4.2
Quality3.7
Difficulty81%
Would Retake95
Reviews81%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
58
4
17
3
8
2
6
1
6
What Students Say
“The book should be your best friend as he gives no recourses”
BIOL1103K - 1.0 rating“Professor Sylvester is an ok professor”
BIOLOGY 1103K - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
37%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.27 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOLOGY2108
5.0
(2)BIO1103K
5.0
(2)BIO2108K
4.9
(14)2108K
4.9
(8)BIOL2108K
4.7
(7)Difficulty by Course
BIO1101K
5.0
BIO1103K
4.5
BIOL1103K
4.5
BIO2108
4.3
BIOLOGY 1103K
4.0
Reviews (95)
Dr. Sylvester is the best Biology professor at GSU!! Four exams, iclicker questions which counts as a participation grade and lauchpad HW is what make up his class. He tells you everything that's on the test and he gives away a free 100 at the end of the semester ( receive 25 pts. on each exam). Wants everyone to make an A in his class. Very Cool!!
You don't need to read the book. Just show up to his classes and he'll tell you what you need to know. Powerpoints are only pictures, so you need to take good notes during his lectures. But he gives a review of everything you need to know before the exam day. Pay attention and show up and you'll do fine
He's great! The class is a lot of material but explains things until you get them, and after he writes the exams he reviews and strongly hints what to focus on. Answers emails quickly and is helpful in office hours. Show up, pay attention, do the homework and you will probably do well. You basically get 100 free points too.
By far THE BEST professor taken at Georgia State. He is VERY knowledgeable about every single thing in biology and you can tell he is passionate about what he does through his lectures. Although attendance isn't mandatory, class is not worth missing. Is almost always available for review in office hours and makes every effort to give good grades!
Dr. Sylvester is simply AMAZING. You can tell he is so passionate about the subject and makes everything so clear and interesting. Hard work is a must because his exams are tricky but he is kind enough to mention that in every class. Online workbook and clicker qns count for participation pts. With the way he teaches it is UNFAIR to fail his class
Dr. Sylvester is the best intro to bio professor at gsu. He's a reasonable grader and his lectures are clear and concise. He gives lots of opportunities to get extra points to make an A but at the same time they are not nonsense assignments. Is willing to repeat things in lecture for your understanding. Truly cares about his students. Got an A+
Sylvester is a good teacher. I took the class this Summer, so he had go pretty fast(understandably), if you didn't read and study on your own, then failing was your only option. His tests are tough but if you read and listen to him you will be fine. Clicker questions are easy participation points. 100 bonus points are available on the final.
Dr. Sylvester is AMAZING. I took the class this summer, so it moved pretty fast. The content can get really dense, but it is possible to pass with an A if you study on your own and pay attention. It is SO IMPORTANT to read the textbook. If you go to class, read the textbook, and study the powerpoints you'll do fine.
Professor Sylvester was my favor Biology professor thus far. He helped me in so many ways. His class isn't easy as people make it seems. You actually work for your grade while actually LEARNING the material . I wish I would have him again!
He is the best professor to take for the Biol 2107 and 2108. I took him for 2108 and i wished I had him for 2107. he explains everything and he tells you what's going to be on the tests, he's very passionate about what he does and he's so helpful. Make sure you go to class because like i said, he tells you everything!
Great professor! His lectures are very clear and he does a good job at explaining things. His tests are a little tricky, which is why it is absolutely essential to read the textbook. I would recommend reading the chapter BEFORE coming to class so you have a better grasp of what he's talking about. Very generous with extra credit. Take him!!
Professor Sylvester is an ok professor. There are four test and plenty of extra credit assignments. At the end of the semester, your final replaces your lowest test grade. His lectures are very long and somewhat unclear. He's there to help in office hours; however, in class his lectures can be quite confusing. He gives pop quizzes which are easy.
Dr. Sylvester is nice but his tests are so hard.. The book should be your best friend as he gives no recourses.. I would not recommend him cause I don't feel like I am learning anything in his class.. Difficult tests never make a teacher smart! The amount of studying I have to do with him is ridiculous and still not learning anything!
Dr. Sylvester is one of the worst teachers I have ever had in my life!! He expects so much for what he does! It is a shame that GSU has no good teachers! It is like throwing money in the trash.. We are paying all those thousands to end up in classes held by very low quality teachers! I hate this school with all its teachers!! I'll never be back!
I did not enjoy his class at all, in fact, it was not worth waking up early in the morning to only be in a class that is always complicated. This is only basic Biology but he made it insanely hard. don't take him unless you want to waste time.. don't let his fake niceness and smile fool you, shame on whoever is giving him the paycheck.
Just like when you pay 6 bucks for a sandwich and end up not liking it, you expect your money back.. That's what I wish I can do now.. Dr. Sylvester: your class was not worth a single penny I paid for it. I want you and all other teachers to realize that not all of us are kids on the hope scholarship, I paid for my class and got nothing from you.
Yeah, his class was pretty difficult. He even says that you should expect the first few test to be low grades. Never really went to him for help, but he seems to be there if you need him. Study, HARD. SUPER HARD. He had Funimation bookmarked on his Mac, +10 cool points.
He made the class harder than it should have been. He did provide study guides that were somewhat helpful. The tests were partially different than the material learned in class. He is helpful in office hours, but his teaching style is not the best. He sometimes contradicts the material in the textbook. I would not recommend taking his class.
Youre going to have to work for this class. His tests are hard because they're applied, he wants to to know the big picture and the details. Its alot to be honest. But if you work hard you can get an A. Dont allow his tests to discourage you, theyre intimidating but not that bad.
What a miserable semester I had with Dr. Sylvester! You can tell he is actually knowledgeable but his teaching style is just wrong. He is always discouraging and underestimating students. His tests are hard and he uses tricky wording that even if you know the answer, you're going to get confused and miss the question.. I regret taking him.
I took him for BIO 2107 and 2108. he's clearly a very smart and helpful man. the only reason anyone would dislike him is that his tests are quite difficult, you really have to study HARD everyday. don't wait until the last two days. he mentions time and time again to study everyday. he curves the class and wants everyone to get As and Bs.
His tests are super HARD and you have to study everyday to get an A on his tests. He makes the tests harder than it should be. He's nice, but you have to work for your grades.
he was a great instructor. if you don't understand go to his office hours he's very helpful. he uses some questions from the learning curve so pay attention to those. Be prepared for his test, they are tricky if you only half way know the info. 4 test and a final. there are a few iclicker sessions. i suggest never missing a class or going to sleep.
Wonderful teacher! Yes, the lectures are pretty heavy packed and you really have to keep up with all the information being presented, but at least he makes it interesting! Don't wait until the night before the test to start studying, his tests can cover up to 5 chapters in detail. Read the book, take good notes, study, and you're guaranteed an A.
Dr. Sylvester is a GREAT professor !! whoever said he is not is just not willing to work hard. Yes his tests are tough but each and everyone of the questions are from the lectures he gives and the text as well. The way he explains the materials is so interesting that I actually fall in love with BIOLOGY all over again. If you LOVE to learn TAKE HIM
Awesome professor. You should attend class because he gives clicker questions. Rarely went to office hours. Studied a couple hours every day and ended up with an A. Final is optional if you get an A on all exams. Was considering changing my major to something other than bio but I stuck with it after his class!
Very tough class. He makes you work for your grade and does purposely try to trick you on tests -- he admits that. But the class is not impossible. You just have to be willing to work very very hard. Don't skip class, you will miss loads of information.
He was very great. He cares about the students and is another reason why i am sticking with being a biology major
The professor cares a lot and is there to help you. He is an amazing teacher in lecture and explains complex things very simply and clearly. However, he expects true complete synthesis of all the material and if you do not know it inside and out it will be very difficult to make an A. You will have to attend lecture and read the book to make an A+.
I took Sylvester for Bio 2107 over the summer and it was definitely a challenging class. However he works extremely hard in order to make sure all of his students understand the information. He gives great lectures, and makes the class interesting. I'm taking him again in the Fall and looking forward to it. Just be prepared to dedicate alot of time
This is a challenging course and Sylvester makes you work for your grade. STUDY STUDY STUDY ! If you wait until the last minute to study then you WILL fail. He wants you to do well and will tell you a few test questions in his lectures, so show up for class. Looking at the notes before hand and write down extra info during lectures. Good Luck!
He's so intelligent! His tests may be difficult, but he'll definitely help you do well. Plus there's a lot of opportunity for extra credit.
Sylvester is extremely hard. STUDY. STUDY. S T U D Y! His tests are nothing you can cram for. He tests more for comprehension of the material, rather than memorization. He was hard, but I understood Biology better with him as a teacher.
Dr Sylvester is more about comprehension and understanding. You have to be willing to learn. But hopefully, as Bio majors, you understand why its important to understand the basics. This is my third class with him and if i had the chance, i would take him over again. Great professor!
Dr. Sylvester is by far my favorite professor in the biology department thus far. Incredibly knowledgeable and he really ignites a passion in his students. Takes a lot of questions from launchpad and puts them on the test so study those questions meticulously. Show up to class, take good notes, and do the unit reviews and you'll be fine.
Sylvester was amazing. He made Bio very interesting with his positive vibes and easy to follow slides. This guy deserves awards for being the best at what he do. He is extremely approachable and easy to talk too. I would without a doubt take him again. He's the epitome of who I would one day like to be!
I loved this class soooo much! It was great! Sylvester really knows his stuff! He's passionate about Bio man and it's amazing! This is not an easy A class be warned you'll have to work for it. It helps to go over thing in groups, remember that. P.S. GroupMe use it efficiently. Read the book, make flowcharts, go over stuff repeatedly! Good luck!
Great professor! Very knowledgeable about biology and he really cares about his students in making sure they are prepared for the exams and do well. Going to class and taking thorough notes helps a ton! I would take him again and again if I had the chance. He teaches in a way that truly helps you understand the topic.
I didn't really take this class seriously, I barely went to class and I at the end of the semester I realized I had to get an A on the final to get a B- in the class which I was able to do. Just work hard, final is also easy!
Very methodical lectures, makes sure to specify which chapters of the textbook to study for each test, gives a lot of homework but I found it very helpful. Tests had 5-10 points each of extra credit available.
He was a great professor!
I absolutely loved this class! Professor Sylvester is incredibly knowledgeable about his field and always had an answer to our questions. He says you need the textbook, but you really don't. Pay attention during the lectures, read the lecture slides before going to class, take notes, and do all the mastering biology homework and you'll be fine.
Even though, I ended up with a B, listen to me: if you have the opportunity to take Dr. Sylvester- SNAG IT! He's an all-around great prof! He listens and is attentive and very forthcoming about tests, just not whats on it. ;) We can't hope for everything. Nevertheless, I've learned more from him than I have from all my previous science classes!
Dr. Sylvester is really good! Very clear cut and can break down complex topics in a manner that is relatively understandable. Very approachable if you need extra help as well. He also gives a little bit of extra credit on each exam.
Professor Sylvester is awesome. I worked hard, but got an A+ by the skin of my teeth. Reading the textbook is really helpful, I would recommend it. Approachable, awesome, and makes lectures as interesting as possible for Bio I. He's great.
I'm writing this before my final grade comes back so my opinion is completely unbiased here. He's an amazing lecturer and is able to give us quality information in the short summer semester, even though it's all condensed. I genuinely learned a lot from this class. He tests you on understanding, not memorization. Work hard and you'll succeed.
if you memorize your notes, this will not be enough. you need to apply the material you are learning into many examples. his tests are hard but is lenient with extra credit or extra points. this class needs all the time you can give.
you will know everything he says from his lectures, but once you take the test, you fail because his tests are extremely hard and impossible. he words his questions to where you second guess yourself and he does not give extra credit. he gives extra credit to people with good grades yet the average students are suffering. take anyone else.
Dr. Sylvester is the best bio prof I've had at GSU. His Dev Bio class is really interesting, and he's really engaging. He offers a lot of extra credit on the in and out of class assignments to make up for bad test grades. But if u r terrified of group work/speaking up, it may be hard to do well on in-class assignments (very low-stress presenting).
Dr. Sylvester is awesome! He's upfront about his class not being easy but if you apply yourself, he gives you everything you need to do well. Don't wait until the last minute to study for his exams because there's a lot of material in each one.
If you take this class seriously, you'll do just fine.
He is a great biology teacher and very nice. He explains things clearly and no problem repeating himself if you don't understand something. You WILL have to study to pass. The lecture class is manageable instead worry about the trash lab teachers instead who aren't good teachers :(
Took him for Dev Bio, solid class its more liike Animal Biology x2. If you don't go to class you miss alot of content because his lectures are very long. Tests are multiple choice, short answer, and some drawings. Personally I wouldn't take him again I got a B- and never got above an 82 on an exam. If you have a heavy load DONT TAKE!
You HAVE TO STUDY to pass. His exams are tough due to them not being straight forward questions, youll have to truly know the material. Hes funny and makes lectures enjoyable, even to those who dont like Biology that much. Im an average student, but listening to his studying advice I left with an A. If I can do it so can you.
Sylvester is a great person and professor overall, but the tests are HARD. I didn't pass one exam all semester but I aced the final and ended up with a b-. He gives a lot of extra credit opportunities. Do the mastering biology ever Sunday it will help your grade a bunch. Not an easy class at all. But go to his office hours & be ready to study 24/7.
Worst Bio professor Ive ever had. I passed the class with a B+ and that was with me studying like crazy. Sylvester is nice overall as a person, but as a teacher, his tests are ridiculously difficult and his lectures are hard to follow. Dont take this class, Id advise you pick a new teacher.
Professor Sylvester is the real deal and is possibly one of the best professors I have had at GSU. His lectures are very thorough and he makes them interesting by teaching very useful information accompianed by examples of how the information relates to the real world. He gives difficult tests but with thorough studying an A is attainable.
Dr. Sylvester is the best professor among all the professors combined at GSU! Most professors don't tell students what to study, but Sylvester does. He is very informative, inspirational and cares about the well being of every student. I 100% recommend you to take Sylvester!
great professor!! really wants students to do well and tells everyone that you must study a little bit every day to get an A in the class which is very true. Take extremely detailed notes (record the lecture) if you want an A. Redo launch pad as well. Great guy overall, always willing to answer questions, explain more & repeat himself when asked.
Dr. Sylvester is a great professor if you are on the pre-med track and have time to put in the effort to study. I would not suggest taking him if you work and cannot give this course your undivided attention. He is not a bad professor or person, his exams are extremely difficult if you only memorize information but dont understand why things work
Prof sylvester is a nice guy and he cares about students and wants them to succeed. He is extremely hard. If you dont have time or do love science dont take this course. I barely am passing. His tests are ridiculous. He does give lots of extra credit. There is top hat every few weeks and launchpad homework.
Overall, prof Sylvester is one of the best professors at GSU that teach biology. He really cares about his students and takes effort and time to make lectures are easy to understand. The course isn't easy, but he gives good lectures and preparations for you to prepare for quizzes/exams. There's tons of extra credit which helps. Great Professor!
Prof. Sylvester is honestly one of the best professors I have had. Just make sure to review his powerpoints and take notes on his lectures. If you need any help just go to his office hours! He's really kind and will help you on whatever you are confused on! Put the work and you will make the grade you deserve. There's also A LOT OF Extra credit!
Professor Sylvestor is definitely one of the best biology professors at GSU. His lecture are extremely informative and the way he organizes his material ensures your success. It is important to listen to his lectures and ask questions when you don't understand. He also gives a lot of chances for extra credit on his exams and homework assignments!
Professor Sylvester's lectures are so engaging and are very interesting! His class is a bit difficult but he will help and give extra credit on the way! If you study and put the work in you will get an A. He is really nice and understanding if you need help just go to his office hours and he will help you as much as you need! One of the best profs!
Overall an amazing professor!
Professor Sylvester is one of the best professors I've had ever! His lectures are SUPER detailed and informative. He ensures that he goes over all the information that will be covered on the test. Took him for both 2107 and 2108 and I would take him again. Loved Bio even more after taking his class! If you study hard you will do well guaranteed!
Best professor at GSU, he made me love biology more than I already did! Class is fair, if you study good exams and watch the lectures, you will do great. Lots of extra credit opportunities.
This class was challenging, don't get me wrong, but he does a great job of making the grading and extra credit opportunities fair for the difficulty. He is more than willing to help you if you email him!
Sylvester is honestly THE BEST PROFESSOR to learn from. He is willing to help and answer any questions you have during lectures, during office hours, and through emails. He offers a lot of extra credit opportunities through homework. I always enjoyed his lectures and he gives great advice on how to study. Would love to take him again!
Like people have stated, he is tough but the way he teaches is what makes his class exceptional. His class will literally make you learn. He is patient and will take time to go over material. No joke. If you plan to take his class, be prepared to study for AT LEAST 14 hours a week. He gives a lot of info and knows what he's talking about.
Prof. Sylvester is by far the best STEM professor I've ever had. He gives tons of extra credit and gives you every opportunity to ask questions about the course content. The quizzes are tough, but he takes time to show you how to study the material and provides a quiz review before each quiz. Study and put in the effort and you'll be fine.
Professor Sylvester was a real gem. I was expecting the class to be difficult and it is, unless you prepare the way he wants you to. If you try memorizing everything (as I did the first 2 quizzes) you will fail his class. Listen to his way of preparing, and you will for sure end up with a A. Has a lot of extra credit built in.I would 100% recommend
Dr. Sylvester is amazing and will make you fall in love with the sciences. I cannot wait to take him again whenever I get the chance.
Best Proff at GSU for biology 10/10. His tests are not easy but you will definitely learn a alot from him. Lecture contents are amazing; very well explained. Always available to help, very understanding and straight to the point. Understanding concepts is the most important. Memorization is not enough, this is how you can ensure an A in his class.
If you enjoy your current GPA then dont take this man.
This class is probably one of the hardest classes I've taken and I spent a very large amount of time studying for it. However his lectures cover pretty much everything needed to do well on the quizzes. He provides lots of extra credit opportunities in the later half of the semester and the final is optional if you have a quiz average of B or above.
Dr. Sylvester is the best teacher I have ever had. I have never learned and retained so much from a class. The content is definitely challenging to learn, but once you find a study method that works it will make you a better student overall. His lectures are incredible coupled with his powerpoints they are exactly what you need to know.
TAKE HIM! BEST professor I ever had and EXCELLENT at breaking down complex topics. VERY approachable and ALWAYS available for office hours. Has in-class and out-of-class assignments that will help your grade and they are very doable. 4 tests are open notes, but all free-response. Get 1 drop. Definitely record the lectures and organize your notes.
Hes the GOAT simple as. He is more interested in you knowing the concepts than juicing your grade early which leads to a better understanding of the concepts at the end of the semester which will eventually boost your grade up to where you want it. Prerecorded lectures online in case you miss a class and very good schedule for quizzes.
The best biology professor that GSU has. His lectures are interesting and he states clearly what you need to know. You get a dropped quiz grade and a couple dropped homework. Has in class review with questions that show up in the quizzes. As long as you go to class and study you will get a good grade. He's also very funny and kind.
He is a very good lecturer. His quizzes can be hard, but you'll get better at them as time goes on. Lots of opportunities for extra credit. Clear grading guidelines.
You have to study a lot if you want a good grade. Get ready to spend hours a week understanding the concepts. He makes it very clear in lecture what you need to know but the quizzes are very tough but as time goes on you will slowly see your quiz grades rise. Just need to study and make this class a priority.
This King was so amazing that it was crazy. Honey Bunches Of OATS
He's amazing at what he does but oh my GOD the exams... got me STRESSING
This is probably the best professor you can take for 2108. This course is super difficult, so be sure to devote your time to studying the material and attending class. I honestly slacked the majority of the semester, but since I did the Achieve work I got a B, even though I failed the final. He gives you every opportunity to succeed, so take them!
Nonmandatory attendance but the tradeoff: study FREQUENTLY to do well on the quizzes. If you do well on the homeworks/assignments and have an okay grade on the exams, you'll pass. His class isn't hard, it's just a lot of information (3 chapters every 2 weeks, last unit is 4). Study and ask questions, clear grading and predictable class.
Genuinely one of the worst professor I have ever had. He claims he wants us to succeed but then turns around and admits he designs the quiz so you would fail. The quizzes are every other week and counts as the majority of your grade. Im pretty sure he wrote some of these reviews himself. If you value your mental health don't take him.
Constantly berated in class over inability to study, but gives no tips/tricks. Quizzes every other week that are 55% of the grade (lowest dropped) and while able to get good grade by slowly improving, so unlikeable and grating that it was NOT worth it. He could have been worse, but if possible take other teachers.
He purposely designed the first few quizzes for you to fail while constantly berating you that you did not study correctly. Mind you, he will tell you that he'll teach you how but not until after you fail! And he uses MCAT-level questions for "intro" bio! He does provide extra credit, but for your mental health, PLEASE pick a different professor!
He's not a bad teacher, but it was HARD. The quizzes were insanely difficult. You will have to study like crazy! However, his lectures are good and he provides a lot of study material. This class will force you to have a deep understanding of all the topics-but if you're looking for an easier credit, take a different professor.
This class was really difficult. The whole time I was going through the class believing I was failing becuase that is what I was told. Throughout the whole class you do not know your grade so you are just making a guess. The lectures are really interesting and go in depth but it is a lot to retain. Make sure you have lots of time to take this class
You get to understand in the class, especially if you don't plan on reading the textbook! If you attend his classes, listen, and take notes, you will be set for any of his short answer questions!! Also, GO FOR OFFICE HOURS! Especially if you don't understand fully in the class! He will break it down very nicely! I would definitely take him again!
Professor Sylvester's lectures are great, but the quizzes are quite tough. If you put in the study time and utilize resources like Unstuck ai, you can definitely succeed. It's a challenging class, but doable with dedication.
Don't go into this class thinking it's easy Literally, you cannot forget anything (I'm actually sick of hearing bmp and wnt) Make a summary sheet you can review for each exam Never skip a lecture If you can, have the ppt on an ipad and just write every single thing he says on the slides (study this + skim textbook + his ppt notes) Good luck!!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
37%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.27 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOLOGY2108
5.0
(2)BIO1103K
5.0
(2)BIO2108K
4.9
(14)2108K
4.9
(8)BIOL2108K
4.7
(7)Difficulty by Course
BIO1101K
5.0
BIO1103K
4.5
BIOL1103K
4.5
BIO2108
4.3
BIOLOGY 1103K
4.0