2.5
Quality4.2
Difficulty45%
Would Retake127
Reviews45%
Would Retake
127
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
127 total ratings5
19
4
22
3
16
2
33
1
37
What Students Say
“Avoid him at all costs”
BY264 - 1.0 rating“It makes me physically ill that I have to take this man again next semester”
BY263 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
78%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.12 avg changeRatings by Course
BY453
5.0
(1)BY263CY411
5.0
(1)ANT263
5.0
(1)ANATOMYBY101
5.0
(1)BIOLOGY263
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BY1O2
5.0
HUMANANATOMY
5.0
BIO103
5.0
COMPVERTANAT
5.0
BIO102
5.0
Reviews (126)
No Comments
No Comments
No Comments
VERY TOUGH, BUT FAIR
No Comments
Test are very hard. I was a senior with a 3.98 GPA and this teacher's test shook me.
Memorize the book for the test. Notes on the overhead with the lights out every single day.
The class was hard... but he was fair and gave some extra credit.
No Comments
He is very hard and goes too fast. Not very many people passed his class, and most dropped out early.
This man is extremely difficult. His tests would probably be failed by the majority of other professors in the BY department. He also makes inferences to science fiction stuff that most people don't really care about.
His tests are very challenging so know the material extremely well. His notes come straight from the book so study both. Very approachable and willing to work with you.
I think Dr. Rayburn is good. I had him for Anat/Phys, which is a hard class, but I managed to come out with an A. He seems at times to not be student friendly, even though he always asks if there are any questions. Overall he's ok.
This teacher is the WORST teacher at JSU. He reads out of his "notes" or book lecture. He's very unfair and hard to pass. Proceed with caution.
I had no problems with his class.
VERY HARD!!! I studied for this class more than I have ever studied and made a C. His test are extremely difficult. I would not recommend anyone to take him.
His class sucked! He can't pronouce the words right, and he gets confused very easy. For his test, you just better know the book. He goes directly from it and his test is from what he says. I had a test that had some things on it that we didnt even go over! Don't take him! He's awful!
He said he would give us study guides on blackboard but he failed to do so. He is a liar and he still makes you take the test without the chance of using a study guide!!!! big loser!!!
Very Hard Class. He doesn't teach he just reads from the book. His test are very confusing and he's not helpful what-so-ever. Beware...Full of empty promises.
Dr. Rayburn is ambiguous about instructions and then grades very strictly. He takes way too many points relative to the assignment. He also either likes your project or he doesn't and makes it obvious. Near impossible to make an "A" in a class that should be a sure thing. TAKE SOMEONE ELSE!!!!!
Very hard teacher. Unclear. His tests are very hard and nothing like what he goes over in lectures!
VER Y HARD TO UNDERTSAND AND THE TESTS ARE KILLERS.
take the majority of our comments that he sucks literally! i am a good student with all A's and one C because of him! it wouldn't hurt for him to be a little less vague. DON'T TAKE HIM!!!
He's hard as hell. He gives you stuff to study that's not even on the test.
Tell ya what, Biology is meant for in class note preparation, and no one said it would be easy, so if you find his class offensive, imagine being one of the few students geared for higher institutional learning, having to take the class with all those whimpering kids sitting in the back, sleeping.
I know that the other option for Biology 101, can't speak english and to be quite frank, Dr. Rayburn gave his class plenty of options to raise their grade, so if you fail his course, it was soley your dismise. This account is from a student that made an "A" and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Not really understanding all the complaints about having to actually study for a class like this. He did provide chapter outlines on blackboard which helped me tremendously.Interesting to listen to. It's a tough class period regardless of who teaches it. Stop socializing so much and study!Got an A.
Unclear and unfair....hates the greek system...so beware! Don't wear your letter shirts to class!
The subject is hard, not the professor.
Excellent class, excellent teacher, if you have problems with this class you should rethink your major.
His Anatomy class was rough...and he is very specific, but he really does care about his students *if they care*. It is difficult but expectedly.... You definitely have to read the text...and notetaking in class isn't necessary (my opinion)...but pay attention. Don't be afraid of him...he has a loud bark, but he won't bite.
No Comments
This man is hard as hell. but it is possible to pass.
No Comments
Rayburn sucks! I thought Whetstone was bad, but Rayburn is alot worse. The class average in his BY 102 was 60. I studied like a saint for an entire week for the first test but I made a 56. I had A's and B's in all my other classes, so it kinda says alot..
Prof. Rayburn is very unclear. His tests are unclear as well as his teachings. Class averages for many of the tests were in the 50's and 60's. Many times bonus points / quizzes were given to help improve grades. He has good motives, but he seems to teach as if everyone is a Biology Major and the class is not designed for that.
Dr. Rayburn spends more time telling the class what he is not than teaching. He does not really know the subject matter. It is impossible to get a direct answer when you ask him a question. If it weren't for bonus points, very few would pass(assuming they did not drop).
Lets be honest he is an ignorant man that can not even pronounce the most simple words. He doesnt teach and he will spend thirty minutes yelling at kids who dare to go before class ends. I would be honor roll if i wasnt failing his class.
I made a B in 101 and didn't hardly ever study. However, in 102 I studied until I couldn't studied anymore and barely got a C. Don't take him.
There is a ton to learn and remember, but his door is always open and he's really helpful. Knows biology well.
Avoid at all costs!!!
I like Dr. Rayburn, he can be difficult, but I managed to make a B in Anatomy and didn't even try. I also currently have a B in Bio 101...you don't really need to take notes, just go to class and listen. I did fine, but I have noticed that others don't fare so well. Only take him if you're up for a challenge.
He is the only professer that really is hard to deal with. he will not go out of his way to help you, my friend's cousin died and she showed him the note and he would not let her make up her homework.
He goes by the book. Listen in class and then read the chapters. If you do thatn, you can't help but make an A. His test questions are from his notes, and he doesn't try to make his class hard. If you miss a day, just read the material and you will still be fine!
I love biology. But I had some trouble understanding what he was talking about. He enjoyes what he teaches but is not always clear. Nice guy though.
Dr. Rayburn is NOT a terrible teacher. He teaches challenging subject matter that covers a broad range of topics. In my opinion, that is what makes his class difficult, not him. As some other students have noted, he does have a difficult time with pronunciation of some words. I think that if you come to class and try, you'll be fine. I like him
Rayburn wasn't my favorite person in the world,he is really uptight! But as a teacher he is great. Don't expect it to be a breeze because it isn't. If you read the chapters and notes, you have no excuse to mess up.
Rayburn goes wayyyy too fast and makes the class hareder than it really is. His test are killers. I studied 14 days straight for his first test and I made a 63. His class is a total GPA killer and I would not recommend anyone to take him. If you do then Good Luck!!! (you'll need it)
DISLIKE
he can be hard if u dont pay attention
His method of teaching is not very effective. He solely teaches from powerpoints that say the EXACT same thing the book says. He does not relate the material well. I started the class with close to 92 students now the class is currently around 40! Enough said...
Useless. More concerned about himself and his status as a member of the faculty than any of his students. not the best quality of a teacher. Textbook is a MUST HAVE since all lectures are based on highlighting information WORD-FOR-WORD! Not clear on any subject and utterly refuses to help outside of class. Better hope you get a good lab teacher!
Dont take his class. Take Meade instead. Before taking his class I had a good understanding of Biology and after leaving, I oblivious to what it means. He's very confusing and a pain if u know what I mean.
I really don't like him or the class. His test are so hard and they don't have anything to do with they notes or the text book. You have internet homework everyday almost and there hard. So if you not a easy learner and you have a short attention span don't take the class. And we had 100 people in the beginning and ended up wit about 45.
class is very hard and he thinks people don't have nething better2do than sit around and study for his class.the tests are nothing like what he says they will be and he goes way too fast on notes.he says we are to study the textbook for the test?!!!i don't have time to read that thing from cover to cover...isn't that why i'm paying him to teach me?
Awsome teacher!! Very nice and willing to help as much as he can.
he floods all the time
He is REALLY hard and not very helpful! but if you show up to class and sit front row he notices and gives extra help to you when you need it. and likes to make jokes of stuff and pay attention and dont fall asleep
His tests are written in a way that you have to know every fact from the material to be able to answer correctly. He doesn't teach, he just reads the slides. I would not recommend this teacher to anyone!
difficult! avoid at all costs! doesnt want to help and impossible to pass his test! he makes his test so you wont pass them..Making a D in his class is well considered a A!
Avoid this teacher at all cost! He is very inconsiderate about how incredibly ridiculous his tests are. Seriously, You'd be lucky to even pass his class. I give him an F!!
Horrible teacher. Even worse the second time around! I wouldn't recommend him in a million years!
you go into class & all he does is go over slides. when you ask him a question, he replies "look it up".doesn't bother to explain anything.his tests are RIDICULOUS.it's nearly impossible to pass his class. i would not recommend him.
Good teacher if you have patience and can write fairly quickly. Teaches fast and tests are challenging but not impossible. Gives a lot of bonus points in class and on Blackboard. Makes a lot of funny references and his laugh is hilarious. I enjoyed his class for the most part.
This teacher was awful. If it wasn't for my lab, I would have never made it by with a C. A girl in my class began using some Anatomy teacher on youtube for this class. Goes over things very quickly. Notes were pointless because nothing he talked about in class ended up on the tests. He didn't even come to class for our tests
very hard teacher!!! Hardly any of the notes were on the test!
He is really confusing. He reads from the slides and he mispronounces every other word. He says your book is your study guide! His test are crazy hard and on details he doesn't cover in class. Oh and Sit in the back, there is an all natural odor.
He is a horrible teacher! He teaches with a powerpoint slide show that he flys through. He is very hard to understand. You cant ever miss class or you wont recieve your daily points. His tests are HORRIBLE!!!!! I studied probally at least 36 hours and got a D-. He is also very controlling, rude, and bossy to an extreme point. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!
TRAGIC! He is the ABSOULTE WORST! He doesn't use blackboard. The only time you get to see what your grade is looking like is when you get your test back. His powerpoints are too fast. Our entire class highlights in the book b/c he goes too fast. DO NOT TAKE HIM!
If i were a biology major i might want to take this teacher. However, I'm not and he expects you to be a biologist when you leave his class.
He is a hard teacher, but he tries to help you out sometimes. He flies through power points and expects you to read the material ahead of time. His test are extremely hard but if you put in the time, you will come out with a good grade.
He's a really tough teacher, but a nice guy. He gave us bonus and adjusted test scores for pretty much every test. His class is passable, you just have to study. A lot. I like him as a person, but I wouldn't suggest taking him unless you're a bio major. If so I recommend him, because you learn the material really well in his course.
He is a SUPER nice man, but an awful teacher. His class isn't for those who expect to just glide through. He goes through lecture WAY to fast and doesn't cover 90% of the stuff on the test. I got out of there with a D, and that was barely. I wouldn't suggest taking him unless you're a bio major.
Dr. Rayburn makes this class much harder than it needs to be for most of the people taking it. I personally did ok in the class, but usually do extremely well in science based courses. He is very detail oriented, which is difficult in a four week class. Not saying it is impossible to make a good grade, but I would recommend Meade for this course.
Dr. Rayburn seemed like a pretty good professor to me. He gives a lot of bonus points, and his exams are always fair. If you read the book a couple times you should do well.
I don't understand all the negative comments. I'm taking him this year and I think he's pretty good. I didn't expect the class to be easy and he goes over the stuff well and most of the stuff was on the test. He is a pretty good professor.
Great professor, very friendly, wants to make sure you know the material. He's great at teaching but the tests are completely different than the notes and the book. I begin studying a week prior to the test and make C's (im normally very good in bio.) Great Guy but I don't recommend his class.. Tests are just way too hard!
He seems like a great person - always willing to help and answer any questions - but his tests are incredibly difficult and nothing like his in class questions. Multiple choice with a few short answer, but questions are hard to decipher. If you end up stuck with him, go to class; the in class bonus questions will help bring up your grade.
He makes it WAAAAYYYY more difficult than it needs to be. He does not get to the point and you leave class with more confusion than you started out with. ex. instead of saying this is a water bottle he would say this is a cylindrical tube that contains a liquid that is clear, made out of polymers to hold in such liquid, goes on for 45 minutes.
Dr. Rayburn's Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy class was the most difficult biology class that I have had in four years at JSU. You must read the book as he is never really clear about what will be on the test. Everyone did horrible in the lab portion of the class as well as he always seemed to be scatterbrained about what we were going over.
This man is horrible. Wouldn't wish him on my worse enemy
Lectures are fine, tests are very difficult. If you think you understand the material, do good in-class, read the book, you will quickly realize you know NOTHING when it comes to his tests. I would not recommend taking his class.
If you come to come to class, read the book, and take GOOD notes, you will be fine. Dr. Rayburn goes over the main topics you need and he goes directly from the book. If you want to just show up to class, never read or study, and make a good grade, do NOT take his classes since you won't just be handed a good grade.
I'm going to give you all a few words of advice: Read, study, and ask. If you have a question buck up & ask. He wants to help you he really does. There's nothing he hates more than seeing students struggle with his classes, but if you don't put in an effort, how is he supposed to help? Work for your grade, earn it. Be an overachiever.
It makes me physically ill that I have to take this man again next semester.
His class is the hardest one I've taken so far. His exams are extremely difficult. I truly won't take him again because I have to always worry about my grades in his class. Not a good instructor.
Worse biology professor, I will not take him again.
This class wasn't as bad as many say that it is. Attendance is mandatory because he gives points every class (and attendance counts as a point). You work with clickers through power points and he then averages your scores with your tests, so if you do good in class, you will get slightly higher grades on tests.
Even though you get points from being in class. Don't expect to have a B in any of his exams. Nobody will end up a A or B in his class. I will not take his class again. The worse professor who grades extremely hard.
Material from the book and ANYTHING discussed in his lectures are considered fair game for his tests. Don't expect to just show up to class and pass the tests; you have to study. His tests are hard. Quizzes cover a lot of the material that is discussed in class. You get points for participating during class, so regular attendance is a must.
Dr. Rayburn is quirky but not in a bad way. Show up for class - gives digital quizzes on lectures in class. He is still passionate about his field and that translates to good lectures. Want on his good side? Show interest, ask questions, participate, be noticed. Tests can be challenging. Nice guy. 15min grace, likes to know why if you leave class.
Dr. Rayburn know what he is talking about. He's passionate about biology, he includes personal stories and analogies, and he does his best to help you understand the material. However, anything in the book, notes, and lecture is considered fair game for the test and you have to study hard to pass.
This class is a perfect example of how tenure is compressing the skill gap of teaching. He is here despite the class average being 70 or below. The course is introductory for anatomy but he treats it as if it's a graduate level course. It's too difficult made only only harder by the obscurity of his questions. Avoid him at all costs.
Worst teacher i've ever had in my life.
Dr. Rayburn is a tough professor. His 101 class isn't easy either, but if you actually read the chapters and study, while paying attention in class, you'll pass.
His test come straight from banks made by the book company. It speaks volumes when your professor is not willing to invest the time and effort into writing test for the class. Sad. Very sad.
The most important advice I can give to his future student is to do the mind tap provided with your textbook! Take the post learning quizes and tests at least twice. It will help you so much on tests as the questions are similar.
I really like his teaching style. He uses power points and responseware which keeps the class visually stimulating. He does expect you to read a chapter in preparation for class and the tests are difficult if you don't study and make notes. He does give extra credit every once in a while.
Tips: *Be noticed (positively). Ask insightful questions. It will help. *Be genuinely friendly without brown-nosing. *Pay attention! Material is covered fast at times. *Tests are hard but he tries to help grade. Daily in-class clicker points! *Quirky. Follow rules. *Very nice but don't piss him off. *Great unless you're terrible at Bio. *Read book
What is covered in class is not what the test is on. I got more benefit from reading the book and making notes from that. I only attended for the clicker points. I really racked up the Pokie balls cause Martin Hall is a stop.
Rayburn is not as bad as everyone says, I went into his class expecting the worse. He lectures the entire class and goes fast through most of it, but he does help you out on the midterm and final by averaging your grades on them and the chapter quizzes, which are easy. Attendance is mandatory if you want to do good, and textbook is required.
If you want to be coddled, take someone else. Know the textbook material. In lecture, be sure to take notes and answer in-class questions. Those points add up! Most people don't like him because he doesn't spoon-feed content. He keeps you honest and uses tough love. At the end of the day, isn't it better to have earned a grade than been given one?
Dr. Rayburn is very tough. His lectures are heavy. He considers anything in the book to be fair game for test/quizzes even if he doesn't go over it in class. Coming from a straight A student that is not afraid of studying and hard work.. his test are extremely hard. The best advice I can give is to read and don't take the class in a mini semester
He won't just give you all the answers. Read every chapter and make an outline to study. It was a MUST to read the textbook and pay attention to the diagrams in the book. His chapter quizzes are repeats of the participation questions in lecture. Heavy use of technology (that malfunctions often), doesn't post grades online, don't argue with him.
He is literally the worst. Avoid taking him for A&P if you can help it. He's so nit picky and quirky. He'll throw a hissy fit if you try to get up and go somewhere, or if you talk to someone beside you or if you get on your phone, even if you're taking notes on it. The lab is even harder, and there is no way you'll pass if you don't study/show up.
It's a tough class, but definitely not impossible if you read and study a lot. I didn't like Rayburn as a professor because he moved through material very fast and it was impossible to get all of the notes because he would not let us take pictures of the slides, making the tests very hard to study for. You have to use the book regularly to learn.
Rayburn doesnt use blackboard, and goes so fast through slides. Also, you have to ask to use the bathroom. He will literally stop class and ask you where you are going if you dont ask permission. Yells alot. Very ehhh bleh. I had to drop class because I took it at 730 and pelhams got the best of me.
Honestly the hardest class Ive ever taken. He makes this class extremely difficult. He isnt specific at all about what is going to be on tests/quizzes. Im typically a straight a student and I havent found out my final grade yet but Im almost certain its going to be a C. Best advice I can give is to not take him unless absolutely necessary.
If you can avoid taking his class at all chances... I would. I had him this semester, i studied hard, didnt miss class, took good notes, went to study groups and it still wasnt enough to earn a C. He only gives 4 exams and doesnt do partial credit. Its nothing like his lectures or whats in his book. Prepare to study hard and still fail.
All the reviews talk about Dr. Rayburn being super hard. I took 263 as a first time freshman and I made an A in the class. Be sure to take advantage of all Pearson extra credit assignment and read the chapters! He tries to help people out on test grades. Act like you genuinely care and he will offer lots of help.
Dont depend on his Lectures to do well on the test. Go into the class knowing you have to memorize every word of the chapters. He is a nice guy but he doesnt teach whats on the test well ...
Overall, he's a great guy, but its a tough class! The class is difficult due to the amount of information you need to know, but I don't really think that it's his fault. He messages back in a timely manner, but just know that there will be A LOT of work you need to do in this class! Probably the hardest class I have taken. Normally an A student.
I took Dr. Rayburn this fall (2020). I am well versed in anatomy and physiology. However, if I were not familiar with the information I would not have made a A in the class. The class is a lot of information in itself and its even harder because of the lab. Worst lab Ive ever taken before. I may have made an A but please AVOID THIS CLASS!!!!!!!!!
Rayburn is a nice guy, but he does expect you to read. Sometimes his lectures are hard to follow along with, but be genuine and nice with him, and he will work with you.
AVOID THIS MAN AT ALL COSTS!!!! The university will do nothing to him since he is tenure and an "established professor", other professors even talk about how horrible he is. He is very rude and requires you to answer questions correctly to go to the bathroom, it just felt like I was in middle school again. Just get a passing grade and get out!
get ready to read and know every single word from the book. Do not take this class, it is extremely hard. He is a nice guy but goes through his PowerPoints super fast and does not teach you well just tells you to read the book. I passed BY263 with an A but this class is very difficult to pass. GOODLUCK.
He is not ever clear on anything. His test are hard and he purposely changes the wording of the question to confuse you and so you have read the question multiple times and hope you get it right. He also makes you answer questions in class and even if you have an excused absence you still get a 0 out of however many questions he asked that day.
Very nice professor. He worked with the whole class and tried to make it easy. He made Friday classes just an at home work day. Not a bad class.
Dr. Rayburn is an excellent professor. Though anatomy is tough and grades are mostly test-based, he's very forgiving and understanding. He helps if you need it and values participation and effort. He was accommodating of my ADHD and helped me learn effectively. I'd definitely take his class again.
Honest rating here: If you're taking anatomy, obviously expect the class to be hard on some level. Is he the best teacher? Not really. If you read before his class or at least, go through the chapter, it will be easy to follow along. He's nice and willing to accommodate students if you speak up. I paid for some subscription for this class.
Honest review here: If you're taking anatomy, obviously expect the class to be hard on some level. Is he the best prof? Not really. He's nice though and willing to accommodate students as long as they speak up. I had to pay for point solutions to partake in participation. Make sure to read before class if you want to follow along easily!- I did not
Tough class, but manageable if you stay on top of the material. Rayburn moves fast, so using the textbook and tools like unstuck AI for study prep are key. Attendance is a must.
65% of your overall grade stems from exams in this class. He uses Honorlock for proctoring the exam which is very stressful for me as I cannot stand having time limits placed upon me during exams as they make me rush and feel as though I didn't put forth enough effort on each question. I tried to talk to him about it but its like he does not care.
I have avoided him for four years until I had no choice but to take 434 for 4 more credit hours to graduate. Contrary to popular belief he is a GREAT prof. He genuinely cares about the success of his students. Get to know him, build good rapport and you'll be in good shape. I was fully prepared to hate him but I don't. Read the textbook tho. Fr.
Dr Rayburn's class was the most challenging science course I have ever taken. Be prepared to read the textbook and stay ahead of his lectures. However, I learned more in his class than any other biology class. And despite what other people might say, Dr Rayburn is considerate and genuinely cares about his students understanding of the material.
Relies on an online textbook that you MUST read outside of class… and then basically rants off the textbook in class? Could have fallen asleep in every period except for the fact that he gives stupid questions for mandatory participation points. Ridiculously easy course with a boring, rambling professor.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
78%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.12 avg changeRatings by Course
BY453
5.0
(1)BY263CY411
5.0
(1)ANT263
5.0
(1)ANATOMYBY101
5.0
(1)BIOLOGY263
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BY1O2
5.0
HUMANANATOMY
5.0
BIO103
5.0
COMPVERTANAT
5.0
BIO102
5.0