If you are a science major, take Prof. Goolsby. His exams directly reflect his lecture. Yes, you will need to study a bit on the side in order to excel in this class, but that is to be expected in a COLLEGE COURSE. The only fault he has is his inability to return tests in a timely fashion.

Prof. Goolsby is the best! He is very understanding and he didn't even yell at people when they were late. If you want to get an A, make sure to PAY ATTENTION to the lectures. he usually emphasize things that are a certainty on the tests.

Really cool, laid back guy. As a person, he's great, but Biology seems to be a hard class to make comprehendable the the lamen. I hear you can go to him during office hours and he's extremely helpful when you're there. All-in-all, good guy, good teacher, hard class. btw labs never end early

The lectures are fun to attend, however, the tests are all multiple choice on 4-5 huge chapters. Labs are a little long sometimes. Overall, he's great!

Enthusiastic and knowledgable, but lectures/labs could drag on for a while. His tests were pretty comprehensive and difficult, though he was good at answering questions. Also an interesting guy; ask him about WWI or Geese.

I took his class in summer 05 (6 wk course). He tries to make bio fun and interesting. I can see he tries to find ways to make teaching it more understandable. He is always available. HE DOESN'T WAN'T TO FLUNK YOU but he needs to know that you know the material. He isn't strict. Tests are fair. Oh yeah, and he has gorgeous blue eyes!

Ewwww to the comment below (gorgeous blue eyes...stop checkin the profs out, you home wrecker) very nice guy, hard class

This teacher is great. His lectures are concise, yet he covers chapters worth of material without it seeming like it. He answers questions fully even while in class, and makes sure you understand fully whatever it is you had a problem with. His class isn't easy by any means, it's still BIO, but if you want the best chance to pass, take him.

He does go back & forth with the slides. He tries to make it as understandable as possible, and uses examples in everyday stuff. As previously mentioned, this is still Bio, so you still need to study.

awsome class

he's a nice teacher, but bio is a hard subject. he always asks if there are any questions, or if we think he goes too fast. likes to shares stories (mostly about what he finds when he goes hiking)

Great teacher, I really recommend him. Always ready to help, always nice. Bio is hard, the teacher can make or break you. I got a C, but that's because I didn't study hard, not his fault. I see he checks up on the posts, hey Goolsby, you rock! Your Turkish student!

Goolsby is an awesome teacher, don't really need teh book because his lectures cover everything, and if you have any questions he tries his best to answer them completeley. His labs are easy but biology is a difficult subject so unless you study the tests will seem hard. But over all worthwhile class to take and cool guy!

Studying is A MUST!! The class itself isn't that hard if YOU STUDY!! He answers all your questions and is always there to help his students..Tests are a little hard but it is bio so come on..STUDY AND TAKE NOTES!!!

Best Bio teacher I have ever had... 3rd attemt at the class and 1st time i didn't withdraw. Biology in general is not easy but he is very fair and extremely helpful. If you study and go to class you will pass with no problem.

GREAT! If you ask, he will help. If you study, you will do great! If you, I reccomend him! A++++++++

Best Teacher Ever!!! I got a B in his class he helped when you need it just ask! i don't know what this person is talking about that gave him a frown they must just be lazy and not willing to do alittle work but Kirk is a Wonderful Prof! 4 TESTS only 3 count! great class wish he was doing 102!

no matter what you do, bio is going to be difficult, but Kirk Goolsby makes it a class that you enjoy going to. definatley possible to get an A.

take his class!! he's the best bio teacher ever!! i failed the first test because i didn't ask and i didn't know how to study. so i asked him about everything i didn't get in class.. he's willing to help you!! he'll take his break time and lunch time to help you! and i passed his class with B+

Good professor gives lots of notes and most of the exam comes from lecture notes so pay good attention. very interesting class passed with a B

He is a good guy who loves to talk. The material he is teaching is tough, but if you go to class, print out the slides and write notes as he talks you will be fine. Study the class notes and important vocabulary in the text and you should be fine. Your grade is based on the tests only and he gives a few bonus questions. No Quizzes and no papers

His lectures are REALLY boring and it is hard to take notes because he rambles on & u dont kno what 2 write.Textboook is a must b/c everything he tells u comes straight from the book. Just highlight what he says in the book and there are ur notes. Labs are easy if you finish ur work and show him he'll let you leave early. TESTS are pretty hard.

GOOLSBY IS THE GREATEST!! Biology is hard enough, but he makes it so much easier! And he tells wicked cool stories to keep you engaged. His notes are way helpful and he is more then willing to explain things numerous times to help you. The best teacher ever. I love him.

Kirk is a nice, laid-back kinda guy. Not the greatest "teacher" I've ever had, but I think he gives it his best. Offered quite a bit of extra credit. If you read the textbook and study you CAN pass his class. I got a D on the first exam and passed the class with an A. Exams are NOT easy, but are multiple-choice; NO quizzes or written homework.

I have to thank Goolsby for renewing a passion for biology in me. At first I took the class just for credits, but he helped make it so much easier for me to understand I'm now in 226-zoology! Very cool, laid back prof., slides are helpful but I still recommend studying the book for exams. Likes answering questions. All in all a great professor.

he is nice and fun. however, you must attend class and take good notes. his tests are fair. but if you don't study, you will definitely not do so well. if you don't understand something, ask him, he WILL help you. if you need the extra help, he would meet with you & help you understand it.

awesome guy, very helpful. Hes the kinda guy that has alot of passsion for what he does and actually takes time to help his students inside and out of the classroom. This class is definately not for a slacker but if you want to learn and have fun doing it.. goolsby is the man!

If you want to go thru a Bio class without falling asleep, this is the teacher 4 u. He puts so much energy into each class, relating the topics to real life scenarios. He is extremly helpful and flexible with grading. Lots of extra credit. 4 tests, lowest one is dropped. A+ for Mr. Goolsby!

Great teacher, interesting stories related to lectures. Attendance required & need to read the text book. Lots of extra credits. There are 4 tests, drops 1 test. He teaches biology with his heart. To get an A, you have to study a lot.

I really enjoyed Mr. Goolsby's class. He uses PowerPoint well, keeps the energy up even when it's nice and cozy in the back, and will answer all questions. The only thing that slightly annoyed me was that he would tell too many stories sometimes which made us behind in material covered. Other than that, he's great. Study for your tests!

Can't say it better than everyone else... Basically, I hate biology but I really loved taking BIO 101. I learned a ton and his energy is infectious. If you have to take a science class for a non-science major, this is the class for you.

The Coolest teacher you'll ever have. He learned every single one of our names in a class of over 60 people. Always cheerful and patient and went out of his way to make sure everyone felt welcome and up to speed.

Goolsby is absolutely fantastic and a sincereley dedicated teacher. He has the most positive attitude toward his students that I've ever seen. He learned and used every single student in a class of over 50 students first name! You will do great in his class if you attend every time.

like someone said earlier, his positive attitude is really infectous. I appriciated his commitment to learning everyones name as well as keeping class interesting. He used lots of powerpoints every class, but my one complaint would be we learned alot of the material using pictures & diagrams, yet the tests had none, so it was difficult to study for

His class was ok . 4 exams. the lowest one is dropped. each weigh the same includingthe final. attendenace isnt that important for lecture but for lab is important.about 10 quizez in lab on what u did i n lab prior to that lab. study guides dont really help. just read the text book during or after lecture. his lectures are the tests. but read text

Goolsby is a great guy! He will do everything he can to help you if you just ask! Lectures go fast, so read the text before class and tape them if you need to. You can get an A if you work! No trick questions on the tests, plus he gives extra credit on EVERY test. Great teacher but a hard class. He needs to teach 162!

He makes Biology fun and interesting. Very dynamic man -- almost like a kid at heart :) The tests are EXTREMELY hard, but he drops the lowest of the 4. Very willing to help you understand the material. Quizzes you on the previous lab every day, so attendance is a must. Overall amazing teacher, but HARD class.

Excellent professor! He will do all he can to make sure you understand the material & provides great analogies to the topics. Very helpful! He may go off topic here & there, but overall he will keep you awake in class. Attend class & take good notes, then you should do fine on the exams. Highly recommend; great professor!

goolsbys great but the subject he teaches is hard so yea the class is tricky but if you take it with this guy he'll help you understand as much as you need. I hate science classes, and i took honors with him (will never do it again) but he helped me when i needed it so i made it out with a B. and i never read the book either just took notes

hes a nice guy but his class is hard.

goolsby is an awesome professor, and he's really nice and trys to get to know his students, but his class is extremely hard if you dont like to study much. His test are really hard. he drops the lowest grade out of 4 tests. but he doesnt have extra credit. overall, hes nice but his CLASS IS HARD !

Look, if you don't study, take notes or attend EVERY class, INCLUDING labs, then you will NOT get an A. However, if you do the minimum of the above, it's totally possible. "Gools" puts extra questions on the tests, both lectures and labs! THAT is the extra credit! Get to know him, he's a cool hippie so don't expect your test grades quickly!

Most of the lectures is viewing power points. If you learn well with pictures etc, you will most likely recall a diagram that was on the PP during lecture.Some test questions were unusually hard, not the whole test. Whenever he mentions test during lectures,be sure to note down what he is talking about 95% chance it will be a question on the test

Really nice professor and very willing to help. Tests are difficult and labs are a little boring.

Goolsby is AWESOME. I would recommend him to anyone. Tests are challenging but do-able, he's always willing to help and is always available. He's funny and puts Biology in non-Bio language. Take him!

He's an awesome person but he's unorganized. He presents material out of order, doesn't follow the syllabus, purpose of labs is irrelevant....he's a great guy- he just can't teach.

Great Professor! Extremely helpful, and actually entertaining. The tests are somewhat difficult, but if you show up and pay attention you will do just fine.

Professor Goolsby is a good guy, but unorganized and his tests are very challenging; all you have to study are hundreds and hundreds of powerpoints.

Great at interaction with students

Prof. Goolsby is an awesome teacher, but DO NOT take the class if you can't keep up. The tests are difficult if you don't read the book yourself. Class notes are only based on PowerPoints. If you need help ASK FOR IT! He will help you. READ THE BOOK/STUDY! This is not a class you pass without putting in real work. Never gives homework though.

he's funny, nice, gives lots of simple examples when people look confused, he really wants you to understand! however he does get off topis sometimes with students and he gives alot of information nothing like high school bio. Overall its a good class but YOU REALLY REALLY HAVE TO STUDY HARD FOR EXAMS (4) I got a D on 2. EXAMS ARE HARD (not just me

Good Professor. HAVE TO STUDY FOR TEST! Power points are just OUTLINE of notes. If you take notes in his class and study them you do not need the book. He explains everything so you will understand. but TAKE NOTES AND STUDY other wise you will not pass. I failed 2 test but still came out with a B..

he is amazing, the best bio 101 teacher ever. BUT YOU HAVE TO STUDY FOR BIOLOGY never forget that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hes a wonderful teacher. Is very egar to help, and will go out of his way to make sure you understand whats going on. Hes not an easy A- you NEED to take it upon yourelf to do good in the class. All together wonderful teacher.

Mr. Goolsby is a wonderful teacher. He will make sure you understand the material, and all of the tests are multiple choice. They are however extremely difficult for multiple choice, therefore you MUST study, attend class, and take copious notes. He merely expects you to treat the class like a college level course, but a great teacher and person.

Goolsby is a great teacher. He finds a great balance between being able to challenge you as a student but also not scaring you away from the material. You need to spend quite a bit of time out of the class room for his test, but he drops one test grade at the end of the semester. He's extraordinarily helpful and really let's you thrive if you put in the work. Highly suggested for Science majors!

The best bio prof! But,you need to take lots of notes because his exams are mostly from notes and some from the book. So,attending class is a must. He enjoys teaching and will help you understand the subject when asked. His labs are detailed and he has regular quizzes in lab,so you need to study the previous lab as well as the current lab.

professor Goolsby is awesome. Period. He will help you if you need it and will go above and beyond. He has field experience so he is never boring. His class is very difficult and you need to take very clear and extensive notes to pass. You also need to attend ALL CLASSES AND LABS. take his course, you wont regret it.

he's a great prof. how to get an A in his class. dont need the book, dont need his almost useless powerpoints.record the class. listen to all of them 3 days before the test.YOU WILL GET AN A.there is only 4 tests. one of them is dropped.If you carefully listen to his lectures and clear understand them(which is not hard) u will get an A.u learn alot

AMAZING TEACHER! I wouldn't say that he's an easy A. But if you actually want to learn anything about the class, especially if it's your major TAKE HIM! He is full of energy and loves what he teaches. He will sit down with you and go over something a million times in different ways until you understand. He's a perfect teacher

The tests are actually pretty hard -- a little harder than they probably should be. Just study a LOT, and attend every lecture (and lab). Study hard for the lab quizzes -- those get way too detailed, asking you about what you did last week and even what you're going to be doing that day (how were we supposed to know? they weren't always in order).

Entertaining class, tests are difficult. Text book reference is required along with lecture notes. He does drop the lowest test score, but even so, there are no extra credit, attendance is mandatory.

Great professor! Always enthusiastic during lecture and lab, and keeps things interesting. He is always more than happy to help you with any questions and does give some extra credit on tests and lab practicals. Not an easy A class, but really no real bio class is. I highly recommend him!

One of the best Professors offered at NOVA. Information is dull at times but he finds a way to make it intereting with stories. The man shows you a lot of respect and is willing to help whenever you need it. Tests are hard but apply yourself by reading the chapters and taking notes and you will do fine.

I got a B in his class when I had no business getting anything higher than a D. The class was very hard as any BIO class is, but I honestly think my grade was bumped up a lot because of my relationship with him. It was a summer class and I was there every single class/lab and got along with him well. Pretty sure I failed 3 of the 4 tests.

He is very good teacher. he makes the lectures fun. He tells stories that keep class entertaining and analogies that help people grasp the concepts. His lab is annoying, but he is very helpful and goes out of his way for students. I HIGHLY recommend him. I'm taking him again for BIO 102!

Prof. Goolsby was engaging in class and extremely helpful. He doesn't mind explaining the stuff a hundred times on his office hours. He grades fairly and gives students several opportunities throughout the course to reach out to him for help.

Great teacher. His tests are all multiple choice and are straightforward. Review the chapters in the text book, he usually highlights important concepts to know for exams. Very cool guy, really helpful and willing to work with students. It's very easy to get an A if you go to class and pay attention. Take him!! He's awesome.

Nicest guy in the world, love him as a person. With that being said as a teacher his tests are hard and goes straight off of powerpoints, lab practicals are particularly difficult if you dont study HARD

Mr. Goolsby is THE coolet teacher I have ever had at NOVA. He is a great and fun person and his class mirrors his personality. His tests are all multiple choce, and he gives a lot of extra credit. Plus he drops your lowest test. His lab practicals are difficult, but I got a B despite doing horrible in lab and average on the tests. TAKE HIS CLASS!!!

SUPER CHILL! knows his stuff. made class interesting/funny to learn. a little scattered when teaching from powerpoint notes but very helpful if ask questions. 4 exams including final & drops lowest grade. 6-point mini quizzes in beginning of lab (dont miss, adds up!) use slideshows & textbook for good grade! overall loved his class, def recommend!

By far the best professor I've had! He's very passionate, and very clear and easy to understand! He doesn't mind repeating things more than once! Very Cool person overall! It was an intensive class mainly because it was a summer course, but as long as you pay attention in class and study the power-points then you should be good!

Hes passionate about his subject and is there to help you succeed. Tests aren't super easy but if you want a good grade its not hard to get one..i would recommend him to anyone

Goolsby is an awesome teacher, seriously. He has so much passion for his subject which really goes a long way. You do have to study for his tests which are difficult, but if you put in the work the results will be worth it. Currently taking his Bio 101 course and going to take Bio 102 next semester with him. You just have to study.

Awesome fella. He'll help you when you need it. He will learn your name and does care if you care. Great, Great guy, he jumped up on his desk to emphasize his point once. Goes off on semi-related topics sometimes, but is overall a great Professor to have. You better read and pay attention during the lab sessions or you'll look like an idiot.

Goolsby is a great teacher! I'm planning on taking him again next year. His tests are easy if you pay attention and lab is mandatory. But attending lab WILL boost your grade at the end of the semester! He has "commercial breaks" during class where he goes off topic but it's funny and helps you stay awake.

Very good professor, makes you want to learn and makes a lot of jokes. However, tests are tough !!

This is biology so there are NO professors that can easily teach this course unless you put in the effort. There are four tests (three exams and final) and he drops the lowest test grade. Review his study guides and you'll get an A or B. His lectures are long but he adds funny storiesanalogies to help us understand. Awesome professor, take him.

Prof. Goolsby is a funny teacher, and he makes science concepts clear and straightforward. However, he will teach you a lot of stuff, only to have the scaled-down, basic-principle stuff on the exams. You will fall asleep during his lectures. If you need assistance in science, don't take him. He will help but he is overbearing.

My favorite professor of all my classes. He's funny, relatable and does his best to make sure everyone understand each topic in class. He makes it clear that you can ask ANY question and you that you can always see him during office hours. He doesn't give out study guides so you'll have to do additional studying for tests, but it's easy to get an A

he is an amazing professor! explains stuff well, answers all your ?'s, drops the final exam, has study guides on his website, and has amazing stories that help you understand what we're talking about. he's funny, energetic, & super helpful. i love his lectures!! bio is difficult to teach so of course bio is going to be hard. so dont be lazy&STUDY

Mr. Goolsby is a very approachable funny sir. I took the one day a week class, so I had lecture and lab the same day, please don't do that for your sake. His style of teaching is talking. IF you pay attention, you will pass class. He requieres a textbook but his exams are based on what he talks about, so I never use it. Study for the lab quizzes.

Well Professor Goolsby is literally the best teacher I've ever had. First, he is passionate. He gives amazing speeches, which are easy to follow and interesting as well. He is accessible outside class like 4 days a week. He cares about his students and tries to be helpful every time I looked for help. Go ahead and take his classes. You won't regret

Goolsby is a nice guy at heart. one of the kindest professors at nova. He gives you the most respect possible. His grading scale is very test heavy, there is no extra credit what so ever. tests are hard. you have to read the book and understand if u wanna pass. Overall nice guy uses powerpoints but with no notes. most lectures come from his mouth.

Don't wanna beat a dead horse, but Goolsby is a very enthusiastic educator. 4 tests, lowest is dropped. Doesn't give back tests unless you go in office hours. Labs/tests are unbelievably straightforward (3 100s). 18 extra credit points (4 on exam 1, 10 exam 2, 4 exam 3). Notes don't have to be too detailed, as the tests don't go in depth tbh...

The bottom line is that biology is a complex subject filled with various concepts and lots of specific subject matter. With that being said there is no teacher at nova that teaches biology easily. Mr. Goolsby is completely understanding, extremely caring, passionate, very funny, & really tries. His class is a bit difficult but it's worth it. TRY!

His lectures are fascinating and you can tell hes really passionate about the subject matter. This man will inspire you.

I'm a fan. We called him Coolsby because he was so cool. You DO have to work in the class but it's not overwhelming.

He is a nice guy but not a good professor. He really cares about his students and will stay after if you have questions. He lectures off a powerpoint that only has pictures and no descriptions if you take this class MAKE SURE YOU TAKE NOTES, don't skip labs and don't skip class you will miss a lot of info. Also there are no study guides. Good luck!

He is a really good teacher and wants his students to really learn and understand the material. The class is powerpoint based, so you just have to take notes on that and key things he says. Only 4 tests which make up your grade (plus labs) and the lowest test is dropped. Don't buy the textbook; it's not needed. I would very much recommend him

Professor Goolsby is a beacon of hope in a college setting where there's few professors that seem to care this much about teaching. He has a very enthusiastic energy about him when he teaches and he's usually always there to help any students that need it. While the class can be hard, if you try he work with you, he wants his students to pass.

TOOK HIM FOR ENV. But there wasnt a option This teacher is great and funny but when it came to labs he wouldnt know what to do. He did excuse some labs because of that. When there would be exams he would always post the scores so late, so make sure you are getting good grades before its too late. Does have study objectives for exam but double check

I adore this professor, I took him in the SPR23. He's a very fun, bit adhd, caring prof. He is very lecture-heavy, his pwp are photos for his lectures so if you're not paying attention or you skip a class, you may snowball. Overall very fantastic teacher, I highly recommend staying after during exam time because he will go over test q&as

Professor Goolsby cares a lot about his students. I took him for a 6 week summer class and he was great. Lectures can be long and but he makes them interesting and fun. He is a very knowledgable and encourages his students to ask questions. I did spend a lot of time outside of class to review for exams, but I definitely recommend taking him.

Professor Goolsby makes the class engaging, but it requires consistent effort. Lectures rely heavily on slides, so staying focused and taking notes is key. unstuck AI proved helpful for exam prep alongside the textbook. Overall, a challenging yet rewarding course.

Such a cool guy! I had him during March 2020 and he was great. His energy made class less boring.

**Took him for ENV 121** He was kind & understanding! If you were struggling, he was there for you, just advocate for yourself. Class and Lab attendance matter, Labs were easy, & the exams were fine as long as you studied, he takes a while to grade exams. I definitely would recommend to anyone, I don't love science but he was a great instructor!