Organized and helpful. One of the best.

One of the best classes I've taken at Western. Professor knows his stuff and his enthusiasm is contageous. A lot of work, but not hard to do well if you keep up with it all.

Good teacher, knows what he is talking about. Keep up with the reading and you should be fine. Lectures are interesting and helpful. He posts his power point slides from class on Blackboard but you need to go to class to understnd them. He is helpful and entertianing to watch.

I didn't think I would like this class but Dr. Rybczyk made it interesting and he seems to be a nice guy too. Plus it wasn't too hard to do well IF you came to class. The book wasn't that helpful to me.

Incredible guy, really passionate about the subject and is pretty engaging in class. Easy class if you go, he makes it interesting too.

John brought up many intersting issues in his class. Before taking environmental science 101, I knew relatively little about these issues, but now I feel informed. John made his lectures exciting and the tests are easy if you come to class and follow along with the presentations.

Great guy, helpful and understanding!

The class was really easy, just hand to show up and listen and review your notes the day before the test. Gives oppurtunities for extra credit which is nice! Don't bother with the book, you can get an A without even reading it!

Great professor. Knows what he is talking about and is passionate about it. Nice guy too!

John is an excellent professor, he knows a great deal about his field of work and is passionate about it, which makes the lectures more interesting and easy to sit through. Gives opportunities to earn extra credit and automatic 100% on finals. Awesome prof.

Hands down one of the best profs out there. This guy is awesome and he says some really funny and smart stuff. i really enjoyed the class, you don't really need the book, just take really good notes. Lots of opportunities for E/C.

Not only is the class somewhat interesting... the prof is definetly hot. Worthy of getting up early to look at. A good, but somewhat boring lecture.

This class was really easy. If you have ever taken a biology class it is pretty much review. Don't bother buying the book- he doesn't test out of it anyways. All tests are based on lecture. He gives a test question at the end of every class from the notes that day. Notes are posted for every day on blackboard.

This prof is amazing.he is interesting and explains everything you need to know for the tests in class. Don't buy the book, he doesnt use it at all. It is fun to go to that class and he is hot too. If you come to class every day, you will do really well.

One of the best if not the best 101 teachers. Very clear, engaging, and has lots of good facts.

a great teacher! he is very interesting and passionate about his subject. the class is also pretty easy...i haven't even cracked open the book and i still have a high B

I really enjoyed this class. He's a great prof- keeps things interesting. Even though it's a huge class, it doesn't feel that big. The tests aren't too bad if you come to class. Don't buy the book- I've never even opened it and still have an A. And he's hot, which definatly helps in the morning when you're debating whether to go to class or not!

Rybczyk's class isn't difficult, but it's full of a lot of knowledge. Don't worry about the book-- he only tests on material he covers in lecture. Also, he's got awesome charisma. When a cell phone went off, he DANCED.

Wow, I loved this class! Take it if you're interesting in the subject and interested in learning for the sake of learning (the tests aren't very hard at all, so long as you go to class). John is really passionate about the material, and it's contagious. Don't bother to buy the book, though; he only tests on what he talks about in class.

This class was so fun! I attended every lecture just because it was that interesting. He makes typically boring subjects like the environment fun and easy. Tests are based off lecture- DONT BUY THE BOOK! It's pointless! I returned mine withing the first week because he said we didnt need it. Tests are fairly difficult, so attend all classes!

I love this guy!! He made the class really interesting and fun. Don't bother buying the book, you won't need it. As long as you go to class and take at least one earphone out of your ear to listen, you'll do just fine. Not to mention the professor's pretty hot =)

Easy, yet very interesting class. Like everyone else has said, don't buy the book!

Extremely easy class, but if you never go to it you'll have problems (found that out the hard way). He seems to be really passionate about what he teaches, and his lectures aren't too boring.

Great professor made you really excited aboutwhat you were learning? Also has a sense of humor that keeps the class fun.

My favorite class/prof at Western by far! Absolutely amazing class-fun to go to, interesting material. Overall great teacher. You'll learn a lot and have fun doing it. I can't say enough good things about it; if you can definitely take this class!! Even if you don't like science you'll enjoy this class.

This was the best science class I have taken in college. Take esci 101 if you need GUR credit. The class is easy, no book, and the class is interesting and fun to go to. Great prof!

Great Class!

I had a great time in his class. His class was really only boring if there was a guest speaker in. If you're going to take this class, get this prof.

No textbook needed. Just come to class, write a few notes, go over the powerpoint later. The three tests are simple 50 question multi choice. Everyone can easily get extra credit that will raise whole letter grades.

This class was great; interesting topic, helpful study guides and plenty of extra credit opportunities. Professor Rybczyk is a funny guy and super laid back. No textbook, so going to class helps a lot. Even though the powerpoint's are online, taking notes is really helpful. Fun class, would definitely reccomend it!

The professor is smart and funny and keeps things interesting for the entire class period. There is no textbook, only online readings.

A really funny, laid-back guy. Not to mention incredibly hot! He really cares about the material and quality of the class: he got sick earlier this quarter and still taught a class to 450 people without a microphone, even though his throat hurt. Tests are fair if you study, and the material is interesting! Perfect science class.

One of the biggest and easiest classes on campus. Rybczyk is entertaining and brings up some good problems facing the global and local environment. Nothing too in depth, but I did feel like I learned a bit. You'll do better if you go to class, but it's not always necessary.

Definitely my favorite prof at Western so far! He has a lot of enthusiasm for the subject and always makes class interesting. I'm hoping to take more ESCI classes from him in the future.

decided to take it for a GUR and surprisingly ended up liking the class. I'm not really into any type of science related classes but Rybczyk was really cool and made the class interesting and go by fast. No textbook for the class! go to class and pay attention cuz there are things he says that aren't on the slides but are important for tests

Great Professor in a good 3 credit class. Go to class, take notes on the powerpoint, study them before the test, get an A on the test. The best part..NO TEXTBOOK.

I have been to class 4 times since the quarter started including the first day, and 2 exam days--and I have an A.

So HOT. And easy. take him.

Easy class, great teacher -- just go and pay attention and you'll do great. :)

He is good looking and a great teacher, fun.

Great professor. He made the class very interesting for me, even though I'm not a science major. No textbook. All reading material was online.

One of the best teachers I've had at Western. I though he did a good job of presenting environmental issues without imposing his views on the class. Easy on the eyes too!

My favorite class at Western so far, and I am definitely not a science person. No book to buy, all readings are online.

john is a really great professor. he's really funny (in a very obscure kind of way) and is very knowledgeable about the subject. 2 of the tests were online and open note so that was AWESOME. also, no textbook = less money you give to the bookstore. also, he's pretty cute for a professor.

Not a hard class at all. Attendance is not required but you should still go to class. He uses lecture slides for ESCI 101 and he always puts them online. Online quizzes were EASY...the in-class final was pretty easy too. Take this class.

This class was EASY! Attendance isn't mandatory. Most tests are online. The prof is funny! Take this class!

You will have to go to class; he tried online tests and removed them after people were caught cheating. Very effective, clear lecturer. Go to class and take notes and you will do absolutely fine on the tests.

Great class. Hot prof. He made a boring subject very interesting.

if you are looking for the easiest A ever then take this class. he saves you money by not requiring a book, offers a 7% extra credit grade booster. you just volunteer for a few hours and then write a page about it. he's hilarious and interesting too. take the class, do it

This is a big class but he does a good job of keeping it interesting. First two tests are online and you can use your notes, so it's easy to do well if you come to class. He went out of his way to advise me about becoming an Environmental Science major.

He's awesome! Teaches you about things that are really useful to know. I loved going to his class and his lectures were interesting (if you like environmental issues). Tests are challenging if you aren't prepared for them. If you review your notes, you'll do great.

Rybczyk was awesome. His ESCI 101 section is the best! I highly recommend taking it! I had no interested in Environmental Science before his class and it changed my world! He also allows for extra credit and assignments for make up for poor test grades.

John is a really nice guy. Half of the time in class you spend outside taking samples and end up getting to leave early. His lectures aren't boring and give you all the info you need for the exams (no textbook). He also is a very nice grader and its not very hard to get an A, not to mention, very interesting class!

Rybczyk is an awesome guy. His made his lectures interesting and the class had tons of e.c. opportunities. No textbook! An easy class and for sure the professor to take it from!

what do you expect? this class was pretty easy. exams were online (open note), but some q's were extremely detailed & difficult to find the answers to. EC goes fast! i tried to sign up the 2nd week of the quarter and all spaces were already taken, but i did fine w/o it. some lectures were interesting & others were boring. good class for what it is!

Rybczyk was a great lecturer and always presented both sides of issues very well, which was great for an introductory level ESCI class. I highly recommend taking this class with Rybczyk

John is awesome! I actually looked forward to coming to class everyday. Great sense of humor, and easy class. He made me interested in EnviSci and is passionate about the subject. Come to his lectures and you'll pass with ease. If you can, take a class with him!

John is such a great teacher! I normally fall asleep in lecture classes longer than 50 mins but he keeps the lectures upbeat and easy to understand. He's also a pretty funny guy.

Funny teacher. I came to class to better understand the powerpoints he has online and to get notes for the tests. The quizzes are annoying, but they give you questions that will be on the exams. Overall, most tempting class to skip, especially for the size and for the people who are always talking behind you.

Rybcyzk is awesome! Even if you have no idea how to spell/pronounce his last name! Very good teacher, interesting topics, keeps things humorous so you pay attention, and easy tests and quizzes. As long as you read the articles, take the quizzes, and glance over the powerpoints, I don't see why you can't get an A or at least a B!

This was a very easy class. i learned a lot because it was interesting. do the extra credit and get an easy A. his lectures are easy to follow and captivating. you'll learn a lot with minimal effort if you take this class.

I strongly recommend this class as a GUR! There is no textbook, and quizzes are all online and straightforward. The key to doing well on the tests is to go to the lectures, and make sure to write down the specific examples he uses! (ex. Padilla bay and Sea level Rise)

Great class. Interesting and funny prof. No textbook, all readings are online. Quizzes are online too and you can use your notes. Tests are closed note and in-class.

My favorite class i've taken so far. His lectures are extremely interesting and relevant to today's world. Tests are easy and there's no textbook just three readings and a easy quiz per section. Definately take this class!

Rybczyk knows how to teach a large lecture class very effectively. Great class to take as a GUR. There is no book, so attending class is a must. Tests are not too difficult. Totally worth taking!

good lecturer, easy enough class. no textbook so go to the lectures.

Entertaining lectures, funny guy. Uses no textbook for this class, just a few online readings, and exams are all multiple choice. Lectures aren't mandatory, but they're what he tests on, so go, if only to get some good laughs. Oh, and if you're in the top 1% of the class, you get an automatic A on the final, but he doesn't mention that until the en

John is a funny guy. His lectures are entertaining and the material is crystal clear. No textbook, he provides online readings for each exam. Also online quizzes make up 1/4 of your grade and you get to use notes. Do the reading before or you'll run out of time (20 min. limit) Exams are easy if you go to class and keep up with the lectures.

Wonderful prof - straight forward, crystal clear just attend lectures! I loved this class the only complaint was the size, 450 kids...

Awesome teacher! He is very funny and makes the class very interesting. He does talk the whole time so you may get a bit bored but he is pretty damn funny also. There is no textbook for the class, just online reading and quiz's.

Great teacher and very funny! This class is very interesting and the test are fair as long as you study! There are 2-4 practice quizes before every test. Take them seriously because they can help your grade. Also there is extra credit. Do it!

Great teacher. Hilarious and makes class actually interesting. The class is scheduled for 2 hours but never went that long

John is a great teacher. Very clear with whats expected and he constantly reminds the students of when things are due. I would recommend him to anyone and be prepared for an interesting lecture with a bunch of one liners to keep you laughing.

Probably the best GUR class I have ever taken. Super easy, no textbook, and Rybczyk is super funny. Definitely would recommend ESCI 101 with him!

Sooooo easy! Great easy gur class... going to class deff helps but you don't really have to.. no text book just a power point! Just look over the study guide before the test for like 10 min and you'll get an A!

Best GUR class at Western. He's hilarious and the material is interesting. Not too hard to do well IF you come to class because most of the test material comes from the lectures and not the readings.

I don't know why everybody says this class is so easy. The average score on the first exam was a B-. I guess only the people with A's post comments here!

Great class and prof! Keeps lectures engaging, good sense of humor. Some outside reading each week, no book. Tests aren't too bad, study guided are posted on blackboard. Great extra credit opportunities. 90-100 A scale

Go to class every other week, read the articles some time before the tests, and look over the slides. And go plant some trees or something for 2 hrs for extra credit and it'll be a nice gpa booster. Not into the subject, but its interesting enough.

SO EASY! Just go to class, study your notes, and you'll get an A for sure. He also offers 10 points of extra credit if you do a volunteer project...DO IT! It's an easy 10 points and then you don't have to worry about not getting an A in the easiest class at Western.

Easy fun class.

If you need an easy non-lab science gur, this class is for you. If you show up to class you have a high chance of receiving an A. He is funny and gives a really good overview of applicable environmental science in this course.

Great prof, really funny! easy class, as long as you show up.

I enjoyed having Prof. Rybczyk. His lectures (while long) are intertesting, and he is a really funny guy. As long as you attend class, and really try to study the material, you will do fine!

John is great. Tests are online, so also open note. Lectures are a little dull occassionally. Overall, I would recommend this class to anyone! Very easy...and there is extra credit offered. Very easy to get an A as long as you attend lectures and take efficient notes.

He kept the class interesting, even though it's a lecture course. Online tests, extra credit options. Powerpoints were posted online too. He's funny and I'd recommend taking this class if you are at all interested in Enviro Sci!

Phenomenal prof. He is engaging, presents the material in a straightforward manner, and has reasonable expectations. Workload is really low, no papers, no assignments, and EVERYTHING you need is on BB. He is also really funny if you're smart enough to get the jokes--lots on tongue-in-cheek humor at the expense of anti-science folk.

A really good teacher if you decide to come to class, but still possible not show up and get an A. Online tests, extra credit options, lecture notes on BB. easy A.

Great Professor. I disagree that coming to class wasn't necessary, I heard many complaining about how they weren't doing well who only showed up half the time. Go to class and you will get an A.

John is a stud. He man-handles the largest classes on campus with ease. Each starts with a gun shot of him cracking his diet dr. pepper, still wet from his morning swim. He's both passionate and extremely well informed on the subject, but astute in teaching at a broad and understandable level for the laymen. He's Awesome! Ultimate GUR.

Take this GUR! its easy, fun, and informative. I learned a ton of important things in his class and my major has nothing to do with this subject. He was a wonderful teacher. I would tell everyone who needs this GUR to take it from him. He explains things very well.

GREAT TEACHER! I had no interest at all in the subject prior to the class and now I actually care. Tests were kinda hard. He is just a really cool guy and if for no other reason take this class just based on that.

I really enjoyed this class. Rybczyk is a good professor and very passionate about the environment. He's a great lecturer and I learned a lot in his class and found myself retaining loads of information without even having to study. Entire grade is based on three exams and he has extra credit opportunities. I'd definitely recommend this prof.

John was an awesome teacher, and this is a really easy GUR. Class is interesting and he is a funny & laid back guy. Sometimes he will go on tangents about confusing graphs that "aren't going to be on the test", which can get boring. But the class is definitely still worth it. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about ESCI. 3 easy tests/no final

This class is a very easy GUR, and the teacher is actually very funny I enjoyed the lectures. A lot of it is common sense so you could probably get away with not going but you watch a movie for the second test and there is about 12 specific questions from it, so watch the movie. There is also very good extra credit opportunity.

This class is super easy as long as you actually go to class and pay attention to the lectures. Rybczyk is a really entertaining guy, he always has really funny jokes. The class content is very interesting and there's no textbook for ESCI 101!

Great professor, great class, not very difficult.

Awesome teacher! His lectures were really interesting and he is really funny. Very helpful when needed and he offers multiple extra credit opportunities.

John is great! He is really funny and loves the subject he teaches. There is no book, which is great, but you still need to read and understand the online readings for the tests. And go to class! You wont just learn the information by looking at the powerpoints. And do the extra credit!

Attendance is not mandatory if you do all the online reading and look at the power points but he's really funny and class is usually interesting. Didn't do any of the readings and still got an A in the class and all the information is really useful for other classes and everyday life.

Rybczyk could not handle this class any better. It is a fun, informative class, and plus he is absolutely hilarious! Go to class, study a little, do the extra credit opportunity, and you will succeed. ESCI 101 is the ultimate GUR.

The best GUR I've taken at Western. I especially liked the section on climate change where he let us know where there was uncertainty and why predictions varied so much. Not too preachy for a Huxley prof! Tests were a little hard for me, but I missed several classes.

Professor Rubiks Cube rules. Interesting subject matter. Entertaining presentation style. Not difficult, but learned a great deal of information. Definitely take this class!

I had little interest in taking this class and simply did it to complete a GUR. However, Rybczyk is extremely funny and kept my interest through the entire quarter. I loved the class.

Great professor, he made the class very interesting! Tests aren't the easiest, but as long as you study a couple days in advance, they're not awful either. Definitely recommend this class!

Definitely take your science GUR from him. At Western, you would definitely expect an environmental science professor to be extremely preachy or to send you on guilt trips, but Rybczyk isn't like that. He is just a real dude, throwin' out some real facts.

He's so funny! He constantly had the entire class laughing! (Keep in mind this is one of the biggest classes at WWU) Class is interesting, tests were harder than I expected so make sure you study little details. Go to lectures! Slideshows consist of alot of graphs which you won't understand unless you attend class. Overall awesome GUR & professor

I learned a lot without having to try hard. You can take online quizzes as many times as you want &lots of questions from the quizzes show up on the tests. But beware; I know a guy who barely went to class & because of that, barely passed. Go to class and you'll be fine! No textbook for his 101 course. Definitely take for a 3-credit GPA boost!

He was great! Show up, take notes, and you'll get an A. With the amount of extra credit he gives, you might get above a 4.0.

He is hilarious and very entertaining. i really enjoyed the class and learned a lot. Also, you can get away with skipping class once in a while and just catch up in the text book.

Such a great guy! He is a really fair Professor and very funny. He will make this class worth your time. I am really glad I took this class and got a science GUR out of the way. If you go to class he gives extra credit some days. Class was interesting, no textbook, no homework.

Rybczyk is a really nice and funny guy, and I definitely recommend taking this class as a GUR. There's no textbook (only online readings), exams are easy if you come to class and study your notes, and all of his lectures are clear and straightforward. He gives lots of extra credit for those who need it.

He was such a funny and great professor! I loved this class, even though sometimes the lectures dragged on. It is the easiest class you can probably take, and there is no textbooks! I definitely recommend this class. He gave the readings to us and then for the exam he told us what he would ask about them.

There is no textbook for this class so you save money! You have to come to class since there's no book but he also posts his powerpoints online. Study guides are really helpful. A great, passionate, and funny professor!

Three exams and one extra credit opportunity. His lectures are interesting and he's funny enough to keep me awake. You really need to come to class to get all of the information. His posted posted Powerpoints are mostly graphs and pictures without much text, so not all that helpful if you weren't there to hear what he was saying.

The major key to success in this class is EXTRA CREDIT. Even though it's 10 points, it boosts your grade up pretty good. The exams aren't too difficult, but you definitely need to study. There's also assigned readings for each exam, which you should do. No textbook. Also need to pay attention in lectures since he doesn't have detailed slides.

I loved this class. Favorite professor I've had here at Western so far. He is funny, engaging, and inspirational. Made me switch interests completely. Now I really want to major in Environmental Studies.

John's a really approachable man with a good sense of humor, as seen in his lectures! Grading criteria is pretty clear, 3 exams (third one is non-cumulative) & offers extra credit for a LEAD project & in class trivia contests. Exams aren't too difficult. He considers 90% and above a solid A on his grading scale. Great non-lab sci GUR!

As noted before, the professor consistently weaves humor into every lecture. Although many ratings here claim that the exams are "easy," in reality, the tests (while not difficult) require a decent amount of studying. Wonderful class overall: I have a great understanding of both local and world environmental issues!

A funny and very informative guy. I would say the material is easy as long as you pay attention, but skipping some material can be a big deal, especially as it accumulates. But he makes it enjoyable to engage in the material and really makes everything applicable to students.

Rybczyk is a really cool professor. His classes are structured solidly and pretty easy. He offers loads of extra credit, and if you show up after exams expect a bonus point if you participate. He is always making jokes and snide but funny comments. He is knowledgeable but laid back. Definitely a good professor if you are new or want an easy class.

Professor Rybczky is super cool, his lectures aren't boring at all, and he clearly loves the subject. He focuses a lot on local environmental changes rather than global though. There's no textbook but quite a few online readings to do that show up on the tests, and since there's no homework aside from that, notes are critical for tests.

John is an awesome teacher and really knows this subject. He's great when it comes to letting us know what's going on and he's so funny.

This professor is great! There were only 3 tests, which might turn you away, but if you show up to class every day, take notes, and do the 9 (total!) readings, its almost impossible to not pass. Tests are non-cumulative, he gives 5 ex. cred. points, an option for 5 more and 2 possible ways to do so well that you dont even have to take the final.

Class was easy with about an hour of studying the night before. Reading questions are easy to answer if you search in the document for keywords; I never read through any. Only 3 tests, all non-cumulative, and 5 points of extra credit available. Funny & passionate professor but doesn't seem the friendliest to talk to/contact.

John is a hilarious professor. I took his ESCI 101 class for a GUR and it was an awesome class. His lectures were easy to follow and he made jokes along the way which made it even better. He also gives out a lot of extra credit throughout the quarter mainly because your whole grade is based on 3 exams. Pretty easy class if you read and take notes.

He gives a lot of opportunities for extra credit, especially the next class after the exam. He is very comical and I think that's what makes his teaching style so easy to pay attention to. He is a practical guy who just asks you don't pack up your stuff too early.

John is great and the class is super easy if you go and do the readings. He tends to ramble though and it's hard to tell what you're supposed to take notes on, it can also be a little boring. Offers a lot of extra credit and no textbook!!!

Super easy! His slides are all online and the tests are on what is said in class and then the readings he assigns, but you can find all those answers on quizlet. He's funny and he relates most of the issues back to Bellingham to make the class more engaged. Also, offers extra credit for showing up to class. Only 3 tests including the final.

Super hilarious professor! Always a pleasure to be in his class. The class is pretty much only based on the exams which is a shame but usual for an entry level class.

Rybczyk is a great guy and it shows. You need to attend the lectures, but I wouldn't miss them honestly. The content is really interesting and he's very real with his students, using humor at appropriate times. Offers extra credit on random days to incentivise attendance. This guy opened me up to a minor in environmental science.

Such a great professor, lays out the information with little to no biases. He's a real charming guy

I took this class my freshman year in order to knock out my science GUR. I showed up to class about 65-75% of the time. The tests were easy, and although lectures weren't necessary, they were very fun to attend! Overall, he was a good professor. He presents what's important, but doesn't grade as though your life depends on memorizing facts.

I LOVED taking John. ESCI is way out of my major and I only took this class for a GUR, but I ended up really enjoying it. While he doesn't take attendance, you'll do best on the tests if you take notes during the lectures. 3 tests, 9 readings, and about 10 points of EC available. If you're interested about learning more about our world def take it!

John is really good, hes all about that extra credit. There is only 3 exams that equal your grade but 10/10 super funny. Extra credit can amount to 2 full letter grades on any exam.

This is the first professor that I have ever done this for, professor Rybczyk is by far the best professor I've ever had. His class is very interesting and fun, he is hilarious and a gracious grader. Tons of extra credit opportunities. Take this class and you won't regret it.

John is a great professor. He is funny and understanding of students needs. You are only graded on three multiple choice exams (none are cumulative) which are fairly straight forward if you go to class and do some light preparation. There are lots of extra credit opportunities. Not super difficult, but very interesting and I learned a lot.

Informative and entertaining lectures. John is basically a stand-up comedian, you will never be bored in this class. It is currently the only class I'm taking where I feel that I'm actually learning something. Even if it's just for a GUR, take this class!!! :)

Rybczyk made the lectures enjoyable and easy to understand. To do well in the class, you just need to do the readings, show up, and pay attention. He gives a lot of extra credit opportunities which really helps considering your grade is based only off three exams

My favorite professor at Western so far! The class was super easy and Johns lectures are so engaging. I was actually sad when the quarter ended.

professor Rybczyk was an amazing teacher. Before I took his class I was not considering Environmental science as a career path, but after his class I am seriously contemplating it. His lectures were engaging and he is a super funny guy. It's the best class I've had at Western and I highly recommend this class to anyone and everyone.

Attendance wasn't necessarily mandatory, but he did give you extra credit opportunities if you came every day. There also wasn't a specified textbook, but he did give out a lot of online readings through canvas. He's a really funny guy, who really cares about the environment, and if you put in the effort in class, this class can be an easy A.

He was fun to listen to, posts slides from class online but they don't make much sense if you weren't in class. Test questions(3 tests) were from lectures and some pulled from articles with question sets(they were not required but helpful). Extra credit was sometimes offered for in class activities and a main out of class opportunity.

A hilarious professor who taught an interesting class. I took this class for GUR credit and I was super interested in his lectures because he talked about environmental impacts and processes in both the world and Bellingham. He offers a lot of extra credit and it's not hard to pass his class.

Liked him a lot! Made lectures interesting and presented different perspectives. I had a really easy time in this class, just showed up, took notes, did the reads (only nine the full quarter). Lots of extra credit, if you are there every time there is in class extra credit you get bumped up a +/- grade. Got an auto 100 on the final too!

Easy to reach outside of class, very understanding and flexible when things come up!

Freaking hilarious. Sounds and looks like Mike Rowe. Wish he taught more classes. Class is super easy and although the material is not interesting he keeps it engaging. Lots of people never show up to class after the first day b/c he posts slides online BUT he goes into more detail on the slides during lecture and that info will be on the tests.

Highly recommend! It's go at your own pace and you can finish early. The material is very easy to understand and is very straightforward. He is easy to listen to in lectures. Be aware if you have a chromebook you will have to find a way to stream powerpoint on it! 100% recommend, my favorite class this quarter. Oh, and no textbook and no final!

Straightforward class, 9 modules in 9 weeks, all asynchronous. Quizzes are easy to pass as long as you actually read and study the content. The power points can be a bit boring, but he is pretty entertaining so it is bearable. Really friendly over email and notices when you work hard. Great choice for environmental science class.

Really interesting class! Learned a lot of amazing information! The way the course is set up is great because you can do it all on your own time, but don't procrastinate because there is a lot of reading and the lectures are long. There is no final and is graded solely by quizzes based from each module. Overall, would definitely take again!

This class was good, everything mostly presented through slides or through readings. No final, grades are all in the quizzes. Reasonable time and expectation for reading. I would take this class again, it feels like what online classes should be, in terms of what I got out of it. Wish I could've taken his class in person.

He is amazing. One time i was panicking during a test and ran out of time so he gave me another test try! He is so funny and makes lectures interesting.

(Online / Covid-era) Easy, engaging class, I recommend if you need this credit! A focus on lectures that were 1.5 hours or less, some short articles to read, with a 20 question quiz each week. If you watch the lectures and take notes, it's a breeze. All the modules were open day 1 so you can go at your own pace and finish early (1 due a week).

Rybczyk is a funny guy. Took his class during spring of 2021, and it was a very simple class. All the modules are right there at the start of the week. I finished the whole course in about 3 weeks and didn't have to worry about it afterwards. His lectures are in the ppts and if you just put like an hour or 2 aside, you can get thru a module no prob

He was honestly the best professor I've had all year. I struggled a lot with some health issues and he was super understanding about it, even reached out personally to ask how I was doing as I slipped up on a quiz. There was no midterm or final, no papers, just 9 twenty point quizzes with two chances at them and keeping the highest score. 10/10!

Wetlands ecology is pretty sweet! You take a field trip every week or so to a different wetland and learn to identify plants. There isn't much homework, but there is a lab assignment each week, and everyone gives a presentation on a different wetland type. Tests are very reasonable! Pay attention in class and you'll do fine. Doesn't record lectures

I took his environmental science class & it was so easy and interesting to learn about. The way he presented everything on the slides made it so all you have to do is listen, and take a 20 question quiz. You can complete it all on your own time. I definitely recommend taking his class!!

Super easy class to pass, very good if you're a freshman (I'm in year 2). He's a pretty straightforward person and is blunt in his announcements, instructions, and any questions you may have. He's not rude but may be sarcastic if you ask something that's already in the syllabus (I know from experience lmao). Would recommend!

This was completely online, which worked great for me to keep up with the assignments. You have to listen to lecture to get all the info which is how he ensures you're not directly copying the PowerPoint. Auditory processing issues made this a little annoying. Interesting info, really easy to understand. Thanks John.

Rybczyk is a great lecturer and esci 101 is pretty easy.

Lots of slides and pdfs to look through but it's all open note. I could never tell what would or wouldn't be on the quiz which made note taking a real chore. However, John's really funny and obviously interested in what's being taught. He's super quick to get back to you via email and will clear up any questions.

Asynch class for a GUR and John really makes the course easy as an intro class. No final just weekly quizzes with two attempts. Some lectures on the slides are long and a couple of the readings but it was a genuinely interesting class.

Funny and awesome, interesting class

I really liked this class, it was a good asynch class, and John really cares about his students. There were quizzes every week, but they were pretty easy as long as you watch the lectures he posts. A very engaging teacher! Would absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a nice online class.

This class was a lot of fun! Just be sure to read the lectures and understand the materials before taking the quizzes as they are your full grade in the class. 9 quizzes 20 points each 180 points total. Overall great class easy to communicate with and funny in his online lectures. I wish I got to take this class in person and would take it again!

ESCI 101 is an online course with very forgiving expectations, a series of 9 quizzes, and each quiz can be taken twice. There is no final, just the quizzes. I didn't interact much with Prof. Rybczyk, but his lectures are engaging, and he obviously cares about his field of study. Highly recommend for a GUR credit!

John is a great teacher and his lectures are always to interesting, I do hate that the only thing you get graded for 3 exams and maybe some 1 point extra credit.

John was such a great professor. He knew most of the class was taking it for GUR purposes and treated it like that. You are only graded off of three (non-cumulative) tests over the quarter, but there are plenty of extra credit opportunities. His lectures were always interesting and you can tell he is passionate about the topic.

I went to almost all lectures but didn't take any notes and did not do the extra credit (notes or project) and still got an A. If you don't go to class you might miss free extra credit points. Graded only on the 3 exams so just study and you'll be fine

Absolutely loved taking his class. Very good at making the presented information clear as well as interesting and engaging

You can tell Prof. Rybczyk is really passionate about what he teaches, he just occasionally gets caught up and doesn't explain things super throughly. As long as you do all the readings, go over study guides before exams, and complete all the extra credit this class is an automatic A.

Professor Rybczyk is very passionate about what he teaches and made lectures interesting. Tests are not very hard as long as you come to class, and there are opportunities for extra credit.

Coming to lectures is the most important thing for this class. You are graded by 3 exams, easy mini HW, and extra credit. Exams are so much easier if you go to class and take good notes. John is a great lecturer, but most of it is said rather than written down on the slides, so be aware that attendance matters for yourself, rather than for a grade.

Great professor! Teaches very clearly and is always willing to answer questions if you have them. Id say if you want to do the best in this class go to the lectures. they are very helpful in learning the material. This is a great professor and I would definitely take a course with him again.

Prof. Rybczyk really knows his stuff. He inspired me to think about the environment in new ways and pay more attention to my contributions. I would definitely take another class he was teaching.

You can tell he's passionate about what he teaches. I enjoy the topics, but I wish there were more ways provided to study for the exams than just the lectures and magically knowing what to take notes on that will be needed for the exams. I take notes every lecture, but I always end up with a D on the exam. I'm nervous about how the final will go :/

Exams are based on lectures so attendance is important if you want to do well!! Professor Rybczyk's class is straightforward and engaging, and I would definitely take another class with him.

Amazing class! Engaging lectures and so many extra credit opportunities! Go to the lectures bc you'll need them to understand the content, the slides alone won't help, but his lectures are very engaging and entertaining so you won't ever regret going to class!

Good teacher, very large class so attendance is not monitored but I would recommend going to lectures. A few extra credit opportunities for attending class. 3 exams, multiple choice in person and 1 final, online multiple choice. Three readings and quizzes before each exam. Not too hard if you show up and take notes. No textbook. Notes will save you

If you are present in class and do your work on time, it is an easy A. He is a fun lecture and highly recommend for GURs. He does run a large class so communication isn't always perfect but he will reply where necessary and explain how to get his atttention by email.

This is a very good professor but I do highly recommend you go to the classes. The only reasons I got a bad grade is I didn't do the work and I started to not attend classes. He doesn't read off slides so you have to take notes on what he's saying.

John Rybczyk was a really great professor, and the class was very fun and interesting with both his wit and his general presentation of the content. The class had three non-cumulative exams including the final and reading assignments that had reading quizzes which you had multiple attempts on and were short and easy if you did the reading.

He's a funny teacher, the tests were not difficult if you pay attention to his lectures.

I quite liked Rybczyk's class, extra credit for attendance after exams and for volunteer work on campus. He definitely knows what he's talking about and uses good examples of the local environment in lectures. My only grievance was how often he used these hyperspecific examples on exams, you would never know which he tested on or not.

I thought his lectures were funny and his lecture style made it worth showing up to a morning class. He gave extra credit whenever he felt like it and if you wrote the best essay for an extra credit assignment, you didn't need to take the final. Also all the tests are multiple choice.

Lots of focus on river deltas, pollution, and estuaries. I took his class online over the summer, and all materials were hand selected, made accessible to students through canvas for free. I enjoyed both the content and format of his class.