excellent teacher, all quizzes are straight from the lecture notes, so ALWAYS attend class even though it is not mandatory, always helpful. one issue I have is that he gives you the study guide(which is basically the test) two days before the test is to be taken. other than that I highly recommend taking his lecture AND LAB.

i have never been good in any science, but this guy is AWESOME. he makes sense, notes are the tests so attend class because some lectures are your next quiz. i dont think youll ever need the book no matter how awful you are in bio because he is just that GREAT a teacher. ps. study and youll get an A

Excellent teacher! Textbook isn't necessary b/c all tests/quizzes are directly from lecture notes! Very fair, just show up & you will learn a lot & do very well! I really dislike science, but his class definitely makes biology interesting!

Mr. Koch is one of the best instructors I've ever had, and I'd gladly take another of his classes if I ever got the chance. He uses examples from his own experience, as well as cool facts about nature to make practical application of the material so it really stays with you. He's the kind of instructor that really makes you want to learn more.

Super nice guy, we did use the lab textbook a lot but all this tests were based on the experiments done in class. The four tests were taken as a group with your lab partners so that made it a lot easier. I hate biology but this class was fun-I would definitely take another class from him and recommend him to others.

the best biology professor ever notes are almost two pages for every single lecture, don't buy the book we don't used very easy quizs and test don't even study the notes all the test come from the review sheet, he makes the class funny short even the lab is super easy and the lab test are due with group super easy A without doinganything

One of the best teachers I have ever had! He is willing to meet with students out of class and help out with any assignment in biology. He emails back within the hour. I have never has a teacher at Tri-C that I felt really cared! I would take him again if I had the chance. He makes biology fun, when at times it can be overwhelming.

Best teacher I have ever had! He makes biology so much fun and so easy to understand. His teaching actually made me pursue a degree in the science field. I wish I had teachers like him for all of my classes! You have to know your material to do well, but you will learn a lot. Not an easy A by any means, but definitely worth the work!

One of the best teachers I've ever had!! He's very laid back and easy to talk to. It's obvious that he tries to make every lecture as easy as he can and is anxious to answer any questions. I would very much recommend him to any one that has to take biology

This class is not as easy as everyone says, but still he is a great teacher. He does give study guides sometimes kinda late. I did not open the textbook once.

I don't even know why their is two people who rated this guy with (1) easiness he is super easy compared to other professors in western campus. I have taken bio1500 twice if you think Joe Koch class is hard go for Cathleen Jenkins bio class. but hey if you do even want little bit yeah its going to be hard

what an awesome teacher, i took bio 1040 with some indian teacher, she was terrible, with him it's so easy to understand, lectures are fun and easy to understand, tests do have a lot of short answer questions, and you do have to know the material, but the class is very enjoyable

Good professor, but the tests are hard and mostly short essay questions.

This class was extraordinary, Professor Koch is more than willing to help you & gives amazing lectures- concise but very factual, yet very easy to comprehend. He understands people will struggle with the jargon & makes it so you recognize & understand it whenever you see it again. He's very kind & his humor makes for enjoyable class environment.

Joe is hands down the best teacher I have ever had. His test are super hard but I love it, it honestly helped me know the material more. He is more then willing to go above and beyond to help you. You won't find a teacher better than him! I'm going back to him for more bio classes

I took bio 1500 with him and i also took bio 1510 bc he made it easy for me to understand the materials .He tries so hard to cut to the point and gives you only whats important without stuffing up your mind with lots of information ,which helped me remember most of the stuff we studied even afterwards .

Professor Koch explains biology terms in a simple way that anyone who passed middle school would be able to understand. No exaggeration. He makes complex ideas like the Calvin Cycle seem easy. Chapter tests are short answer only and tough, but study your notes and you'll do fine. He is open to questions and a good lab professor who explains all.

I loved this professor, he is super cute in an adorable kind of way and pretty muscle-y too! I am taking him next semester, if you take good notes and study for exams, its and easy A!

Hot or sweet not sure . Lectures are good . Very helpful especially if you have missed the exam.

He's very passionate about what he teaches and is easy to get along with. He makes sure you are fully prepared for his exams and uses examples in class on his tests. I would take any class of his.

Great teacher took him for bio 1 & bio 2 Very helpful lectures are good. If you attend his lectures can get A .

BEST PROFESSOR I HAVE EVER HAD. Professor Koch has VERY clear lectures and lets out early! His tests are fill in and short answer essay, but he prepares you for them with study guides and detailed notes. Explains material multiple times with real life examples. Extra credit is also offered on every test. Absolutely take his course! Hard not to pass

Best teacher hands down! Love taking his class! Don't need to buy the book for his class. Take good notes and you are sure to pass! Makes biology fun and exciting. Highly recommen taking professor Koch for biology.

Professor Koch is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he is teaching, which not only influences him to be extremely helpful, but also makes the material very easy to learn. He makes it clear what you should focus on for the tests and his tests are mostly written. Great Prof, would take again!

Professor Koch is AN AMAZING PROFESSOR. Someone who understand students. You don't need the book. If you show up to class and take notes you will be great for the exam. His exam questions come right out of the notes its like high school! He truly understands college kids and makes it easy for it. Gives credit as well!!

this is my second semester with Prof. Koch (by request) for a reason! he is very knowledgeable and passionate about the topics he teaches. Nothing is ever left misunderstood; he even reminds us we can hang around for questions afterwards, daily. If biology is a tough subject for you, Prof. K provides everything & more you need to succeed.

amazing professor!!!!! would recommend him for everyone whose thinking in taking bio!! I took bio 1510 and 1500 with professor Koch and he made bio fun and easy to understand !!

I loved Professor Koch! His lectures are great with real life examples which help with more complex concepts. His test are fill in the blank, short answer, and a couple essays but if you take good notes and do the review you should have no problem getting a decent grade. I would highly recommend him to anyone!!!!

Joe is seriously wonderful. i took him for bio1510 and i got an A. He gives you study guides with everything that is going to be on th test. they arent hard, just take the time to do them. lb is also fun! hes a great guy and really nice to look at.

Prof. Koch is one of the most awesome professors I've ever had. He is very clear in his lectures and grading criteria, and will not hesitate to thoroughly explain tough concepts. I've taken both his lectures and labs, and he's funny, extremely intelligent, and very likable. He makes even the dullest parts of bio super interesting and fun.

Professor Koch is the best teacher I have had yet in college. He is so knowledgable and enthusiastic about what he teaches and his lectures are actually interesting. His tests are fill-in the blank and alot of short answer and essay questions but you will know what he is asking prior to the test and it helped me remember almost everything I learned

Some in class group work (lab and lecture), with one group project (lab) fair grader. Easy going instructor though he does has his moments where he may not be so happy. Has NO PROBLEM with contact (office visits, email, cell phone) and will be happy to help you to understand what the lecture was on. Makes sure you get a very fair grade.

Professor Koch is a great teacher that's glad to help and wants to. He's not some teacher that's going through the motions but wants to teach. If you do his study guides for his test then you'll pass every test easily.

Joe Koch is he best professor I've ever had. He is a great teacher. He really knows what he's talking about and you can tell he loves what he does. The class isn't hard if you are willing to study. His study guides are extensive and he will never surprise you with anything he didn't cover thoroughly. Plus he doesn't give homework.

TAKE HIM! Best Biology teacher I have had yet. Everything that is on the tests is covered thoroughly in class, just take good notes and answer all of the questions on his study guide prior to the test and you will have no problems. Super enthusiastic about his job (also loves birds) and loves answering questions and using examples!

Mr. Koch is a great teacher. His tests and quizzes are fill-ins but gives you the study guide before which is exactly the same as the test! If you do the study guide, and review it, its an easy A. He also gives extra credit which is an easy 10 points. And he never goes the full class time, he usually took 30 minutes to finish lectures!

THIS PROFESSOR IS AMAZING!!! You will not regret taking his class. Koch makes hard to grip topics and makes them understandable. He answers emails super fast and gives you as much attention and help he possibly can. He does not believe in long lectures either 45 mins tops! He gives out extra credit which is super easy! Hes hot to so that's a plus.

Koch is an amazing guy! Classes run short and makes the lectures interesting to remember. Bio isn't easy so you do have to study and actually attend to pass so it's no easy A but he is the best professor to take for it. Review guides are the exams, so make sure you do them. He literally gives you the opportunity to get an A just got to put effort

Best professor at tri-c hands down. I would take his class just for fun. Learned so much. Amazing at lectures. Don't even need to open the book. He teaches purely off of his own experiences and knows the material front and back. Lectures are mostly just ppts with pictures. Just take good notes on what he says and you have an A.

If you have the opportunity to take Mr. Koch for a Biology course, do it. His lectures are so amazing and explains everything very thoroughly. He is also available outside of class for help. Tests are easy and I didn't even buy the book. Highly recommend.

Great teacher! I took this course once before and failed. He made everything so easy to understand and compared the material to real-life situations. 10/10

Very good teacher. Always offers help, lectures are clear and explained well. Lab attendance taken for grade, lecture is not. However, you don't want to miss lecture! Nice and respected.

This professor is absolutely amazing. He is willing to help anyone who has questions. His material in the lectures is very excessive, but everything he talks about will be on the tests. If you come to class and take good notes and study from each note you take, the class is an easy A. Studying for his classes is easy, just time consuming.

Joe Koch is a great teacher to take for an easy A. He tries to find free online textbooks for his classes, but his quizzes/tests are based strictly on his lecture material. The study guides for both quizzes/tests are essentially the questions for them, or the bonus questions. He is very willing to help and is readily available outside of class.

TAKE JOES CLASS. I took him for bio 1500 and I'm taking him for bio 1510 now. He is honestly the best teacher ever. He makes things easy to understand, gives study guides for lab and lecture exams (which is exactly what you need to know for the exam), and is SO easy to talk to. You won't regret the class.

Best professor hands down. He is super caring and understanding. Wants his student to learn a lot and pass the class.

Hands down the best science professor I have had throughout college. Wants his students to pass. Lectures are very clear. Lecture exams were easy. Lab exams were a little challenging. Would recommend taking him.

the best biology professor i have ever had. lectures were clear and easy to understand. is willing to stop and explain more if needed. nothing was on the exams that weren't in the notes.

explains well. lectures are easy to follow. exams were form notes

AMAZING! He is always willing to help students, and is very patient and kind. Makes hard to grasp concepts seem easy! Fair grader, tests and quizzes aren't a surprise & there is always extra credit opportunities on tests. Gives study guides for exams, do them and you'll pass! :) Truly a great professor, would recommend anyone to take him!

One of the greatest teachers I've had at Tri-C. His lectures are easy to understand and follow along with. Very friendly guy, easy teacher to get along with. No homework besides studying for tests/quizzes!

He's a great Professor, grader, always is open to helping his students and actually teaches and helps his students out when they do not understand a concept or the chapter altogether.

Joe is one of the best professors I have ever taken. His class is very simple and if you show up to lecture and just listen you will get an easy A. Would highly recommend.

Took this class with a different teacher, didnt pass. Took this class and he explained everything so well & made the class so much better. Go to every lab class. Lectures are put online if you missed. Would take again, great teacher. One of my favorites for sure.

Best professor ever!!!!

Best professor I've had at Tri-C. Very understanding, & expectations are clear. Also, very accessible outside of class. 4 exams, 3 quizzes. Study guides for every exam, do them,they are practically your test! Study, pay attention & go to class and you should have an A no problem. He made this class super easy to understand, truly enjoyed taking it.

I've taken both 1040 and 1500 and i really enjoyed both experiences! He doesn't give homework so make sure to study for tests and quizzes and you'll be good.

HE IS AMAZING. He is really nice and his lectures are decent. He generally does power point and doesn't use the book much. His exams are generally extended response with little to no multiple choice, yet he does give partial credit/credit if you sound like you know what you're talking about... Great class.

Joe is one of the best professors Tri-c has. You dont need the textbook and his lab is very very easy. Just show up to every lab and lecture every and youre guaranteed an A. I would reccomend him to anyone!

I took Professor Koch this spring 2018 and he was amazing!!!! His lectures reflected the tests, only like three quizzes given and they were based off only one lecture and he gave you an advanced notice. Make sure you memorize all of his bold terms for the test and use his study guides. Labs were easy and he was helpful. Highly recommend him!!!

Professor Koch is easy going, helpful and straight to the point when he lectures. You don't need the text, only the lab manual. GO TO CLASS, PAY ATTENTION, & TAKE GOOD NOTES. Study from the objectives/study guides he posts. He does not assign homework. Class usually didn't go until the end & lab certainly did not go the full time. Great class!

Professor Koch is truly great. I took 1500 in high school and didn't like it, but when I took 1510 with him during Summer semester, I really understood the subject matter. He is extremely smart and to the point. He frequently tells meaningful, interesting stories about his own field research. I never thought I'd enjoy biology so much!

Professor Koch was a pleasure to be around! He is funny and keeps bio lectures simple and easy to comprehend. He gives credit to almost every answer on an exam if you at least tried! Professor Koch also makes what is on the exams and quizzes very clear, so study what he gives you and do all of the reviews to simplify everything!

Great professor! One of the few who really goes out of his way to accommodate his students needs. Very clear on lectures and what he expects on tests. Doesn't throw curve balls at his students at his students- the study guides are pretty much the test. Would definitely take again, his classes fill up quick!

100 percent the best professor you can think of. lecture are short, to the point, and funny. TAKE THIS PROFESSOR YOU WONT REGRET IT. he is super nice and understanding . tests were only on whatwas in the lecture, didnt even touch the textbook

Professor Koch is a great professor, show up to class, study notes and objectives, same as test questions and quizzes. Test questions are short answers and fill in the blank, he doesn't like multiple choice questions. I deferentially recommend him. Plus he's good looking.

Exams are short answers and they are provided in the study guides . Just show up to class and you will pass.

No surprise.. 4 exams all from PowerPoints and lecture notes.. 2 lab exams and lab group activity which full credit he gave.. 3 lecture quizzes . All thoses things are short answers no multiple choices. (Very organized)

Professor Koch is an amazing professor. He gives clear grading criteria, gives extra credit and he provides the lectures and lecture objectives on the blackboard site. He is funny and I felt like this class was relatively easy if you put the time in and please DON'T wait til the last minute to study for the tests. :)

Had him for BIO1500 lab and lecture. No homework, only tests and some quizzes but he always mentions when a quiz is coming up. Take great notes because the powerpoints alone don't have all the information he covers in lecture. No textbook needed to get a good grade. You will need to get the lab manual though.

Such an awesome teacher! He was one of my first professors at tri-c and although the material he covers in his class is pretty difficult to understand he teaches it very well and makes class as easy as possible. I would take this class again if i could just because.

Professor Koch is an amazing professor. He always gives a study guide for any test or quiz. He does not use multiple choice on any of his test or quizzes. His study guides are similar to what will be on the test. His labs are interesting and you have to be present for lab. He does not give out homework assignments. He is good looking.

Teaches very well and easily. Study guides help for each exam. As long as you pay attention and keep up with your lab manual, you will pass. I enjoyed having him as a professor!

Clear with the content he teaches in his lectures, and quizzes/tests on those same topics. There are no surprises, it is the same thing every week. I took BIO1510 Summer 2020 so it was online but he made it so manageable even with having labs online. I found this class enjoyable and I did learn a lot.

Great teacher! Had him for both bio1&2. Makes everything very simple to understand and is very straight forward regarding what is expected of you. If you listen to his lectures he gives every answer and is always willing to help

I took a class designed for science majors, which I am not, and he made it so easy to follow along and understand. He took time to record online lectures for us weekly. He is so funny, I always looked forward to his lectures. He truly made science easy. Weekly assignments and quizzes, but be warned there is a very short time limit on quizzes.

Professor Koch is hands down a great teacher. -Lectures super entertaining so you didn't lose focus and drift off daydreaming -Gave feedback on assignments so you knew your strong/weak points -Responded to questions within the next day -Any questions on assignments/quizzes/tests actually taught and reviewed in lecture (no curveballs/surprises)

I took him for Bio1500 and will again for Bio1510. The biggest downside is how lengthy his lectures are. However, they are very clear and he is great at using real-life examples to help you understand concepts. He responds very quickly to emails and is very personable. He really knows how to teach and make you understand! Super recommended!

Having Koch for lab was a great decision. It's not hard as having a different professor for the lecture. Instructions are clear. Online textbook and not term heavy. I hope to take other classes by him if I can. Although online, he made the lab accessible and easy to do.

Professor Koch is really great overall. My course was fully online so lectures were a big thing to complete the weekly homework assignment as well as the lab assignment, both being due every week. He even had labs that were fun and interesting to perform at home. Also, weekly lecture quizzes, occasional lab quizzes, all on BB learn. No exams!!

Doesn't make students take big exams, and at the end of the semester I feel like I learned more from his course than any other I've ever taken. Offers in depth lectures, always available for extra help, offers extra credit. He really made class enjoyable despite the third semester of pandemic learning.

His expectations are crystal clear. He provides a lot of interesting and useful supplements to his lectures. He skillfully explains difficult concepts for anyone to understand. If you attend lectures and study them thoroughly there's no reason you can't get an A in this class. He's also a nice guy and very accessible if you have questions.

Professor Koch does an amazing job of making cells and DNA understandable and enjoyable. He is one of the best educators I've had for science. You'll have no problem if you actively participate in class and come prepared.

Awesome professor, knows what he's talking about. Lectures were a little lengthy but he made everything easy to understand. Responded to emails quickly and was very helpful. Definitely have to show up to lab to get a good grade.

Prof Koch is so amazing! very quick with emails, and answers any questions you have. 2 lectures a week each about an hour each or less. Weekly quizzes are timed, but if you use notes from lectures you'll be fine! Only 2 tests in person, midterm & final. If you have the chance TAKE HIM! Also one easy E.C option. He is so chill and understanding!

Koch is very good at explaining complex topics of biology and breaking them down into bites that're easy to understand and eventually form the whole idea. I took online classes so they were prerecorded lectures, but they were very informative and I almost always didn't have any problems, but was easy to get help from when needed. Easy weekly quizes

I cannot recommend him enough ! I did a blended class online lecture in person lab. The online lectures were clear, interesting and easy to understand( really enjoyed the closed captions). The labs were easy enough and I would say interesting. Prof. Koch is so kind and you can tell he loves teaching! I would take his classes again!

Professor Koch was great and I would definitely take him for my next Bio class. He made sure everyone understood everything he was teaching. His tests were hard you just have to make sure you study well! He's funny, and his class definitely keeps you busy, he knows what he's talking about. He replies quickly to emails as well! Definitely recommend!

He was my instructor for BIO1500/1510. Lecture: - Online. - Two video recorded lectures each week. - No tests. - Quiz each week; 15 minutes, 10-12 questions, multiple choices, nearly two brief description. Rating part "one"

I can't say enough good about Professor Koch. I had him for 1500 and jumped at the opportunity to take him again for 1510. I took the condensed summer class (10 weeks). Sure the tests can be hard because it is mostly extended responses, but if you can mentally understand and answer all the concepts in the study guide you will be just fine!

He is great! Easy to learn just answer the objectives as he goes through the notes, and study the study guide, This class layers down basics for future classes. Truly great teacher

He definitely makes things super easy to understand. The material is not always the easiest but his examples and the way he teaches makes for success. try your best, and his lectures will be easy to understand. ALWAYS available to email, and great at answering questions, study guides exactly whats on test.

Very knowledgeable on bio, and can answer all of your questions, specific and curious ones. His class is structured so the entire grade is based on quizzes/exams. I personally like this because I find being consistent with HW harder than tests. He responds SUPER quick with emails and texts, and is always available before/after class. Great speaker.

Mr. Koch is the easiest lab professor that I have had. He is very engaging, and offers to help explain material in other classes if you need it. Must attend class or else you have to notify him before if you won't be there, or you get 5 points off book checks.

Prof Koch was awesome! Lectures were clear in person, but if you missed something he has recordings to send you from previous years. Gives extra credit on exams, funny, understanding, and gives real world examples. I am taking him for bio 2 because I feel like I actually learned new things!!

Professor Koch made a lot of concepts easy to understand, he uses real examples to explain concepts, no homework and no book made it easier to focus on his lectures. If you miss a class he has lecture recordings so you may catch up. He also provides exam review sheets to help you pick out key concepts to remember. He also provides extra credit.

super fun teacher would recommend!

Best science professor ive ever had. Explains things in a very concise manner thats easy to understand. Everything you need is from the notes and lectures. Exams are exactly like the study guide.

Awesome prof! took his class for BIO 1500 and BIO 1510 including the labs. Pay attention to the can you explain throughout the semester; you will do just fine! delightful class and I would retake him if I could! knows a lot about the topics!

good and easy lectures to understand

Professor Koch's online lecture and in person lab was a great class to attend. Lectures were very informative with pictures and jokes, real world things to compare what we were learning. Professor Koch is great at providing us with the information needed in order to exceed and makes expectations very clear from day one.

Professor Koch brings the material to life with engaging examples. Though the tests can be challenging, his lectures and study tools like unstuck ai make understanding the concepts easier. Definitely worth taking if you're willing to put in the effort.

Professor Koch is very chill and really good at what he does. Lectures were always straight to the point, I learned very well from taking notes during lectures. Quizzes and tests were easy. Every test had extra credit questions. As long as you pay attention and take notes, you will get an A, Professor Koch makes Biology very fun and easy to learn!

Very clear instructions and good explanation of the material. His lab book is required for the class. He only graded labs on completion not accuracy. Test of knowledge was through the exams which usually included an extra credit question. Overall recommend him for any labs you require.

great teacher

He had one of the easiest classes the assignment's had a clear grading criteria.Well yes your grade did mostly take the completion of your textbook and exams,you are given credit for all the questions you answer even if they are wrong.Overall his class was fun,and he was a great teacher. So I honestl don't get how people are saying he's a hard prof