2.8
Quality3.7
Difficulty35%
Would Retake120
Reviews35%
Would Retake
120
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
16
4
30
3
31
2
25
1
18
What Students Say
“Never taking him again”
BSC114 - 1.0 rating“One of the worst instructors I've ever had”
BSC114 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
66%
Textbook Required
79%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.85 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOLOGY
5.0
(1)BSC310
5.0
(1)BSC118
4.5
(2)114007
4.0
(1)BSC441
4.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
BSC310
5.0
BIO114
4.3
114
3.8
BSC114
3.7
BSC315
3.7
Reviews (120)
Dr. Stephenson is a nice man, but avoid this class like the plague if at all possible.
This is the smartest and most patient men I have ever met. He is extremely intelligent and is willing to help you if you put forth the effort. If not, you will be left behind.
Very understanding when it comes to making up tests! His tests are hard, in the sense that he asked questions on the slightest details. If you are a dedicated studier, take him.
He is a nice man and always willing to help if you ask him. He tells strange jokes and laughs at himself. This guy is a weirdo but he really knows his stuff and you can tell he loves it. If you want to do good in this class GO TO CLASS. The tests are very hard and cover ALOT of info.
He sucks. Material isn't that hard, but his tests are. I suggest taking O'Donnell in spring semester!!
He's not very helpful and his tests are not fair. Take O'Donnell in the spring if you want to pass!!
The material is pretty interesting, but class is very boring. Read along in the chapters with your notes as you study for the exams. Everything you need to know will be in your notes, though. Tests are essay, but he gives you the questions ahead of time. Also, for a class like this, you'll definitely appreciate the essay tests. Very nice prof!
I love this guy. He is very understanding about tests. If the whole class does bad, he doesnt think twice about scaling. Hes really funny too.
Not too bad. Class is boring and he keeps you until the last minute but the genetics part is kinda interesting. Random quizzes and some clicker attendance questions are randomly given. He tries to make jokes and I thought he was funny. His tests are do-able with some studying.
try to get his old tests and quizzes. they help. just memorize the notes and work the problems for the tests. go to all the classes and take all the quizzes because he wont help you out on your grade in the end at all. not too bad of a class.
Stephenson puts everything in the most basic & understandable terms possible. Go over notes & work problems SIMILIAR to the ones he gives you in class and on quizzes for tests. Doesn't take a attendance but has random quizzes. Great teacher & willing to help if you're willing to learn. Stayed and hour after class to help me 1 time. Highly Recommend
Very hard unannounced quizzes and tests. picks minute details. too much time is needed for this class, get another teacher if you wanna make a good grade.
He scales the tests! And since you only take 4 tests that means alot! He is a nice guy but extremely boring and sometimes made a subject sound more complicated than it really was. If you love bio you will be ok in this class.
It is incapable to pay attention in his clss. He does not engage the class at all. You just sit there waiting for the class to end. He is a nice man, but he cannot teach.
Good guy liked the class however can be very boring at times but very fair with grading and scaleing
Stephenson is an okay teacher. He is not very engaged in the class but if you study and do the homework you will do fine. The class is not that hard and attendance is not necessary. All you need to do is print out the notes and study them. There are 4 tests in the semester and he is VERY reasonable about scaling and is always willing to help.
Stephenson is a very reasonable professor and will help when he is asked. He scales the tests which is great, but his lectures are very boring.
This class was hard. I took notes in class and attended regularly but still struggled. He is a very nice man though.
Dr. Stephenson was a nice man but thats about the only nice thing I can say about the class. Attendance is not mandatory, but gives daily quizzes on clickers and the top 10 count as "attendance." 5 tests over the semester, scales grades b/c the tests are so HARD AND PICKY. Online homework required. The lectures are monotone and boring.
great guy, bad professor. The class is just plain hard. not recommended to take as a freshman...get to know how science classes work before jumping into this class.
He is very passionate about his subject, but is just not a good teacher. Since it is mostly memorization, then if you can teach yourself you will be okay. He will become less strict with grades as time goes on.
Not really sure what the fuss is about. For this class he gives you "suggested" problems that aren't required but are almost the entire test. Work them at least twice and breeze through the notes once or twice and its an easy A. If you don't do the problems you are screwed and take my advice don't wait till the last minute do it a week or 2 out.
There are surprise class clicker quizzes so be sure to go to class. The text book problems are recommended to do well, but beware he gives no extra credit! He gives extra quizzes but will not just add points to your grades for anything. But go to class, do the work and it's an A.
DR.Ed.S is a cery nice guy.He is very smart and knowing the material.I took Genetics with him and i think he tests are hard but not harder thank many others. if you work hard and pay attn. you will be fine. overall i would take him for any other class because he is clear and english is not my first language. he is funny and the quizez wil help
Coming into this class as a freshman I was really worried, but the class isn't as difficult as I thought it would be. He is sometimes hard to understand, and can get boring at times, but if you look over the hw an powerpoints before tests they can be very simple. I did awful in highschool biology but have a B in here! I do recommend this teacher!
Class is taught in a lecture hall with about 250 students. Not very exciting lectures but its ok. Clicker quizzes all the time so even though attendance isn't mandatory it helps your grade quite a bit. Tests are pretty hard so you have to study quite a bit.
He is a very good teacher. The class is very big and held in a lecture hall so it is difficult to focus most of the time, but he does his best to keep everyone on track. He gives bonus clicker quizzes that really add up at the end of the semester. His tests are very fair but do require studying. Overall a great teacher!
Great teacher. Helpful if you need him out of class. Attendance is important for clicker quizzes
Clicker quizzes. Holds review sessions. Tests are not very difficult but some tricky questions. Not many test questions so they hold higher values per problem but he adjusts point values for how difficult a problem is.
Lectures are usually informative, yet boring. Attendance is not mandatory; however, he gives frequent clicker quizzes which really help your grade. So it's best to just go to class. The homework isn't hard, and quite a bit of the test questions come from the homework and quizzes. The tests are pretty hard, so you do need to study. Use your book.
Inflexible and condescending.
Material isn't too hard, but his tests can be tricky. He explains the material very well, but don't expect any extra credit. He's very clear on his expectations, and he gives a clicker quiz about once a week. He recommends textbook problems, but they're all far more difficult than his actual test questions. Would recommend him to any premed.
Avoid him if at all possible! Extra credit quizzes are easy, but the tests are extremely hard and detailed!
I would highly advise taking this class with this teacher. His class is easy and attendance isn't mandatory, but he gives clicker quizzes almost everyday, but the answers are easy to find. The test are essentially the power points in question form. Does take a bit of time to commit to memory, but definitely worth it to have an easy class.
Prof is boring and reads from slides but attendance is not mandatory, just extra credit. Majority of test questions come from MasteringBiology and its study area. Rumor has it, he is the most strict towards curves and extra credit points.
Dr. Stephenson is AWESOME! He has slight humor in most of his lectures and he is extremely intelligent. The homework is usually challenging but the test are generally the notes. As long as you can memorize the notes, you should be fine.
He is a very kind man who really enjoys the subject matter that he teaches. The class turnout became smaller and smaller as the semester went on but only because attendance was optional.
His lectures could be boring but he was a nice guy. Tests weren't too hard but required studying. I got an A:go to class for the clicker quizzes for extra credit.
He's a nice guy and comical at times, but him and his department are USELESS. I attempted to apply to the Athletic Training program my freshman year and this class ruined it for me. I emailed him and NINE of his tutors he gives out--none replied. Basically had to fend for myself with no help. Tests are super hard and extremely detailed.
Easily the worst teacher I've ever had. I failed every exam he gave us and I did the notes, read the chapters, did the review guides, EVERYTHING and still managed to fail. Retaking biology next semester so I'll actually understand it. I asked him a question earlier in the semester and his response was, "I don't know." Avoid his class.
Study homework, power points, and book and you will do fine. Studied for 2 nights for every test and made high B/A. Attendance is not mandatory but gives quizzes in class or extra credit. Good professor would recommend him.
Professor Stephenson is a very bright man who loves Biology. The best way to study for his exams would be to study over notes, homework, and read a little over the book. Go to class because he gives quizzes which have the potential of adding 5 total points to your final grade.
Papa Ed's a good guy. He knows his stuff and is very clear about what you need to know. His lectures are clear and no BS. He tells you what you need to know for the tests.
Dr. Stephenson is a good professor. If you have a problem, he's there if you need him. The clicker quizzes are straight forward and he allows you to get help from your neighbors. His class or tests may not be that easy, but you should pass if you study the material or ask him for help. He also has a great sense of humor. You'd love him!
Worst teacher I have ever had. No help with any assignments and even when the University excuses school, he doesn't. He is absolutely no help with how to study for tests. I would never take him and as soon as I graduate, I will complain about him.
it was horrible, i do not recommend this professor to anyone
Seems nice and friendly when you're in lecture, but if you go to him one on one he's so rude. He also just sent this to our class as an end of the class reminder: "I am sad for your future academic and career prospects that you could not find or could not be bothered to look up this information." Really comforting, right?
Very rude if you ask him questions one on one. Sent a very rude message to our class about how he was concerned for our academic futures due to other people sending emails with questions concerning the schedule. Tests are sometimes unclear as well as in class quizzes which are every class. Do not take him!!!!
Wonderful teacher!! His lectures were very interesting and clear. At the end of each PowerPoint he says exactly what is necessary to do well on that chapter for the test. Re-read PowerPoints the day of tests for an easy A. I loved his class and wish that he taught another class I need so that I could take him again. most students don't agree tho :(
Really hard teacher, boring lectures, and really hard tests. The class average for our first test was a 50.
Good professor but has boring lectures but that's to be expected for an entry level biology course. Go to class and he will give you 5% extra credit on your total grade which makes a huge difference. Tests are easy if you review the notes and do the homework because a lot of the test questions are just homework questions.
The test are based off the power points so if you know the power points you'll be fine. You just have to put effort into studying. Go to class he gives a quiz everyday.
If you study the powerpoints in advance and study the homeworks in advance, you will pass each test. I failed my first test because I only studied the week before. If you make an effort to go over and understand the powerpoint after each class, you should be fine. Use the textbook for info not understood in powerpoint only.
Dr. Stephenson is very helpful if you ask, but his lectures are usually pretty clear-cut, but if you read and go to class, you probably won't need too much help. Tests can be tough, but not too bad. There are clicker quizzes every class, and you get extra credit for good clicker scores, so you should just go to class for the free bonus points.
Ed has a PhD from Yale and is a very smart man. His lectures are clear cut and his tests come directly from the lecture material. He knows the material very well. He's a no-nonsense kind of guy but will provide tons of help if you ask.
if you go to class you will get 5 points added to your final from clicker quizes. he is a nice guy.
Tests are based mostly off the power points and the homework. The homework is not required but again helpful for the tests. He gives quizzes once o twice a week that count as an attendance grade, but he does drop a few of them. He's a good teacher just make sure to study in advance because it's a lot of material to cram the week before the test.
He posts the lectures, so the quizzes are the only reason you need to go. On his tests there will be a few questions on the most obscure thing, that was only one bullet of one slide. Review sessions are kinda helpful, might have helped more if I had had questions.
I think it was his first semester teaching genetics. TERRIBLE IDEA. Gets confused teaching his own notes. Random clicker quizzes. Test were incredibly hard. The last regular test was taken on the same day as the final exam. Test problems look nothing like book or lecture examples. Genetics is hard regardless, but he makes sure to make it worse.
Class isnt mandatory, but gives clicker quizzes. Posts all notes online. The tests are significantly more difficult than the practice quizzes. Has review sessions for the book problems if you're needing extra test prep. Lectures can be tough to follow if you arent already familiar with some of the content. Review notes before attending.
Ehh.. Not the best professor and not the worst. The material is something I found very interesting, and he clearly likes to teach it. Attendance is not mandatory but he gives pop quizzes every couple days so try not to miss. The tests are extremely tough and tricky. Know the material forwards and backwards to make an A!
Professor Stephenson is a nice guy and he really is a helpful professor. Don't try to miss class because he exams come straight from his powerpoints. He also gives extra credit if u attend! Textbook isn't fully used, but it helped me throughout the semester. Also used clutchprep to guide me through the chapters in case I didn't understand much.
This is a class where if you don't study every day and know the material COMPLETELY you will not pass. His tests are not just definitions. The questions are mostly all application and if you don't know the material you won't know how to answer the question. IF you study every day, you can pass this class.
This class is really hard in general, but I think Professor Stephenson is okay at teaching it. His tests are extremely difficult. Be prepared to spend an unreasonable amount of time studying for this class! I've heard he isn't very nice at his office hours, but he's fine in class.
Good teacher but the questions on the test are so in depth it is hard to depict it. Studying is mandatory for 20+ hours. If you have the opportunity to take him, i would NOT.
Material isn't too difficult for a science major class. Make sure to come to class to take the extra credit clicker quizzes. Lectures are in a very confusing format and are not helpful. Study for 25+ hours for each test if you want at least a C. Many test questions come from the homework. Definitely a weed-out class.
He is a very hard grader and isn't very willing to help in office hours. His tests are very difficult and he only teaches by reading straight from the slide.
I have done well in science classes my entire life till I got to Stephenson. Expect weekly homework assignments, tests are almost impossible, attendance is required if you care about extra points from clicker quizzes. Never taking him again.
He's on the upper side of alright, he explains things really well, and knows what he is talking about. I would take again, but nothing to ride home about. Is pretty funny at times. Answers questions well and wants you to do well on everything. I studied fairly minimally and did alright.
Dr. Stephenson is a really nice guy, his lectures are a little dry but he just happens to teach subjects I find fascinating. Be careful about skipping class, he posts lectures on tegrity, but there are in-class quizzes that count for a lot of your grade. If you're not excited about biology his class might not be for you.
He was the hardest teacher I've ever had. Tests are way too difficult and have nothing to do with his slides. Nearly impossible to do well in his class do not take it
Stephenson was not a good professor. My BSC 114 class was a huge lecture hall and it was obvious that he didn't care that much for his students. His testes are confusing and are very specific to the concepts. I don't recomend it.
everything besides the test is easy to do. the test are so hard! this is because he words the questions weird.
Okay, if you're an A student seriously don't worry too much about it. He really knows what he's talking about and he posts his lectures on tegrity. Also, the questions for the exams are similar to the hw and you can find more on quizlet. Basically, yes it isn't the easiest class, but if you put in some effort and you'll be fine.
I'm a straight A student, and this class was the worst experience of my academic career. He's rude and bland with extremely long lectures. I studied all the notes and still did poorly. I definitely recommend reading the textbook. I did better when I stopped paying attention to class, but still come for the clicker quizzes.
Dr. Stephenson is a very difficult professor. Granted, the class is made to weed out the bio majors that are not cut out for the major, but his lectures are hard to understand and he stutters. He gives a good amount of extra credit. The tests are hard. If you study and go to tutoring you will (hopefully) pass.
This is a weed out class. However, whenever I reached out to ask questions for help from this professor, he was just snarky or not helpful at all (I personally felt like). He gives extra credit, though. Tests are extremely hard. I found that studying his homework helped a bit on them. Get a tutor, study every night, and you might make a C.
Don't skip class and miss out on the quizzes. They really help your grade. Study the homework. About half of his test quizzes are from there. Study and take good notes and you will not get below a C. Do not buy the text book. He gives you all the notes you need plus its online.
Lectures are very boring. Had to attend tutoring and teach myself all semester. Homework due every Sunday. Make sure you attend class bc he gives pop quizzes almost everyday that can be added to ur final grade for extra credit.
Go to class and pay attention to his lectures, take the in class clicker quizzes because they will help your final grade. Make sure to do all of the homework and study from it because many questions are used on the tests. Pay attention and study a little bit and you will be fine. Also he is a really nice guy who cares about his students.
Stephenson is very boring, but this class is not impossible to complete, but it takes a lot of effort. If you are a student who has to study, STUDY. There are 4 test, the 4th test is the final. Study the homework because there are questions straight from there. Read the slides, ask for help, do everything you can
Tests come almost completely from in-class clicker questions and homework so make sure you attend class and do the homework. His lectures can feel long but he explains things in ways that many people can understand. If you have to miss class he records his lectures, which can also be really helpful for studying for tests.
I admit Stephenson is not the greatest or the most interesting teacher i have ever had, but he's good. I blame myself for failing because he gives you all of the necessary information you need for each test through homework and clicker quizzes so as long as you don't slack off like me you should be able to make a decent grade
his biology class was the hardest class I have ever taken. lectures are boring, and if you want to make at least a C on any of the tests you need to start studying two weeks in advance. barely made it out of this class without failing, but my GPA is no butchered
Dr. Stephenson is a pretty good teacher. His tests are mostly clicker and homework questions. You'll get out of this class whatever you put into it.
Dr. Stephenson's class was hands down the hardest class I took last semester. His tests were hard and you don't get one dropped. He's not the best professor, but he does know what he's talking about and is very passionate about it. He gives bonus points on your grade from clicker questions so make sure you go to class to get easy extra points
Ed was terrible. He would go through all the chapters way to quickly and the tests were so hard. I don't recommend what so ever.
Hard Class, VERY specific and hard tests. Doesn't drop a test grade. Lots of homework. I gave 110% and barely passed.
He takes attendance through quizzes so if you're not there then oh well. You really have to take your own notes and not rely on his online notes. The tests are hard, but if you study then you'll pass. Class material covered everything you've heard from high school
Edwin is clearly a very intelligent man. If you read his bio he puts up you'll see he went to Yale and all the other things he has accomplished. Unfortunately, his talent intellectually does NOT transfer to teaching. I am usually an A or sometimes B student and I got a C in this class after working my butt off. If you take him - good luck. Read.
Stephenson isn't a hard professor. He had clicker questions each class that counted as XC in the end. The notes are clear cut and the tests were a little more complicated than the notes but nothing crazy. He is a nice guy who clearly likes his subject, but the class can be a little boring. Beware of chapters 9/10 they're the hardest.
He was a very confusing lecturer-extremely disorganized lesson plan and tricky test questions that aren't particularly represented by the level he teaches during class.
Worst professor in the Biology department. He confuses himself and the class. Gives unclear and tricky exams. When he tricks the class its as if he takes joy that you fell for it. Take another professor if possible.
His has a very monotone voice and he isnt the best lecturer, but his notes are very clear and the test will come straight from them and from the homework he gives. He gives pop clicker quizzes that are tricky but they are all extra credit that will boost your grade at the end of the semester. I would take him again.
One of the worst instructors I've ever had. He confuses himself during his monotonous lectures, changes his mind mid-lecture and tells you to ignore/forget slides he just taught and the exams are horrendous. Spent many hours trying to translate his lectures to no avail. Stay away from this class unless you want your GPA to be slaughtered. Run.
This class is generally hard, but his lectures really don't help. I basically taught myself after every lecture. He is very monotone and lectures tend to drag on.
So many things to say about Dr. Stephenson. His lectures are terrible and they usually end with him becoming confused. This confusion will send you in loops. He also gives some sample exams and they are not at all indicative of the actual exams.
Make sure you read!!! He assigns practice problems from the book but I don't think they really help. His tests are really difficult so prepare to study extra hard! Also, he gives quizzes periodically but he never tells you when. Usually it'll be about one per week.
His tests were extremely difficult, and his lectures were not indicative at all of the tests. Lectures were confusing and didn't help to go to. I would avoid at all costs.
Stephenson is the worst professor I have ever taken. His lectures are packed with errors and unnecessary material. He is very hard to understand and sometimes it appeared as if he didn't know what he is even trying to explain. If you have the option you owe it to yourself to take someone else and save yourself the frustration.
I do not recommend taking Stephenson if you're a biology major. His tests are extremely difficult, so studying the material he displays in class will NOT help you. You have to put in an extreme amount of work to even get a B. He stutters a lot and his lectures aren't very helpful. He's never in a good mood either.
This was a normal Biology course. Dr. Stephenson was knowable of the information that he taught. Even though it was hard for a huge lecture, he tried to do models/demonstrations for students to better understand the material.
Most people don't like Stephenson because he makes you actually understand the material not just memorize facts, which is evident by the people who say his tests are hard becasue i am pretty sure he makes up the questions himself. There are extra credit clicker questions which to me was unheard of in a science class for majors. Do the work an ur ok
Stephenson is a good lecturer, his exams aren't hard if one pays attention in class. To all of the people complaining about him/114- you're not going to cut it as a Biology Major if you are struggling at this level, he's not the problem here.
Stephenson is a horrible professor. His test are hard for no reason and his lectures are all over the place. He expects you to know way too much information. DO NOT TAKE him if you want to be a biology major. Do NOT take him.
Probably wont get into med school because of this one class. His lectures are hard to follow. His tests are only 50 questions and are impossible. I even went to see him outside of class and left crying. He is not nice. I would not take
The class is mainly based on lecture - which has in class quizzes, online homework ad tests. Make sure you keep your quiz grades up and your online homework grades up since the test are sometimes fairly difficult.
I found his lectures to be rather dull, and his tests to be rather difficult. They were on four or five chapters at a time, so that was stressful. He does not drop a test grade. This class required so many hours of studying. He posts all notes on blackboard, but you have to be in class to take the extra credit clicker quizzes that saved my grade.
Nice guy but not a good professor. Avoid if you can. Very boring lectures, however his clicker quizzes do give you bonus points. Homework was reasonable and always showed up on tests. This course in general is one of the hardest at UA so be ready to study ALOT. Reading the textbook does help a lot though.
DO NOT take this course if you have no prior knowledge to biology, and by prior knowledge, I mean taking an AP Bio class. DO NOT take this course if you are a bio major. Stephenson was a terrible professor. His material is everywhere, I would study for hours and hours and my test grade would never reflect. Changed my major because of this class.
Very knowledgeable individual. If you put in the work to study the tests are easy and the material comes straight from his power points. Homework gives a nice boost to your grade and clicker questions are an added bonus to your grade as well.
Definitely wouldn't recommend Stephenson!!! He doesn't care how you do in the class and even when you email him he will tell you to look at the syllabus. His voice drags, especially if you take his class in the early mornings so it's hard to pay attention. Attendance is optional but there are pop quizzes so basically you have to go. Tests are hard!
I was a bio major. I changed my major because of his class. He was very rude and not helpful. Only reason I passed was because of the homework and clicker questions. Attendance wasn't mandatory, but I went for the points on the clicker questions.
Not a huge fan. He left me with an 89. if you have no background in bio, i wouldnt take him. He's your typical large-lecture professor: he doesnt care if you do well and his lectures are pretty boring. the grade you receive is a direct reflection of the work you put in. He gives extra credit clicker quizzes which help in the end so I'd go to class
He's alright, not the best at teaching, and his test questions are sort of vague. If you are willing to teach yourself the material you'll be fine, but his lecture slides contain lots of "we will get to this later" "not covered'. He also uses random shorthand words he made up like nt txrn, and c'some that it makes it hard to read and study from
only thing you are graded on are tests and 3point clicker quizzes once a week. He is very hard to understand and follow Can be very rude and unhelpful if you ask him how to study for his tests he will tell you he doesn't know. There is no extra credit and I feel that he doesn't care if you pass of fail. you can do the study guide and not pass exam
Homework is not for credit, only real grades are from tests. The study guide is incomplete, and will get you a C if you think it is. One of the worst I've had, and not because of material. The lectures were a drag. If you don't know EVERYTHING you will not get a good grade. At least now he's retired and no one is forced to take him anymore.
Dude was the freaking bomb tests are easy and if you fail you should probably switch majors! Lol my man was on fire spittin out jokes on the Daily.
I hated Stephenson when I took the class but after I realized that he actually prepared me well for the next bio class. He doesnt care about students unless you take the time to get to know him. He made pretty good jokes and gave extra credit for in class quizzes so going to class is a MUST. But was also one of the only prof that didnt drop a test.
The course is already difficult as it is, but then add a just "ok" teacher? I wouldn't recommend.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
66%
Textbook Required
79%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.85 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOLOGY
5.0
(1)BSC310
5.0
(1)BSC118
4.5
(2)114007
4.0
(1)BSC441
4.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
BSC310
5.0
BIO114
4.3
114
3.8
BSC114
3.7
BSC315
3.7