2.9

Donald Levin

Biology - University of Texas at Austin

2.9
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
50%
Would Retake
102
Reviews
2.9
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
3.0
Clarity

50%

Would Retake

102

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

11

4

29

3

25

2

15

1

22

What Students Say

In all honesty, he's really not that bad

BIO311D - 4.0 rating

Levin is a good human being - I think

BIO311D - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

65%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 63 grades
Most common grades:
A (18)
A+ (13)
B (12)
Grade Distribution
A(31)B(12)C(6)D(3)F(1)A-/B+(10)
Based on 73 reported grades
A: 18
A+: 13
B: 12
Not sure yet: 10
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (54)
LECTURE HEAVY (29)
Hilarious (17)
Tough Grader (17)
TEST HEAVY (12)
Lecture heavy (11)
Test heavy (8)
Clear grading criteria (7)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.47 avg change
Apr
May
Oct
Dec
Apr
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO311D

3.0

(92)

311D

2.1

(8)

BIO213

2.0

(1)

BIO304

2.0

(1)
Difficulty by Course

BIO213

5.0

BIO304

5.0

311D

4.0

BIO311D

3.5

Reviews (102)
2.0
5.0
BIO213
Sep 15, 2005

No Comments

2.0
5.0
BIO304
Jun 23, 2007

I was so excited to take enviromental biology. I had a tought time in this class. I don't recomend him for fresh/sophmores.

4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Jul 29, 2008

He's a meanie. Doesn't believe in posting notes so u hafta go 2 to class. No textbook required so everything comes 4rm notes. No electronic devices either.Calls on you & insults if you give a creative answr. Best thing to say is I dunno. Tests r all free response and you have to read lengthy articles on your own for them. He's a stickler on tests.

5.0
3.0
BIO311D
Aug 23, 2008

Great class. People would complain if didn't get sense of humor, but most of my friends loved the class. Learned a great deal from him. Tests kind of tough, just take exact notes.

4.0
3.0
BIO311D
May 16, 2010

Dr Levin is a really good professor. He's very funny in a sarcastic grandpa kinda way, although some ppl said he was kinda mean. Take really good notes, I literally didn't open my book once during the semester. His tests are 70% straightforward 30% tricky, but overall pretty easy. Know his class examples. I recomend him, his class was my favorite.

3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Jun 8, 2010

Don't take this professor. He's funny but a good portion of his tests are on off-topic random factoids and the tests don't have many questions so it's easy to get penalized on the exam for things that don't matter. If you're an A student, you'll probably make a B. This class is unecessarily hard and unorganized. Take a prof like Buskirk instead.

3.0
3.0
BIO311D
Aug 18, 2011

Really easy class if you actually went to class and took notes. Makes you read terribly long and outdated papers, they are on the test. Classes aren't too bad, he makes sarcastic jokes, he picks people to answer questions. One time, he kicked out a student for using their laptop. Attendance is mandatory, everything on the tests is from lecture

3.0
4.0
BIO311D
May 9, 2012

You must attend all classes! He only goes by his powerpoint. The book is optional. He calls on people randomly so be on your toes! Although he may seem like he's belittling you, he really does care about the class progress. Keep up with all the notes and ask questions [he loves those] Do this, and you'll do fine.

1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Jun 17, 2013

THIS CLASS IS HARD. I had a 3.93 going into the class and got my first B ever. His tests cover the most ridiculous, random details that he may OR MAY NOT mention in class. I went in to talk to him and he was pretty rude and extremely unhelpful. Don't take this class if you value your GPA

1.0
5.0
311D
Aug 13, 2013

This class was NOT easy. The test grades were not an accurate representation of how HARD we all studied. The actual material in the class is very easy, but he makes the tests confusing and just difficult to decipher. He teaches ecology and evolution, and not what is taught by other Bio311D teachers! I got my first B and I regret taking the class!

2.0
3.0
311D
Grade: B
Nov 5, 2013

One of the worst professors I have had at the University of Texas. Not only does he show complete disinterest in his students, but is generally rude in class. His tests are wildly absurd and does not teach anything that the other 311D professors teach. E.g. one of his test questions was chickens are to turkey as squirrels are to (blank).

1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Apr 3, 2014

The worst professor I've ever taken. Thought i was taking an intro bio class but it's basically like taking ecology. I'm not learning anything my friends in better classes are, his tests are hard and ONLY based on notes. DO NOT TAKE, if you cant get buskirk or zhao take ANYONE else, you will regret taking this class

1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Grade: C
May 7, 2014

If you have any intentions of going premed, I urge you to not take this course. It's a GPA killer (I HAD a 3.6), it has no material that will be tested on the MCAT, the information feels outdated, and he intentionally tries to trick you on his tests; the amount of effort you put into studying feels useless when you get your grade back. Watch out!

1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Apr 2, 2015

I write down everything Dr. Levin says in lecture and study for hours and it STILL isn't enough to even pass a test. All of his tests consist of trick questions and free responses which he requires a specific answer for or else you don't get points. This class ruined my gpa and frustrated me beyond belief. He's the worst professor I've had at UT.

1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Apr 28, 2015

Biology is my favorite subject & he actually made me hate it. Lectures are so random and make no sense, and he asks you insanely random stuff on the tests. Don't take him. Just don't do it.

3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: C
Apr 29, 2015

His lectures are extremely entertaining but they're scattered. You really have to go to class and pay attention to every detail. The tests don't represent the lectures and make you want to cry

1.0
5.0
BIO311D
May 13, 2015

He is actually the most useless professor. I had a 3.93 prior to his class. I ended his call with a C. His test are so obscure, and barely about actual biology; they are all about his examples. Life would be nicer if he finally retired.

4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
May 14, 2015

One of my favorite profs who always made lectures interesting with his humor. He only picks on you if you aren't paying attention. The lecture is everything almost no outside material. Study your lecture notes to the finest details and you will be fine! Very nice guy, sounds mean sometimes in explanations but just to make sure people understand.

2.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B+
Jun 29, 2015

Levin requires memorization of facts exactly as he states them, namely definitions. If you are a word off you will be marked off on the test. He will try to trick you on the tests in the multiple choice. He calls on students randomly especially if he thinks they aren't paying attention and ridicules anyone if they give an incorrect answer. AVOID

3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Jul 6, 2015

A hard class, but one of my favorites so far. He asks questions everyday and you WILL be called on to answer them, but it's completely ok to say "I don't know." Don't miss class, write down every word he says, memorize the notes, and you'll do alright. Don't take this class if you're premed - it's all about the environment but has proven useful.

3.0
3.0
BIO311D
Sep 3, 2015

No word to describe this professor except lazy. Only teaches what he wants to teach, refuses to acknowledge everything else. All of the test material is only his lecture, so theres no direction for work outside of class if you actually want to learn about Biology. Only lists definitions and facts (like we're 2nd graders or something) on his website

4.0
1.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Sep 7, 2015

If you go to class, pay attention, review the notes after each lecture for about an hour, and study for 4-6 hours before the test, you'll be fine. Dr. Levin is crystal-clear and I loved that there was no outside material on his exam. Easy A if you memorize what he tells you. He gets a bad rep because he makes fun of students who don't pay attention

4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Dec 9, 2015

Dr. Levin is a pretty good teacher. Must go to class and take notes on everything he says. If you study that and his slides online you'll be fine. He gives curves, extra credit, and no plus/minus grades.

4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Dec 10, 2015

Levin's class is by far the most interesting class I've taken. Going to class isn't bad because he is hilarious and the topics are very relevant. I took notes on every lecture and made sure to memorize the little tid-bits he mentions in class. I only had to study for 3-4 hours in order to get a high A on all the tests.

3.0
5.0
BIO311D
Grade: D+
Dec 12, 2015

Dont take this class if you can avoid it. If you have to take him, dont miss class and write down every single word that comes out of his mouth.

4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Jan 18, 2016

Absolutely loved Dr. Levin's class and his hysterical lectures. I paid attention in class, went over my lecture notes, and ended up with an A. His tests will have a few frustratingly irrelevant questions, but otherwise they're straight from his lectures. Funny dude, very knowledgable.

5.0
4.0
BIO311D
Apr 8, 2016

He's literally the best professor I've ever had. Hard as hell and will call you out for bs, but amazingly smart.

4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Apr 26, 2016

His class is hard, but I feel like that's just because of the subject. He's a great professor, strings in jokes in his lectures and he seems like a genuinely nice guy.

4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A-
Apr 29, 2016

I loved Professor Levin! He is a really smart guy and is very funny and engaging so his lectures are not hard to keep up with! His tests are somewhat difficult but he calculates your overall grade in a way that will give you the best shot at making an A. As long as you pay good attention in class and memorize the notes, this class is not bad at all

3.0
4.0
BIO311D
May 20, 2016

Levin was honestly one of my favorite professors, but his grading is very harsh. If you're answer is not clear-cut there is no way you'll get credit for your answer. In order to succeed in the class you must show up and you have to study with others. Be present & collaborate with others & you should do well in the class!

5.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Aug 18, 2016
Would take again

Donald Levin is my favorite professor at UT so far. His class is difficult, but it is definitely possible to get an A if you put in the work. Take really detailed notes and sit close to the front. Learn to love him.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
4.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Aug 19, 2016
Would take again

Professor Levin, bless his soul, has a very narrow, personalized definition of "precision." Memorizing his definitions verbatim is the surefire way to earn credit. That said, Levin is still more interested in your ability to infer soundly over your ability to memorize. The content itself is very easy; just be prepared to adjust to his expectations.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Aug 29, 2016
Wouldn't take again

BEWARE OF THIS CLASS!!! HE IS RUDE, VERY EGOTISTICAL AND VERBALLY ABUSIVE. The professor's confrontational style of teaching makes the classroom atmosphere difficult to tolerate. If someone arrives late to class (even if they're only two minutes late) or if someone leaves their seat to go to restroom, he will pause the lecture to interrogate them.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Grade: D
Sep 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I absolutely loved this class. I loved the topics and Levin presented the information in an interesting way. That being said - he is a horrible grader. You have to memorize definitions word for word and if you don't use his exact definition you will fail. No joke, the entire class got a question wrong because a question said "amount" not "percent."

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
3.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Oct 11, 2016
Would take again

Grumpy and overly specific, he's not for the faint of heart; when answering a question during class, you learn how savage he is; he regularly calls on unassuming students to answer the questions and judges you. However, the material is straight forward, and he is funny as hell- like a theatrical performance every day. Id take his class again.

Hilarious
EXTRA CREDIT
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 31, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Be prepared to get called on in this class - especially if you are not paying attention, or are doing/wearing something that catches his attention. Exam material is lecture based and is highly specific. Remember everything he says, even little tidbits. He tells you everything you need to know, but its up to you to remember it.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 10, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Levin isn't a terrible guy, he's just a grumpy old man. His class is 95% lecture based so if you skip class, you won't pass. You have to write down everything from his lectures because he will ask the most random detailed questions on his tests that you will not know if you don't write down literally everything he says. Def not an easy A

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 2, 2016
Would take again

In all honesty, he's really not that bad. He calls people out, but if you don't know the answer then he will just move on. He's a really good lecturer and super funny also. People say they don't leave his class happy, but he's there to teach not to pamper his students. If you don't go to his lectures then chances are you'll fail the class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

i had levin this semester because he was one out of the two teachers teaching, he honestly wasn't as bad as the hype lived up to; i think he's a great lecturer and has dad joke humor lol - i would say study the 'hypothetical questions' he makes up for his students to think and answer cause it's usually a free response question

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I enjoyed his class until the first exam. He always says, "You dont need to know numbers, just the moral of the story." This statement is a half-truth . Remember everything or record lecture. Would not take him again. One pro: he is pretty funny.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Levin is a good human being - I think. He's funny, and he seems nice and concerned after our test. That being said, his slides (carousels) are ancient, with article that date back to the early 2000s. He also asks trick questions that can be very frustrating because they seem like easy answers at first. No supplemental materials and no +/-.

Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2016
Would take again

Class was highlight of my day. He is funny, interesting, and knows what he is talking about. Tests are not difficult but can be tricky on MC, often have lecture specific content, usually studying a day or two prior is enough for a B if you go to class. Little to no hw, just keep up with material and youll be fine. GO TO CLASS AND YOU WILL BE FINE

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Levin is a hilarious professor who likes to also make fun of students. I only enjoyed his class for his humor really as I felt his tests were more on my ability to infer what he's asking rather than test my knowledge on the subject. No textbook, all lecture material based tests.

Tough Grader
Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: F
Dec 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Let me begin, I failed his class. Honestly, I like his sense of humor, but his class is strictly based on his lecture, so getting the textbook isnt needed. Really make sure to attend his class. He'll test for the littlest details he mentioned in class, so you really have to take detailed notes. Overall, I wish I did better, he was a strict grader

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Dec 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Levin was definitely the worst professor anyone has ever had in higher education. He makes inappropriate comments and calls students out all the time in class ie for being late, yawning, drinking water, etc. There is no book, no homework, no notes or any resource to learn the material outside of his lectures, which are abhorrent at best. Don't take

TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: C
Jan 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Very intelligent, relatively passionate about the subject, has a sense of humor. On the other hand, his tests are extremely specific and require you to remember every little detail from his lectures. Overall a pretty difficult class

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: C+
Jan 11, 2017
Would take again

He has a dry sense of humor & calls on students based on what they're wearing/doing. Didn't use the book because exams were lecture-based, but gave out extra credit points for each exam. Homework is reading some outdated scientific papers he assigns & attending discussion. He is VERY picky about how questions are answered, both in class & on exams.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Mar 1, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Levin is a funny and entertaining lecturer so you will not be bored in class ever. You should just pay attention to every word he says in class, write it down, record it BUT EVERY WORD MATTERS. His tests are very specific to what he says in lecture. Once you study your notes multiple times, you should be good to go and you'll easily make an A.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
BIO311D
Mar 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Levin's class is similar to most med school's bio coursework, it is very hard. Even if you understand the concepts, his test questions are not even complex but just downright confusing. Also, people only consider him funny because he makes the class laugh at the expense of whatever poor soul he calls on.

2.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Mar 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Course material is easy but his tests have horrendously specific and downright irrelevant questions on them. Fairly average as a teacher, but is an inconsistent grader. Seems to teach different material than the other professors from the same course.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

No textbook - not required, won't help with tests Picky grader - looks for very specific wording for short answer questions Randomly calls folks out during lecture No technology in class - no phones, laptops, tablets; not even for taking notes Very specific tests - tests less on actual material than specific facts/ideas said in class

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Apr 25, 2017
Would take again

Funny dude, but you have to pay attention to his lectures. Overall easy if you learn his definitions.

3.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A-
May 30, 2017
Would take again

You don't need a textbook. All tests are lecture based, so take good notes and above all show up to class. The lectures are engaging (because he's funny), but the validity of the content taught and his resources questionable. You should expect to be called out in class at some point. Study by just going over your notes several times.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
5.0
BIO311D
Grade: A-
Jun 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Donald Levin goes on and on about Nutter Butters. He is also the bowling KING! His final made me shed actual tears. His tests are outrageous and focus on random details that don't matter. I gained nothing from his class over than "there are 1.9 million species known to man." I hated him but he's so old and funny that you all should just take him.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B+
Jun 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

His attitude towards students isn't really the most hospitable and caring. He's hard to approach and ask questions. Students are always complaining about the wording on some of his test questions so expect tests to be regraded right after you've seen your score. Lectures are very important in this class so do not skip class! Textbook is not needed.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Sep 14, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Levin is one of the best/funniest teachers I've ever had. His teaching style, no technology or textbooks, just lectures, is my favorite. He tends to call people out. His tests are extremely difficult. I recorded everything he ever said and would even listen to it in my car. Never miss a lecture.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B+
Sep 20, 2017
Would take again

Best prof I've had. He is hilarious and blunt. He is literal and the subject matter is very simple so if you pay attention this class is easy. It's very low maintenance, no reading. only a couple Qs on test are tricky. His job is do be a good educator, not get you into med school. Getting an A- is not the end of the universe believe it or not.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Oct 23, 2017
Would take again

The tests are completely lecture-based, so you must write down everything Dr. Levin says. He makes it a bit easier by repeating (several times) important definitions/concepts, and will tell you everything you need to know/don't need to know. Dr. Levin is hilarious and his class is worth taking, you just *have* to attend lecture (and discussion).

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Nov 7, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Levin gets a lot of hate as a professor. I was told by many people to not take Levin but he is probably my favorite teacher and the class is one of the easiest science classes I've taken. You have to show up to lecture and pay attention (something I thought would suck), but it's so nice never having to read and just having to look over notes!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A-
Nov 9, 2017
Would take again

I honestly liked Levin a lot. He was very clear in what he wanted and while he seemed like he didn't care very much about students' opinions and was all around pretty disagreeable, he gave outright definitions and everything in his exams were in lecture at some point. You just have to take really good notes and go over those with peers.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: C+
Dec 5, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He is honestly one of the worst professors I have taken to date. If you skip class you might as well drop the class because you won't pass. His tests are based on his word for word phrases, getting one word wrong will make you get the whole answer wrong, so if you can, record every lecture. My best piece of advice is to not take him.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

His exams are directly from lecture, but tries to trick you or has questions that were not discussed in detail during lecture. There were several times when my TA said something from lecture was wrong, but we had to learn it anyway for the exam. He doesn't curve exams even if the average is well below failing. Most apathetic professor I've had.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
2.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Levin's course, in theory, is not very difficult. The material covered is not difficult to grasp. If you are not used to his testing structure, you will not score well on his exams. His tests ask bizarre facts that are difficult to remember, even if you know all of the course material. He does not provide plus/minus grades or curves.

Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
Tests are tough
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Dec 20, 2017
Wouldn't take again

If you are goin to take this class I suggest you record every lecture. Write down EVERYTHING he says. If you don't write things down exactly as he said, you will get the answer wrong. Also be ready to learn only ecology, he doesn't teach what BIO311D is actually supposed to cover. Avoid him if you can, but if you have to take him beware.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
311D
Grade: C
Dec 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Do NOT take Dr. Levin!!! You have to write down every thing he says in lecture, and you have to know HIS definitions. The tests are ridiculous!!! He makes the questions beyond tricky. He was upset with a 70 average on one of his tests, because it was "too" high for him, and made the next test ridiculously difficult. DO NOT TAKE HIM FOR YOUR GPA!!!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Jan 17, 2018
Would take again

ok Levin is a funny old man who will chew on a cough drop literally every class and call on you at some point. everything he teaches isnt hard you just have to REALLY take good notes. get together with people, compare notes,do study groups, etc. if you can, ask permission to record him and listen to every word that comes out of his mouth.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
311D
Grade: B
Jan 25, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Levin was terrible and extremely particular about how you answered and not what you answered. 311D in itself is really easy, especially if you actually like science, but he made his tests really hard for no reason. He also pulls stuff out of nowhere for example he said the US has the highest murder rate in the world. I'm pretty sure we do not.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Feb 2, 2018
Would take again

Even though he gets a bad rap, Dr. Levin's class was extremely fair. His lectures could get boring, and yes he could randomly call on you and poke fun if you don't know an answer, but his exams aren't too bad and he really drills different concepts into your head. If you're good at remembering specific details and take quality notes, you're golden.

Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A-
Mar 15, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I highly recommend choosing a different professor. First, he doesn't teach what you're supposed to learn in Bio 2, the entire class is ecology. Also, if you don't write EXACTLY what he said in class you get the entire answer wrong. Literally every word. You will learn absolutely nothing, just memorize a bunch of sentences.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
3.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
May 12, 2018
Would take again

The people who failed his exams probably skipped class. Show up to every lecture, write down everything he says, and you'll be FINE. He repeats important info 3x and tells you what to know. Sometimes he's a little tricky, but everything on the exam is covered in class. Don't be offended if he calls on you. Get the question wrong and he'll move on.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
May 14, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Levin's class is 100% ecology and isn't consistent with other 311D courses. Furthermore, his test questions are obscure and not made clear during lecture, which is your only resource for studying anyways. You can study 50x more than you did and still get the same grade. He has no regard for his students. At best, he is funny, but still bad teacher.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Aug 5, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Levin gets a bit of a bad rep on here. He is VERY lecture heavy, so be sure to go to every class. He only really posts the slides & without lecture they make NO sense. There is no textbook-record lectures. He's very nit picky, so don't try to bs anything. Review lectures before class, he'll give pop quizzes for extra credit. YOU CAN GET AN A

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
4.0
3.0
311D
Grade: A
Aug 16, 2018
Would take again

Honestly, Dr. Levin gets a bad rap. He was an old man with a funny sense of humor, you just have to pay close attention in class. My suggestion would be to RECORD!!! his lectures, mark places on your notes where you couldn't keep up with him, and listen to the recording to see what he said. All in all pretty easy, but make sure to write everything.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 20, 2018
Would take again

I was pretty scared to take his class based off on the reviews given here but honestly I enjoy his class so much! Yeah, it is lecture heavy but he has a passion for what he teaches. You can tell he wants you to know his material and is clear about it. He's so sarcastic and funny. But overall, record the lectures and write down the everything hesays

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2018
Would take again

I saw a lot of poor reviews for Dr. Levin so I was scared to take him but actually, once you get used to his grading style you can pass easily. Go to class, record his lectures, write his definitions WORD FOR WORD and cram them and you'll be fine. He's a really cute funny old man and you can learn a lot from his class if you make yourself receptive

Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Levin's class isn't great but it isn't terrible, if you put in just a little effort. Don't buy the book, everything you need is in the lectures, the slides and his website (read: GO TO CLASS - there's no other way to get that info). Explanations are simple but can be unfocused. Some people hate him but I don't see a reason to.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2018
Would take again

I'd heard horror stories about Levin but honestly, his class isn't that bad. All of the material in this class is actually very common sense and straight forward when you think about it. Definitions need to be WORD FOR WORD so record him. Thats his only downfall. Tests can be tricky but if you think about the questions, you'll be fine.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
3.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: B
Jan 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Do not miss any class. The exams are based word by word from the professor lecture. If you put a different word than the one mention in lecture even though the question answer was correct the professor takes points off. He emphasize during lecture the important points. No need to buy book. Record lecture. Take good notes.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
3.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Apr 25, 2019
Would take again

This class is easy. If you are a good a student and listen in class (and pay attention), you will be fine. The only way to do bad (which is probably the bad reviews) is to not listen or skip. The tests are just based off of what he says in class, which is common sense. I never skipped and paid attention and its by far the easiest A I have gotten.

Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: B+
May 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Levin is a great professor who really knows the material. His class is tough because it's lecture heavy and most students are not used to professors like him. If you record his lectures you'll be fine. I definitley learned more from his class than I did with my previous biology professor.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
May 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

attendance not mandatory but going to lecture helps a lot - I often felt lost after skipping lecture & my test grade was the best when I went to every lecture; offers bonus points during some lectures (random); discussion mandatory bc quiz; tas are really helpful and there to answer questions

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO311D
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Tests have trick questions and none of the above on every question just so you doubt yourself at every turn. Wanna participate in lecture? Raise your hand with the wrong answer and you can guarantee youre going to get made fun of in front of everyone. Jokes are sometimes funny when not at the expense of a student. Does not negotiate. No curves.

Tough grader
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Nov 9, 2019
Would take again

Levin is great and funny! He is very clear on what you need to know for exams and although you can't use a laptop in class, you can record the lectures. This is extremely helpful because his exact words will be used on the test (also made very clear). It is your average college class and you just need to try a little bit and don't miss lecture!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
311D
Dec 15, 2019
Would take again

I really struggled at first, because I took him my first semester of college and it was definitely an adjustment to meet the level of expectations for this course. However, after the first month or so, if you're at all interested in the course matter, you'll realize how valuable it is to have a professor who is so passionate about his area of study

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
311D
Jan 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Levin teaches what he thinks is biology when honestly I learned nothing in this course. He calls students out throughout lectures which is very distracting and he's rude. He does not provide much material to study. His slides contain no real material, just visuals. Would not recommend.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Jan 22, 2020
Would take again

Despite all the bad reviews, Dr. Levin is a great professor. His lectures are very organized and he's super funny (and sarcastic). The material is interesting and it's easy to stay engaged. Just record and re-listen to his lectures at least once and read over your notes. I would listen to his lectures during my commute and I got an A easily.

Test heavy
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Jan 24, 2020
Would take again

Go to class and pay attention. Take detailed notes and dont text/use your phone. Star points on your notes if you get confused and take them to your TA during discussion. being active during discussion makes a world a difference

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A-
Jan 29, 2020
Would take again

levin wasn't as bad as people made him out to be. he's an old man trying to teach you biology w/ dry humor. i had to record every single one of his lectures since that's the only way to pass his class. he's pretty specific with his exams, so you have to know basically down to the word what his definitions are. hope you got the nice TA!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
May 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

It was okay. You are not allowed to use a laptop in class. His exams are very specific and some questions are not even about biology. Half of the first exam was just geography (hard). There is a Quiz every week in discussion and participation matters! He will call on people randomly and the PPs are useless, only visuals so you HAVE TO go to class.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
May 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Before Zoom, you had to go to lectures because he doesn't record it and the tests are very specific on what he talks about during his lectures. He is quite funny and I liked going to his lectures. He calls people out to answer his questions, especially if he notices you're not paying attention, but you'll be fine even if you get it wrong.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
May 26, 2020
Would take again

I'm not sure why everyone is giving Dr. Levin such poor reviews; I loved his class! Take good notes, go to every lecture, and be active in discussion sections and you will do well. His exams are very specific, but if you record lectures and review before the tests they're doable. He also has a great sense of humor and keeps lectures interesting!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Oct 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This was the absolute worst professor I've had at UT so far. The lectures are really hard to follow and very random. His questions (on exams, quizzes AND worksheets) are SO specific that you will almost always second guess yourself on your answers. Most of the exam questions especially are trick questions.

4.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2020
Would take again

Levin was not nearly as bad as folks on here say. He grades tests heavy, and the TAs are not amazing, so sometimes its a bit unorganized. Sometimes the questions are really specific so take notes on every example. He has an incredible dry humor that had me laughing every lecture. Put in a little bit of work, take solid notes, and you'll be fine.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
311D
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Absolute horrid performance through online teaching. Throughout a chaotic semester, Dr. Levin and the TA's did absolutely nothing to help students. Many trick questions throughout 3 exams which count for 60% of the grade. If you mess up on one test, good luck getting an A. By far my worst academic experience and the biggest waste of money.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Feb 5, 2021
Would take again

His class is highly lecture heavy, but that's the gem of it as he is a great lecturer - he makes a lot of slap stick humor jokes and explains everything (very well). 100% of the questions for his assignments, quizzes and tests are content from his lectures, and they're fairly straight forward questions. Pay attention & take notes easy A.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Apr 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Not very understanding with personal issues. Doesn't comprehend basic human empathy. Lacks personality, sign up for a diff professor.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A+
Apr 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Honestly, he was not a terrible professor. Where his class gets ridiculous is his exams. In this course, there is a lot of material to go over and Levin just glosses over it all. The tests come along and the questions are all directly from lectures. This sounds nice in theory, but most of the questions are things he mentioned for a few seconds.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
BIO311D
May 7, 2021
Would take again

To start off, I took Levin ONLINE. His class was pretty fair (a little on the easy side if you wrote down just about everything he said). Most questions on the exam came from his lectures and a few from readings. If you understand and take good notes on that material, an A is pretty doable. If you take this in person, please rewatch the lectures.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIO311D
Oct 8, 2021
Would take again

Just know what you're getting into: the material is not difficult, but he is known for 'hair-splitting' when asking questions on exams: i.e. you have to put in a lot of effort to understand exactly what he is asking you for, and he is *very* particular in his wording. Pay *close attention to detail* and always ask for feedback on exams from the TA.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

He is interesting. I understand how other students feel he is a weird guy. At first I also thought he was just a annoying guy coming to the end of his career. However, it turns out he is very knowledgeable. He gives correct perspective and attitude to students. No matter good or bad, we are the last class he teaches. I hope he enjoy retirement life

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
BIO311D
Grade: D+
Apr 24, 2022

Cranky old schnoz. I hated this class but I'm going to med school anyway. Good try levinda.

5.0
3.0
BIO311D
Grade: A
Aug 22, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Levin past away, our class was his last. He taught his lovely 311d till almost the last moment of his life. He was intersting and wise. His view was perspicacious. I still remember he asked in the last class "what was the purpose of evolution/life". Answer: there is no purpose. Life doesn't evolve for a purpose, but we human do have purposes...

Participation matters
Inspirational
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

65%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 63 grades
Most common grades:
A (18)
A+ (13)
B (12)
Grade Distribution
A(31)B(12)C(6)D(3)F(1)A-/B+(10)
Based on 73 reported grades
A: 18
A+: 13
B: 12
Not sure yet: 10
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (54)
LECTURE HEAVY (29)
Hilarious (17)
Tough Grader (17)
TEST HEAVY (12)
Lecture heavy (11)
Test heavy (8)
Clear grading criteria (7)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.47 avg change
Apr
May
Oct
Dec
Apr
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO311D

3.0

(92)

311D

2.1

(8)

BIO213

2.0

(1)

BIO304

2.0

(1)
Difficulty by Course

BIO213

5.0

BIO304

5.0

311D

4.0

BIO311D

3.5

Similar Professors