ONLINE- I took this professor online, he is very good about talking to his student and making sure they are on track, this is not a class that you want to get behind in because it takes a few days to catch up. He is also very willing in helping you with any question and responds very quick- B.R.Young

i had this man for the global environment and society class. this is the coolest man ever with THE best stories. i recommed him to anyone who wants to learn about the world and cultural diversity. this class is the melting pot of FIU!!

this guy is the best, knows the material very well and is always prepared for class, he also has great and interesting stories, i.e. jumping in garbage dumpsters, very helpful and nice guy, highly recommended, AL

I took this class for the Summer B program here at FIU and at the beginning before stating I thought it was going to be hard, but it was all the opposite since the first day. Dr. Riach is very helpful, his notes are very clear, and his quizes and tests really easy. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in science, especially environment

He's a good teacher and really knows his material. Basically his class was a bunch of PPT slides but there was also some online work we had to do about once a week. like he would post a general question and we had to comment on it. you should participate in class discussions. best part is the open notes/book tests. VERY passable but a little boring

The absolute best and easiest teacher I had this semester. I'm telling you, take this guy and you wont be disappointed. Take care.

This class is eeeeeeaaaaaassssyyyy. You don't need the book and you don't need to take notes. I recommend to Just go to class, sit there and listen... doodle a little if you get bored. If you need notes, he has them online. Easy A.

Took the online class. Loved it. Very easy, if you don't get behind. It seems like a lot of work at first, but it's nothing. The class is open notes & open book...what does that tell you.

Took online, material is well spaced, you have enough time each week to learn what you must, straightforward class, very nice guy, would take him again...if you are going to take this class take it with professor riach

Online Class very easy A. Total of 5 quizes 10 quest/each 2 exams 50 quest/each from the quizes and 3 discussions. Very well organized. not a lot of material. curves if needed. he's very fair. dont need to buy book. powerpoint notes cover everything you need for quizes and exams which are mult choice and true/false. REALLY RECOMMEND HIM!!

easy class, do the review and the online game- A

Quizzes are online,two chances within a week to take each. Uses powerpoint in class and printable powerpoints you can bring to class to assist with taking notes. Class was boring, but he's pretty down to earth, funny at times.

This class is wonderful.. one online quiz per week but you have TWO chances to take it... the exam is on the quizzes ( word for word ), you NEVER USE THE BOOK so don't buy it. All the notes are on webct, just print them the day b4 class. Easy 'A'. He teaches great and is really helpful if you need it, and you never will.

The nicest teacher ever!!! Really good teacher I have nothing to bad to say about him. Online Quizes are SO EASY. He's a great help and always allows extensions on his assignments. His class is easy and they go by fast. Posts up powerpoints on web.Easy assignments. If you want an A GO TO CLASS! *GREAT TEACHER OVERALL*!!!

Veery nice teacher. Easy class. 10 online quizzes with 2 attempts each (best gade of the 2). Two exams based on quizzes. I-clicker tests during class for a participation grade so you have to go to class. and DON'T BUY THE BOOK you won't need it... all notes are online.

Super easy class. I always went class, got a 96 on the first exam and an 83 on the second and still managed to get a B... I think i missed one online assignment at the end. Just go to class, take the quizes and you'll pass. YOU DONT NEED THE BOOK!

he is a super nice guy sooo many chances for extra credit . dont waste the money on the book . notes are online and quizzes to . the hardest test was the 1st one . the class can be boring at times but he tires t obe funny. i totally recommend him .

Really cool professor. Makes the class interesting just don't get him started on the Amazon or the Miccosukees. :) I had him for two semesters for the Honors College and overall he's been an awesome professor. Very understanding with all of his students!

He is not a hard professor at all. His tests have the exact questions as the quizzes and he gives his students many ways to get extra grades.. Recommended!! ()

He's an easy professor and offers a lot of extra credit. Attendance is a must since your participation depends on the use of an I-clicker. 12 online quizzes and his exams consists of the same questions from the quizzes.

Very good professor that provides a lot of information and prepares students well for exams. You can walk away from this class having learned a lot and also with a good grade. Numerous opportunities to obtain extra credit are made available.

CLASS IS SUPER EASYYYY! I got a 98 in it! LOTS of chances for extra credit. Be sure to go to class b/c the iclicker is used (that's how you get participation credit [20% of grade] and extra credit)! Two exams, and biweekly quizzes online (two chances to take and get better grade), and in the end drops lowest three... he also gives you extra credit for every quiz you take if you complete all of them! He's really nice and respectful, but class sometimes gets long. You will leave class with new view of environment too!

CLASS IS SUPER EASYYYY! LOTS of chances for extra credit. Be sure to go to class b/c the iclicker is used (that's how you get participation credit

not the most interesting class, but you cant really make it anymore interesting. very nice and gives alot of extra credit opportunities. easyyyy class.

This is very interesting and an easy class. Mr. Riach is great and he takes pride in teaching his material. Very understanding professor and accommodating too. The class work is very easy as well as his quizzes and test. He gives a lot of extra credit. The book is not necessary but it sure is useful. No need to buy the iclick we did not use it.

awesome professor.. i learned so much in this class. you don't need the textbook... go to class every day, he uses the iclicker to see who goes to class and is also extra credit, print out the online notes, study the notes for the tests and you'll be fine

class is not bad. if you can keep up with online quizzes you will do fine. he gives 3 tests and just study because they can be hard. but i think he curves them. read the book. he gets questions from them. dont miss class because he lectures and uses all of this info on evaluations. he gives LOTS of EXTRA CREDIT. great knowledgable prof.

His lectures are clear and he is very helpful on material you don't understand. His classes can get a little boring sometimes but I would highly recommend him – he cares about his students.

Prof. Riach is a dedicated professor and found the class material interesting. Some of the students did make it somewhat unpleasant because of constant disruptions.

Easy Class! Take it to fulfill your UCC requirements. This guy is pretty real and interesting at times, offers lots of extra credit, and there is no HW. There is three test spread out through the semester, and a few in class activities, aka answering questions to videos. Overall Take this easy class!

If you're not very interested in the course, sit in the front because you'll never pay attention otherwise. Nice guy, a little boring, but very educated & has some interesting stories if you pay attention. 3 tests, in class act's, 1 paper & lots of ex. credit. Class is overall pretty ok, wouldn't call it demanding & would recommended it for UCC req

Good teacher. Really interested in informing everyone about the environment. Lectures can get boring at times but the tests are easy and the in-class activities keep your attention. Makes you really think about our effect on the environment. 3 tests, 1 paper, and lots of extra credit opporunities

Overall this class is pretty easy and he makes it fairly easy to get a good grade, it's only 3 exams throughout the entire semester with one paper due at the end and he offers plenty of extra credit! The way he teaches his topic really gives you an insight of your surroundings and their status! ANd it's a UCC requirement class

this class was overall pretty easy. You have 3 test and 1 reaction paper and you can do a lot of extra credit. The test are pretty easy and you have quizzes that help you a lot for the test because they are similiar. The class is pretty interesting, and as long as you try learning the notes and quizzes, and do the extra credit you will do great

He's a wonderful professor. He has lots of knowledge about the subject. I would recommend him to anyone. He gives a lot of extra credit opportunities. :D

This class changed my life.He's a great great teacher.You don't need to go to class at all to get a good grade, but then you have to read the notes that he puts online.He's not boring, he cares, and he's talking about stuff that matters.He gives more than enough opportunities to bring ur grade up. For him it's about the material not grades or tests

Great professor and has extensive knowledge of the material. I came out an environmentalist from this class and with a passion for the ecology of S.Fla. Grades consisted of three exams worth 25% and the rest were in class activities. Offers a lot of extra credit so don't pass it up. Make sure you read the text and listen in class. I got an A.

Professor Riach is very knowledgeable in his field. If you actually listen you'll be able to get an A. His test consist of the quizzes online plus additional questions on the videos we watch or something he mentioned in class. I didn't think I'd get an A but I did, just do the video project and some extra credit.

if you come to class, takes notes, and study for the test you can work for that A. its not an easy class, but it's not too hard unless you're a slacker. you have to study for the tests to pass. big video project due at the end worth a lot of points. no hw, 3 tests, no final.

Riach is amazing! He knows soo much and has a real passion for the environment. this class left me inspired to make a change. Pretty great class, attendance is mandatory. One paper, 3 tests that require studying. there's extra credit too! It's not hard to get an A, if you're a slacker the minimum effort is required. But it's definetly worth it!

Class can be a pain, but it is very easy if you follow directions. Getting an A is not hard at all. The video is a pain though.

What a great class and professor! Fun, interesting, very different approach. Dr, Riach makes it fun to learn and really wants to teach. He is passionate about the subject. He is always available for help and feedback. Highly recommend the class and professor. Do the review quizzes to get an A on the tests

Don't listen to the other comments....class is easy, just read the material he provides, no book, and do the extra credit he offers, and you'll at least get a B.

I don't understand the negative comments. This was one of the easiest classes I've ever taken. Mainly because your grade is not based on 2 exams and paper like so many other classes....Riach gives you SO MANY opportunites for classwork & online homework that it boosts your grade 100%. There is a video project that is worth 10 points at the end.

very nice professor! class is fun and easy. don't need the book. 2 exams, needs to study. a few assignement but not hard. i recommand this class! you won't get lower then a B if you try a bit. interesting class overall

The subject may not be the MOST interesting to some, but Riach provides so much extra credit that it is pretty impossible to not get an A. Raise your hand for every extra credit opportunity and study mildly for each test--DO THE VIDEO PROJECT EXTRA CREDIT! it replaces a test. I definitely recommend this class!

Very interesting class, lots of extra credit. Definitely recommend this prof.

EASIEST CLASS EVER. Scavenger hunts are easy. There are 4 of them. Just study for in-class activities/quizzes [he gives you the questions the class before] and the exams. He gives study guides for all [3] exams and doing the optional review quizzes online help A LOT. No real midterm or final. P.S. You can get tons of extra credit for no reason.

EASY class! Lots of opportunities to get extra credit. The environmental clean-ups alone can raise your grade by a whole letter grade up. Cool guy very passionate about the topic. Def. recommend :)

Great Professor. Easy class. Just don't get tempted to get lazy n not study n skip class. Attendance not mandatory. Test based on notes from class. Scavenger hunts around the school are annoying but doable. Highly recommend!

This class is so interesting! Riach is very knowledgeable, and encourages you to become interested and concerned with our planet. This is the easiest class I have ever taken. Its almost a guaranteed A. Plus he offers a ridiculous amount of extra credit. Take this class!!

Great course to fulfill that "Natural Science" requirement! Awesome teacher. Just show up to class, and take notes. Very knowledgeable teacher. He encourages you to participate, by asking the class questions. Though there is a cap to extra credit points, many extra credit opportunities are made available. Overall I had a great experience with him!

Dr. Riach is awesome. His lectures are in depth an interesting, but also provides hands on presentations by grad students and current research. Two scavenger hunts as well that allow you to take a look at the FIU's ecology. Exams are easy if you took notes! Provides a lot of extra credit that can really help your grade. Great class and great prof!

I took this online; Summer A. The professor was cool. The tests came directly from the practice quizzes. I rarely used the book and passed with a "B". I hated the discussions. That was the only downside. But other than that, the class was an easy A or B.

Fun class! easy but you have to study.

READ THE BANANA BOOK! He's obsessed with that book and you have to read quite a lot between each quiz but he gives you the questions prior to the quiz and the tests are exactly the notes. Super easy!

i love his interest in making the class enjoyable even when everyone is shy

Easy class, but you must attend, since he gives quizzes 2 out of three days. You should stay on top of the readings or otherwise will get only half of your best possible grade, or even less. He gives extra credit.

He is very helpful and he cares about your grade. You must attend class and do the reading assignments. He is available during office hours. I truly recommend this professor. If you do the reading assignments and attend class you will pass.

Enjoyed his class, found the test to be kind of difficult at times. I don't enjoy having to work in groups so if you don't either you might want to avoid this class. Good teacher though and very knowledgeable.

He knows his stuff, he is in love with ecology and has been working like that for almost 30 yrs. HE IS SO generous in grading and gives a lot of extra credits. I got a D on the first exam and D on the second exam and he gave me B+. It's highly recommended to do his volunteering thing cuz he gives 20 extra credits on the exam. REally great profess

He is a pretty goofy guy overall, but a great teacher. He loves the subjects he teaches and he is fully involved with the environment and global culture.

Nice professor, but class is not as easy as people say. You actually have to work hard to get a good grade, and attend class because he covers things that will be on the exams. You also have to read the book to pass the exam. Offers extra credit.

Professor Riach is embarrassingly funny. He makes you cringe with his bird calls and random off the wall quiz options. Offers extra credit. Class is important. Your notes will save you in exams and quizzes. His exam reviews are bullet proof. His quiz questions are given to you a week prior. Its constant work, but fun.

Dr. Riach's online class was great, very interesting and doable. For non-science majors, this is the way to go!

A decent professor who can be a little loony and quirky but not particularly difficult. He gives study guides for all quizzes and exams and as long as you study those, you are guaranteed to pass at the very least. With a little more effort you can certainly ace this course.

He is a very nice professor and definitely knows what he is talking about. It is not an easy class though so beware. You will be fine if you show up to class and actually study though. Good class

This was the first time that this class was offered online, so despite some bumps along the way, the class ran very smoothly. Individual assignments, group assignments, couple of papers, but no exams determine your grade. Professor was very kind and replied to e-mails very promptly. I would take him again for any classes I need.

I was really hesitant with the mixed reviews. However, I couldn't be happier with taking the course! Interesting discussions, I learned a lot! Take this course you wont regret it. You have to take the time to do the work but its not hard. Just try your best. If he teaches other courses i'd take him! Great great great seriously. You don't need book

He gives long lectures but important to be there as most of the exam and quiz grades come from notes. Gives lots of opportunities for extra credit and also study sheets for quizzes and exams. If you study a little more, you're sure to A's the class

He's a great professor, and really knows what he's talking about. The course itself is very interesting and not too much work. There are "pop" quizzes (you generally know when they're going to be) but attendance is not taken. He will help the class by dropping the lowest quiz and exam grades, and makes them easier as time goes on. Would recommend.

HE IS AN AMAZING PROFESSOR ! he will help you with anything you need, he is very clear and passionate about ecology ! he is very easy but dont take advantage, thats what i did and I barely passed. Just do minimal study and work and you will pass fine.

All his tests are based from lectures in person. There's a lot of info he gives that's on the test, so go to class. Overall, an easy class if you're willing to put in the effort. Like any class, the "A" won't be handed to you, you need to earn it. Overall, an amazing professor and very passionate about the environment. Would and have taken again.

AMAZING professor. Picked this class because it was the only one available that fit my schedule and turned out to be my favorite class. Pop quizzes here and there, nothing too hard if you pay attention to his lectures ( attendance is a must if you want to pass tests and quizzes) Drops lowest quiz and test. the only book you need is super cheap .

If you show up you'll pass, and he says that in the beginning of the semester. The pop quizzes are somewhat predictable because he usually hints that he'll give one when he's done presenting the powerpoint so if you go to the classes you'll know when they are. Make good use of the study guides he gives before an exam, its basically the test.

The class is kind of odd to be honest. A lot of the work is pretty easy, yet I can't seem to get an A and he isn't very clear on what he exactly expects for assignments. He's experienced in his field and knows what he is talking about. Seems kind of shy but he's passionate on the subject. One group project that wasn't too hard. No textbook at all

I took 2 class with Riach (one of them being independent studies) and got an A on both of them. Yes you do have to work but it was worth it. Best classes I took and learned a lot. I wish he taught more environmental courses. Very helpful.

Just started taking this online class and very positively surprised. In my experience of 5 online classes Dr. Riach is the 1st one who is really involved, continuously verifies the tasks and gives tips how to improve your paper. The rest of online teachers are not even present, this professor makes the class exciting, though challenging. Thank you

Was forced to take this class but i dont regret it (atleast the lecture part). Thought this class was going to be boring but i actually learned a lot and i am not a nature person! Hw is easy. Study and you will pass the test. He gives a good study guide for each test. Attendance isnt mandatory but he does give class assignments without a warning

Easy class. He doesn't enjoy reading therefore papers are short. I Missed a lot of classes and still got an A

He is an excellent Professor, understanding, fair and if you are an avid student he will keep your brain active. I learned a lot during his classes ( I took 2.)

Will recommend this online class, professor is very passionate about the subject, he will give excellent feedback on self improvement; prepare to read several chapters, notes, PowerPoints and research material at once, is worth it to learn better. In general, is a challenge class that requires a lot of dedication and time to read, wont' regret it.

Very interesting class. If you make effort for him to get to know you, you'll have an even better experience. He is always available for students and is very passionate for the subject. Requires community service for this class.

TAKE TAKE. First of all, only need to buy a $3-$15 book which is very interesting to read. He makes his class interesting, and he will listen to everyone's opinion. Three easy exams, which he will give you an exam sheet from where he gets the questions. No final. Also, he is so passionate about his lectures that I enjoyed them. Easy and caring.

Jim is a nice guy who wants you to learn and enjoy his class. I found learning about South Florida envirnoments really enjoyable. His lectures are long, but he gives good study guides before quizzes and exams. Take the time to study cause he uses a lot of trick questions. Go to class so you don't miss graded in class activities that he gives random

Assignments are sometimes given during class which is why I say attendance is mandatory. Very passionate about his subject and made me want to learn. Class is interesting :) Pay attention during lectures and do the study guides-you should pass without a problem.

I've had him for three classes, both online and in person. Great guy. In this specific class, I found him to be reasonable in his assignments and expectations. There is a lot of assigned readings, but they are mostly not from the book (although it is used). There are a solid amount of discussions, if you don't like those. I'd recommend him.

1st time taking this prof & I'm in two of his classes at the same time, EVR 4415 and IDS 4232, both online. Bottom line - when you work hard and actually learn the material, you do well. He gives very specific feedback which helps a lot. His instructions are sometimes confusing, so be adaptive and assume you need to bust ass.

You run of the mill UCC class. Midterm, final. Extremely doable. Lectures aren't too boring and the topics are interesting. Pay attention a little and study for the tests and you will do well. Gives random, super easy in class assignments so just show up to class. Good guy and good at teaching. Good powerpoints and study resources for his test.

This is probably my third course I've taken with Dr. Riach and he is a really nice professor at FIU. If he noticed you decline in your grades he'll reach out to you to see what's going on. He expects all his students to read the material and will be very honest in his feedback. He's very fair and cares about his students and makes it educational.

He gives four exams and drops the lowest one. There is no final, and most grades, aside from the exams, are easy. The writing assignments are the only complicated issue as he requires them to be short when a lot of information is needed; he will penalize you for missing information. He allows for group work in class for minute grades. Good easy man