2.9

Douglas Torrance

Science - Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Surrey

2.9
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
33%
Would Retake
90
Reviews
2.9
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
3.1
Clarity

33%

Would Retake

90

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

27

4

14

3

9

2

15

1

25

What Students Say

Has hardly any interest in teaching, not much help

BIOL1160 - 2.0 rating

Doug won't Diff 2: Nick will post slides

1160 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

71%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C

77% confidence
Based on 9 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (4)
F (3)
A (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(0)C(1)D(1)F(3)A-/B+(2)
Based on 14 reported grades
Not sure yet: 4
F: 3
A: 2
D-: 1
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
Clear grading criteria (2)
Gives good feedback (2)
Respected (2)
Tough Grader (1)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.48 avg change
Jun
Jul
Sep
Oct
Feb
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

11601260

5.0

(1)

BIO110210

5.0

(1)

BIOLO1260

5.0

(1)

BIO1160BIO1260

5.0

(1)

BIOL1260

4.8

(4)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIO1110

5.0

BIOLOGY11

5.0

INLAB

5.0

BIOLOGY1160

5.0

BIOS

5.0

Reviews (90)
5.0
2.0
BIO110210
Feb 6, 2002

Best prof in the department

4.0
2.0
BIO1160
Mar 21, 2002

easy marker for quizzes, but beware on midterm. Often treats class like children

3.0
4.0
1110
Dec 20, 2002

Very picky marker; A's don't come easy in his class

1.0
4.0
BIO1160
Feb 14, 2003

very bad teacher. inconsistant marker. stay away from him if you can

2.0
4.0
1160
Mar 31, 2003

treats you like you're stupid child, hard marker, tooooo picky, stupid coments in class

3.0
5.0
BIOLOGY
Apr 3, 2003

HARD MARKER!!!!

5.0
2.0
BIO110
Jul 17, 2003

he is nice and cool. i like the way he gels his hair. he did help me alot. yea, kinda hard marker. must be very very careful of mid-term. otherwise u will be disappointed.

1.0
5.0
1110
Jul 31, 2003

****!!!

2.0
5.0
BIO1110
Jul 31, 2003

HARD PROF. U tell him its white he will say its black. U say something wrong hell say its wrong and repeat to u the same thing. Worked my ass off and still didnt get good mark. IF HE DIDNT LIKE U FROM THE START DONT EXCPECT ANYTHING ABOVE B.

2.0
5.0
1160
Aug 13, 2003

REALLY picky marker. Stay away!

3.0
4.0
BIO1260
Aug 13, 2003

he' s alright for a teacher if he likes you if he doesn't good luck

1.0
5.0
BIOLOGY11
Aug 15, 2003

SUCKS HARD MARKER..... NOT VERY HELPFUL.. MIDTERMS ARE ****ING HARD

4.0
4.0
BIOL1110
Aug 31, 2003

Pay attention to how he likes his questions answered. He is a picky marker, but if you know the information you can get a good mark. Make sure to do more than just memorize - you need to connect concepts. Ask ?s in class and take notes for the exams!

1.0
5.0
BIO110
Dec 1, 2003

very very very hard marker! If u don't ans the way he want, u will fail!!

5.0
3.0
BIOL1160
Feb 23, 2004

Yea, he can be a hard marker but as long as you know the info you will do fine. I really liked his teaching and thought he was really helpful. It's simple..study and you will do well. I found him much better than pat thomas overall. Good teacher

2.0
4.0
BIO1160
Apr 20, 2004

He is a hard marker. He is not very helpful at all and will often make you feel like you are stupid. He will put you down and is not very encouraging. Its like he enjoys it when people fail.

1.0
5.0
1160
Apr 23, 2004

he made me feel stupid...not encouraging at all, and he made me cry. he's a very hard marker, hes very particular, and he doesnt care about you. the course is self-learned..so my advise would be to really focus..cuz he goes crazy with that red pen of his.

4.0
3.0
BIOL1110
May 14, 2004

He is really picky about marking your Distinguish b/w questions. But quizzes are straight from the notes.But he can be really helpful. So have fun.

1.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Aug 4, 2004

No Comments

5.0
1.0
BIOLOGY
Aug 11, 2004

Very good job at helping me in the lab, to understand the concepts that were needed to be understood!

2.0
5.0
1110
Aug 12, 2004

Nothing more to say....

1.0
5.0
BIO1160
Oct 1, 2004

Terrible & rude teacher. Does not really care if student fails. In fact, he seems to enjoy it if they fail.Its funny that all other classes have course/teacher evals, and this teacher (chairman of the dept)does not!Let the students voice their opinions Do

1.0
5.0
INLAB
Oct 26, 2004

Was very rude when it was showen that he had some facts wrong. Not very helpful, made evaluations as hard as possible (ie. asked every possible thing he could).

1.0
5.0
BIOLOGY
Grade: F
Dec 17, 2004

This PROFESSOR is NOT a teacher, he's an ass!. If you think you can escape him by switching out... think again, he writes part of the final for all biology classes, so the ironic part is, you need him to pass. My advice, dont take Biology at Kwantlen until this guy is gone.

3.0
3.0
BIO1210
Feb 13, 2005

No Comments

2.0
4.0
BIOLOGY
Mar 13, 2005

If you do not have a really keen interest in biology and willing to do more work than the course is worth then you cannot take this teacher. Most unapproachable teacher I have ever had.

1.0
5.0
BIOLOGY1160
Apr 6, 2005

This teacher is horrible he goes on talking about **** and then when the quizzes come he put questions on it that we never even discussed makes the class way harder than it should be and makes you feel dumb and when you cant do a quiz due to sickness he makes this big issue out of it hes a ASS

5.0
4.0
BIOL1110
Jan 20, 2006

No Comments

2.0
3.0
BIOL1160
Feb 19, 2006

he's sooo unapproachable. i went to his office hours to ask for help and he told me to read my textbook! i hate how he gives you a quiz and then teaches you about what was on that quiz. yeah i get that you should learn on your on but that's just ridiculous!

3.0
4.0
BIO1160
Aug 18, 2006

AVIOD!!! Although he teaches most BIO 1160 class in surrey~ He's not really approachable~Always goes over the topic after the Quiz each week~How can we do well when he go over the topics after the quiz~He's very knowledgable but use wrong approach of teaching techniques~BIO 1160 is a serious course! MUST know your stuff really well and read text!

4.0
1.0
BIO1160
Mar 12, 2007

No Comments

1.0
3.0
BIOL1210
Mar 16, 2007

he is the rudest person i have ever met in my life. don't take his class. he wouldn't answer ur qs. avoidddddddddddd

5.0
4.0
BIOL1260
Apr 25, 2007

Although Douglas IS a hard teacher, he is very clear, concise and succinct. He is very fair and his method ensures that you will have success in the real world. As a nursing student, being meticulous with notes and charting is absolutely crucial and this is something that Douglas tries to instill in ALL of his students. He is very fair:)

5.0
2.0
BIO1260
Nov 21, 2007

great teacher very knowledge albe. if you do all your notes on time and understand them. tutorials are very helpful, can ask questions on notes before quiz, keep up with quizes. study everyweek and you;ll do fine.

2.0
5.0
BIO1160
Dec 19, 2007

I HATE DOUGLAS. HE IS THE WORST TEACHER EVER. HE ENJOYS FAILING PEOPLE. HE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO TEACH HIS STUDENTS. HE MAKES STUDENTS CRY BY BEING A COMPLETE ASS. HE QUIZZES HIS STUDENTS ON MATERIAL THAT HE TEACHES HIM NEXT CLASS. HE SHOULD GET FIRED BECUZ HE SUCKS!

1.0
5.0
BIO1160
Apr 10, 2008

Everyone's raggin on him, but bio's a hard class whoever you have.He does make you do all the work, and it's ALOT of work, he doesn't spoon-feed you the answers. Be prepared doing 10++ hrs of bio straight on the weekend. But that's any bio class! If you do the packages, then the quizes are easy. He doesn't ask anything outside the packages!

3.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Jun 20, 2008

Douglas expects a lot. But, hell, we are training to be nurses! Of course we have to work hard! He is really knows his bio and even though he is a little scary to ask questions in front of the class, he is still willing to answer questions. You need to put many hours a week (over 15) - but its worth it!!

2.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Jul 16, 2008

I tried my best to like him, but he is so unapproachable. I came to his office hours, took extensive notes and tried to answer his questions he asked, but all I got were disgusted looks in return. Don't make the same mistake I did and ask a question in class. You'll regret. Quizzes and tests were tough. Take Pat Thomas for 1160 instead

4.0
3.0
BIOL1260
Apr 12, 2009

He's blunt, but knowledgeable. Also explains material well. As long as you're not a complete tool w/an easily bruised ego, you'll survive to tell the tale.

4.0
4.0
BIO1160
Apr 30, 2009

There is no trick to his class..write good notes, ask ?s for anything you may not find in the text and study really really hard...this class is difficult; however, if you put in the work you will do well. Douglas appreciates hard work so don't be scared to ask questions during lecture!!!

3.0
5.0
BIO1160
Sep 3, 2009

He's very straightforward. It's a really hard class, read the text, make good notes, study hard his quizzes are difficult, as is the midterm and final. he's not very helpful, came off a little condescending and he had obvious favorites with the students.

2.0
4.0
BIO1160
Sep 4, 2009

This class was super time consuming!I knew that going in but Doug made it so much worse.His quizes were very hard and he marked them hard.He makes you feel like an idiot half of the time if you ask a question in class.He is very unapproachable.More than half the class failed the midterm and all dropped a full grade after the final. Do not take him!

5.0
3.0
BIO1160
Oct 5, 2009

Honestly the class is hard NOT the teacher. He knows his stuff if you take the time to go to lab, class and do your objectives you'll do fine. You'll put at least 6-10 hours a week into this class if you want to get a decent mark. This guy is very knowledgeable and seriously he so clear about everything i dont see how people say he is confusing.

4.0
3.0
BIO1160
Nov 5, 2009

ok... douglas was a great teacher. he was very clear on everythin so i don't know y der r so many complaints on here. the trick to his class is... DO THE FRIGGIN' WORK n u'll do well. i gotta admit this class was time consumin n the quiz requires for u to KNOW your stuff (for G's sakes, IT'S NURSING BIOLOGY! -- u better know ur stuff or else!)

5.0
3.0
BIO1160
Nov 5, 2009

come on people... stop complaining about how hard douglas was! he was a great teacher... those who complaint were probably the procrastinators and the ones who didn't do their work. don't wine, you're not kids anymore... I THOUGHT his quiz were straight off the book (if you read it). don't transfer the blame on ur teacher... it's quite immature.

5.0
2.0
BIO1160
Nov 18, 2009

Doug was a great teacher and very fair when it comes to marking quizes. if you do all your objectives you will walk with a great letter grade

5.0
2.0
BIOLO1260
Nov 18, 2009

Way easier than pat!!! If you want a good grade takedoug!

5.0
2.0
BIO1160
Nov 18, 2009

i took pat thomas for 1160 and found it to be rediculously hard. her marking style is harsh!. But i took 1260 with doug and found my new favorite teacher. he is very helpfull and is an easy marker

5.0
1.0
BIO1160
Dec 4, 2009

best teacher ever!!!! If you get the chance to take him do so> you will do well in this class and find that doug is a great teacher!

5.0
1.0
BIO1160
Dec 4, 2009

his quizzes are super easy! the course itself has alot of work but he is such an easy marker! best bio teacher at Kwantlen by far!

5.0
1.0
BIO1260
Dec 4, 2009

I took Dougs Class for both 1160 and 1260 and got A's in them both! I heard that he is the easiest marker compared to the other bio teachers and is way more helpfull. If you get the chance to take this class do so. I garantee you will get a good grade to boost that gpa!

5.0
1.0
BIO1260
Dec 4, 2009

Bio is not my greatest subject but Doug made me really understand it. He is a great guy and for those that say he is not you are probably just a slacker!

5.0
1.0
BIO1260
Dec 4, 2009

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4.0
3.0
BIO10
Dec 7, 2009

If you are willing to work hard, Biology 1160 would be a breeze. With this professor, you have an easier way to get an "A" than any other. So definitely try to take his class whenever possible. DON'T FORGET: for definitions; he wants structure and functions, for differentiating; he wants 1 similarity and 3 differences!

4.0
3.0
BIO1160
Dec 16, 2009

Honestly! If you failed you probably did not read the readings. Also I recommend that you buy some Anatomy/Physiology workbooks and try reading it BEFORE you even think about taking this class. It really helps! The lab itself is not that difficult once you get the hang of it. Also be sure to put 3 hours of study each day at home. You'll be amazed.

5.0
3.0
BIO1160
Dec 17, 2009

I don't know why people are saying he is bad. HINT: The work you put into this course is the mark you will get. You have to do your share; he does his. Anyone wishing to take this course, I highly advice you to get some background knowledge of Anatomy & Physiology. Buy the Lab manual before hand and review a few weeks before class starts. HELPFUL!

5.0
1.0
BIO1160
Dec 19, 2009

awesome teacher! If you put the work in you will get a great grade with Doug! Probably the easiest marker in bio department!

5.0
1.0
BIO1160
Dec 19, 2009

TAKE THIS TEACHER EVERYBODY!!!!! YOU WILL GET A GOOD GRADE!! AND EASILY MOVE ON!

3.0
5.0
BIO1160
Mar 15, 2010

I dont understand why he teaches AFTER the quiz. Quizzes are easy but the way he marks them is HARD! do not take him if you get the chance! it will not help you. you're wasting your time and money on this class

2.0
3.0
BIO1160
Aug 25, 2010

Doug is an ok marker, and the course content and workload are just as hard in ANY Kwantlen bio class...Personally tho, Doug is mean! He belittles people in class who ask questions, and pretends to not understand you if your grammar is not perfect when asking a question. Makes me scared to ask questions in class. Arrogant. AVOID!

2.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Aug 27, 2010

He can teach. He is not helpful at all; he doesn't offer any help when you need it most (says you should study more, that's all he offers). He refuses to answer emails over the weekends and will not answer it on holidays either. The questions on the exam had questions that did not specify what the answer should be.

5.0
3.0
BIO1260
Mar 16, 2011

Much better and totally nicer now! I think he's harder on 1160 students because they don't get how much work goes into the course. Nicer in 1260. Marks fair, and if u show up to all the classes u'll do fine! Much clearer than Pat!!

2.0
5.0
BIOS
Apr 29, 2011

I had Douglas for Bio 1160. I think he's an OKAY teacher despite the fact that I failed. The course itself is hard. The lab evaluations are a waste of time and just adds onto the stress per week! :(

4.0
3.0
BIO1160
May 6, 2012

Douglas was a tough marker but honestly the amount of work you put into the class is the grade you get back. The more hours you put into Biology the better grade you receive.

4.0
5.0
BIO1160
May 9, 2012

Douglas is a hard marker, but the amount of time you put into the class is the mark you'll get.

5.0
3.0
11601260
May 14, 2013

Doug is an awesome prof; he can be pretty harsh I admit, but I guess he's one of those tough love teachers. Whatever amount of effort you put into class reflects on your grade.

5.0
4.0
BIO11601260
Aug 22, 2013

Douglas is an amazing instructor! Intimidating at first, but lightens up after awhile. He is a tough marker, but is very clear with what he expects from you. Because it is a self-directed learning course, it requires a ton of effort and commitment. He is always available in his office.

5.0
2.0
BIO1160BIO1260
Mar 11, 2014

Douglas is an excellent professor! He is always helpful if you need clarification. His quizzes are fair, as well as his marking. He is very passionate about biology and expects students to put the work in to achieve the grade they want. He's awesome!

2.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Oct 16, 2014

Has hardly any interest in teaching, not much help. Entirely self directed, very very tough, not too helpful. Nick Inglis is the superior Biology prof.

1.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Grade: F
Nov 8, 2014

Oh my, was advised not to take his class, thought I would be fine, then I dropped after a few weeks. My advice would be take it at Douglas or VCC. People say that bio here is the hardest in the province, beware His course is the level of 3rd4th year

1.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Grade: F
Dec 7, 2014

I feel sorry for anyone in his class. Even if he is your only option, try to avoid him, by any means necessary. Unsocial, rude, and very very hard. People say "Put in effort to do well". Give me a break, even if you put 30 hours in a week, get ready for a 60% MAX if your lucky. The hardest course in university combined with the worst prof ever.

2.0
4.0
1160
Grade: D-
Dec 8, 2014

Took BIO 1160, never seen this site before. I'm surprised at the positive reviews, I haven't met a single person who likes him. Lol, I'm guessing that's probably him writing the reviews. Hes a Whimp, got a C, deserved an A

4.0
3.0
BIOL11601260
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2014

As a tough marker as he is Douglas is very helpful when the student is dedicated and is willing to help himself learn. Doug is ready to answer questions but he will try to challenge you with a few questions to see if you can think more clearly and he will lead you to the answers that you are looking for. He is an awesome professor.:)

1.0
5.0
1160
Grade: C-
Dec 11, 2014

Dinstinguish 3 : Doug vs Nick Both: Both are Biology teachers Diff 1: Nick will give podcasts. Doug won't Diff 2: Nick will post slides. Doug won't Diff 3: Nick uses class time effectively. Don't won't Diff 4: Nick teaches next week material. Doug won't Diff 5: Nick won't public shame by posting grades . Doug will.

1.0
5.0
BIO1160
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 30, 2014

Unless you want to fail, by all means go ahead and take Douglas. He is rude, arrogant and NOT helpful at all!! He's failed MANY students in the past few years. Save your time and money and take bio with Nick Inglis!!!

4.0
3.0
1160
Jan 9, 2015

Douglas is a great instructor. He takes the "self-directed learning" approach. YOU need to put in time to study, read, & look for the answers yourself.-which is the purpose to retain the information. He is very fair. His expectations & instructions are very clear & precise-follow them, do the homework, u will do great

1.0
5.0
1260
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 19, 2015

His class lecture time is devoted to explaining topics he didn't cover from previous week. If you ask a question in lecture, he blurts out a 10 second answer with no explanations. In office hours he insulted me personally, and I left in tears. Entirely self directed course with no help and left me scared to approach him due to his poor attitude.

1.0
5.0
BIO1260
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 22, 2015

I do not know why I took this class. I should of saved my time, effort, and money. Doesn't answer questions. Teaches useless things, which don't help. I want Inglis back. This sucks. When will KPU get rid of this elf? He clearly is too old to teach. It seems like he is using his last few years of teaching to screw over anyone that steps his way.

3.0
4.0
1260
Aug 14, 2015

Doug's course is very hard to understand at times. He uses a self-directed course method and then asks questions with many answers. Which is fine, but he expects specific answers on those questions. Even if your answers are right, if you don't include the answer he wants he will take marks off regardless. This is unacceptable in self-directed class

1.0
5.0
1160
Sep 3, 2015

Doug is by far the worst professor ever. He isn't there for his students at all. The Q and A period was a joke! Most people stopped asking questions due to the fact he wouldn't answer or he would humiliate them infront of the class. Not to mention the nasty lab lady and him contradicting each other on what the correct answers were. Avoid him!!!!!

4.0
4.0
BIO11601260
Grade: A
Jan 25, 2016

A&P is just tough! It takes a lot of time. Doug expects you to put in the time, when asking him a question speak up and be concise, or you might get a slightly snarky response. I love bio and this class challenged me in a good way. his expectations are crystal clear and he is fair, I emailed him all the time with questions and he always answers!

1.0
5.0
BIO1160
Jun 3, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Douglas is the worst prof ever! Sucha rude teacher marks super hard gives you a test and then after the test he teaches you the material when you ask question he makes you look stupid and expects you to know everything. The lad ladies barb and dua are horrible!!!!! Legit make you leave the lab crying very hard course and these people make it worse

1.0
4.0
BIOL1160
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 21, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I would rather switch schools than take douglas. Horrible professor. makes students feel like crap and just is horrible over all. don't take him.

1.0
5.0
BIO1160
Jul 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Nasty Prof. Save your time and money and take the course with Nick Inglis!

1.0
5.0
BIO1160
Jul 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He's not the worst guy to talk to, but his teaching method is hard for most to learn from. Completely self-directed with not too much help. Stay away!

1.0
5.0
BIO1160
Jul 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He hasn't emailed me back once since the beginning of the semester. I agree that university students need to be self-motivated, but his teaching style just flawed; it seems like he has no interest in teaching. His "lecture" consist of a 45 minute quiz, then he explains an unrelated topic for 15 minutes, and then we go home. Don't take him!

1.0
5.0
BIOL1160
Sep 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Doug is rude, humiluates others in class and doesnt listen. Won't teach anything in class, you read the whole text yourself. I get the self-directed approach, however, with super strict marking he could use class time MUCH better. He wants word for word answers from the text... if you use a similar word, youre wrong and lose marks.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
BIO1160
Grade: B+
Oct 16, 2017
Would take again

Douglas may seem like he is tough but it's all for good reasons. He does do lectures that helps for the midterms and final exams. If you study, you will do well and he is a fair marker. Taking his class has improved work ethics so much and how to be independent when it comes to school. Just don't give up and work hard and you will do well.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
BIOL1260
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 7, 2018
Would take again

The class itself is hard, its A&P self directed! I had Nick for 1160 and find that his & Dougs teaching & markings are similar. His lectures help clear any knowledge gaps we had about the material. Explain everything to the point. I had low expectations coming in to the class, but I am glad hes my 1260 prof.

Gives good feedback
Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
3.0
BIOL1260
Grade: A
Mar 23, 2018
Would take again

Doug is genuinely a good teacher. Biology is a hard class, and he tries his best to teach it. You have 2 modules, same as 1160, so those mostly teach you. He covers the trickier parts and always gives vital info for the midterm/final. Not a hard marker either, he just wants to see if you studied and have a general idea. He just adds any missing inf

Gives good feedback
Respected
Clear grading criteria
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

71%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

C

77% confidence
Based on 9 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (4)
F (3)
A (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(0)C(1)D(1)F(3)A-/B+(2)
Based on 14 reported grades
Not sure yet: 4
F: 3
A: 2
D-: 1
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (2)
Clear grading criteria (2)
Gives good feedback (2)
Respected (2)
Tough Grader (1)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.48 avg change
Jun
Jul
Sep
Oct
Feb
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

11601260

5.0

(1)

BIO110210

5.0

(1)

BIOLO1260

5.0

(1)

BIO1160BIO1260

5.0

(1)

BIOL1260

4.8

(4)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIO1110

5.0

BIOLOGY11

5.0

INLAB

5.0

BIOLOGY1160

5.0

BIOS

5.0

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