professors I've had. His class isn't necessarily easy and you have to earn the grade you want. (Homework, LOTS of studying). If you visit him during office hours he is more than willing to help you. He is very personable and one of the nicest people. If you make the effort he notices and he will help you.
Smith's lectures can be boring at times but he is willing to help you get a good grade and tells you exactly what to do to pass his class!
He is a very difficult professor. Your grade is mainly on test. So never miss class. Take notes. Pay attention and STUDY !!!!!
Del knows his stuff. All the lectures follow the format of the lecture notes that he's written, which is really helpful. Tests are difficult but they're fair, everything is in the notes. Just study a lot. To top it off he's a pretty funny guy. If you go talk to him he's very helpful and willing to work with you. Lot's of respect for him.
He has great very sarcastic humor. Take it lightly. His lectures are great and have notes that accompany them. Buy the notes, take notes and study the notes or you will not pass the tests. Tests have lots of questions but that's good, room for errors. Gives extra credit but you have to do all the assignments and projects. Good teacher Def Recommend
The most confusing and toughest class I've ever taken. Doesn't have lecture slides, just says his notes. When you ask for him to repeat what he said, he gets annoyed. Goes off on tangents where he talks about pointless things which bores and confuses me. Tests are long and hard and on things he did not mention in depth. Never would I recommend!!!!!
Del smith is in the top 3 best professors i've ever had. This class isn't hard if you show up everyday and he has printed a book of all of the important notes for each student. He is very helpful in his office hours and he is hilarious. I wouldn't have wanted to take this class from anybody else.
A very good teacher. He reads from the notes for his lectures and you fill in the blanks on the notes. He makes the notes easier to understand and more fun. He does a point for point grading system so homework assignments help your grade. However, he is not on canvas. Although attendance is not mandatory I highly recommend going every day.
Professor Smith isn't an "Easy A" but it is easy to get an A if you do the work and study. His lectures are engaging, entertaining, and easy to understand. He gives plenty of examples, promotes participation, and has lecture notes that you fill in as he lectures. He is fair in his tests and grading. Assignments are only supplementary. DSU's best.
He definitely knows what he is talking about, but isn't really able to explain the material in a way that those of us who don't know can understand. He gives out multiple assignments during the semester (which are a major grade help), since tests are majority of the final grade. He isn't very personable and is difficult to talk to.
He is a pretty good teacher. He covers a lot of material. The tests are a little rough, but has many assignments to pad your grade. He has two big projects; they are a little time consuming, but they are not too bad. Overall, the class is difficult but fair.
Smith is a complicated person and his class is complicated as well. Class consists of lecture-heavy material and he gets annoyed when someone asks him to explain. Tests are tough and class averages get as low as 55-60% and he doesn't do anything about it. You're better off reading the textbook and teaching yourself or getting help somewhere else.
To preface this, I am an A student. In Smith's bio I got an A-, and even that was difficult. He is so unclear when it comes to his tests. When you ask him to elaborate he gives you some pathetic, vague answer. I like him in lecture, he's a really smart guy, but the tests are overwhelming. I studied up to 10 hrs, and had a B average.
Good lecturer, but his tests are very vague and a lot harder than what he covers in class. Very nice guy, but the tests are grade killers. I normally do well with grades but I struggled a lot in this class.
Del is a pretty good guy, sometimes he seems really angry and it is hard to read whether he is actually angry or just joking. Also for anyone planning on taking plant taxonomy taking plant kingdom before is an absolute must! Plant taxonomy is easily the hardest class I have ever taken.
Great Professor! He gives out homework assignments along with test in the testing center to give students a better Chance to pass if they are not good at test taking. And he inspires you to go out more and help with cleaning up the earth. I would recommend him for Environmental Science Class and Biology 1010 Lecture Hall. He is very understanding.
Smith is the most unapproachable professor. Doesn't care what is going on in student's lives, acts as if his class is center of everyone's curriculum. I am a 4.0 student and failed his exams. He's very sarcastic and impersonal and his tests are ridiculously vague and difficult. He is a really frustrating individual with a really frustrating class.
Del was great! I hate biology, but he made this class bearable. Tests were a bit challenging, but as long as you study from the lecture notes, you should be fine.
There is a pattern to Del Smith's teaching. Not once did I use the textbook, but rather just the study guide notes. I noticed that ALL the tests and lectures were based on the study guide notes. If you want a good grade, seriously, memorize the definitions in the study guide. Trust me you'll get an A.
Really straight forward guy. Gives off a "Ron Swanson" vibe from Parks and Recreation. The required text book wasn't needed, just be familiar with his study guide notes. Test are challenging, but if you study the lecture notes and attend class not to tough. If you're reading this review Professor Smith, enjoy LeBron on your Lakers!!!
I really liked this teacher! I really enjoyed the lectures and how the notes correlated exactly to it. The tests are difficult but if you listen and write notes in class you will know everything on the test. If you don't show up to class it will be very hard to pass tests and to know when assignments are due and when the test dates are. Very funny!
About 7 tests for one semester that are about 100 questions each. Textbook not needed. Tests are vague and dont make sense. He teases students, but I actually felt belitttled. Gets annoyed when you ask questions. Wont repeat info when needed. Dont take this class. Isnt willing to work with you. Instruction is always vague.
He explains things really well and his lectures were always entertaining. I rented the textbook and didn't use it once. Make sure you know all the information in the lecture notes because the tests are all 100 questions based entirely on the information in there.
Del Smith is a good teacher and he knows his stuff. He is very opinionated but don't confuse how he is as a person as he is as a professor. Tests are long and challenging! You will use the textbook once a week. He spends about 30 min of his lecture going off on tangents about life so the lecture isn't crazy, you just have to tune back in.
Professor Smith has a nice way about him. What I appreciated most was how candid he is but still tactful and caring. Don't let his reputation of being a tough professor frighten you from taking his class! He is super intelligent, funny and pushes you to do your best. Take his advise seriously about studying every day, you'll need it.
He is a funny guy, but his grading is no joke. He is vague and doesn't give you a clear picture of what to study. Tests are extensive and not easy. I would not suggest this teacher.
Summer is rushed and difficult to keep up with.
smith explains how he perceives things and doesnt consider how other people learn and think. he gets off topic a lot talking about kids, restaurants, and sports. the lecture notes you are required to get is very confusing and filled with mostly vocabulary. highly recommend NOT taking this class with him if you dont already know everything taught
Dont let the high rating fool you, Prof. Smith is an alright professor but NOT a 4.0. Half the class is spent talking about SPORTS, past relationships, life stories, etc. He takes pride in the fact that none of his students get 100%. He doesnt want you to succeed and he makes you feel stupid all while acting holier than thou. 1000% DONT RECOMMEND
Hes an amazing professor and really knows his stuff. His tests are 100 questions each and very very hard. As long as you pay attention and devote a little bit of time per day to study, youll do fine!
The reviews are kind of harsh, he is a good teacher who tells you what you need to know. The test are hard, but if you study daily for them then you can get the A. If you are willing to work hard, then you will be fine. Also he is more than willing to help if you go in and ask questions, so do that!
He teaches well and trys to help you understand. but his quizzes are 100 questions every two weeks. He requires you to remember every detail. And he doesnt trust canvas so you have to print everything out and hand it in trusting the homework makes it to grading and not get lost.
People saying his notes aren't clear, testa are hard, etc, didn't pay much attention! His notes are very clearly organized and he goes over them word for word in class so you know exactly what you need. Anything that isn't in the notes or that he didn't talk about in class are NOT on the test! All you need to succeed is to study and ask questions!!
Smith was one of my hardest classes Ive ever had. Im terrible at memorizing things and do better with hands on learning. If you can memorize his lecture notes you will be fine. I recommend building a study group if you can or tutoring center. He is a tough person to communicate with ( speaking for myself). Get ready to work your butt off.
Professor Smith is a really funny guy. His lectures are always super funny. He has lecture notes that directly constitute to what is on the test but his tests are tough. He does 100 question tests and expects you to know everything. I enjoyed that because I actually retained the material. He makes you work for your grade.
Keep in mind I took this lab after taking BIO1010 last semester from another prof. but wow. He quizzes on the next module a day before the current module is due. It makes no sense. One of the labs, he had us record the color of 2500 pieces of corn. Lots of pointless drawn-out work and the quizzes are tough. I Liked my other BIO prof. a lot more.
Del has to be one of my favorite professors. He always knew the content of the class and answered hard questions simply. This class really changed my prospective on how I view the geography around me. If you put in the time and go to class you can pass this course with a good grade. His reviews / homework prepare you for the tests.
This professor doesnt care about his students. I took the bio lab 1015 class and it was a joke. for only 1 credit it has been the hardest class ive taken. The professor doesnt help you understand things when youre confused and grades so harshly its almost impossible to pass. i tried to do my best in this class & i received a D.
This class was the hardest class of the semester, and it was only worth one credit, but I put WAY more hours into it than any other class. The quizzes were confusing, and we did them BEFORE we learned the material. The labs took ages, and were all extremely tedious. I had to buy all the materials for it since I took it online. Hated this class.
Del has been one of my favorite professors at DSU. He knows the material really well. He made lectures fun and interesting which made it easier to pay attention. He was clear on his grading criteria and expectations which makes it easy to get the grade you want if you're willing to put the work in.
Doesn't explain the why or how with many terms. Expects you to memorize everything he says during the lectures. He also doesn't provide study guides or any practice tests/quizzes. 10/10 do not reccomend
I like Del but the way he teaches is sometimes pretty boring. He did try to lighten the mood by getting slightly off topic sometimes though. To study for tests, just work on memorizing the material and you'll come out with at least a B+. The end of the semester was crammed, he tested us on things we hadn't gone over but did give extra credit for it
He does not prepare you for exams. He doesnt go over 75% of the material in exams but its in notes so its on exam. He is anti-vax, rants about students being lazy 24/7. He does not accommodate disability or illness. You will only do well in his class if you are republican, white, able-bodied and teach yourself the entire curriculum.
Dr Smith is the worst professor Ive ever had and Ive had a lot. Im his mind he is never wrong and he is often mean to students and not in a joking way. His tests are super hard. He would tell us something wouldnt be on the test, then boom it was. Do not take Bio 1610 from him!
He is a great professor and makes his lectures entertaining to listen to.
Professor Smith was honestly one of my favorite professors last semester. He keeps class very entertaining and he grades pretty clear. My recommendation for his tests is to study his lecture notes that you fill out. Everything on his tests is in the notes. If you know the notes you will ace his tests. He also works with you if you have a conflict.
Horrible! His lectures aren't even helpful, its pretty much teach yourself. He just was horrible in general most people get bad grades on the tests. He doesn't believe in being a bad test taker.
He definitely has favorites. I never felt engaged during his lectures. Expects you to memorize the little things for the tests. Also only gives you two days to take a test and if you have work or other classes he's not willing to work with you. He never really answered my questions when I reached out and wasn't kind when it came to asking for help.
Professor Del Smith's class structure does not make sense. You are assigned the quizzes and given two days to learn the material. Afterward, a lab is due on Friday where you actually learn the material. Quizzing doesn't make sense when you don't even know the information you learn from the lab. Awful class I would never take it again.
His labs consisted of going to the store to weigh 12 melons, counting kernels of corn for 2 hours, and dissecting flowers. These are extremely time-consuming labs for a 1 credit class. His quizzes are hard and he only gives you two days to prep when you don't even learn the information until after you do the lab (which is due on a Friday).
He was super hilarious in class. Do not expect an A however. You do have to work for them. Also the people that gave him a 1 are idiots that did not pay attention in class. He doesnt have time for stupid people so dont waste your time going to the class if you arent willing to put in the work.
I loved my class with Dr. Smith. He is very casual, but deeply knows his stuff. I loved how clear he is with expectations on assignments. As long as you carefully read instructions for assignments and study lecture notes for tests you will do great. He is also pretty funny, in a way that is far from politically correct and may offend some people.
This was overwhelming for a one credit class. It doesn't matter how hard you study, you will bomb the quizzes and tests. Unless you can spend 6 hours a week on a 1 credit class to memorize diagrams, you will be taking the struggle bus the whole semester. Super boring too.
Only the people that do bad in his class claim he plays favorites. I studied a normal amount for exams and always got an A. He only puts the info in our notes on the exams, so if you're constantly skipping class, obviously you shouldn't expect to pass. The class was very engaging and he tries to get everyone involved. Labs were really fun.
I currently have a 86% but after calculating my grade and Getting 0's on the rest of the exam's I will end up with a 73% and While I do care about my GPA, I do not care enough to torture myself by attending this class. Be prepared to read power points, that's a copy of your textbook if you take this class while listening to his superiority complex
This class was the hardest class I've taken by far and it was only general biology. He is not approachable and does a good job at making you feel like you're drowning in his assignments and like you know nothing even though this class is for generals and not just for those interested in Bio. I wish I could've dropped out but I needed the credit.
He rambles for hours about non-biology topics, he makes jokes at the expense of others, is not accommodating, and he spreads his opinions about how covid was fake, how climate change is fake and how 99% of RFK Jr's theories came true. I could not recommend this professor less, he is not fit to teach anything, much less biology.
Lectures are engaging. Professor Smith is funny and incredibly fair. I seriously do not understand his difficulty rating. I did pass his 6 week summer course with minimal studying just by attending the lectures. It'll seem like you are being hit with a lot of material. But each of the homework take like 20 minutes max and the tests are not hard.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
46%
Textbook Required
32%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.31 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOL1010
5.0
(1)BIOLOGY1010
5.0
(1)BIOLOGY1610
5.0
(1)GEO1010
5.0
(2)1610
4.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
ENVIOR1010
5.0
BIO1015
5.0
BIOL420001
4.5
BIOL1015
4.5
BIO1610
4.2