3.2
Quality4.2
Difficulty26%
Would Retake233
Reviews26%
Would Retake
233
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
75
4
38
3
40
2
27
1
53
What Students Say
“However, his tests are HARD”
BIOL152 - 4.0 rating“Good luck and goodbye gpa”
BIOL402 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
42%
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Your expected effort level
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B-
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-1.06 avg changeRatings by Course
FRESHMAN
5.0
(1)BIOLOGY151
5.0
(2)BIOLOGY101
5.0
(1)BOI152
5.0
(1)BIO301
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
BIO
5.0
BIOZ151
5.0
BIOLBIOL
5.0
BOI152
5.0
BIOBIO
5.0
Reviews (233)
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Excellent teacher, keeps you awake, keeps it interesting.
Great guy overall, very charismatic.
He's got to be one of the best teachers ive ever had
Awesome teacher. Extremely enthusiastic. If you have anyone else for Biology, you're completely missing out.
He is so funny, and his lectures are interesting. You will actually stay awake in class!!!
So yeah, he's pretty effin' cool. Lots of fun in the classroom, and awesome to talk to outside of classtime, about random sciencey stuff
One of brightest and funniest teachers/professors I've had in the past 13 years. Great at keeping you awake and interested in the subject. Great at teaching the material.
this dude is mad cool
really funny...keeps the class more interesting:)
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He is the greatest teacher ever! He makes the class tons of fun! My favorite is his pseudopodia demonstration. AWESOME!
keeps you awake, a little crazy at times but is funny not corny funny like other teachers also expects students to ACTUALLY LEARN which is respectable
He makes the class fun, amazing i know
J-mo... is great! He is entertaining, intellectual, challenging and engaging, rareity. Does he teach a Math Class?
He's difficult but awesome. He's very funny, and keeps the class entertained and interested. One of the best teachers I ever had!
WONDERFUL!Knows his stuff and by the end of the class so will you. will help you at every turn. And how many teachers have you had that will break out into song in the middle of class...don't believe me? check it out! www.nyteescape.com/media/video/moore_singing.AVI
I looooooved Mr. Moore! He is VERY funny, and keeps the class interesting. His test material comes from his notes,lecture, and questions students ask in class. He doesn't really use the book. I recommend him...he the coolest! Ask him to sing for you and do the Phospholipid Bilayer Demonstration..Its Awesome! SI sessions did help A LOT too!
Excellent Teacher, not to metion how funny he is. You will not fall asleep in this class!
WE LOVE MR. MOORE!!! ~C & N
Best biology professor you could ask for: test comes directly from notes in lecture, rarely uses text book, makes you want to learn the material, very energetic, and he sings! I highly recommend Jonathan Moore!!!
His class lecture is interesting but his test are hard as hell and our class average is usually an F or a D...so whatever you do...DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!!
I love Mr. Moore. He's so funny and keeps the subject interesting. He points out all of the important parts of each chapter. He is very clear about what needs to be memorize. Basically, he's great.
This class has been so much fun. Although the tests are hard, they are do-able if you just study well enuf in advance. His lectures are great (I have friends not in the class who come in to watch). and he certainly makes you want to learn this material. He's funny and exciting and you never know what to expect when you enter the classroom.
He such a QT! Make him sing and dance for u!
Yea he is a great techer and all but his test are soo hard and it seems that he dosen't even teach us about whats on the test...they are that hard!!
Mr. Moore is awesome. He is funny and creative and I really learned a lot.
Are you kidding me....please disregard what anyone has said about Mr.Moore, not only does he make biology interesting...He is EFFIN GORGEOUS, the only reason I even went to class was to see him. It really sucks that he won't be at VCU next semester, but those Tech kids are gonna be getting a real treat
Mr. Moore is a great teacher! Very charismatic and kept the lectures exciting! He was very straighforward in what to look forward to on the tests, and even looked out for those struggling with a little extra credit! I would recommend him to any student! Thanks for an exciting semester Mr. Moore!
I think Mr. Moore is the BEST teacher! I'm sorry he's going to be leaving VCU to get his PhD from Vtech but he made class sooo much more fun and interesting! but keep in mind, he expects you to put your best forward
Mr. Moore made lectures super interesting. He gave extra credit on any day that the class had a lot of absences so always come to class it does pay off...besides that his tests aren't too bad, but you actually have to KNOW your material he doesn't just ask for definitions he wants you to apply what you learned into scenarios..
i'm sorry that i didn't have the experience of those who commented below. I thought he was a terrible teacher and very demanding. He openly admited to giving us the same test as his graduate students. If you are a fantastic science student then i would suggest him, but he was way more than i could handle.
hes an awesome teacher!! he makes it sooo much fun, granted it is hard but hes a really good teacher. now hes at TECH!!! GO HOKIES!
I really liked Moore. He was interesting and entertaining, and he knew his stuff. It seemed like he let us out early a lot too. I really liked him and wish he was here to teach 152. His tests were hard, but I came out knowing the material.
it's a shame he's gone. I'm NOT a science person, and his class was pretty hard. the test average usually is around a D. however, go talk to him - he's ridiculously helpful and understanding. I was failing mid-semester, then pulled out a B by the end. it's a shame that the science department doesn't have him - he was awesome.
The most exciting Biology teacher ever. He was so animated that I couldn't help but pay attention to every single thing he said. He's also very helpful if you have a problem, so feel free to ask for help! It's a shame he's left VCU, though I bet they're paying him better at Tech.
TOOOOOO much work for a credit class. He knew he was giving a lot of work too but gave it anyways cause he said he "likes to torture" us. He's very helpful and nice but his quizzes weren't easy.....
really really fun and funny....will not put u to sleep, just ask him to sing lol tests are easy and so are the quizes...plus, he drops the lowest test
LOVE HIM!!! super funny but don't piss him off! class is fun until test time. If you don't know the material then you are out of luck!
It seems as if nobody has created any comments about his teaching in his biology 152 class. His study guides and tests are completely different, half of the test asks questions that aren't emphasized in ANY of his lectures, power points, or study guides. Granted, he is educational, his testing methods are ludicrous and failed the majority.
He is a pretty decent instructor, however his teaching methods are often questionable. The Tests often include information that isn't emphasized in the book or the powerpoints. Be prepared for questions that are asked in a way you're not familiar with. Be warned: This class is extremely hard and many do not pass.
All that glitters is not gold!His tests are completly insane. I love it when he says "I am writing an easy test for you" Yes I am sure it is easy for someone who has been teaching and studying biology for years. Not sure how to tell you to pass his course...He is a bit much with his testing style! Be Warned!
I don't know what all the other people are talking about.. this is by far.. the hardest class I've taken. Sure, he's fun to listen to.. but his tests are CRAZY hard. Avoid this professor at all costs. The class average is around a 55 for each exam.. and he doesn't curve. Extreme critical thinking is needed for this class. You've been warned!!!
DO NOT TAKE HIM. His tests are not based on the powerpoints or what he even lectures. Maybe because its the way he words his questions on tests. It doesn't make sense. Unless you know that material inside and out, you MIGHT get a C. He is a nice teacher and covers the material well but the confusing test questions will contribute to failure.
He's insanely funny and willing to help. Very engaging.
He is a very fun instructor. He gets your attention and makes you want to learn. His test are a bit complicated but if you study you will be ok. Attendance is mandatory because he gives PowerPoint outlines but he leaves spaces for the notes that you must take in class.
Very personable and entertaining but his tests are way too difficult for an intro class. I studied, went, to class, and SI sessions and barely got a C.
He thoroughly teaches the material and you will know bio by the end of the course, but the tests are extremely hard. They require a lot of critical thinking its not simply memorization, the tests seem excessive and the averages are usually f's, but if you love bio he is the teacher to have.
Entertaining, funny, and engaging; Very charismatic; Cares about students and their understanding of the material; Has high expectations, and tests are difficult, but does give opportunities for extra credit for those who attend lectures and pay attention consistently; Overall, he is a great instructor! :)
he is the worst. the material he goes over in class is not the same on the exam. do not take him. we have 2 tests for our final exam
most wish-washy teacher ive ever experienced! we always get off topic in class and it sunfair for the students who dont come to class because then they miss out on passwords for online tests, hints on future exams and son on. he always doesnt take much interest in the students' ability to learn and he appears like he doesnt wants to be teaching
Biology is this man's life. He lives it, he loves it and he wants to share it. Do yourself a favor and if you are in the mood to; think, come to class, be challenged, read and yet be entertained he is the professor for you. He knows what he is doing, and if you talk with him, he will help explain it to you. YOU GET WHAT YOU EARN in his class.
He is soooooooooo funny
I loved having this guy for biology! He knows what he's talking about, has a great sense of humor, and he truly does make the class easy. All you have to do is come to class, and you'll get an A. I honestly don't know how you could get anything less.. Third year in college, and favorite teacher, easily. :) Glad I had him!
Listen guys, If you in VCU and have to take bio 152, DON'T TAKE this teacher. He is so funny and charming till you take the first test. The class average is 45% as of today and the tests DO NOT come from the book or notes. If you want to take him, then good luck. If you have to take this course , wait till another semester.
Professor Moore is a great Bio teacher. His tests are hard, but this isn't high school. After getting the hang of how he phrases questions and using the PowerPoints that he posts before class, my grade got so much better! His classes are interesting- he even sang Adele one time:) HE LOVES BIO and that makes your life easier. TAKE HIM.
So any of the comments that are positive, he probably put them up himself. This class was beyond hard! I studied for days and days for the test and the questions were not aplicable to what we learned in class. EVERYONE I know in the class was failing. Please consider taking another professor.
Mr.Moore is a fair teacher. You cant start studying for his exam a night before, expect to fail if you do. He has office hours, use them if you have any questions.Great teacher! He is very funny. He wants his students to do well in his class but he is not going to baby feed you. You get the grade you earn!!!
Great teacher! Knows his subject well and knows how to inform on it well. He's a great speaker, funny guy, and keeps class lively. If you take notes and go to class you don't even need a book to pass the class with an A or B. I would definitely recommend taking his class.
HARD EXAMS
If you are a bad test taker, definitely do not take this professor! Moore keeps your attention in lecture but his notes are over simplified versus his test which are detailed and application questions. Definitely use the book and MB questions, they'll be your best friend.
He is the funniest professor I've had yet. I get lunch and its like a friggin show some days. That said, the average on his first test was a 60. It kicked our asses. I got a 67 and he bumped the next test so I got a 93 cos I actually worked.
I really respect this professor. You actually have to understand the material to pass his tests, but is very FAIR. He does sometimes do curves but it's rare. His tests are progressively weighted: 1st test weighs less on your grade than the last test so you can get used to his testing and grading. Tests aren't just multiple choice. Great teacher :)
Tests are entirely too hard. Fun lectures but seems like they have nothing to do with the tests at times. Good luck if you take him.
He's pretty funny, but his tests are completely incomprehensible. Don't take him if you need to pass this class. You will know the material, and still fail his tests.
His tests are so hard!! I study at least 5 days in advance and still can't get higher than a B. His class averages on tests are really low, like in the 60s. He's a good teacher, but beware his tests!
Mr Moore is a really funny, engaging teacher, but his tests are SO HARD. the information isn't that difficult but the way he words the questions/answers on his tests is very confusing. if you do take him, make sure you write down all the personal information he says about himself cause you'll get extra credit at the end.
if you chose other class you can get A but here just C class is funy but i care about GPA so be care if you take him
Mr. Moore is an excellent teacher in terms of explaining concepts and being clear, but his tests are EXTREMELY difficult. Knowing the material isn't enough - you need to have it completely mastered inside and out AND know how to apply it, which is why most people fail. Be prepared for an incredible challenge.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. He's a funny guy blahblahblah but it`s not worth it. He purposefully makes his exams difficult and relishes in the fact they are like impossible to pass. And he doesn`t curve! Everyone I know is having to retake this class. Too hard for a 100 level course.
One must truly master the material in order to make any sense of his exams. It is possible to receive an A but don't expect it to be easy!
He knows the material AND is able to communicate it well to help us understand. Super helpful if you go to his office hours. Hard work, as with most things in life, is required. Don't believe the comments below that say its impossible to pass his class. LIES!
Mr. Moore is an awesome professor and is very passionate about what he teaches. While his class is somewhat interesting, his tests are incredibly difficult. I would take this class with a different professor, not because he isn't a good professor, but because his tests are so incredibly difficult and are the only grades in the class. Happy Summer
The worst. Makes tests way too difficult. Average score around 60% and he thinks that is ok. He likes that out class of more than 200, less than 75 will pass with C or better. He makes fun of students failing his tests. Doesn't do a good job at pretending he cares about his students. Simple lectures not related to application heavy tests.
he is the worst.
GO TO CLASS!!! I seemed to be the only one who wasn't struggling in this class. He's hilarious and very engaging. Make sure you study hard because his test are a bit wordy. Its not impossible to get an A but it will not be as simple as you think it will be. I would recommend him for you if you are willing to put the work in :). He's an awesome guy.
Ridiculously difficult for an intro course. His slides are sometimes on the excess of 100 pages and any minute detail can be on the exam. Test averages are always somewhere around 60% and many people have to retake the course. Try to avoid this professor.
This "introductory level" biology class was harder than my 300 level Organic Chemistry class. Avoid this professor at all costs, unless you enjoy things that are unnecessarily difficult.
so bad
Had him Spring 2012. Absolutely despised his class. Insane difficulty, goes through so much material really fast, some of the hardest tests ever had. He has a great sense of humor and is highly intelligent. Unfortunate that he made a INTRO level BIOL course so mindblowingly hard. Prepare to work and study your behind off if you take his course.
Had him Spring 2012. He is so helpful in answering questions & always availabe to help. His tests are long & not really hard if you record his lectures, you are gonna be fine and A will be yours. Best prof. I had so far at VCU. I got 97 on that class. Offers A LOT of extra credits (5pts to the final grade!)
He is entertaining so you don't fall asleep, and funny as well. Study the slide shows!
He is fantastic! An A will not be hard to earn. He actually cares that you grasp the concepts he teaches. Read the book and take notes and you'll do fine. I'm taking him again for 152
You're best bet for a bio teacher. If you go to class and READ THE BOOK you'll do well. Also he gets a lot of his test questions from the textbook practice quizzes. Not a difficult class but the only grades are from test so you must study to do well. I'd take him again if given the opportunity.
Had him Spring 2012. His class is really hard for an Intro class. He does offer a lot of extra credit, but you have to attend classes inorder to get the answers to the questions. His tests are really hard and he does not offer a study guide. He does have a sense of humor and sang to the class on a couple of occasions.
He's HILARIOUS. Honestly, I had him a 9am and he'd have the entire class wide awake as soon as he walked through the door. Really energetic. He uses power points and actually waits for you to copy them down, most professors don't do that and he'll help you one on one if you don't get something. Make sure you answer questions in class 4 extra credit
Halarious. best bet for bio teacher
very at explaining but goes a little faster at the end of the semester.
I was so excited about this class when I first started. He's a really entertaining guy but I died in his class. I read the chapters and notes, thought I was actually going to do pretty well on the test only to find out that I failed badly and it was the same with the whole class. Extremely difficult, especially those who aren't bio majors
he's a cool teacher guys, but trust me he is really hard and not worth being so hard for a intro class.
Moore is a really nice guy and his teaching methods are great but his tests are quite ridiculous. He has MC then Free Response and then drawing. I would not recommend this take Turbeville. His tests are beyond belief and his averages for each dont get higher than a 70 throughout the year... RUN
LET ME SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. Im not saying hes a bad teacher im not saying he isnt "funny" or engaging or whatever these other individuals are saying and im not saying that these people are lying BUT the average on tests in my past 3 tests has not been higher than an F. and the second test 3 people got an 87 So ....just think on that
Moore's exams are ridiculous. Bio is one of my best subjects and this class really discouraged me. I read the textbook and went to SI sessions. I couldn't get higher than a D on any of his exams. run away take someone else if you can
Very difficult class. I studied about 4 hours a day, every day, and I never got more than a 65% on an exam. One of the best teachers I have ever had, but I really wish someone else would write his tests.
His exams are *VERY* hard! You MUST know the material AND be a very good test taker in order to even scrape by. He is hilarious and knows what he's talking about, but trust me, his exams are ridiculous. When it comes to his exams, make sure you read VERY carefully and KNOW the material inside out backwards and forwards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Moore's class is difficult, but he is an amazing teacher. He's very engaging and really cares about the subject and his students. If you take this class and are taking more bio classes in the future, the information will serve you well. Despite the difficulty, I loved the class and I would definitely take it again.
Moore is a good professor but his exams screw you over!!! I understand all the material that he has covered in his class but like many others when I see his exam I am so confused. First day of class he said it himself that he makes his tests really hard. I do not recommend him just because he butchered my GPA and of many other students
TESTS ARE DIFFICULT BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE. Getting a C isnt hard, but messes up your GPA. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND him for this course. I dont know about his other courses. He can teach. The multiple choice part is extremely hard! Short answered isnt as hard if you study. Drawings are pretty easy. OVERALL DONT TAKE HIM!
He is a very HARD professor. I would never advise anyone to take his class, not even my worst enemy. No matter how much you study, his exams are extremely DIFFICULT to pass. Please DON'T take him and save your GPA from messing up.
Awesome teacher, and explains everything in massive detail which is very helpful for future classes aswell. However tests are harder than anything ive taken before and i used to not even study for easy A's so unless you are a no life genius with no friends and just sit in your room reading books, dont take the class =D
Great professor but tests are extremely hard. Drawing questions and short answers on very specific topics make it extremely difficult to pass. Highest average test score this semester was a 66%, highest its been all semester for us. Save your gpa, its not worth the "challenge".
Nice guy, horrible test. Average for his tests was around 60.
He is extremely hard, you can study your butt off and it will seem as you didnt study at all when you take his tests, if you want a good GPA do not take this class, one test average was a 60 and he said it was too high, I would not recommend taking him for bio 152.
Mr. Moore's class is a disaster. He is an entertainer not a teacher. His test are not reasonable, he also makes many mistakes grading. He calls people out in front of the whole class and drills them for info but never takes the time to explane the answer. DON'T TAKE HIS CORSE.
It is true, Moore seems more like an entertainer than a professor, but he entertains because he knows that way you will remember the silly way he described a biological concept. This tests are hard, no doubt about it. If you don't study, you won't pass. If you want to learn take his course. You won't be disappointed.
Occiptal condyle, Intermandibularis, Pubo-ischio-femoralis externus, Brachial basket..want to know what these are???? take his class! You are going to have the biggest love/hate relationship with Moore. This class will make you cry but Moore will make you laugh...#teammoore
This class is very hard and makes students go insane (as you can prob. tell by the comments below) because you have to devote hours and hours of your time to study for practicals and still not get the results you want. The reason why this class is so hard is because there is just too much information given in too little time.
Moore's class is tough. Some days, you just bang your head against the desk and cry. It is one of the most intense classes you will take at VCU, but it is worth it. I learned so much from the class, and it is great prep for pre-health folks. Moore is sassy, but he's a great guy. He does help his students out, and he's pretty entertaining and nice.
Tests are extremely difficult, but if you actually study, then cell bio and genetics (BIOL218 and BIOL310) will be pretty much a breeze!
Moore is hilarious and a great teacher, but he's not easy. The exams are extremely challenging, and you have to know, understand, and apply all material (not just regurgitate). This was the hardest class I've ever taken, but it wasn't impossible and it was also the most rewarding. Be warned, if you don't have the time to put in, you won't do well.
Moore is ridiculous. The tests are extremely difficult and confusing. He makes it impossible to pass a 100 level class. Bio is hard, but shouldn't be impossible. People have other classes to worry about. Don't take him unless you are willing to make this class your life. Even then, you might not pass.
One of the most difficult/best professors and the most difficult/best class of your career. You will love him but you will hate him. This class will ruin your GPA if you don't come out of it with a good grade and on days it seemed that was going to be impossible.
It is so ridiculous how hard this class is for a 100 level course. He finds pleasure in stressing out his students with his awful essay exams. AVOID HIM AT ALL COST
STAY AWAY FROM MOORE!!! His lectures are hilarious and very entertaining, which keep you on track but no matter how much you study, the tests are difficult like no other. He gets pleasure at the fact that his exams are nearly impossible and students can't do well. DO NOT TAKE HIM. You will regret it.
He's horrible! no matter how hard you study you'll still end up with no higher than a C
Such a hard course despite simple course material. His tests are incredibly difficult because his mentality is basically, if you're succeeding, you're not learning. Information is clearly taught, but the tests are incredibly difficult.
Awful
I had Moore for summer and while I admit the class was VERY difficult, if you put forth the effort there is no reason you cannot make a decent grade. His tests are designed to trip you up but overall I feel the class and his teaching style prepared me for upper level biology classes much better than an easier professor would. Entertaining lectures.
I took Professor Moore for 152 my freshman year so I knew that his ecology class (317) was not going to be a walk in the park. However his lecture style, coupled with the class discussions we had, made studying for ecology much easier and more intuitive. He also did an amazing job relating ecological concepts to the environments in Virginia and vcu
Hes a pretty interesting fella- always had my attention. Never wanted to miss class bc it was so engaging and fun to learn. Exams are crazy, know everything a-z then get ready to apply it in his long-ass conceptual essay questions worth 15,20,30 points each!!! if u don't have time outside of class for lab min 4-6hrswk ur doomed unless ur a genius
Professor Moore really is a great lecturer. Very theatrical and engaging. HOWEVER, his tests are some of the most difficult I've ever encountered. Half short answer, but the other half is "multiple, multiple" choice. It could be all four answers, or maybe none. Study hard, because there are no powerpoints online. Overall a very cool teacher.
As funny as Dr. Moore is, take notes of EVERYTHING he says (relating to the class) seriously because anything he says could end up on his "multiple-multiple choice"short-answer exams. As he says, it is hard to fail this class or get an A. Also go to the preceptors for more knowledge on the material!
This is an incredibly challenging class,and is quite likely the toughest and most time consuming course in the Bio dept. There were tests for which the highest grade was a C; while A's were far and few between. You will spend a minimum 15 hrsweek in the lab and more on weeks before a practical; However the class is very rewarding and very relevant
Do NOT take this class if you value your GPA. You can literally work your butt off in this course and still fail. Majority of our exam averages were failing. Even our highest performing student only had a C average in the class. This class is not designed to fit into a semester. Expect an exam every week and daily quizzes. Relies too much on TAs.
CVA is the hardest class offered at VCU. The DFW rate was over 60%. There was a lecture exam where over 70% of the class failed. Moore is a fun professor and somebody you would want to grab a drink with. At the same time he takes his job as an educator seriously. Think long and hard before signing up for CVA. Very few people get a B or A.
Moore tests are some of the most absurdly difficult tests you will ever have at VCU, but Moore is a fantastic professor, one of the best I've ever had. If you want to learn a lot, take this class, if you are more interested in protecting your GPA, I wouldn't recommend it. But, you could both protect your GPA and learn if you're prepared to work!
If you want a life then STAY AWAY from this professor. His exams are extremely difficult. No matter how hard you study, you will end up with a C or lower. He is a funny person during lectures but his exams are ridiculous. If you care about your GPA then don't take him. More than half of the students always fail his class.
He is a good person but a horrible professor. What he teaches in class has nothing to do with his tests and he starts the first day of class by saying that 87% will either get a D, an F, or a W in the course. His average grades on his exams are ALWAYS in the 50's. I am a straight A student and he is what is keeping me from the honors college.
Moore is a WONDERFUL professor, I can't stress that enough, but this class is HARD. The exams are application based, so you need to know ALL of the information, from lectures, textbook, and bb readings, AND be able to apply it on a deeper level. Class averages for exams were usually around 50. He makes you work for it, but you will learn a lot.
I would never ever in my life recommend this professor to any other student. He makes his exams ridiculously hard and no matter how much you study, how many preceptor sessions you go to, etc. you will not score above a C (test avg 50). He is very unclear of what he's expecting on his exams and rarely will give full points for a question. Horrible.
THIS CLASS IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE! I was very skeptical taking this class because of all the things I had read and heard about Jonathan, but all that being said, this has been my most enjoyable class at VCU. He is more than willing to help you succeed and very passionate about bio. If you put in the study time, and go to class, you will get an A or B.
I took this class over the summer so I was expecting the class to be challenging, but it was impossible! There was so much material covered on exams! Exams were all free response which made it that much more difficult! He was a great person but his grading was unclear and tests are your entire grade. I wouldn't recommend this class or the professor
He is way better than Carr when it comes to giving lectures. His tests are extremely hard.
He is a real tough professor. If you are going to take his class you should be planning to study more than 20 hrs a week.
WORST TEACHER EVER. He actually enjoying being hated and difficult. I don't understand why. He says "nobody will ever be easy on you" but there is a difference between difficult and just ridiculous. I regret taking him as a teacher. If you choose to take him, prepare for it.
An extremely hard class and rude professor. He prides himself for the amount of students that withdrew from this class (at least 1/4 of the total). Takes off points on exams for "overexplaining" and for using acronyms. He also likes to randomly call on students (mostly ones that do not know the answers) to answer questions in 300 seat lectures.
When a professor takes pride in the fact that more than half of his class dropped out and most of them are failing this tells thrstudents there is some things very wrong with the professor. Compared to Carr he is a much better teacher, but his tests are impossible. Never take this class if you wish to have a future!
Jonathan is great as a person; kind, funny, enthusiastic. But it seemed like the class and tests very extremely hard for no reason. His lectures were interesting and entertaining. Willing to offer help during his office hours, but be prepared to answers questions thrown at you.
One of THE best. He must seriously curve some stuff, because I expected a C and walked out with an A. I loved him before the curve. Super knowledgeable, super inspirational. I'll miss him when I graduate.
I have never in my academic career suffered so much in a class. As a freshman, and this being my first experience with bio in college I considered changing my major. This class took all of my effort causing downfall in others. This professor honestly took pride in his classed not being able to pass his tests and half of our lecture (300) withrawing
one of the worst teachers i have ever had. 40 students were left by the end out of 200 and he took pride in students failing his exams. the tests were unnecessarily difficult for a freshman class covering material beyond our knowledge. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS.
He is the worst professor I ever took! I never in my entire life gotten anything besides an A in biology but he managed to make it happen. Although he's funny the humor isn't appreciated with his ridiculous tests. I had credits for his class but needed university credit for prereq and I definitely fell unlucky to his grasps. Barely managed to pass
Worst class Ive ever taken. The teacher made the tests hard to ensure that the students would fail the class. By midterms, half the class dropped out and by the end of the year, 75% of the students left failed the class. The tests consisted of content that is normally taught in BIO152 and that was not taught to us. Great person, horrible teacher.
He gives good lectures, is funny, and is a good person. However, Moore's tests are ridiculously difficult and designed to fail half the class. The questions were worded strangely and require and were based on very specific information from his lectures. Most of his test averages are between 40%-60% due to this. Take his class at your own risk.
Moore is a funny guy and obviously loves what he teaches, but as a result his tests are extremely difficult because of his "if you don't know it, than you don't deserve to have a career in it" perspective, which is hard for students who are just trying to pass intro courses. I would not recommend taking him as a professor.
If you're going to take Moore for ANY class, you need to be prepared to spend at least 3 or 4 hours of the week just studying the material. If there's seriously anything from the course that you don't remember or can't understand, you will pay DEARLY on his tests. Be very thorough with your studying!
Professor Moore is great for students who are majoring in Biology. He really prepares you for upper level biology classes. If you have to take these classes, I would highly recommend him for BIOL 151 and 152. If you're just taking the class to fulfill a prerequisite, I wouldn't suggest taking it with him. His class is tough.
Dr. Moore definitely gets a bad rep for his "horrible exams"--however, make use of your resources! Use his practice questions, go to office hours, and just go to class! He has amazing lectures and while his exams are tricky, you leave the class REALLY knowing how to study for an exam.
Took Moore for BIO 152. His tests were difficult (multiple choice questions will be synthesis/critical analysis, frq will be diagrams or lists of items). If you go and visit him in his office and make sure you understand every concept well enough to explain it to somebody else, there's no reason you should not get an A or B in his class.
Easily the hardest class that VCU has to offer by a sheer mile. Took quant phys, animal phys, cancer bio, endo, and immuno and passed with A's. I only took 12 credits last fall and passed with a C- (I got the 3rd highest grade in the class). The amount of information to absorb is hard to fathom and tests are insanity. Good luck and goodbye gpa
Moore is a well respected teacher, but also feared by many for his intimidating tests. after the first test, more than half of the class had withdrew. Lectures are fun and interesting, but also pay attention to his online lectures and powerpoint as well because you never know what he's gonna put on his tests. Take him if you're up for a challenge.
Dr. Moore creates an extremely challenging class. If you are not willing to do most of your learning outside of class, do not take him. Make sure you get the textbook and read the chapters as well as go over his powerpoint because otherwise you'll be in a world of hurt.
One of the highest DFW rates (D, Fail, Withdraw) in the University. More than half the class fails every exam (test averages usually around 56%).
Great and funny guy but I would not take this course again. I never got above 50 on his tests and his test averages are always below 70.
Tests are extremely difficult, and most test averages are below 70 percent, and the highest grade I have ever received on an exam is a D, overall has great lectures, and is a great guy, but definitely would not take this class again
Really nice guy but I do not recommend his class. His tests are extremely hard. My highest test score was a D. Half of the class withdraws or fails and he prides himself for it. Consider dropping his class and switching to another professor.
Really funny but disorganized lectures. Odds are against you test wise, so go to the TA SI sessions to identify what you don't know as well as you thought. People over exaggerate when they say half the class drops. It was less than 30/100+ people who dropped in my class, and he doesn't take pride in it, he just humors it. This was my hardest class.
Moore is a decent professor, his lectures are engaging and he is clearly interested in the information, but as everyone else said before his tests are impossible. You are essentially required to memorize and restate the textbook/notes verbatim. Anything less will not pass - he offers very little partial credit. Drop this class and take it online.
The single most important thing to do in this class is to read and take notes on all textbook chapters he covers. If you do this you will be okay. Also, make sure to access him during his office hours.
He is a bit intimidating, but if you attend class and actually study for the tests prior than the night before, then it is doable. His tests are harder than usual but nothing you can't handle, just a little more effort is needed.
Take this class if you are a Biology major and want to be prepared for upper level bio classes. And then work REALLY hard. Professor Moore is an AMAZING lecturer and a wonderful person, but you need to love bio to do well. Also read the book, it helps a lot.
I had Professor Moore for both BIO151 and 152. His lectures are amazing and he makes you understand the material, however the tests are so hard and since your grade relies on mainly the tests, its really hard to pass. The material in 151 is generally easier, but 152 was the worst class I ever took and made me want to switch majors.
Hilarious professor, with very engaging lectures which highlights what he wants you to know. However, his tests are HARD. He doesn't do standard "what is this?" questions, he makes you apply your knowledge to scenarios, which I mean is good for actually learning biology, but this class made me want to cry all the time, I barely got a B
Ive had Dr Moore for several classes now, here's a few things. 1) If you are not a Bio Major do not take him. 2) If you are a bio major, take his class, study and listen. If you do well it WILL set you up for success. Do not memorize, you need to UNDERSTAND the material. LISTEN IN LECTURE! Tests come directly from the concepts he TALKS about.
The horror stories are true. Loves what he teaches, but gears his curriculum towards bio, pre-med students. DO NOT take him if you are not willing to work for your grade. Moore will not coddle you. TEST HEAVY. Memorizing information will not get you a passing grade -- you need to understand the processes. This was my hardest class. Exams are rough.
You will not get an A if you do not put in the effort but an A is possible and you will learn a lot about yourself as a student and about introductory biology. Moore is sometimes sassy and usually hilarious, but if you want an easy A or do not like professors who actually care about you learning (versus just memorizing) do not take his courses.
Certainly attend classes and read your book. You will have blackboard quizzes that are usually due before he has a chance to go over the materials in class yet, so you have to read to take the quizzes. Also, according to my experience, you are 10% more productive and understanding the materials much better in class if you read beforehand.
he's the worst professor I have ever had, very tough grader, not caring at all and I have never missed a class and I have all the records but he gave me a less grade for my attendance. he teaches really easy but his tests are very hard. as a friendly advice to you who you are reading this right now, I promise you, you will regret taking this class
His homework is usually posted on BlackBoard and he does PackBack questions which I thought was stupid. He's funny but it is difficult to get an A in this class mostly because of how hard his test are. He's known to have the hardest tests. This class is HARD, don't know how to stress that enough. Try another teacher if you can, otherwise good luck.
Moore is an extremely great person but his lectures and readings only cover the basics. His tests take what you learned in lecture and twists it so much that if you don't know what something DOES rather than what it IS, you won't pass.
Took him my first semester of college and I completely bombed his class. He doesnt seem to care about his students. He focuses on test. Test dont define students actual potential. He also words them on a college graduate level. If he made homework harder than test students could actually learn and be confident!! 10/10 wouldnt recommend
Unless you're trying to go into med school, this class is an unnecessary hardship. Its either having a social life or this class. You should expect to use all of your free time studying to get a B or above in the class because his tests are extremely hard. Besides the work he was my favorite professor personality wise
Moore gives amazing lectures and helped me understand biology better than I have before. He is able to make connections between the units and make biology into one coherent topic. Personally, I thought the multiple choice portion of the exams was difficult, but free response was doable. I would recommend taking him if you are a biology major.
Good, but HARD!!!!
He only covers basics in his lectures and his tests are extremely hard. His lectures does not match with the online text book whatsoever... His tests are extremely hard and he's a careless professor. HOWEVER, if you really love biology and want to learn ins and outs, even tough he is tough professors if you go to his office hours he we help you....
Dont memorize, but apply it to the real world. It doesnt matter how many hours u spend to memorize, it wont work. Study ahead and dont wait until the last minute for final (the final can improve your grade, even low score of the other tests). Pre-health, definitely take it. Other than that dont. This class will prepare you for the upper level.
Moore is a great lecturer and if you really want to pursue Biology, he's a good candidate but beware of the damage this class can do to your GPA. Really difficult tests and a lot of homework. 10% of our grade was due to Packback which I didn't personally like. Caring professor but makes biology way harder than it needs to be.
Dr. Moore is one of the coolest, most intelligent professors and is very funny, but I found this class to be incredibly difficult. Dr. Moore is great at lectures and is VERY accessible outside of class, but I still had a rough time doing well on the tests (very hard grader), however I MAYBE couldve gotten an A if I studied much more in advance!
If you are truly invested in learning, Moore will make this class all the more interesting for you. He's a great professor and his lectures are amazing. He wants you to succeed but won't coddle you so you have to be ready to put in the work for his class from day one. I would totally recommend his class if you enjoy challenging yourself.
Hands down hardest class at VCU - no debate whatsoever. Moore is an incredible professor who teaches a terribly difficult course. There's no easy way to each anatomy so he does his best to make it bearable. CVA will beat you until you contemplate the existence of life but it will prepare you for grad school. Highly recommend Dr. Moore
If you want to pass biology, do not take this class. At the beginning of the year, he bragged about how less than half of his class passes. You can do all the studying in the world but if you bomb one test you're done. I forgot about one test and got a D, even getting B's on the next 3 wasn't enough to raise my grade to a C.
Super tough grader with an interesting expectation for free response. But you can studies the old test and the key to figure out what he wanted. However , if you wanted to learn BIOLOGY, he is the one to go. Your knowledge will expand so much more and will be able to success in other classes
Professor Moore's class was by far the most difficult course I have taken. I took his introductory biology course as a first semester freshman and it opened my eyes to how stressful a single course can become. His lectures do not prepare you for the test; self study is the only way to achieve a decent grade.
Gives some of the toughest tests I've ever taken, but also probably the best lecturer I've ever had. Had him for BIOL 151 as well, and learned the hard way that EVERYTHING is fair game for tests. Study everything, and take good notes, because it WILL be on the test!
Run fast as you can!!
Great great lecturer, hard hard tough tough grader.
Switched to business after failing this class :) I put work, tears, and everything else into this class, still got Ds on the test. Moore is an amazing teacher, but this class is ridiculously hard :/ good luck if you are planning to take him because tbh you are gonna need it
TRY YOUR BEST TO DODGE THIS CLASS!!!!!!! I cannot stress on how HARD this class can get. Moore seems all chill and fun because his lectures are laid back. However, once you are handed the test it feels like you are reading a paper written in a different language. You can read all you want to, but that's not gonna help. Only luck will help.
YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO STUDY FOR!! I felt as if all the studying I did over the semester would've gotten me a much higher grade, but I absolutely worked so hard to get a C and have a decent understanding of the material. Overall, he gives great lectures, but pay close attention to details as that's where your exam questions come from.
Do not take Dr. Moore's Bio 151 and 152 classes if you want your GPA to remain high. He is by far the worst professor I have had at VCU- and he literally claims he's the best. His lectures don't have anything to do with the test, and neither do the readings (so where are the tests coming from??). Also rude to students and annoying. Overall a big NO
Extremely tough grader. I studied my ass off for this class, stayed up multiple nights trying to understand everything and even tho I felt prepared, the test was never on the material we covered in class, maybe 1 or 2 questions. For one of the unit, there was just way too much that we had to know. Save your gpa and do not take this class with him.
He is very entertaining and keeps your attention but this class was very challenging. The test questions were very long and only 30 mins so i had to rush through the entire thing. Wouldnt recommend!! If you care about your gpa, avoid at all costs !!
Wait until there's another professor teaching. Literally this class is THAT bad. You have three weeks to learn everything before there's a test. No quizzes, which would be helpful. So many extra components that are useless. Tophat readings are a waste of time. He's a nice person but an awful professor. Orgo was easier this semester than this class.
avoid at all costs!!!!
Class is super difficult. You have to know all the top-hat stuff, plus his powerpoint lectures, which are ALL pictures from google, the stuff he says during lectures, packback (weekly thing, has no clear purpose to the class) and random group work. Sometimes during lecture when someone asks for clarification, he gets annoyed. Awful class. Avoid it.
His lectures were all over the place and sometimes went off into rants of his personal life. Exams were always as hard as can be and he took pride in how difficult his class and exams were. Seeming proud to fail half his class at times. If you're a bio major he's almost unavoidable but do your best to not take him.
He's a GREAT lecturer, but if you're looking for an easy A don't take him, he makes you WORK for your grade. I recommend using his office hours, writing notes and study guides, and having a study buddy. He makes bio fun with his side comments and really challenges the student to be able to understand the content.
Great guy, powerful personality during lectures but gets off-topic. Waste of lecture time doing worksheets and only covers 1/4 of things on exams (X5+final). Exams are free for all for the unit, most work is done outside class. Attend every lecture, SI, tutoring, group study if you want to get good grade. Can pass (C) easily if you study.
Professor Moore has a great personality and is enjoyable during lectures. From time to time he is condescending when responding to questions although it is not intentional. His class is lecture heavy, and exams aren't "multiple choice" as a number of answers could be correct for each question. While he believes this helps grades it lowers them.
The worst professor at VCU. I've never worked so hard for a class and do so bad. His study guides don't help, I think he sometimes gives them in order to have us study wrong material. Some people like his lectures but he isn't funny, so boring, goes off-topic and is very condescending. He's proud of making so many students fail his INTRO class.
I am Biology major and I genuinely love the subject. But Professor Moore is ridiculous when it comes to his tests, if his class was the only one I was taking I'm sure I could have gotten an A. But along with 5 other classes, I can't only study for this one. We had to complete 15 chapters of long readings within 3 weeks for each test.
This class made me question my entire academic career. No matter what you study for, his exams will literally make you go "what?". his review questions are vague and are never what he asks on the exams. his tests are multiple choice but there are multiple right answers. lectures are off topic. readings are time consuming. worst intro class period.
Orgo was easier than this class. This is a GPA killer. Averages on every test was 50-70 range. I wish I would have dropped it.
His class was phenomenally stressful. He gives crazy tests and refuses to curve despite low averages. He deliberately remains vague about how he grades and gets mad when someone asks. He deleted his blackboard page before any of us could see what we got on the final. He is also rude and does not care about you or your grade. worst class I've had
350 characters are not enough to describe how bad this professor is. Moore is an awful professor who is rude, condensing and enjoys seeing his students fail. The tests were some of the hardest Ive taken as he does not prepare you at all. He removed our class page on blackboard so we couldnt see our final exam grades. DO NOT TAKE!
Professor Moore does keep the class entertaining, there was not a time where I felt bored or wanted to fall asleep. However, his tests were ridiculous, expect for unit 5, there is a lot of information to study for and even though I felt confident, it didnt translate well of the tests. The final exam left me brain dead because there was so much.
He engaged with the class so lecture isn't boring. He may seem scary but not that bad. I did bad on tests and still got a B. The packback and practice questions are easy 100's so make sure to do those. Final was 100mc and 20 short answer and covered everything so make sure you know at least the basics of the topics.
Awful. Words questions on the test in a weird way, where you are left wondering about WHAT he actually wants. He let us know in the beginning that he wants people to fail, that way he will know who deserves to be a doctor and go to med school, and who doesnt deserve to move further. He doesnt understand that not everyone wants to be a doctor.
Prides himself with the fact that he weeds out kids that aren't "capable" of being pre-health. He boasts about himself and his accomplishments every week, exams are built to be "beneficial" for kids but they're not. For a 100 level class, it's pretty hard, I spent more hours studying for this class than I did for orgo. He sucks.
Its a Christmas miracle I ended with a B in this class if Im honest. Ive never taken tests before in the format he does them in. All multiple choice questions can have all answers be correct or none of them! Honestly his lectures taught me nothing. I learned the most from the SI marathon test sessions. Glad hes never teaching bio again.
This class was probably my favorite class of the semester. He is a great teacher and great lecturer. He gives you all the tools to pass the exams, but you have to continuously put in the work. Utilize his office hours, they will help! He is a challenging teacher, but by taking this class, I feel like I am a better student, and know to truly study.
100% the worst professor Ive had at VCU so far. Went into this class giving him the benefit of the doubt but he does not care about his students. He claims to push students & thats why his grade averages are so low, But pushing your students is way different than setting them up to fail. Tests were impossible & way too much work for 3 credits.
WORST PROFESSOR. Notice that I got an A in his course but he can be very unkind and disrespectful. Usually just shouts or jokes in lectures to keep students 'engaged' but then gives extremely tough tests and you leave class not knowing what the hell you just learned. Do not take him! It's tough to get a good grade and learn anything. DONT TAKE HIM!
Prof. Moore has abundantly clear expectations and pushes you as a student to perform to your potential. Anyone who doesn't do well in this class is because biology is not for them or they simply didn't put in the work. His lectures are powerful and passionate. The class is perfectly designed to give you all of the information you need to succeed.
I took Professor Moore for Bio 151 and absolutely loved the semester with him. As you get to know him the more you will love him and enjoy his charisma and character inside the classroom. He wants you to learn and makes sure that you do. He makes you work for it but in a good way that helps you grow academically. I wish I could take him again!
You see.. I have taken hard professors in the past that have made me have mental breakdowns-but Moore is not one of them. Difficulty a good 6/10. 1st exam is the hardest bc you don't know what to expect, but you begin to see the patterns of his exams and what material from the lectures will be tested. Requires good understanding of bio concepts.
Summer 2020 online ecology; course is 500 points (4 unit exams, 1 final exam but content quiz average can replace an exam so technically optional final, 9 content quizzes, 2 bonus quizzes that replace 2 lowest content quizzes); super responsive re email and helping; 20 min videos for each chapter (1-5 parts per chapter, sometimes ran long)
Honestly, now that I'm a few years out from Moore, I can say more to how he affected the rest of my biology education. He's more concerned with how hard he can make the class than how much he's actually teaching you - I learned more about Intro Bio from my upper level classes than I ever did from him - I did well with him, but still not worth it
His lectures are engaging, he's hilarious and makes it easy to digest major concepts. However, his exams are so hard. No one option multiple-choice, all the questions either are short answer, fill in the blank or select multiple options. Spelling counts, even if the exam itself has typos. Also you don't get to see what you got wrong on the exams.
Hands down the worst class I have ever taken. The textbook was far too confusing; I never knew what to take notes on because it constantly explained theories that turned out to be wrong. The amount of work given far exceeds what is outlined in the syllabus, and the Professor Moore genuinely could not care less about his students.
A synchronized online class that was the easiest pass Ive ever taken. Very lenient with late work, gives bonus points for on time assignments, and open note test and quizzes even for the final exam
Prof. Moore is a fantastic and engaging teacher who will teach you everything you need to know. I took the Honors version of his class and there is a bit more work with reading, and the tests are completely written, but if you study the material and put in the work, you'll do well. He is funny and wants you to succeed, but he won't baby you along.
He prides himself on the fact that half of his students fail. The textbook has nothing to do with the lecture which has nothing to do with the homework which has nothing to do with the test. Honestly kind of arrogant.
The testing style was confusing. They are SAT style where the faster you can rush, the better you do on the test. Youre not supposed to be able to finish the test, but people do. He hasnt been very communicative about missing class/assignments and what those late work policies are even with a pandemic. He uses respondus lockdown with webcam.
He never responded to emails (at all) when he would lock quizzes so you couldn't see the answers. His tests were extremely hard and they're such a huge chunk of your grade. If you're pre-med, and you have the opportunity to take this at a community college please do so. Med schools would rather see a good GPA than you taking VCU courses.
He is very harsh and does not do his job right. His exams are very detailed and hard to pass but he does not prepare you for them. He is one of those professors that blames the students for a bad average on an exam rather than taking it upon himself which is very immature.
Tests and quizzes are very tricky worded and harshly graded and he never shows you any correct answers. This is a teacher to avoid especially if you're just taking this as an elective because he does not care when half of the class is failing.
I attended SI, TA sessions, went to class, studied more than ever for any other classes. I am a typical A-B student and worked very hard to get this status. However, this professor blames the students for failing because of the way they study and not his own skills as a Professor. He needs to get evaluated by the university. Worse professor ever!
Do not take this professor if you care about your GPA and mental health. He doesn't prepare you for tests at all which is a majority of your grade. The entire class is formatted poorly.
This professor is absolutely not worth TAKING. Please do yourself a favor, and TAKE someone else. The amount of work/ effort put in this class doesn't reflect on the grade. His ways of teaching is extremely confusing, even the SI sessions aren't much of a help. Tests are writing and multiple questions. BASICALLY SET UP IN A WAY FOR YOU TO FAIL.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. This professor does not teach all the material that he puts on the test. He expects us to memorize every little thing on the tophat notes for the test and written portion. The class averages in my class were always below 60%. He makes this class harder WAY harder than it's supposed to be.
Do not base everything on here. He was rated higher than the other person teaching biology, but come to find out he was horrible at teaching bio! I'm pretty sure he is not teaching this class after this semester, so maybe nothing to worry about.
Terrible teacher youll just be reading out the textbook all semester. I wouldnt recommend taking him at all just wait until the following semester and take the class with a different professor. He also likes to share too much information about his personal life
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
42%
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FRESHMAN
5.0
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