2.2

James Campanella

Biology - Montclair State University

2.2
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
13%
Would Retake
125
Reviews
2.2
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
2.2
Helpful
2.2
Clarity

13%

Would Retake

125

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

18

4

9

3

21

2

24

1

53

What Students Say

Avoid him at all costs

BIO230 - 2.0 rating

The most uncompassionate professor at MSU

BIOL475 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

56%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 25 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (11)
B (8)
Rather not say (7)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(11)C(5)D(13)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 49 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 11
B: 8
Rather not say: 7
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Tough grader (29)
Test heavy (25)
Lecture heavy (21)
Graded by few things (10)
Skip class? You won't pass. (9)
Get ready to read (5)
TEST HEAVY (4)
Tough Grader (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.16 avg change
Apr
May
Jul
Sep
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GRADMOLE

5.0

(1)

SENIORSEM

5.0

(1)

MEDGENETICS

5.0

(1)

GENET500

5.0

(1)

BIOL470

5.0

(1)
+29 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GENET500

5.0

BIOL310

5.0

BIOL448

5.0

CELLMOLE

5.0

BIO380

5.0

Reviews (125)
5.0
3.0
CELLMOLEC
Mar 4, 2003

Wonderful in taking time to help his students understand the material and know what they are talking about!

3.0
4.0
GRADMOLEC
Mar 30, 2003

No Comments

3.0
3.0
CELLMOLEC
Mar 30, 2003

No Comments

2.0
5.0
BIO213
May 1, 2003

No Comments

4.0
3.0
BIOL230
Sep 12, 2003

He's not a bad professor but he doesn't grade on a curve and his test aren't exactly easy. When reviewing for a test he will tell you to study a lot of material that won't even be on the test.

2.0
3.0
BIOL230
Oct 13, 2003

He is a tough professor.

5.0
4.0
GRADMOLE
Oct 22, 2003

Very Fair

2.0
5.0
CELLMOLEC
Oct 29, 2003

He speaks too fast, and he is very disorganized when teaching, and even though you study hard, it is very difficult to pass with a decent grade, so try to avid him.

2.0
5.0
CELLMOLEC
Nov 10, 2003

very hard material and he makes it even worts. you have to do a very long paper like 10 pages!!!!

5.0
3.0
BIOL380
Nov 18, 2003

He explains the material well and is willing to help..although sometimes he has an attitude. Tests are fair. He requires a long term paper.

2.0
4.0
SENSEM
Nov 20, 2003

attitude! irrelevance of some subjective grading standards. however, a good and understanding orator.

5.0
3.0
BIOL380
Dec 8, 2003

Dr. Campanella is a hard grader, but he is fair and hes like happy to help you and approachable. I learned a ton in his class and I'm happy I took his genetics course. As long as you come to class and read his notes from the internet, you can do fine

5.0
1.0
SENIORSEM
Dec 9, 2003

I really liked ths class discussion and Dr. Camp's movie clips. Fun class to take.

2.0
3.0
GENETICS
Dec 9, 2003

I didnt like him at all. If your a hot girl...your in. For some reason he doesn't like guys. His tests are easy and he gives a 10 pg paper that after he grades it, looks like a massacre with a red pen.

3.0
3.0
BIOL380
Dec 28, 2003

tough grader. no matter what you do, will have to take off points for something. when you ask him a question he looks at you as if your stupid. i don't recommend him.

2.0
4.0
GENETICS
Feb 17, 2004

he sucks! he talks to and treats students like idiots.

2.0
3.0
GENETICS
Feb 17, 2004

This guy sucks! He is so mean to students when you ask a question unless you're a hot girl. He's a dirtbag who had nothing else but a job opportunity to teach.

5.0
3.0
CELLMOLEC
Sep 8, 2004

OH NO 10 page paper. I had to do one or two in high school, a few in college isn't that bad. He is a good speaker, though I agree he can be kind of rude sometimes.

3.0
4.0
GENETICS
Oct 20, 2004

Dr Camp knows his stuff, but acts like a jerk. He talks down to undergrads and seems bored to teach them. He is VERY condescending. He understands the material, but expects students to understand it immediately. He forgets that undergrads haven't seen this before. Decent prof w/o people skills.

3.0
3.0
BIO213
Nov 19, 2004

easy exams but the grading is terrible.

4.0
4.0
GENETICS
Jan 30, 2005

He expects a lot, for better or worse - I kind of feel like he should be teaching at a harder school. Anyway, I liked the class because I learned a lot, but it isn't entirely fun either. Assumes too much about prior knowledge - you have to of work and earn the grades. (good luck & **** help)

4.0
4.0
BIO1
Mar 27, 2005

hes ok, doesn't feel that he should pass every1, i think his goal is to be a ****. but wait, theres worse - his student teacher who handles labs. beware she hates every student and gives every1 terrible grades, seems as if almost on purpose, like she gets pleasure out of that

1.0
5.0
BIOL112
Apr 6, 2005

campanela is ok, But his student teacher Christian Burr just terrible. She doesnt know haw to teach. her lectures are unclear. Her grading is hard and tough.

5.0
4.0
MEDGENETICS
May 13, 2005

Its true he is a tough grader but he's not mean. He's more than willing to help students who put forth effort. Prepare yourself for hard work but you can do well in his class.

2.0
3.0
CELLMOLEC
May 25, 2005

HE SURE IS A SMART GUY, BUT ARROGANT. HE THINKS ONLY BECAUSE HE KNOW HIS STUFF CAN MAKE YOU FEEL STUPID..... NOT NICE GUY AT ALL.

3.0
3.0
BIO
Jul 20, 2005

No Comments

3.0
3.0
BIO
Sep 1, 2005

campanella can be rated as an average teacher. His student teacher Christian burr is more than terrible. She has a very bad attitude, probably cause of her weight. She is not interested in what she is doin & doesn't care. She is the worst and every student who has gone thru her class can tell u this. She is pathetic. is she teaching 4 free?

1.0
5.0
BIO
Sep 19, 2005

he is not clear and the exams lust sucks bcause once again he doesnt present the material in a good manner.

1.0
5.0
MOLECULARBIO
Oct 6, 2005

Horrible, sucks, jerk, too arrogant, ignorant in the way he treats the students. Don't mind me, he is a great scientist and photographer, but as a teacher, he is the worst that I have ever met. Please dont take him, you will suffer, and if you take him, drop the class before is too late, or just good luck.

2.0
5.0
BIO434MOLECBIO
Nov 7, 2005

This class is part of my major (the last one) and I regret to have taken it with him. Please if you can avoid taking this guy...do yourself a favor and don't take him. Take Vega instead. The lectures are horrible and he talks to the ceiling, and floor…doesn't make eye contact. He stutters a lot which makes it difficult to understand. HORRIBLE

5.0
2.0
BIOL380
Dec 11, 2005

Dr. Campanella is very nice and will help you greatly if you ask him questions outside of class. He's pretty good at keeping the class on track when people start getting lost. I understand him most of the time but if I'm ever confused about something I can just ask like everyone else does, or see him during office hours. Plus, he likes anime :)

2.0
4.0
MOLECULARBIO
Dec 16, 2005

He should prepare for class. Not prepare more for class, just ANY level of appearing that he's not just making the stuff up as he goes along. It's obvious he doesn't look at the powerpoint slides he's presenting until he's up there "teaching". His test materials include everything he says, and posts on blackboard.He should use 1 or 2 sources max

1.0
4.0
GENETICS
Jan 12, 2006

the most awfull man you will ever meet. He does not care for the student's. very unapprochable. keeps rolling his eyes and gives you attitude. just don't take him. he sux as a teacher can't explain things clearly.

5.0
4.0
BIO
Jan 13, 2006

I disagree with almost all of these comments. He is very easy to talk to and explains difficult concepts in a simplified way. Your grade in his classes is directly related to the effort you put in. If you do bad in these classes, then you just didn't study. He teaches upper bio, so if its to hard, I suggest you switch your major to communications!!

1.0
5.0
BIOL380
May 4, 2006

ever ever....never make huge mistake to take him. I strongly recommended in yr senior term pl never take him.

1.0
4.0
CELLBIOMOLEC
May 9, 2006

There is definately something wrong with this man. He can be extremely confusing. I believe he is confused most of the time himself. This is a quote: "my students are dumb as bricks and that is an insult to bricks". Only an inferiority complex can trigger a reaction like that and he has good reason to feel inferior!!!!

3.0
5.0
BIO112
May 17, 2006

Just Impossible! Plz think before taking any courses with him.

1.0
5.0
BIOL112
Jun 20, 2006

HORRIBLE PROFESSOR! Everyone dropped his class midway- a lot of people failed. His lectures are solely based on powerpoint and he does NOT explain the material Exams are not even on what he covers in class. DO NOT TAKE HIM

5.0
5.0
GENET500
Jan 2, 2007

Excellent professor. Lots of time devoted to explaning difficult material. Lots of grade opportunities. Always available to answer questions.

2.0
5.0
BIOL380
Jan 12, 2007

Terrible teacher...Avoid taking him.

2.0
4.0
MOLECBIO
Jan 15, 2007

Egotistical jackass. This guy's powerpoints have a million errors in them and when you tell him, he blames the book author rather then fix his slide. On his exams its unclear what some of his questions are even asking. He returns your proposal back with so much red on it that it looks like it was used to pack a war wound. Avoid his class, he sucks!

1.0
5.0
BIOL310
Jan 22, 2007

Confusing and mean. Thinks his students are "dumb as bricks" I don't know how he ever got his PhD. Makes this class impossible. Only gives out 1 or 2 A's.

1.0
5.0
BIOL230
Apr 9, 2007

I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH...DO NOT TAKE HIM! AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS....its not worth all the effort you will put in for close to a failing grade...4 exams and i gets dropped. There is a paper which is ridiculous...no one knows what the hell they are doing and he does not review, he just says know what we went over in class...DON'T TAKE HIM!!

3.0
5.0
BIOL230
May 10, 2007

Compared to other professors who teach same course he is dificult. Understanding material not dificult but his tests are HARD. 4 exams 1 dropped. 1 paper which IS ROUGH! I cant be mad at the guy cause he challenged each and every student majority of class dropped(majority who stayed failed). The lab is easy, would take him again IF I HAD TOO.

5.0
2.0
BIOL475
May 15, 2007

He likes a lot of detail, wants things he doesn't ask for. Once you get used to his teaching method his exams are easy (open ended exams). Never used the book, lectured from powerpoint which he put on blackboard. Class was easy, 13 quizes(average all for 70% of grade), no final, no paper, 1 40 min pres. I got an A- studying the day of class

2.0
4.0
BIOBIOL
Oct 25, 2007

the worst professor at Montclair state, he would do anything to fail you, don't make the same mistake as i made, don't take him.

1.0
5.0
BIOL448
Oct 25, 2007

the worst you would ever to face. avoid him by any means.

5.0
1.0
BIOL470
Jan 2, 2008

My worst class so far in my career. I wish i never had this guy as a instructor.

4.0
5.0
BIOL230
Jan 7, 2008

Well... If all nighters in the library are you this ones for you. However If your stuck with him it's not the end. He's extremely fair you get what you give but u better give.

3.0
3.0
BIO315
Jan 13, 2008

He does tend to hav an attitude but this is his personality either you understand hi, or you don't. He is a very intelligent person. I feel most dislike him because he makes you think and work and there is nothing wrong with that. I think I am getting my money's worth and that is what a college education should be. Just study you'll do GOOD!!!

1.0
5.0
BIO230
Jul 15, 2008

Worst Prof Ever......Don't waste ur time & money.....

2.0
5.0
CELLMOLE
Oct 7, 2008

Basically, it is NOT an easy ride AT ALL. To get an A in his class, you have to atleast 1. Memorize ALL the PPT's, 2. Have taken the class before with him, 3. Pretend that Cell Molec is the only class you are taking and the MOST IMPORTANT THING to you. I think I summed it up. Oh yeah, and it doesnt help that he is kinda rude! So have fun!

2.0
5.0
BIOL547
Dec 11, 2008

Does not follow his own syllabus or the book, actually had the guts to tell me he did. Doesn't post PPTs until 30 mins before class, no pre-studying possible.

2.0
5.0
CELLMOLE
Jan 23, 2009

maybe this will say it all. the class average on the first test was 62, and he blamed the class for not doin well, just because 2 ppl got A. in his tests, make sure u're ready to write a lot to get at least a passing grade. He's another proof that the bio department seriously needs good new teachers(based on how they can teach, not on wut they know

5.0
3.0
BIOL230
Jun 27, 2009

ITS HARD BUT HE IS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE SEEN. U HAVE TO WORK HARD TO PASS. TAKE HIM IF U WANT TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF.

4.0
4.0
BIOL230
Aug 29, 2009

Despite not getting the A like I would have liked, Dr. Campanella is a very knowledgable professor who is able to convey the information to the students. For those who want an easy A, he is not the one to give it out. He does make it quite clear that this is college. Ususal averages are in the C range. Grading is a bit rough though.

5.0
5.0
BIO230
Nov 3, 2009

A hard prof but a very good teaching never understood material untill took his class

2.0
3.0
BIOL380
Mar 25, 2010

Knowledgeable professor, but he talks down to students whenever they don't understand something. A lot of his exam questions are unclear, tries to make you feel like an idiot when you don't make assumptions he would make.

5.0
3.0
BIOL380
Apr 20, 2010

Very good teacher. Easy exams when you follow his lectures and slides. Always helpful when you have questions.

3.0
5.0
BIOL100
Aug 14, 2010

Ok so he is very inteligent but unfortunatly for the student he cannot put it so you understand it. his exams are all over the place with material from everywhere. nice guy but not a good professor

4.0
3.0
BIOL475
Sep 23, 2010

An intelligent guy, you have to work your butt off if you wish to get anywhere though.

3.0
5.0
BIO380
Nov 16, 2010

The worst kind of teachers are the ones who are: 1) Only interested in doing research 2) only interested in getting paid for "teaching". VERY boring to listen to..no enthusiasm (his enthusiasm is in other places ;) Arrogant..condescending..no one on here lied. He's just difficult to approach. He's a stickler too by the way. Good luck w/ the paper..

3.0
5.0
BIO380
Nov 16, 2010

The worst kind of teachers are the ones who are: 1) Only interested in doing research 2) only interested in getting paid for "teaching". VERY boring to listen to..no enthusiasm (his enthusiasm is in other places ;) Arrogant..condescending..no one on here lied. He's just difficult to approach. He's a stickler too by the way. Good luck w/ the paper..

3.0
5.0
BIO380
Jan 4, 2011

Well...I got a decent grade for my standards. I love molecular biology but I dont really care much for his attitude. He can answer almost any question which is really refreshing for montclair. He can be VERY hard to follow even with a recording..very choppy thought process. He can get nasty with grading. Get excellent lab partners

3.0
5.0
BIO380
Jan 4, 2011

Well...I got a decent grade for my standards. I love molecular biology but I dont really care much for his attitude. He can answer almost any question which is really refreshing for montclair. He can be VERY hard to follow even with a recording..very choppy thought process. He can get nasty with grading. Get excellent lab partners

1.0
4.0
BIOL486
May 10, 2013

He's knowledgeable but he has no idea how to teach. He is extremely boring and often bores himself when he lectures. Jams thousands of words onto each slide. He is one of those professors who seems to get joy out of failing people, either that or he just does not care about anyone except his research.

1.0
5.0
BIOL434
Jan 7, 2015

DO NOT TAKE HIM. Not a fair grader. 3 exams+ final, research proposal and peer editing. lowest exam gets dropped. class is mandatory. Very very tough grader. His exams are multiple choice, truefalse(must explain why) and 3 essay questions that are impossible and about 10 open-ended questions. He cannot teach does not know how to explain things

1.0
5.0
BIO230
Mar 26, 2015

first off he knows his topic, and knows it very well but if you only just taking this class to take it, DO NOT TAKE HIM!! If you want to learn and challenge yourself go for it. He's a tough grader, chopped words, and his exams are not easy. It's like if you miss a class its like missing an entire exam.

1.0
5.0
BIO230
Mar 30, 2015

He is not helpful at all. He is rude in the emails when you try to ask him question. He is also not approachable and clear enough. He tend to be more confused himself. FYI TRY TO AVOID TAKING HIM IF POSSIBLE. cause anyways at the end you will end up dropping it, both wasting your money and time.

5.0
1.0
BIOL230
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 8, 2015

You will have to work! But the class is not impossible. A lot of people don't do well on the first exam & its probably the easiest of them all. So make sure you do well on the first exam! It will help your grade tremendously. Overall, he's a tough cookie. But you will learn a lot!

3.0
5.0
BIO
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 8, 2015

Basically he knows his stuff. The class was about 100 students and by the time we received our 2 exam grades, there was about 30 students left in the class. Very picky. Took 2 points off one of my open ended responses because I explained more then needed. He is very contradicting. DON'T TAKE HIM!!!!!

2.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 19, 2015

I took cell and molec during this spring semester. More than 66% of the class had dropped by the second exam (yes, we calculated it). I dropped the class and thank god I did. And from almost everyone I'm talking to who did not drop the class, they failed. So STAY AWAY IF YOU ARE AN UNDERGRAD!!!!!!!!

2.0
5.0
BIOL434
Jan 6, 2016

He is not nice and definitely a tough grader, so don't expect any leniency. His tests are hard b/c he wants you to learn all the material, but he would only hand pick them. About 25 multiple choice Q's + 15 T/F (w/ modification, if false) + 5-10 short answers + 4 essays (all application, & worth 10-15 pts each). His research paper is impossible.

3.0
2.0
BIO434MOLECBIO
Grade: B+
Jan 25, 2016

Okay thing about this professor is you got to learn and understand all of the ppts plus his exams are basically from the ppts . record his lectures also that will help. As long as you know everything from his ppts you will do great on the exams I could have gotten an A but I always made stupid mistakes on exams and do your best on research paper!!!

3.0
3.0
BIOL547
Grade: B
Feb 18, 2016

You will learn a lot from his class because he goes into detail with every topic. Tests are a bit tough because there's so much information you have to learn for the exam. But as long as you record the lecture, you should be fine. Research paper is not bad at all, as long as you have correct molec bio methods.

1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 5, 2016

AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE!!! After the second exam, exactly 70% of the class dropped (yes, we calculated). he is IMPOSSIBLE!! DO NOT RUIN YOUR GPA FOR NOTHING, there are plenty of better professors that teach this class.

4.0
3.0
BIO230
Grade: B+
May 18, 2016

Dr. Campanella is not as bad as people on here say he is. He is a tough teacher and the tests are challenging, but if you study your notes everyday for about 20-30 minutes and look at the power-point slides a few days before the exam, like I did, then you will do fine.

1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: B
Sep 24, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I would not recommend taking this class with Campanella. You're better off waiting for the summer and take it with a different professor if he is your only option during the semester. The amount of information he expects you to know in terms of how detailed it is is just impractical. Not to mention, he spends the whole class blandly lecturing.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: C
Apr 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He is the absolute worst. I never studied so hard, only to fail. After the second test, more than half of the class dropped. I wish I could have taken this class next year or in the summer but I really had no choice. He expects you to know so much. The worst part was that the other class (with the other prof) had much better grades, lucky them.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: B-
Jan 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Avoid him at all costs. He definitely knows the material but doesnt know how to communicate it effectively. Rude, undermines any question asked, and youre screwed if he ends up disliking you. Says you dont need the book for the class but get the book because his PowerPoints are unclear otherwise. Take Petrof over him if you can!!

1.0
3.0
BIOL475
Grade: Incomplete
Apr 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The most uncompassionate professor at MSU. He is discouraging and rude. If you take him be ready for a paper which he makes the most meanest comments on. Don't take him. He also talks to you like you're stupid if you ask questions. He makes you feel as if you are not smart enough to be in his class. Avoid at all costs.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIO230
Grade: B+
May 2, 2018
Would take again

Campanella is only for students that actually study and take school seriously. He is an awkward guy and he's not good at talking to students in class but he is smart and knows what he is talking about. You have to show up to class every time to pass or get a good grade in his class. Record lectures, chill at the lib for an hour, and study slides

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: B-
Sep 20, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The worst!! Don't take him if you want to learn anything about the chemistry behind the processes. Does not teach well, criticizes you for asking questions, and is very rude to students. Your grade consists of 4 tests, a vaguely explained video project, and the lab. Does not give clear directions on anything, AVOID HIM!!!!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
BIO520
Grade: B
Jan 20, 2019
Would take again

I liked Dr. Campanella. His philosophy is simple! You either know why you are in school or you dont! Yes his lecture are boring but helping for passing his exams. The textbook is useless. His class is way better than Dr. Paul Bologna & Dr. Quinn Vegas. I will definitely take him again! No quizzes, only 1 paper �� (15 pages) to write about plants!

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO1
Grade: D+
May 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His tests do not cover the material in the lectures. And if they do, they are beyond what we would be able to answer. Only a biology genius would be able to answer his questions. He does not care whether or not you fully understand the material until the end of the semester. He said he would bump up our grades a little bit so he does not look bad.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIOL230
Grade: B
May 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Prof Campanella isn't bad yes his lectures are long and his exams are tough but they're not impossible to pass. A good strategy is to record his lectures, it's one of the best ways to pass. Try to find students who have already taken his class and get their previous exams their very similar he doesn't change much. He is a harsh grader tho.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1
Grade: D+
May 22, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Do not take him, hes very unprofessional and rude. Does not know how to teach, and his tests dont cover the material he gives in class. Hes the worst professor in MSU.

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

If your planning to take his class. STAY AWAY! HIs lectures dont correlate with his tests. The class average is always extremely low, because he doesnt cover the majority of the test material. A handful of people are failing the class or In danger of failing.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO230
Jan 6, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Campanella is a great professor, being a bio major you do have to work for the grades that you want. He is tough but you will learn a lot from him. Who said being a bio major was easy. He is very helpful and I would take him again.

Respected
Accessible outside class
Caring
1.0
5.0
BIO100
May 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Do not take this course. His lectures are heavy and it barely helps with the exam. He doesnt even put your actual weighted grade on canvas so you wont know youre passing or failing his class. Hes a very arrogant and inconsiderate professor.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: Rather not say
May 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

PLEASE donot take him! He is the definition of arrogant. He talks down on you and makes you seem stupid when you ask a question. HE thinks hes the best professor out their. He teaches something but puts something entirety different on the test. And his review makes it more confusing. Looking for a B or an A stay away!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIOL100
Grade: B+
May 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took this class online due to the pandemic and it was asynchronous. He gave out quizzes, exams, and a final, however, it was difficult to keep up because his lectures were pre-recorded. He took a while to reply to his emails and also had no mercy on his students.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: B
Oct 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Quite the gatekeeper. A good grade is only possible with diligent work and retention of previous material. Strange organization and very PPT heavy. Book did not help much. Think twice before asking a question. Can be rude. Discussion assignments are easy points so take advantage of that. Lab can also help overall grade. Serious students only!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL380
Grade: C-
Dec 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

tough grader, extremely rude and test are so long

Lots of homework
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL380
Dec 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Can be rude. The averages for his exams are around 60 and he doesn't curve. Lecture heavy. Tests cover an excessive amount of material. VERY picky when grading lab reports and essay questions. No amount of detail is enough. If you want an A, STAY AWAY!

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIOL380
Dec 23, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This Professor is by far one of the worst Professors Ive taken hes grading is ridiculously tough . His grading on lab reports are even worse. He asks if you got any questions and when you ask he makes feel very dumb and his attitude is just unbearable.

Tough grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 11, 2022

As someone who always gets an A in ALL her classes, I had to drop this class. He doesn't grade fairly at all. I studied every single day, recorded his lectures, took a ton of notes, got a tutor, retained a ton of information, & still failed his exams. He takes off points that cause you to fail. I know all the material but it's not enough for him.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 11, 2022

HORRIBLE. He changes the questions for the exam Ex: Explain the difference between Retrieval tags and RXR tags. A: RXR tags retain proteins and retrieval tags bring back the protein This question got marked wrong because I didn't explain WHERE they are located. Which clearly wasn't the question. One of many examples of why not to take him.

1.0
4.0
BIOBIOL
Grade: B
Aug 29, 2022

Dresses like a slob, is unwilling to provide introductory materials for an INTRODUCTION to biology course which is a low-level, non-majors course. Uninteresting, boring, and scattered lecturer. Avoid him.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOL434
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 26, 2022

Least helpful prof at MSU!! Propensity to make snide remarks is not appreciated (nor do those remarks fall by the wayside) To do well: focus concepts & practicality, become familiar w/ MoBi technique and how to problem solve. Be able to confidently communicate your ideas as clearly and succinctly as possible without leaving out crucial information.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: C-
Apr 10, 2023

Professor Campanella is arrogant. He speaks as if students have little to no knowledge and yet when he speaks he can't seem to form coherent thoughts or sentences to get his point across. A lot of his powerpoints are just ripped right off the textbook. He also contradicts the textbook often. Professor Campanella is hard and provides no help. 0/10

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO434MOLECBIO
Nov 8, 2023

The most condescending person alive. He expects you to know everything, but doesn't actually teach it. He is the type of person to make teenage undergrads switch majors just so that he can feel good about himself. Avoid him at all costs.

1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 3, 2023

The professor wants you to fail. He is a 20+ year professor and made a lot of kids drop out. I am a freshman and I started the class with 95 kids and ended with less than 10. His lectures have nothing to do with the exams. I got 20's on all my exams because of this. He was ZERO help. He gave study guides that didn't help in any way.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO434MOLECBIO
Grade: C-
Dec 26, 2023

I found molecular biology hard even though it was not that difficult but the professor made it harder.He is rude and helpless .Most of the students literally struggled to pass the class and his lectures are too long and boring and doesn't care about students.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO112
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 24, 2024

If you dont show up to lectures you will fail the slide shows will not help if you dont go to class he spends a lot of time in class going over the slides. With each study guide he had given us, they were double sided and only questions without answers. Half of that study guide isnt even on the exam he also doesnt grade the exams with a calculator.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: C-
Apr 16, 2024

He gave study guides that had up to 80 questions and then asked none on the exam. He also doesn't accept that he's wrong. He put a question on the exam that was like, Are somatic cells diploid, true or false, and i put true, He marked it wrong, went to meet him, and he started explaining that the whole internet is wrong. DO NOT TAKE HIM

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO
Grade: A
May 7, 2024

don't take him

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
4.0
4.0
BIOL230
Grade: B
May 11, 2024
Would take again

DON'T miss lectures!! Lectures are detailed and information-heavy; missing lectures wouldn't be beneficial as his slides are not meant for you to look at on your own. Exams are tough but open-ended. Please use office hours too. In lecture, write down everything he says, it'll help for exams. Studying is huge for passing, please don't procrastinate!

Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: Rather not say
Sep 5, 2024

All he does is read off hundreds of slides that he expects you to memorize word for word. If you do not answer the questions on his test exactly how he wants he marks it wrong. Just don't even think of taking his class.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 7, 2024

This professor gives no review sheet, very rude with communication. Makes students feel dumb, and his exams are outrageous. After I failed on exam he contacted the bio district and let them know I can potentially fail. After one exam

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO112
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Oct 29, 2024

I failed the first exam, he doesn't give reviews, only assignments are 3 exams and 3 discussions, no other assignments or homework. Not that I want homework but I think if I had homework assignments I would be able to understand somewhat more and then have an understanding of what I do and do not know.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 8, 2024

Hey guys do not take this professor, he gives 4 exams which are 65% of the whole class grade. So most importantly homework or lab doesn't matter frl. His exams are essays, and open ended . Rarely any multiple choice and if the exam has multiple choice .. he has trick questions DO NOT TAKE HIM! HARD GRADER

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO434MOLECBIO
Grade: B-
Dec 25, 2024

I am not sure why exactly he is so difficult and the opposite of what a professor should be.These reviews are too kind so choose wisely.Coming from someone who studies hard just skip him and save yourself.Very disappointing.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIO230
Grade: B
Jan 11, 2025
Would take again

Professor Campanella runs a tough but rewarding class. The material is challenging, but engaging lectures and helpful resources like Unstuck study make it manageable. Attend every class, use the textbook, and you'll do well.

1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 2, 2025

The lectures were just him standing in the front of the hall speaking non-stop, while barely looking around/asking if we had questions. When there was a question he would be condescending. No study guides, no preparation, and no information about what to specifically study. Exams were ~5 lectures (150-200 slides per exam). SSI helps more than him.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 2, 2025

Very condescending, arrogant and cruel. Expects you to fail (trying to pick off the weaker ones). Gets excited when speaking about majority of the class failing. We went from 60 people/class to 20 in the end. I only dropped to save my GPA from a C or worse. Won't give points back on exams even if he admits to being wrong (personal experience).

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Not sure yet
May 1, 2025

I am warning you now, do NOT take this guy. He has got to be one of the worst professors I (and several other people) have ever had. Does he care? Absolutely not. He's very condescending, rude, and doesn't prepare you at all for his exams. He grades very harshly, so don't be surprised if you end up withdrawing or failing like 70% of the class does.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO100
May 30, 2025

Don't take his class!! I took his 4 week online class and he gives too much work. Exams are work majority of your grade and he barely prepares you for them with the lectures. At least 8 (sometimes more) lecture videos a week and taking notes doesn't even prepare you. You'd be lucky to get better than a C in this class.

Tough grader
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIOL112
Grade: A
Jul 2, 2025

Let me do you a favor: go on Panopto, go to the captions for each lecture, highlight the whole transcript and use that to study. He rambles too much and it can be confusing to understand. Just read the transcript, create flashcards out of them, then you should do well on the exams. Not a good teacher.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO112
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 3, 2025

His tests have nothing to do with what he yaps about in class. Studied his slides and made flashcards as well as talking to other ppl in class- everyone failed, 3/4 of the test wasnt taught. Only class ive ever dropped after add/drop period. Even my advisor said he gets a lot of complaints. Pick ANY other professor.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIO112
Grade: A
Sep 4, 2025
Would take again

Good professor that is interested in what he is teaching and makes you interested in it. If you go to lecture, take good notes, and study you can pass the class.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 5, 2025

The worst professor I've ever had to take in my 3 years at montclair. He talks at you for 3 hours. Does not prepare you for his exams whatsoever, gives 15 minutes the week before the exam to ask questions that he doesn't answer. You basically guess what's on the exam. Doesn't tell you your grade until your failing and its too late to withdraw.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 22, 2025

JUST DON'T DO IT. Trust me when i say Campanella shouldn't even be a last resort. Truly the hardest class i've ever had to navigate. He never directly told us what was going to be on the exams, you had to sift through everything he posted on canvas and just guess what you'd be tested on. He didn't care about the fact that half his class withdrew.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2025

He is a horrible professor, absolutely does not care how his students do in his class, more than half of my class withdrew, no one has obtained an A in any of his exams from my class. Talks for so long and his exams are based on what he talks about during his lectures.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
BIO230
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 31, 2025

Professor Campanella is a kind professor but if you want to do well in his class, start studying the material ahead of time and keep studying it till the exam (understand the concepts!!). 80% of his lectures contain just diagrams or images, 20% is words, so you would need to pay very much attention to his presentations and record lectures!!

Tough grader
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

56%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 25 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (11)
B (8)
Rather not say (7)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(11)C(5)D(13)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 49 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 11
B: 8
Rather not say: 7
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Tough grader (29)
Test heavy (25)
Lecture heavy (21)
Graded by few things (10)
Skip class? You won't pass. (9)
Get ready to read (5)
TEST HEAVY (4)
Tough Grader (4)
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