3.1

J. Aaron Cassill

Biology - University of Texas at San Antonio

3.1
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
45%
Would Retake
125
Reviews
3.1
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
3.1
Helpful
3.1
Clarity

45%

Would Retake

125

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

28

4

27

3

31

2

19

1

20

What Students Say

To get an A in this class you must: 1

BIO2313 - 5.0 rating

Cassill has been one of the worst professors I've ever had

BIO2313 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

27%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 64 grades
Most common grades:
B (22)
A (18)
Not sure yet (12)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(24)C(6)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(12)
Based on 79 reported grades
B: 22
A: 18
Not sure yet: 12
B+: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (27)
Test heavy (26)
Lecture heavy (19)
Graded by few things (15)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Accessible outside class (10)
LECTURE HEAVY (9)
Tough grader (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.78 avg change
Aug
Dec
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May
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Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GENIT002

5.0

(1)

BIO

4.0

(1)

GENETSECT

4.0

(1)

HON3253

4.0

(1)

BIO1233

3.8

(45)
+8 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GENETSECT

5.0

GEN2313

4.1

BIO2313

4.0

2313

3.5

BIO1213

3.5

Reviews (125)
3.0
3.0
MOLECULARBIO
Jul 11, 2005

This was a team taught class with Dr. Cassill, Dr. Lundell, and Dr. McCarrey. DO NOT TAKE team taught classes. They all have different styles of teaching and diff exams. Dr. Cassill lectured really well but his exam was hard. It's not for the faint of heart. Good course for PhD students.

4.0
3.0
GENETICS
Grade: A-
Nov 20, 2005

Good teacher. You can tell he enjoys what he does. Just be sure to read the book BEFORE class.

3.0
3.0
GENETICS
Dec 21, 2005

his old tests are very helpful!! review the old tests and focus on what he lectures on in class and you should do well

4.0
2.0
BIO
Apr 5, 2006

He know well his course, so he should get A grade in biology professors.

4.0
5.0
GENETSECT
Dec 10, 2006

Class will kick your ass. Use the old exams he gives you, all the tests are cumulative, so if you didnt get it, you better get it, or you will continue to suffer all semester. Rough class, decent lectures. Show up to class its alot of material, so you know what to study for.

5.0
3.0
BIO2313
Dec 19, 2006

Gives old exams. Do not depend on them, but try to predict what he'll ask in the same format (as old exams) by looking at homework assigned and material based on lecture. Getting an A is managable. Class can be interesting, very approachable, usually curves. Great guy to talk to during office hours.

5.0
3.0
GENIT002
Apr 6, 2008

He is a great teacher! Willing to help with anything, he highly encourages going to his office hours. Those are helpful. He posts his lectures online, power point slides, print them out and take notes on them in class, it's a useful tool. STUDY the old exams before tests. Overall he is a great professor, I enjoyed his class, my favorite of the year

5.0
4.0
BIO1233
Nov 19, 2008

tests are extremely hard but dr cassill is a great teacher. he explains everything really well and gives good notes. dont miss class or you will be behind tho. i recommend trying to get him for contemporary biology.

5.0
1.0
BIO1233
Nov 22, 2008

He's one of rare science teachers that makes science interesting by incorporating it into our modern society, not making us memorize mechanical formulas or equations like all the other science teachers. He gives lecture notes and review sheet online. Study them and you'll do fine. He curves too. Great teacher!

5.0
2.0
GENETICS
May 14, 2009

Great professor! Will help you a lot! Visit him and ask questions! All past tests are on webct and he takes questions from those. He gives you all the material needed to get an A!

5.0
4.0
BIO2313
Oct 15, 2009

I had him for honors genetics and he was really great! His tests are kind of hard, but he curves well. Most people I know made an A. It's the kind of class where you make a good grade AND learn the material and that's pretty rare. Like others have said, his old tests are very helpful and he's always willing to help if you email/go see him.

4.0
4.0
BIO1233
Dec 15, 2009

Attending class is a must, most of your grade will depend on I-clicker points. Tests are really hard but he curves them. I fail all tests and got a B so as you can see there was a major curve. Take for Contemp. Bio.

5.0
4.0
BIO2313
Oct 6, 2010

I took honors genetics and an honors seminar with Dr. Cassill, and I love him! He's a great teacher and really wants his students to learn and do well. Genetics was very difficult but he did curve at the end of the semester. The honors seminar was easy but really interesting and beneficial. His wife is a great teacher too!

3.0
3.0
BIO1233
Dec 3, 2010

He's pretty cool... but he is very very smart so his tests are hard because he doesn't realize sometimes that we aren't as smart as him but that's okay because he gives a really good curve based on where you stand in the class! tests don't weigh that much so you get a lot of clicker and assignment points! his class is pretty interesting, though :)

5.0
4.0
BIO1233
Dec 4, 2010

Great Professor! definitely knows what he's talking about. Very hard tests but he curves extremely well. i'd take him again.

4.0
3.0
BIO1233
Dec 13, 2010

Tests are very hard, but he curves very courteously to those who need it. Most of the points come from Iclicker and homework. Class is pretty interesting. Only bad thing I can say about this guy is that he is a bit slow on putting grades in.

3.0
4.0
BIO2313
Jan 2, 2011

Dr. Cassill is an excellent lecturer, however, his testing procedures and class structure are not. At the university level, organization is king and his class was too chaotic. DO NOT follow any online syllabus or schedule posted! Go to him directly for test dates. I hate to give him a bad review, but such disorganization is inexcusable.

4.0
2.0
HON3253
Sep 27, 2011

I took him for Honors Seminar (Science and Psychology in Everyday Life). Professor Cassill is a great lecturer. Go to class, you will learn from him.

5.0
3.0
BIO1233
Nov 17, 2011

He's a FANTASTIC teacher! He has a lot of notes, sure, but he knows what he is talking about and knows how to explain things very well. And he's also like to throw in jokes every now and then! I HIGHLY recommend him - he knows what he is doing, and you can tell he loves it. As long as you study for the tests, you'll do fine!

5.0
2.0
BIO1233
Dec 6, 2011

Great professor. Definitely knows what he's talking about and even connects his lectures to relative events in life. Curves are generous, aim to do better than MOST people and you will easily get an A due to the curves. Attend class because the clicker points will total up and give you an A really easily.

2.0
4.0
BIO1213
Dec 13, 2011

This was the worst class I took this semester. Do not recommend Professor Cassill. Explore your other options if you can. I say pick another professor if it is possible. His teaching style wasn't my cup of tea.

3.0
3.0
BIO2313
Dec 25, 2011

Dr. Cassill genetics class is not very easy, but it is reasonable. He tells you what you need to do to get an A. Study with your study group, and come to class. The 3 and 4 midterm were difficult, and Dr. Cassill curves on a bell curve. I did not use the textbook very much. Dr. Cassill makes genetics interesting.

5.0
4.0
BIO1233
Dec 6, 2012

Dr.Cassill is a GREAT professor! He explains the subjects very well. He tries to make the class more interesting by applying what we're learning to real life situations He also likes to show videos in class to keep his students interested. You have to keep up with the reading so you can fully understand the material. 4 exams in the semester (study)

4.0
3.0
BIO1233
Dec 18, 2012

Class is pretty easy when you do the work and study for tests. If you study for tests you should get an A. His curves for tests are crazy! Tests are tough, but if it weren't for those curves I might have failed. Make sure you attend. iClicker quizzes every class, but you can discuss the questions with classmates. Good class to take.

4.0
2.0
BIO1233
Dec 22, 2012

He's a really nice professor. Go to class Iclicker points will help you and reading the book helps a lot when you take tests. If you read and study you will get an A, especially since he curves.

5.0
2.0
BIO1233
May 6, 2013

Super nice guy, exams can be challenging so pay attention and go to SI! He gives a lot of extra points on QEP and iclicker so make sure you do well on those and you will make an A.

5.0
4.0
BIO1233
May 16, 2013

Prof. Cassill is one of the best professors at the University, bar none! In fact he is one of the best professor's I have had at 3 different universities!

5.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 8, 2013

Seriously a fantastic professor. Makes the class very interesting! You have to attend class or you'll lose iClicker points, which are essential. Use the study guides for tests and you'll do fine, as long as you take good notes as well. I never opened the book. Very enjoyable class, he's pretty funny sometimes too! Would absolutely recommend him.

5.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 12, 2013

Science is not easy! Study and you will pass this class. He is a great professor and his lectures are interesting. I like that he has study questions answered by iClickers. It helps you figure out what to concentrate on. He does a good job of connecting science to real life. His tests are applied science, not just definitions.

5.0
2.0
GEN2313
Nov 17, 2013

Dr. Cassill made the class interesting and his tests were easy if you studied.

5.0
3.0
BIO1233
Jan 13, 2014

I really enjoyed this course and Dr. Cassill made it very interesting. He makes it pretty easy to make an A if you go to class and do the work. I got B's on his tests but ended up getting an A because he gives so many attendance points. I went to his office hours several times and he was always very helpful.

5.0
1.0
BIO1233
Jan 20, 2014

Really interesting and easy course! You must attend class because most of your grade comes from the iclicker. Tests can be challenging but as long as you do the iclicker, online quizzes, and QEP you should do well. Because your grade is based off points, as long as you do better than most people you should get an A.

1.0
5.0
1233
Nov 24, 2014

I know he is rated as a 4, but that is ridiculous. He doesn't explain things to well and he gives random qep assignments that have nothing to do with the course. Clicker points are used for attendance and can be an easy grade. The test reviews are vague and don't give much help for the test. Average test grade for our class ranged from a 60-60%

5.0
3.0
1233
Nov 25, 2014

love love love love

3.0
3.0
2313
Dec 18, 2014

This class was boring. He powerpoint teaches which I dislike. The only good thing I would say is that his tests are from his test bank that he posts so just study questions. The final was not made by him so that was painful. If you want to learn genetics, I would not recommend him.

5.0
2.0
BIO2313
Grade: A+
Dec 19, 2014

To get an A in this class you must: 1.) Take good notes (four questions for each exam will be from the lecture) 2.) Study the back exams 3.) Attend SI sessions 4.) Read the assigned chapters to be covered before each lecture 5.) If you have questions on concepts, email Dr. Cassill Overall, this was a good class.

3.0
3.0
1233
Jan 17, 2015

lectures are cool if you are into science, bt if youre not you'll get bored and get a B like myself. iclicker is huge and that's what saved me, i didn't pass a single test but the assignments helped bigtime

5.0
2.0
BIO1233
Grade: A+
Nov 16, 2015

Amazing professor! Lectures are helpful, and he is never monotonous. If science is not your strong-suit, he engages each class with iClicker questions that will boost grades and also show up on exams. No final. He is funny and shows videos often. Textbook is not required, but pay close attention!!! He also provides a study guide.

4.0
4.0
BIO1404
Grade: B
Nov 17, 2015

Very funny, and he knows what he is talking about, but he moves very quickly. A LOT OF TESTS- 5 midterms and 1 final. All of the questions on the midterms are from the test bank, and that's basically the only way to pass because I could not keep up with the reading. Helpful if you need it. Clicker points are great for attendance points.

3.0
3.0
BIO1404
Nov 17, 2015

He is very funny and interacts with the class. Tests consist of questions from test banks. He moves at a very fast pace so its hard to read the book before he lectures certain chapters. Clicker points for attendance are very important. Great professor but definitely very fast paced.

3.0
4.0
BIO1404
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2015

He really does want to help! Office hours are always good. Bio 1 is just a hard course in general but I think he did a good job at teaching it! Tests are mainly over readings, and in class he has clicker questions for extra points.

2.0
4.0
GEN2313
Grade: C+
Dec 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This class was extremely difficult. He lectures straight from power point and is very vague about definitions. Tests are so hard. Him nor the SI respond to emails. Don't take this professor if you don't have time to spend every second studying for his class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO2313
Dec 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

lectures are long and drawn out. The professor is very knowlegable but does not know how to convey material.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2016
Would take again

This class was mostly based on tests which automatically makes the class more nerve-wrecking. The tests are tough but the first one is doable. Don't be scared when you're not performing how you normally do. If you remain above the average you should do well in the class. Read the textbook before class to understand his lecture. GO TO SI!

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
BIO1233
Nov 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

if you read the book and study a lot you'll pass but this is defiantly not a slack off kind of class for contempt bio

Skip class? You won't pass.
Get ready to read
Tough Grader
4.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: B
Nov 6, 2017
Would take again

He's a good professor!! He wasn't hard at all, just do the reviews and study the terms because he takes vocab out of each question on the test. His lectures are boring but his powerpoints help a lot. I slept in class a lot but it's not hard to catch up to his lectures, the amount of effort you put in determines your grade

Respected
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
BIO1233
Grade: A
Nov 6, 2017
Would take again

Cassill understands that the students taking his contemporary bio class are non science majors so points out what's important & what's not. Gives a review of vocab words to study for each test and takes most the questions from a test bank. The grade comes 50% from online book readings/ homework which are easy points. Other half are from test.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO2313
Dec 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Cassill has been one of the worst professors I've ever had. Went to his office to ask simple question about grading and he was unbelievable rude. Does not help you what so ever. Hardly no grades. Four tests and then a few iclicker and homeworks that he didn't even start until end of October!!

TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO1404
Grade: B
Apr 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Not a good professor... he knows the information so he teaches VERY vaguely, the SI doesnt help at all, you will most likely end up teaching yourself

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: A
Oct 11, 2018
Would take again

BIO 1233: He knows that his class isnt for science majors and points out the important information. He has lots of online assignments but they are super easy and are a huge grade booster. He goes on tangents and shows random videos during the lecture but pay attention to them because he puts a couple questions on the test over them.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO1233
Nov 5, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Death by Powerpoint, he throws in a couple of interesting videos at the end of class some video test ?s, plus i-clicker points, class not mandatory but will miss these bonus points. 5 tests/non cumulative/no final. learn smart hwk (do self study on these/that is the only reason I am passing). 1 group project. Nice guy but self teaching.

TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
1.0
BIO2313
Grade: A-
Nov 19, 2018
Would take again

Prof Cassill isn't the best instructor, however his class is easy to pass. His lectures are kind of boring & he does iclicker every class. BUT he uploads previous tests from previous years for us to study. They're basically the same test. You memorize that and you're guaranteed at least an 80 on the tests. Take him.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
BIO1233
Dec 19, 2018
Would take again

Professor Cassill is a great Professor. He really cares about his students. Attendance is sorta mandatory since he does iclicker everyday and its worth 200 points towards your grade at end of semester. I would definitely recommend. He understands that this course is for non science majors and tries to help everyone out.

Caring
Respected
1.0
5.0
BIO1233
Grade: B-
Jan 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This professor was extremely difficult to have.. It is rare that he will respond to emails, lectures drag and have nothing to do with the tests. He zips through the slides and tells you that the books and the homework won't help for the test, but his lectures don't either. The tests are extremely detailed and confusing. I would NOT recommend.

Participation matters
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: A-
Jan 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Cassil is easily one of the laziest professors I've ever had. His power point lectures look like they were made in a slideshow tutorial class for preschoolers. I've seen people from third world countries with better technological proficiency than him. His lectures consists of him waving around a green laser at slides like he has periodic tremors.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
5.0
BIO1404
Apr 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Goes off topic during lectures, expects students to already know most of material, and exams are tough. Would definitely NOT take again

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
3.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
May 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Cassill knows his stuff, but he isn't the best at teaching it. I had to teach myself most of the semester. You will not be prepared for the final if you take his class, as it's a common final made by all the genetics professors that are way tougher than him and prepare their students better.

4.0
4.0
BIO1404
Grade: A
May 30, 2019
Would take again

Professor Cassill makes you work for your grade. You must attend class and listen to his lectures because that is what will be on the test. YOU HAVE TO STUDY or else you will fail. He is the hardest biology professor at UTSA but you actually learn bio, and even though he's hard he's a nice person and people respect him. He's a solid choice.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 4, 2019
Would take again

tough professor, difficult to keep up with at times and slides are very basic. Critical to pay attention in class and listen closely. Read the book! Go to SI! Do all HW and practice problems you can do well!

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO1233
Grade: B+
Nov 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's a good professor, but I had him for Contemporary Bio for non-majors. I AM NOT A BIO MAJOR and his lectures made it seem easy, but his tests would literally be the death of you. He does curve every exam, but without the curve, I definitely would've failed with a 50. Still not too sure how to study because his exam are DETAILED

Respected
Lots of homework
2.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Dec 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor Cassill is a lazy professor, and takes a long time to put in grades. He does a bell curve which only gives the top 15% an A in the class so beware. His tests aren't too hard if you look at his old exams, but his final will bend you over backwards. HIs final has nothing to do with what he teaches you in class. Be prepared to teach yourself

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
GEN2313
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Grading makes no sense. I had no idea what my grade was the entire semester. Not helpful out of class. Lectures are weird, I didn't learn anything from him. I had to learn everything myself using the textbook. Study on your own, go to lecture for tophat and do as many of his old exams as you can, that's the only way to get an A

Participation matters
Beware of pop quizzes
4.0
5.0
BIO1233
Jan 8, 2020
Would take again

prof. cassill made learning about bio very enjoyable. he cares about the impact he has on his students. he does attendance checks, and a lot of what he says in lecture appears on the exam. tests make up the majority of your grade. if you want an A, i highly recommend going to SI sessions, and doing the whole review. stay attentive in class!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIO1404
Grade: Not sure yet
May 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I wish I took advice when I originally read bad reviews on his class. I wanted to cut him more slack since this semester COVID-19 took place, but his grading criteria is very confusing and he just didn't do much for us this semester. We converted to online classes, and he was still very strict, and would post our assignments late. Lectures were eh.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
May 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Don't take him. His lectures are confusing and his exams make no sense. He is not reachable through email, and his office hours are not helpful. Take any other professor.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: C+
May 22, 2020
Would take again

I'm not a bio major and I thought he was pretty good. He uses tophat for attendance and random questions in class. He uses an online textbook for homework. The tests were long and I failed every single one but he curved the grades so much that I passed. Class is kinda boring but I probably would've failed if he didn't curve so much.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
GEN2313
Jun 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Probably one of the worst professors I've had. He is really bad at explaining concepts and words his exams/quizzes very strangely. His lectures are long and boring, but they do help with the exam. Get ready to teach yourself concepts because you will be more confused listening to him explain something than just learning it yourself.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Aug 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I'm currently finishing up his BIO2313 Summer 2020 10 week course. You are graded on 2 quizzes per week and 3 exams and a final. His lectures do not prepare you for the quizzes or exams and his past reviews are confusing with some having the same question but different answer? The book is needed for the quizzes and exams if you want to pass!

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Aug 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His exams are very confusing and the only way to succeed in the class is to look at past exams or read the book. His grading is based off of a bell curve and in the end doesn't benefit you at all!! Lectures are long and can be confusing and not too helpful with quizzes! If you can, try to take someone else for genetics.

Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Nov 23, 2020
Would take again

Cassill is an okay professor in the online format. He seems to go through the motions in his lectures and doesn't do much more than the required. His lectures do not fully cover what is in the exams, but he does include specific questions mentioned in his lectures.

Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO2313
Dec 9, 2020
Would take again

Weekly 5 ? quizzes, 4 exams 45 ?s and final is 70 ?s. No mandatory lectures, but u have to meet @ class time for exams. Book helps more than lectures. Very knowledgeable & kind. Biggest complaint is the bell curve, an A is 85-100.. so u know this is a hard class. Idk if Ill pass, have a high C but w/ curve Im failing. Grading changed a lot in sem

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Cassill does the minimum and has pre-recorded lectures from previous semesters. No real-time teaching is done. Cumulative final was difficult and worth A LOT; it could bring you down a whole letter grade. I had an A all semester until the final. No exams dropped/replaced and no extra credit at all. Really disappointed in his grading system.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2020
Would take again

Professor Cassill's class was very extensive and required lots of reading and note taking to do well. Exams and quizzes are what makes up your grade. Exams weren't bad if you studied EXCEPT for the final exam. The final counted for most of our grade & was nothing like previous tests we had taken. If you take him, be prepared for a very hard final!

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: C
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He seems to be the best option out of all the genetics professors but this is the worst class Ive taken in my life . Boring long lectures that are pre recorded , not engaged or shows interest in helping students , does the are minimum and the final will drop you a letter grade and is nothing like previous exams . I may have to retake and hate it !

4.0
3.0
BIO1213
Grade: B
Apr 21, 2021
Would take again

He is a great professor. He seems intense but he genuinely cares about his student. He curves grades and will even allow you to make up exams!

3.0
3.0
BIO2313
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 18, 2021
Would take again

Prof. Cassill is not bad! His lectures are pre-recorded, but the way he explains material is easy to understand. The only thing we are grades on is weekly quizzes, 4 exams, & a final. No other assignments. I am giving an average rating because he didn't do much this semester. Everything was posted at once at the beginning of the semester.

4.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Nov 24, 2021
Would take again

I really like Professor Cassil! Here are the basics: watch lectures (he is a tad monotone, but they are manageable), read the book (which you do not need to buy because there are older versions with the same content), and do the practice exams (which give you a good idea of what to expect on the exam). That was all you needed for this course!

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: C-
Dec 10, 2021
Would take again

It's a tough class, but the lectures are helpful and go over the questions you will be seeing in quizzes and exams. There's one short quiz per week and 4 total exams. If you stay on top of lectures you will do fine.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
2313
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 19, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Cassill is so informative with the information he presents. His teaching is a little bit old school. Exams are a bit difficult but if you use the practice exams and attend SI/TA sessions, you will pass! I would recommend him to someone who wants to learn but is not lazy and thinks they will get a free A.

Get ready to read
Respected
Accessible outside class
3.0
5.0
BIO1233
Grade: D
May 3, 2022

A good guy who knows what he's talking about, but his lectures can be pretty dragging and hard to stay engaged in as a non-major. He has only ~5 assignments but 5 major exams that must be taken throughout the course. The exams are 40 questions long and are difficult without VERY thorough studying. No final, small curves. Opt for an easier science.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO1233
Grade: B
May 18, 2022

Dr. C is nice, but his lectures were hard to follow as a non-science major. Exams are difficult, so be prepared to study! There wasn't a final, and he provided opportunities to gain points with chapter quizzes and two projects. If you're looking for a non-major science class, I would recommend maybe skipping this one and choosing an easier course.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO2313
Aug 8, 2022
Would take again

Took during summer, he posted previous exams and made himself available for help. Read the book! go over lectures and previous exams and you will be fine!

Accessible outside class
Respected
Get ready to read
5.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: A
Oct 30, 2022
Would take again

Took Genetics with Professor Cassill for the 10-week summer course. He was an awesome professor, very receptive to discussions and working through challenging problems. I recommend going to office hours and having your questions handy so you can work through problems. You can tell he is passionate about the material and about teaching.

Get ready to read
Respected
Online Savvy
5.0
3.0
BIO1404
Grade: A
Nov 17, 2022
Would take again

Professor Cassill is very dedicated on the work that he wants to bring to his students. He makes the lectures very clear and easy to follow. It is very easy to get a good grade in class. Take it online if you have the chance.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
GEN2313
Grade: B
Nov 21, 2022
Would take again

The main grades of the course were the tests. The homework and quizzes were online from the textbook but were doable. He allowed us to study for previous tests and that helped a lot when studying for upcoming tests. The class was not mandatory but everyone should go because he goes over everything very well and some test questions are mentioned.

Accessible outside class
3.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2022
Would take again

I felt like the tests were much harder than they needed to be, not because the material was hard but because they were worded poorly. I can tell he cares about biology but his lectures were very boring and didnt really help me so I stopped going to class and just taught myself the materials. If you read the book and study you should be okay.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 1, 2022
Would take again

I enjoyed this class because I also enjoyed Cassill. But it sure was a hard class. The exams are not too bad if you study and he gives back old practice exams to help you study. He is usually available outside of class if you need to speak to him. He is a nice guy, dont be afraid to ask questions

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
2.0
5.0
BIO2313
Dec 1, 2022

Difficult exams!!! You really need to be able to use critical thinking in this class.

Get ready to read
2.0
4.0
BIO1233
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2022

I took this class because I wanted a Science credit and my advisor reccomended Contemporary Biology I. I do not reccommend you take this course because its mostly exams and quizzes... He had one video project which was an easy grade but his quantatative homework made no sense! His lectures also arent that useful! Do not take this class if you major

Tough grader
Test heavy
Online Savvy
2.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2022

By far the hardest bio course I've ever taken. The lectures are vague and he doesn't make them very interesting. Go to the TA sessions, those helped the most for the exams. Overall, genetics is a very difficult subject, but the teaching wasn't very organized on his part.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2022
Would take again

Professor Cassill is extremely smart. He is also a great story teller/lecturer. However, his tests are not very reflective of his lectures. He gives plenty of resources to use to prepare for the exams, so utilize them heavily. Also, he is very approachable and easy going. Ask questions and go to TA study sessions and you will do fine.

Get ready to read
Respected
Accessible outside class
4.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2022
Would take again

I like Dr. Cassill as a person, but his exams were a bit tough. Lectures are boring and no one really shows up. He provides past exams, but sometimes they were hard to use since there were questions we never talked about. The only thing that helped were the TA sessions.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIO1404
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2022
Would take again

Very easy to follow. This professor is eager with the things that he wants to teach, enhancing the learning environment

3.0
4.0
BIO1233
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2022

If you're not a science type person, don't take this class. There are FAR easier science classes for non-science majors. Class test avg was in the 50s. He curved everything so a 50 was a B, but you'll never know if you know the material which makes it hard to study. The quizzes are easy, the tests are hard. The prof was nice, but not worth.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
2.0
BIO1233
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 2, 2023
Would take again

I took Professor Casill class for major in nursing. The lectures were good like he know he stuff instead reading of the textbook and provide like real life examples and his quizzes are pretty easy but his exams doesn't go with his powerpoint.

Caring
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
GEN2313
Jan 5, 2023

Course was very difficult. Most of your grade will depend on the tests taken. Look over his past exams because his exams are structured similarly and there always are a few past questions in his new tests. Go to tutoring and read the online textbook or you will not pass. Good professor, but I recommend taking another if you want to save your GPA.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: A
May 30, 2023
Would take again

The class itself requires quantitive, video, and podcast assignments on top of the unit quizzes and tests -- there are no separate homework grades. The lectures themselves are interesting enough but by the end of the semester majority of the class didn't show up. He provides a test review so study and prepare along those lines and you'll be good.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: B+
Oct 9, 2023

dont do it for your own sanity.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
GENETICS
Grade: A
Nov 11, 2023
Would take again

Very great teacher but exams are unnecessarily difficult however provides good study guides so take him at your risk

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: A-
Apr 14, 2024
Would take again

Great professor, very understanding and willing to always help and answer questions. His lectures were very interesting, but I will admit tests we're somewhat difficult. Utilize everything he provides, textbook, lecture slides , etc. Study groups are very important!!! I would love to take his class again. Do it!

2.0
1.0
BIO1404
Grade: A
Jun 1, 2024

A true slacker. He is not a bad guy just does not teach.

4.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: A
Jun 22, 2024
Would take again

His lectures are interesting. Attendance is not mandatory, but he does not post the lectures online. He is not strict at all about deadlines. I would say the people who struggled on the tests in my class were those who did not go to them on a regular basis.

Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO1233
Grade: B-
Aug 12, 2024

good professor, lectures got pretty boring after a while and tests questions are nothing like the lectures.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2024

Most horrible professor i've taken at UTSA yet. I recommend not taking him, even if its your last option.

3.0
4.0
GEN2313
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2024

Dr. Cassill himself is a very kind and understanding person, but as a professor, his lectures are unengaging and boring. His exams are nothing like what is covered in lectures, so I highly recommend attending the TA sessions because they actually do help a lot. He gives no extra credit and doesn't drop any lowest grades. He also doesn't curve.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
BIO1233
Grade: A
Jan 13, 2025

I think he's a kind professor, but the class overall was a bit hard. Attendance isn't mandatory but if you miss class, he might give an example that ends up being on the exam. There's 5 exams and no final. He assigns weekly homework, and I highly recommend reading the textbook. He offers two extra credit assignments and I suggest doing them.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: B+
Jan 15, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Cassill is a nice professor. He is very understanding regarding due dates. There are two extra credit opportunities. While attendance is not mandatory if you miss lectures you're more likely to do poorly on exams. He is an easy grader if you put in the effort. You have to be willing to do the readings and homework to pass.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: B+
Jan 20, 2025
Would take again

Lectures can get dry, but the professor is understanding. Utilize all course materials, and study groups will be crucial. unstuck AI was a lifesaver for quizzes and test prep. Overall, a manageable class if you put in the work.

3.0
3.0
1233
Grade: B
Jan 22, 2025

Was a good guy, & is very understanding that this was a class for non-biology majors. I found it very simple to pass, as long as you did the homeworks & studied. But the class was very time consuming in terms of studying, & the exams were always very different from the study guides. The lectures can be interesting. Offers 2 forms of extra credit.

Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
GEN2313
Grade: Not sure yet
May 14, 2025

Super exam heavy. No late work, no corrections, no extra credit, no grade drops, no sanity. Honestly the worst class I have ever taken. Lectures are super boring and it's super hard to learn directly from the professor. There's a problem if a majority of the class is failing the exams and still offering no incentives. Avoid at all cost.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
GEN2313
Grade: Not sure yet
May 14, 2025

This class is extremely exam-heavy with no room for error—no late work, no corrections, no extra credit, and no dropped grades. It's been the most difficult class I've taken, mainly because the lectures are dry and the professor doesn't explain things clearly. If most of the class is failing, there's a problem. I wouldn't recommend this course.

1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: D
May 14, 2025

The course is heavily dependent on exams, with no opportunities for grade recovery like corrections, extra credit, or dropped assignments. The instructor's lectures are hard to follow and not very engaging, making it difficult to grasp the material. I would suggest avoiding this class if possible. (even as a last resort)

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
May 14, 2025

I came in wanting to learn, but this class made that nearly impossible. It's all about exams, with zero room for mistakes—no late work, no extra credit, no dropped grades. The lectures don't help much either, and I constantly felt like I was teaching myself. Unclear grading for overall grade. Would not recommend.

1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: C
May 14, 2025

This class operates on “sink or swim,” except the life jacket is made of cement. Exams are a majority of your grade, and there's no curve, no extra credit, and definitely no mercy. The lectures? Just background noise. If you're into learning by yourself, you'll love it. No thanks.

1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
May 14, 2025

Nothing like a class that says “no” to everything. No late work? Nope. No grade drops? Definitely not. No extra credit? Absolutely not. Lectures are dry, and comprehension feels illegal here. If you enjoy suffering for no reason, this is the guy for you. Enjoy.

1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: Not sure yet
May 14, 2025

No. Just no.

1.0
5.0
BIO2313
Grade: A-
May 17, 2025

Lectures barely provide any help at all. Basically you're going to self teach yourself for the entire course as there's nothing to go off the lectures with the information given in class, and on the homework not even correlating to the exams. Only passed because of the TA. GO TO THE TA SESSIONS IF YOU WANT TO PASS THIS CLASS!!

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: C
May 21, 2025

Use the study guides for test review but there will be random information thrown on the test. When compared with other genetics courses this professor covers little to nothing about genetics. Grades are impossible to find out and the class was given incorrect information about our grades leading to them being much lower than expected.

3.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: B+
May 22, 2025
Would take again

He was a kind professor that cared about his class and lectures, but his tests were confusing and even if you study there is usually things on the test that were not on the slides or his lecture.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Lots of homework
4.0
3.0
BIO1233
Grade: A
May 23, 2025
Would take again

I'm a nursing major, and this class was not bad. I didn't read the textbook & still did fine on the tests. Some exams were harder than others; I even failed one, but still ended with an A. He's a nice guy and will give extensions for work (don't abuse that). Gave test reviews, which I found helpful; there is no final. Just study and you'll be fine

Caring
Test heavy
4.0
1.0
1233
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2025
Would take again

His lectures are very long but he doesn't just read off the slides, so he can explain it very well and detailed. But he does wonder off topic a lot and 25% of his lectures have nothing to do with the exams. He only gives 2 homework assignments online a week that are very easy (you can cheat) on. You have to study a lot his reviews suck so study!

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
2.0
BIO1233
Grade: B+
Dec 3, 2025

The class was not hard at all. His class was very lecture-heavy and spent the whole class period talking about the slides. He does go off topic sometimes. Does gives weekly homework and a quiz over the textbook book but not hard at all. You do not have a final exam. Exams are a little difficult.Take full advantage of the reviews and slides he gives

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1233
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2025

DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR, exams are extremely difficult and although yes he is nice and caring it does not help that he only lectures and does not really teach. Study guides are not great, so try and study off slides. Good Luck!

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
BIO2313
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2025
Would take again

No need to read the textbook as long as you go to the lectures, take notes, and study. I also attended all of the TA sessions and went to him anytime I was confused. He was more than willing to help outside of class and cared about my progress as a student. He is SUPER understanding and the overall course is challenging but fair just apply yourself

Amazing lectures
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO2313
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 13, 2025

I learned nothing from him. Had to learn everything on my own the whole semester. He just reads slides for over an hour. Practice tests were useless and nothing like exam. The TA taught more in 5 minutes than he did all semester. do urself a favor and take different professor. Grades are impossible to figure out and he never corrects them!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

27%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 64 grades
Most common grades:
B (22)
A (18)
Not sure yet (12)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(24)C(6)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(12)
Based on 79 reported grades
B: 22
A: 18
Not sure yet: 12
B+: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (27)
Test heavy (26)
Lecture heavy (19)
Graded by few things (15)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Accessible outside class (10)
LECTURE HEAVY (9)
Tough grader (9)
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GENIT002

5.0

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4.0

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4.0

(1)

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4.0

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3.8

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5.0

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4.1

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4.0

2313

3.5

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3.5

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