2.6

Janet Daniel

Biology - James Madison University

2.6
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
11%
Would Retake
115
Reviews
2.6
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

11%

Would Retake

115

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

21

4

20

3

15

2

21

1

38

What Students Say

Her videos are terrible, and class is a waste of time

BIO370 - 1.0 rating

honestly upset that she was the only professor available

BIO370 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

74%

Textbook Required

38%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 28 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (12)
B+ (11)
B (6)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(8)C(2)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(13)
Based on 46 reported grades
Not sure yet: 12
B+: 11
B: 6
Rather not say: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (19)
Lecture heavy (14)
Lots of homework (12)
Get ready to read (8)
Test heavy (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Caring (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.07 avg change
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Apr
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GSCI103

5.0

(2)

GSCI104

5.0

(1)

BIO214L

5.0

(2)

BIO213

5.0

(1)

BIO390

5.0

(1)
+12 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIO2

5.0

BIO304

4.4

BIO370

4.3

214

4.0

BIO124

4.0

Reviews (115)
4.0
4.0
BIO220
Mar 20, 2002

difficult class. very nice though. responds to suggestions and questions.

4.0
4.0
BIO220
Mar 27, 2002

Good teacher overall, tough material in general

5.0
3.0
GSCI103
Grade: B+
Apr 10, 2002

Biology is not my forte, but she is very approachable

5.0
3.0
GSCI104
Apr 24, 2002

Boring material, but a great help & genuinely cares

5.0
2.0
GSCI103
Nov 8, 2002

Very helpful.. knows everyone by name. Takes all questions.. does online review

5.0
3.0
BIO220
Dec 6, 2002

alot of material covered; she talks fast, but she's AWESOME & willing to explain

5.0
2.0
BIO370
May 2, 2003

It was her first time teaching this course I think, so it was more like Human phys than Animal phys. She's very helpful and explains things over and over. She talks pretty fast though. And, 2nd test was much harder than the first so watch out for that.

5.0
2.0
CELLBIO
Jun 20, 2003

Very sweet, and adorable! So nice I had her for a teacher twice! Genuinely cares about her students and their futures. Thanks for all the help, I miss you!

5.0
3.0
BIO214L
Oct 29, 2003

one of the nicest most helpful teachers i've had, she can be picky on assignments, cute and funny and i recommend her

5.0
2.0
BIO214L
Oct 30, 2003

Is very helpful, especially during her office hours. Talks a little fast, but if you have questions, she'll slow down to make sure you understand! I HIGHLY recommend her!!!

5.0
2.0
BIO214
Mar 31, 2004

Such a sweet lady and always wants to see her students do well. Go to class and takes notes; tests are from lectures but read the book to clarify. Hard class, but Dr. Daniels makes it bearable if you go to her for help.

4.0
4.0
BIO124
Apr 13, 2004

really sweet teacher! talks kinda fast in class but she outlines what she wants you to know and tells you what you don't need to know so you don't have to study it... really helpful. tests are kinda hard...

4.0
3.0
BIO214
Apr 13, 2004

Talks fast, crams lectures full of info, doesn't answer questions well, tests are very hard...she seems like she's in over her head with 214. take someone else for 214.

2.0
5.0
BIO214
May 5, 2004

she is horrible. she talks fast and no one understands her. shes nice but very hard and not many people do well. her notes are very scattered and very hard to understand

4.0
4.0
214
May 6, 2004

Talks very fast, hard to organize notes, but willing to help

1.0
4.0
BIO214
May 11, 2004

Lectures are very unorganized, which makes the subject much more difficult than it should be - jumps around from topic to topic then expects you to somehow connect it all for the tests - terrible at explaining both complex and simple topics

3.0
4.0
CELLBIO
Jun 17, 2004

She is sooo sweet but her lectures are very unorganized and she flys through them. Must read all the text to have any clue whats going on. I think she assumes we know way too much. Lab with her was awesome though-very helpful and informative

1.0
5.0
BIO214
Jun 23, 2004

She sucks. So unorganized and not helpful at all. When I asked where I could get extra help from she said "I don't know". Her tests are impossible. I have to take the class over because it was so bad. Don't take

4.0
4.0
BIO214
Aug 19, 2004

She does talk pretty fast, and her lectures are kind of confusing. Study the book and the outlines she gives. She's really nice and willing to do a lot to help you. She created study groups so some of us could improve our grades.

5.0
2.0
BIO213
Aug 26, 2004

Such a sweet lady. Is more than willing to help with complex ideas if you go to her for help. Tests are not bad at all if you don't wait till the night before to study. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

3.0
4.0
BIO370
Feb 15, 2005

very nice lady but very unclear in lecture, must be able to teach yourself from the book to do well, doesn't seem to know the material, tests are difficult w/ unclear questions... avoid her if possible.

1.0
4.0
BIO370
Apr 5, 2005

dude, she was really NOT cool...she is nice...but not when it comes to her class.

5.0
3.0
BIO370
Apr 25, 2005

Best professor I have ever had! Lectures are thoughrough and extremely helpful. She is incredibly enthusiastic and energentic and also one of the nicest and most helpful people I have ever met. Her tests are very fair and her lectures and notes all follow the book exactly.

2.0
5.0
BIO370
Oct 17, 2005

doesn't help, talks too fast

5.0
3.0
BIO370
Oct 17, 2005

Very friendly and approachable. Excellent prof!!

4.0
4.0
BIO370
Nov 2, 2005

very nice proff who would help you when you have problems. lectures are pointless because she talks too fast and you can't really understand what she's talking about. takes 2 weeks to return the exams. no attendance. hard class just like any other bio... have to work extra hard outside of class because lecture doesn't make sense.

1.0
3.0
PHYS
Dec 2, 2005

Talks too fast, doesn't return tests so you never really know how you're doing in the class, becomes upset if you ask questions and isn't very helpful overall. Avoid if possible.

1.0
4.0
BIO214
Apr 4, 2007

she sucks! i just got out of a test that im sure i failed! my only hope is that everyone else failed it too. her lectures are boring, she doesnt answer questions. she is the worst teacher ive had since i came to jmu. the class is ok but she cant teach

2.0
5.0
BIO214
Apr 26, 2007

Talks way too fast, takes forever to grade tests and is obsessed with the GRE and MCATS. She is very knowledageble and you will learn a lot, but that doesn't mean you will pass her tests. I would say avoid, but if you can't don't panic, just work hard and good luck.

2.0
5.0
BIO214
May 1, 2007

Talks way too fast, cant write down all of the notes. Test are impossible, changes office hours all the time, so it is hard to go to them. I read the book but didnt help out on tests. AVOID

1.0
4.0
BIO214
May 15, 2007

She is horrible. So unclear on what is important, you have to memorize the entire book and lecture notes to do ok. AVOID.

2.0
5.0
BIO214
Jun 23, 2007

AVOID if possible!! This woman is awful, she goes way too fast and whenever i went to get help she would interrogate me about the material which, if i understood, i obviously wouldn't be there. i studied for days and came out of 2 of the 3 test feeling like nothing on that test was gone over in class. the lab was my saving grace.

1.0
5.0
BIO2
Dec 14, 2007

this woman is awful...she puts a pic on the over head and talks for hoours....Avoid her classes....if you go and ask her a question she will make you feel stupid..

1.0
5.0
BIO370
Dec 8, 2008

She's not mean, she's just a bad teacher. One of the worst I've actually had come to think of it. Avoid if possible.

5.0
3.0
BIO390
May 2, 2009

Very good prof, but gets a bad rap. I didn't even buy the book. Tests straight from notes. Janet can talk fast but reiterates subjects. SHE'S SO HELPFUL, and will do anything to help out students. Genuinely cares about her students. If you put in a reasonable amount of work (and come to every class) you'll do fine. articulate+funny+nice Calves!

5.0
4.0
BIO370
May 6, 2009

I love her! I don't understand the negative comments. She is so enthusiastic about the subject, lecture is always interesting. Tests fair and straight from the notes but read the text to get a better understanding because that's easier than straight memorizing. Her office hours are very helpful. Take her!!

5.0
4.0
BIO370
Oct 21, 2009

Dr. Daniel is a fantastic professor!! Tests are challenging, but as long as you start studying early and go to class, you will do fine. Additionally, she is a great lecturer (facepaced, but intelligent and organized)-I'm always amazed at how fast the class period goes by. TAKE HER!!!

2.0
5.0
BIO370
Apr 28, 2010

I don't know what the other people were thinking...SHE IS THE WORST!!! AVOID AT ALL COST! she talks WAY too fast! Most of the time she spent class giving a lecture about life or something totally irrelevant to animal phys. She always keeps us late. I won't expect to get a good grade in that class and i've read everything in the book. AVOID!

5.0
4.0
BIO462
May 7, 2010

The people who don't like her are absolute idiots who don't know what they are talking about. Dr. D is one of the BEST professors I have EVER had the pleasure of taking a class from. Yes, Metabolism and Physiology are hard subjects, but if you go to her office hours and actually attempt to learn, an A is completely doable.

2.0
1.0
BIO214
Oct 27, 2010

like everyone says, she speaks too fast.. it wouldn't be bad except she stumbles over her words which is painfully annoying and distracting. i hear she's better than bechtel though. exams are a breeze if you read.

2.0
4.0
BIO370
Dec 14, 2010

Worst Bio prof I've had at JMU. 80% of her lectures during the first half of the semester were on either professionalism or how to write an email. Her lectures are scattered, and only cover a fraction of what she requires on the exams. Shows a great deal of favoritism to students and doesn't really seem interested in how her students perform. avoid

2.0
5.0
BIO214
Dec 26, 2010

Her class is impossible. Dr. Daniel is really rude, if a student leaves early from class, she will pause her lecture to complain about them. She says "ok" every few seconds and does not answer questions well. If anything, I was more confused after she answered the question than I was before hand. DON'T TAKE HER.

2.0
5.0
BIO370
May 11, 2011

BIO 370. This class was certainly challenging, I really enjoyed the material. However, with a 3.85 GPA, BIO major I worked the hardest in this class and only came out with a C+. Dr. Daniel's a great person, a good lecturer, but a terrible test writer. She makes all questions as confusing as possible and doesn't emphasize important facts in class.

2.0
5.0
BIO370
May 14, 2011

Absolute WORST professor I've had a JMU. I took this class as an elective and I truly regret that decision. She is EXTREMELY condescending to students and other professors. If you have a question, find the answer on your own because if you go to her office hours, she'll belittle you until you leave. She makes everything as hard as possible. AVOID!!

4.0
4.0
BIO462
Dec 7, 2011

Either you love her or you don't, it really depends on what class you take- Heard horrible things about animal phys but took her for human metab, and she was AMAZING. Thoroughly explains things in lecture, very helpful in office hrs or thru emails, & just a very nice lady overall. TAKE HER CLASS!Very interesting & even helped a LOT on my MCATs

5.0
3.0
BIO370
Mar 27, 2012

She is one of my favorite professors I have had so far. I go to her office hours all of the time and she is so helpful and a really good person. She is also extremely intelligent. Her exams are hard but its an upper level bio class. Yes she goes pretty quick but if you talk to her after she will clear things up. Great professor. Take her.

5.0
3.0
BIO214
Apr 8, 2012

I had no interest in the subject but the kids who liked it all did well. most kids a know got Bs (including myself) and very few got As, but she was a good teacher. Exams are not too tough. i got low A's on all, the lab is what will bring down your grade, but overall she was a good teacher. Do not be late to class!

4.0
4.0
BIO370
Jun 16, 2012

She truly wants you to succeed in her course. She emphasizes that it requires time and dedication and it really does help to read the book for reinforcement. She's very helpful during office hours, although her test writing is a little complicated. Regardless, make sure you understand what she is asking or wants from you! I loved her.

1.0
5.0
BIO370
Nov 1, 2012

I'm not sure if this just wasn't her semester or if she is really this terrible of a teacher, but either way, I'd avoid her at all costs. The lab was poorly organized, her lectures make no sense, she runs through the hardest material and I honestly don't think she cares if you do well. She gives you one shot at the material - don't mess up...ever.

5.0
3.0
BIO472
Apr 28, 2013

You either love her or hate her...I love her and this class. If you have any interest at all in metabolic processes in the human body take this class! She is significantly more laid back and excited about this course than APhys and it shows. Great upper level bio elective for anyone with interest in medicine or diet and nutrition.

3.0
5.0
BIO370
Aug 13, 2013

She doesn't present the material very clearly and the tests are ridiculous! this is the hardest bio class ive ever taken even though it was the most helpful in terms of preparing for the DAT. Take 270 if you can, but avoid this class if you cant afford a C/B for med/dent/pharm school.

4.0
3.0
BIO472
Sep 19, 2013

You either love her or hate her. I absolutely love her. My absolute favorite professor at JMU. Not only does she help you in class, but is ALWAYS willing to help you with any other problems you are having. Great professor, ridiculously brilliant, and a wonderful person. So happy I had her twice. Awesome role model too! :)

1.0
4.0
BIO370
Oct 6, 2013

She is just a bad teacher, take another teacher if you can. Not impossible to pass, but expect to teach alot if not all to yourself.

1.0
5.0
BIO214
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 28, 2013

Horrible teacher with impossible tests. Dwells on things that don't matter and then tests on things that aren't even mentioned. Uses all of Bechtel's work and then changes it around to test on things she wants to so they don't add up. Don't bother going to her office unless you're an expert because she will make you feel so stupid. Don't take her.

1.0
5.0
BIO370
Oct 29, 2013

She asks us clicker questions during class and every time, the majority of the class answers the wrong answers - even on true or false. She then belittles us telling us this is "elementary, basic" knowledge things. It's hard to know what to focus on when studying, you're on your own. Also belittles you during office hours until you leave.

3.0
3.0
BIO370
Oct 30, 2013

Dr. D is a really awesome and unique individual. She is crazy smart although it may not seem that way in lecture. Her lectures are rough, she goes way to fast, but she is so helpful in office hours. Tests are fair, but be prepared to teach yourself most of the material.

4.0
5.0
BIO370
Nov 16, 2013

She is really nice and entertaining but she does move fast and teaches "graduate school style" where you have to take notes yourself so its pretty tough. A LOT of outside time MUST be spent on this material to fully understand it all.

2.0
3.0
BIO214
Nov 18, 2013

Honestly the tests are not that in depth at all: class averages are Bs and Cs. Homework for each chapter but grades them harshly. Found it easier than bio 114. However, it requires a lot of time and teaching yourself. Lecture is SO FAST. I would recommend her.

3.0
4.0
BIO370
Dec 16, 2013

You have to go into her class with a good attitude about her, or else you'll find yourself hating her pretty quick. But Janet is actually AWESOME if you give her a chance. She's pretty tough, but I actually learned stuff.

3.0
4.0
BIO214
Dec 18, 2013

She is not a bad teacher at all, but she does go pretty fast. During lecture I had no idea what was going on but then read each chapter and everything made so much sense. If you read then the tests are an easy B. Hard class, but the material is actually pretty interesting. Study a lot/read and you'll be good. Hated the lab for this class though.

3.0
4.0
BIO214
Mar 11, 2014

Dr. Daniel is a difficult grader, but the class is not impossible. Her tests are somewhat difficult, and you have to study quite a bit since lecture can be confusing and incredibly boring at times. Luckily, she puts up the PowerPoint slides/notes online and the test questions are based off of these.

2.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2014

Dr. Daniel is horrible. She cant lecture for anything. Her lectures consist of taking pictures out of the textbook and talking about them. You need to be able to self teach yourself from the book because she talks fast and isn't clear. She is very disconnected from her students, condescending in office hours, and doesn't seem interested in helping.

2.0
5.0
BIO370
Apr 24, 2014

BIO 370 is a difficult and incredibly boring class, and Dr. Daniel's lectures are hard to follow. She goes through the material pretty quickly and you're not provided notes, so you either have to hand-write, type, or (audio) record the lectures. In addition, to get a good grade, you have to teach yourself most of the material from the text.

4.0
5.0
BIO370
May 2, 2014

Dr. Daniel is an alright professor. She goes through her lectures a little too quickly which makes them difficult to follow, so A LOT of studying and reading from the text is required to fully understand everything and get a good grade. I would't recommend taking this class if you're taking other difficult courses.

1.0
5.0
BIO472
May 3, 2014

Dr. Daniel is condescending, not helpful, and expects way too much of her students. Her lectures are disorganized and do not translate well to her exams, so be prepared to teach yourself the majority of the material. Dr. Daniel is a really nice person though, but you'll probably hate her by the end of the semester.

3.0
3.0
370
Grade: A
Nov 13, 2014

Dr Daniel moves fast and can come off as intimidating, but she is actually pretty nice. To study, use her powerpoints and the book. The PPT pictures come from the book, so find the chaptersection in the book and read the portion that goes with the PPT picture. Thats what I did for every test and I think my lowest grade was like an 88.

4.0
5.0
BIO370
Apr 10, 2015

Daniel is a good professor, but is really specific. She talks really fast and doesn't give you anything to go off for lectures. She uses the figures from the book and just talks about them, which can be really hard. There are three tests and the lab grade is 32% of the grade. Lab is not as bad as it seems, but make sure you get her for lab.

4.0
3.0
BIO370
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 25, 2016

Dr. D is by far one of my favorite professors at JMU. Incredibly brilliant person, and if you put in the work/ effort to get to know her, she goes above and beyond in trying to help you. Aphys is a hard class (as it should be) and what you put into it is what you'll get out of it. If you put in valid effort, the tests are extremely fair.

5.0
3.0
BIO370
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 4, 2016

I love Dr. Daniel. You can tell she loves the material and tries to make it fun. She always throws in corny jokes during lecture. She comes off as a hard ass at first but in reality she just wants to make sure everyone is respectful and serious about the class. Tests are a mix of multiple choice and short answer-not bad if you study the ppts.

4.0
4.0
BIO472
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 14, 2016

Very interesting class, being that it is her specialty. Purposeful assignments that tie into real-life conversations; none of that "pfft! when am I ever going to need to know this?". If you had her for Animal Phys, you are aware that her tests are very detailed and will be for Hum. Metab. PS, Dr. Daniel is super cool in a small class setting

5.0
4.0
BIO370
Grade: B
Jul 20, 2016
Would take again

I love Dr. D, she is a great teacher. There is alot of material and you must put the time and effort into studying, but if you do the tests will be a piece of cake. She is nice and is amazing in office hours. I had her for both lecture and lab. Lecture I got a B, and Lab an A.

2.0
4.0
BIO370
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2016
Would take again

Dr. D is great! She is really into the subject she is teaching. Sometimes she gets so excited that she doesn't realize she is talking at a mile a minute and you cant keep up. Over all she really tries to bond with her students and make the class as fun as possible.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: B+
Dec 19, 2016
Would take again

She's really good at teaching and will go out of her way to make sure everyone understands, but her tests are so hard. The textbook is helpful, but what she says in class is what will be on the test, so I would highly recommend recording lectures. The final is meant to pull up your grade because it's not nearly as hard as her regular tests.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Dec 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Daniel is impossible to figure out. She doesnt allow any technology and doesnt post her slides that she makes you take notes on with her specific lecture guides. Clickers were mandatory but she only used them to ask trivial questions for friday attendance. Her tests are confusing and she goes off her answers, not the text books.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO472
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

A few homework assignments (40%), 2 tests, a final, and some clicker points. Definitely get everything from her slides and take note of the figures she gets excited about- most are in the book, a must if you want anything higher than a C on an exam. So helpful in office hours and really wants you to do well! This is just some tough stuff.

Gives good feedback
Respected
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO370
Dec 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Janet Daniel is a really nice lady, but not the greatest professor. Things in this class can be explained in very clear and concise ways, but she does the opposite. She just puts figures up and talks about them at a mile a minute, making it hard to understand what is going on.

LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO304
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I am in her cell and molec class during quarantine and its terrible. She is giving us so much extra work to do, more and longer lectures, double the homework assignments, a chapter quiz every other class. She is having us do these participation activities that are just busy work to waste our time. She is not being considerate and her tests are hard

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
BIO304
May 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I am currently in her class right now during quarantine and I am struggling. This class was not meant to be my hardest and it has become that. She is not considerate at all and her tests are impossible. Although there are other assignments to weigh out your grade it is not worth it. I have never gotten above a 67 on her exams and I studied alot.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: B+
May 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

honestly the worst professor I've had (and I had Dr Black) she makes you come to lecture for a grade but talks to you like you're 5 and teaches the most basic parts of the class and gives lectures/note that don't help then tests u like u have a doctorate in the subject, I didn't even get a bad grade and I would rather eat rocks than take her again

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
BIO304
Grade: B+
May 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I had her during quarantine, her tests are extremely difficult compared to how she lectures. To be fair though, she reduced the percentages of the final and second test when quarantine started. There is a buffer for the tests from lots of homework assignments that are a good percentage of the grade and you'll probably need the textbook for them.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

oh do I have some words about this one. had her during quarantine semester and this lady is the most condescending person I may have ever met. Her tests are impossible especially once things went online. She grades so picky for no reason. No help in office hours because she gets mad at you for not understanding something. she gotta go bro.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO370
May 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She knows what she is talking about, but made the lab awful. No matter what anyone did you always lost points on something. Expects things to be done exactly the way she wants them (read the over 10 page stat doc you receive the first week). Seemed to take comments and questions too personally, and came off as passive aggressive. Condescending.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
BIO472
Grade: B
Oct 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Oh brother, she constantly talks about being professional, and understanding others around you but gets upset if there is any reason that takes you away from her classroom. Half of class time is taken up talking about covid or BLM but that is the opposite of what is on the test. She doesn't respond to emails and constantly openly complains.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BIO472
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 8, 2020
Would take again

Dr. D is the sweetest and most caring professor I have had. She is really accessible outside of class and answers your questions and beyond to help you understand. Human metabolism is an upper bio class so YES it's going to be more challenging but if you watch her lectures and take notes, you should do fine. Great class!

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I have never had so much contempt for a professor. Her tests are significantly harder than they need to be. There are more online lectures that are much longer than they ever would be in person. Her labs make no sense and are never clear what is being asked. Do not take this class with this professor, unless you want to tank your GPA and hate life.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Now Dr. Daniel is very sweet and lectures very well in class. However, I cannot believe some of the things she puts on her tests. Being a test based class her exams are not fair and are not that straight forward like many other teachers in the Biology department. You will need to study every day or a week to two before the exam just to pass.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

With lab being online this semester, she somehow found a way to increase the amount of work 10 fold than if the lab were in person. There were no clear expectations and I received very poor grades on many of the labs due to unclear expectations. She was also condescending when you requested help. For lecture, you need to study for days to even pass

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
BIO472
Grade: B+
Dec 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Very scatter brained and disorganized when it comes to presenting material. Always posted pre-lec assignments late at night the day before class which was very unprofessional. I can't imagine how difficult this class could be in person but the video lectures helped me (somewhat) because I could pause and go back. The textbook helps for quizzes only

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO472
Grade: B+
Dec 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Very disorganized when presenting material. In class activities were pointless and didn't reinforce any information. Video lectures were hard to follow because she goes off on tangents and never gets to the point. I would recommend the textbook ONLY for the supplemental material that comes with it like the practice quizzes and power points. Online.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Daniel was by far the worst professor I've had at JMU. She does not care about her students and is very condescending and has a very high ego pertaining to her intelligence. Exams are impossible, there is simply no point in studying because the exams never match her materials and the class average is a 60% or below. Does not curve at all.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 5, 2022

Professor Daniel is the worst professor I've had in all four years of college. Avoid taking her at all costs. All the material is "learned" outside of class and then class time is used for discussion/activities. Her tests are impossible and are nothing like the homework or quizzes. Avoid taking her, and if you do, well... good luck.

Tough grader
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO304
Grade: B-
May 4, 2022
Would take again

Professor Daniel is super nice and caring. She genuinely wants to help you succeed even if you never go to class. Her lectures can be a little confusing especially her slides since they're mainly pictures but that also just comes with the course. She's a great professor but you still need to put the work in outside of class.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
1.0
4.0
BIO304
Grade: B
May 11, 2022

Janet is terrible at lecturing. She constantly goes off topic and bounces around different topics. I cannot emphasize how insane it is to listen to her talk. She had our class laughing on day 1 bc she was confusing everyone so much. You can study for your exam as much as you want but you won't get higher than a 70% and there's no curve.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: C
May 11, 2022

The worst class I have ever taken. Lots of assignments to help boost your grade, but reverse lectures do not work for me. She expects you to watch 3-4 30min videos for each chapter and read the book outside of lectures and come into class to discuss. Doesn't curve even when the average is failing and the high isn't even an A

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: B+
May 18, 2022

When your class AVERAGES a 49% on the final, and no test you've ever given has had an average above a 62%, and this is a repeat pattern with every class you teach, maybe it's time to realize that you're the problem, Dr. Daniel. I genuinely have never had such disdain for a "professor" in my life.

1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: B+
May 22, 2022

The worst class I have ever taken and the worst "professor" I have ever dealt with. Exams are unfair/impossible, yet she is too stubborn to realize this even though the class average for every exam is a 60% or below. Does not curve or round up grades.

1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: Rather not say
May 22, 2022

I thought I knew the definition of a bad teacher. I didn't... until I took a class with Janet Daniel. I got a B+ which is an OK grade, but I would rather stub my toe every time I left the house than take a class with her again.

1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: Rather not say
May 22, 2022

I feel bad writing thus because Dr. Daniel is a very nice person, but her class is HORRIBLE. I am so beyond happy that I will never take a class with her again. This was the worst academic experience I've ever had in college. Her tests are extremely unfair and do not follow the lectures/textbook at all. The average grade for our final was failing!

1.0
5.0
BIO304
Grade: Rather not say
May 28, 2022

worst professor and worst class i have ever experienced. i am so happy i will never have to take a class with her again. extremely stubborn, condescending, and unfair.

4.0
4.0
BIO370
Grade: A
Nov 14, 2022

Dr. Daniel cares a lot and tries really hard to make class relevant and helpful- at the expense of making lectures fully recorded videos outside of class so in class can be activity time. The recorded lectures are long/boring and have a ton of info to learn for the exams. Exams are all multiple choice/drop down/true/false lots of application

Caring
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO370
Grade: B+
Dec 11, 2022

Dr. Daniel as a human is very friendly and has excellent advice to give. That being said her classes require so much time. You have to watch lectures outside of class and go to class lectures (which are irrelevant) for a participation grade. Her tests are also challenging and average around 65%. You'll pass, but not with ease.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO370
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2022

VERY comfortable having a class average in the 60s on every exam, no curve in sight. she gets so lost in trying to make her exams tricky that she loses logical sense on some questions. in class activities buffer your grade but you have to watch HOURS of lectures outside of class&sit in class while she rambles on through a 9 question quiz for 1hr15

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: C+
Apr 18, 2023

first time I've ever ranked a professor, she was terrible. incredibly strict grading and her attitude is generally rude

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: Rather not say
May 9, 2023

Wow, I have never experienced a professor who gives such genuinely unfair exams in my life. I don'y understand how she can justify the incredibly low exam scores across all of her classes without realizing there's an issue at hand- she tests on things that you were never taught, beware!

1.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: B-
Nov 8, 2023

Genuinely the worst class I've ever had. You're supposed to watch lecture videos outside of class but when there's 3-5 of them each chapter and they're all 30+ minutes long, it becomes a lot. In class we sat and took notes on how to take notes. She DOESN'T go over the lecture videos.... Prime example of why department heads shouldn't be teaching

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO370
Grade: A
Apr 29, 2024

Dr. Daniel is frankly a very rude professor. I took her for BIO370 lab and she creates a very unwelcoming environment. Going to office hours for help on coursework felt like I was going to get scolded and led to no help. If there is ever an issue with her coursework due to confusing wording or a hidden rubric it's the student's fault not hers.

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO370
Oct 22, 2024

TAKE PARKER FOR BIO 370! Dr. Daniel overcomplicates every topic and makes things more confusing the more she speaks. She wastes most of lecture on specific concepts and tangents. In lab she teaches like we're kindergarteners, detailing every step of how to use a pipette in a 300 LEVEL BIO COURSE. Pre-meds: plan for BIO370 in the spring with Parker

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: B
Nov 23, 2024

Don't take her. She posted lecture videos late—during Thanksgiving break—so now I have to learn over break, plus another chapter after. Finals are in 2 weeks, and her syllabus said the material would be posted earlier. Her videos are terrible, and class is a waste of time. I'm literally crying typing this—wait for another professor.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 4, 2024

In class activities barely help, lecture videos are extremely long. During Thanksgiving had no material to go over and literally did not notify via canvas the new chapter questions. Attendance=MANDATORY(grade) NEVER ANSWER EMAIL TILL MIDNIGHT! honestly upset that she was the only professor available. Shes nice but course NOOT! I Aged by this course

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Dec 16, 2024

Professor Daniel's flipped classroom approach leaves students to teach themselves, with little direct instruction. She's often condescending when questions are asked, making it uncomfortable to seek help. Her grading is harsh and unclear, and her attitude can feel hostile, as though students are a burden. Not a supportive or approachable professor.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2024

Dr. Daniel is a very interesting professor. She will say she cares about you and then turn around and give you a grade you didn't deserve. She gave us only a week to learn three chapters for our final exam. No study guides, no review sessions, do not take her. Take Dr. Parker.

Tough grader
Test heavy
4.0
5.0
BIO370
Grade: B+
Dec 17, 2024

Dr. Daniel was nice, good at explaining things, and very responsive in class. HOWEVER, it was a flipped class and it honestly sucked so bad. Animal physiology is extremely content dense. The exam questions were also extremely difficult. Extremely tough grading in lecture and lab.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO370
Grade: B
Jan 14, 2025

Dr. Daniel's class requires a lot of work, with long recorded lectures and tough exams. But she cares about students and the coursework is relevant. Unstuck study and other study tools can help manage the workload.

3.0
4.0
BIO304
Grade: B+
Apr 11, 2025

I hate giving her this low of a score since I do think she's a great and caring person, but I hated the way this class was set up. So much time spent on recorded lectures outside of class and so little time spent in-class doing things of importance.

Participation matters
Caring
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
BIO304
Grade: A+
May 9, 2025

Dr. Daniel is very nice & clearly knows her stuff super well. Cell & Molec can be a very easy course if you did well in BIO140/240 and watch her videos. The class format sucks; It's online learning... but you meet in person twice a week?? In-person lectures are super unhelpful/informal, quite frankly, they should not exist. Not a hard class though!

Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

74%

Textbook Required

38%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 28 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (12)
B+ (11)
B (6)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(8)C(2)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(13)
Based on 46 reported grades
Not sure yet: 12
B+: 11
B: 6
Rather not say: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (19)
Lecture heavy (14)
Lots of homework (12)
Get ready to read (8)
Test heavy (8)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Caring (4)
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