3.0
Quality4.5
Difficulty100%
Would Retake105
Reviews100%
Would Retake
105
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
33
4
13
3
21
2
18
1
20
What Students Say
“" Mind you, I did the best in my lab on that exam”
BIO111 - 2.0 rating“His lectures are excellent, and his humor lightens up the class”
BIO111 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
57%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.89 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO102
4.0
(2)BIO221
4.0
(2)BIO111
3.6
(59)INTROTOBIO
3.5
(2)BIO101
3.4
(5)Difficulty by Course
320
5.0
BIO109
5.0
BIO102
5.0
BIO112
5.0
CELLMOLEC
5.0
Reviews (105)
HARD HARD HARD - Don't bother if you don't know your stuff... Take a different professor
No Comments
No Comments
HES HORRID! He hates smart people and loves people who aren't intelligent. STEER CLEAR if you signed up...DROP and take another professor
Hard, hard Hard, not fair on grading either!
So bad. Soooooooooooo bad. That's all I can say.
EXTREMELY HARD..if you have a TRUE love for bio, sign up..u will know more if you take him, but dont take him if you arent a bio major..u have to study 24/7. however, he scales like 50 points and people still fail
For an intro course, his exams are ludicrous. The average is usually around a 40, and then he scales 30 points. He basically treats his students like they're Biology grad students, which scares off many. But if you stick it out, it's rewarding.
He trys to be heplful, but that doesn't work,the exams are horrendous,while we're in lab he wanders around the building,you literally need to study every day to even attempt to pass.
if you must take him, keep your lips glued to his buttocks. if you critisize him, you will be punished with a bad grade. having him and wifey over for dinner insures an A. he likes students that worship him, so be ready for a new religion.
if you sing his praises, you are all set. if you opposed him, he take it dear to his heart and very personal. if you are good student when you take his class, you probably will be dumb at the end of the semester.
god awful-avoid this professor. unless you are willing to drop everything else in life and visit his office every day "for help". his labs are unorganized disasters and he is never to be found. I think he is on a personal mission to weed out bio
This guy is the worst professor in the history of RIC. He treats his students poorly and lectures as though he were teaching grad courses at MIT. I think he does so because he has tenure and knows he is untouchable. Avoid him like the plague.
this man gets off to the fact that he thinks he can run a class and scar his students. He tests on a grad student level. You wont learn a thing form his class because you can not retain information and actually learn on**** that is that advanced..
This professor is very strait forward. From the first day of class he tells students that they “must” read the book. The time in class is only meant to supplement the out of class reading. The students that have had problems in the class are the ones that
He is nuts. It is impossible to pass one of his exams and he is never around during labs. Heis a good teacher but he expects WAY too much from students in the course of 13 weeks. After this class I could be a BIO professor myself.
u assume that we should understand everything perfectly
HE SUCKSSSSS. i had ap bio last year and it was asically the samestufff but he is just a horrible teacher and his mthods are so confusing i don't think a grad student could do well in his class. so basically this man is the spawn of satan
Terrible professor. Very unclear when speaking in class. Seems not to realise that this is an _introduction_ to biology. Expects you to know much more than is reasonable for a 100 level class. Never around to help during lab. Generally terrible, avoid if you can. Go take course at CCRI if you can.
Fun professor!! Interested in what he teaches.
Too demanding for an intro bio class
No Comments
for a required lab science at the 100 level this class overkill. Avoid this professor unless you like to fail.
One of the harderst teachers around. For an intro. class to biology, this teacher sucks! He gets a kick out of his reputation of being a hardass. Avoid at all cost!
Very very difficult. Good sense of humor but tries to push his ideas and philosophies on his students instead of developing a students individual intellect.
He is THE hardest teacher i've ever had. But he really wants to get to know you. If you're struggling in his class..proove to him you want to pass. He usually does some extra credit activities. Show the effort and let him know you're still alive(those who sit in the back of the room...BAD IDEA!) He has a really dry humor..so bare with it!
No Comments
Very hard class for an intro level class. He gave outlines that were his lecture, word for word, which were helpful if you miss a class.
Way too hard for an intro level class. Understood the material in lectures, exam time comes and it's like looking at something you've never learned. Poor prof. I don't recommend.
No Comments
Class is rather hard if you are into memorization, if you are very good on concepts then class is not that hard
Ugh...just ugh. Awesome guy to hang out with, funny as ****, but DO NOT take his class.
Show up, read, participate and you will learn a hell of a lot. He is pretty amazing and dedicated to student achievement.
No Comments
Matsumoto is awesome. If you put your full effort in, you'll get it all back. Most people don't study hard enough and then fail out and say it's because he's too hard, but it's really because they didnt' try hard enough. He's really funny and cares more about the students than any professor i've met here. if he's too hard for ya, go be an art major
He is an awesome guy but his classes suck. The material is already confusing and he goes through material very fast. Tells you to go to a tutor instead of trying to help himself. Dont take his class
Matsumoto is a great professor, he really pushes his students. He cares alot about the students learning the material well and always gives advice to help you out. the work load is ridiculous for an intro class but hey, if you want it easy be a philosophy major.
the man is a genius--you can't argue that. But HE CAN'T TEACH. It's as if he's just to smart to explain things in terms that everyone can understand. He's a nice guy, but he can't teach his way out of a paper bag!
very confusing. . .he's not very good at teaching the material. . .he goes waaaaay to fast. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!!!
He is really nice and has a good sense of humor to keep you interested. His tests can be hard if you're a procrastinator but he always uses a bell curve. If you do your reading and studying you'll be fine, although he tends to cover 3 or 4 chapters a week so if you're a procrastinator Dr M isn't for you. Great class for anyone who loves science!
Have to study a lot or he will "bury you" on the hourly exams. He curves about 50 pts, which makes him a fair teacher. Knows his material very well, one of the best/toughest teachers I have had at RIC. His exams are really HARD, average for one was a 17 out of 132 pts, have to study a lot...
Not helpful, but clear instructions
He is a smart man, how ever he goes way to fast and does not clarify enough for you to understand
THE BEST TEACHER EVER!!!! (and the hardest) HE's A GENIUS, take him if you're a BIO MAJOR
SOOOOO BAD SOO SOO BADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
He is a very smart man but his moves at a rapid pace. He assumes that students have a base of knowledge in biology. Once he says something, he assumes you remember it. Tough grader but fair. His exams are very difficult but he makes class entertaining.
OmiGod!! Ignore the really negative comments!! This teacher is sooooo nice!!! Some people try to make him look bad, when hes not that bad at all! Its true he goes at a fast pace, but if u have a question, hes more than willing 2 answer! His tests arent that bad. U just have 2 study and make sure u understand the material. Other than that, ur good!!
Dr. M is obviously very intelligent. One must be prepared to study hard and so the readings. He is very fair in grading as he curves each exam immensely. Most people are disappointed because they don't do the work. Stick to the readings and you will be just fine.
AWFUL teacher
nice guy but ridiculously difficult..he grades on a bell curve so that u get an A if you get a 50 or 60 on an exam. why can't he just make his exams easier so you don't fry your brain out trying to take them? yeah, horrible class; info doesnt make sense unless you read like 50 pages EVERY NIGHT. don't take him. i was a bio major but NOT ANYMORE!
Matsumoto is a really really nice guy, but his exams are evil. You need to be willing to study the textbook like crazy in order to pass one of his exams. He expects you to attend his classes, and you might even get rewarded for perfect attendance. But be prepared to study study study!
Matsumoto is an extremely intelligent, and interesting teacher.He is really passionate about Bio and so it rubs off on you.You WILL care about Bio after his class.He has a great sense of humor, and he is probably THE #1 Red Sox fan.I highly recommend his class.You do use the textbook a lot but it is BIO you are taking.His exams are not that hard.
He was probably one of the hardest teachers ive ever had but one of the nicest as well....i definately recommend him if you like biology
Does not explain in depth and the material is heavy. Usually in class I dont feel like I have a connection with the lecture material as I do in other classes
The subject and content is complicated, but he is very entertaining in class.
Extremely knowledgable professor, however, his exams are by far the hardest thing I've ever encountered. The whole class is curved so it does make up for it but beware he speaks at a doctoral level, not an undergrad level. Great class if you learn quick. The first exam I got a 53 on which translated into an A. Enough said.
It is a COLLEGE LEVEL SCIENCE course. Don't be a fool, do the work and put some effort into it. Go be an English major if you don't want to think and work objectively.
one of the best professors i have had. the first class i have ever had to study for (which was terrible because i still really dont know how to study)
Dr. Mats is an awesome professor. Biology is hard and complicated but it is my world and I am thankful that I had an opportunity to have him as a professor! Best bio teacher at RIC by far! (Dr. MATS IS THE MAN!!)
One of the most rigorous classes I've ever had. He is a very good professor and very interested in learning about his students and treats everyone with respect. However, cyanide is preferable to his exams. The average grade on the exams have been around 35%, which is about a C+/B-. Study and pay attention and you'll get an A if you're not a moron.
Read the book and you will be fine. He will ask about how to die on Cyanide and Lamarkism (Girrafee necks for essays) He is a good guy, but you need to make sure you do the work.
AWESOME!! matsumoto is great when it comes to helping you understand the material, but makes sure you study, like, ALOT!! because the tests will be murder if you dont! but after you have him, all the other classes will be a bit easier. study and understand, and you will be fine!
The simple question is: why is he teaching an undergraduate "introductory" class at RIC? Think about it. Go to the Brown website and then wonder why public school kids like us are not prepared for instructors like him! In the end, it's the system's failure, we are all pawns on the board. I'll be ready for him at the doctoral level for sure.
IN DEFENSE OF DR. MATSUMOTO, HE OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO ASK QUESTIONS. USE THIS PRIVILEGE WISELY. ALSO, SOME ACT AS IF HIS EXAMS ARE IMPOSSIBLE. THEY ARE DIFFICULT, BUT YOU ARE JUDGED IN THIS CLASS ACCORDING TO HOW YOU FARE RELATIVE TO THE STUDENT WHO DID THE BEST. THAT IS FAIR.
Matsumoto is a very tough professor - no doubt about that. But unlike some other professors he makes the class very interesting - comparing things to real life situations - which is really good. His exams are extremely hard! Very hard to pass! He grades on a bell curve. Overall good teacher - you will love biology after taking one of his classes!
Best professor ever. If you're doing poor in the class it's your fault. his exams are hard but he scales so much to compensate. seriously, if you're not lazy and actually care about biology he's amazing. anyone who hates him just didnt try. end of story.
Make sure not to memorize, but understand the concepts and what is actually going on. Read the book and skim the Darwin text. He scales big time. A 55 is an A+ on the first test.
Matsumoto was the best teacher i have had at ric to date. his class was the biggest challenge ive ever had academically, but was a fair teacher and gave ample extra credit opportunities. my best friend panda and i look back on this being the hardest and most rewarding class we will ever take. dont mess with matsumoto cuz he's wittier than you too
Actually a really good teacher, provided you're willing to put in the work. He is funny, usually goes on rants for the last half hour of class, but they're usually somewhat relevant. Covers alot of material throughout the course, but he givrs you what you deserve and always gives opportunities for extra credit. Will always help students, and make s
the only way to pass is to read the book!!!
Absolutely the worst professor I have had in my entire life. He was so proud of trying to fail his students with these ridiculus 10 day exams. Yes. This is not a typo!!!!! Questions without answers??? What is the point?
Such a tough class. I don't think anyone could pass it unless you UNDERSTAND, not memorize, but UNDERSTAND the entire book. He goes through one chapter in about 20 minutes. (Only put the chili pepper cuz he said he never got one!)
worst teacher ive ever had. i tried asking for help one day before a test and he said he would help in the next class, next class came and he said if he helped any of us he would change all the questions. i was so mad. then i studied my ass off and failed.more than hald my class had to drop him because there was no way we could pass his class.
Seems like a nice teacher during his lectures but the exams are some of the toughest exams you will ever take. Would be a good class if the exams were not so in depth. Intro to Bio is an intro, 100 level course, but students are tested at a 500 level. He uses a curve but everyone fails miserably before hand. Only 1 high grade is around 60/140.
excellent. extremely knowledgeable. extremely difficult exams, but will take the time to explain if you ask thoughtful questions. regardless of grade, have already learned a great deal. thank you.
very in-depth course. he encourages learning but don't expect him to hold your hand through the class. the material is difficult, but he is not. i'm considering majoring in bio after his class.
Amazing professor. Learned a great deal that was not in the book, (Which is why we have a professor) Wish he taught more classes. Would take micro or genetics if he taught it.
By far favorite professor. Always there for students, really makes you think in a whole new way. Exams are not easy, but not impossible. Based VERY fairly on a curve so your grade depends on how well/poor the class does. I recommend taking his class, his teaching style will help you to further exceed in future studies. 1 word an INSPIRATION!
It has been over 20 years since I took classes with him. A word of advice to young students; study and KNOW the material! It has served me well in the real world. I was not the smartest guy that ever took his class, but I aced it by working hard.
Absolutely the best professor I have ever had. If you're serious about Biology, or Pre-med, he's totally the right guy to get you ready. He REALLY knows what he's talking about. He sets high expectations for his students because he believes in them and knows that the majority of his students don't do well because they're lazy - YOU LEARN SO MUCH!!!
Best professor i ever had. Extremely challenging!! Extremely hard!!! Very intelligent man must attend class and read to do well.. But you'll leave his class knowing more then u realize. Also fairest grader I ever met.
Awesome teacher! Lectures in clear language; re-explains in alternative wording; always helpful and willing to take time with those who have genuine interest. Yes, you need to work for your grade but a good grade is attainable when you do your part. Don't ever give up on the course, and he will not give up on you.
If you're willing to work hard take his classes. You won't learn more with anyone else.
Fantastic. Feel well prepared and educated.
Lets be honest, biology is not an easy subject. But Dr. Matsumoto is incredibly smart and you will not learn more from any other professor at RIC. Stop being lazy, go to class, study and you should do well. Tests are scaled due to class average so if you can not get an A in this class DO NOT major in science.
DO NOT TAKE. class is extremely difficult for beginners and intermediates.
Honestly, he is extremely difficult. Do not take him if you do not have a GOOD bio background.
In his class you will learn a lot but you will have to do a lot of work just to be able to borderline pass his tests he is a nice guy with a great sense of humor.
I took Human Bio with this professor last semester. Absolutely awful! He is very arrogant. Does not explain everything. Skips over "useless" power points that end up being a huge portion of the exams. The exams could of been in a foreign language to me. The way he words questions is really difficult to understand. I'm just glad I passed.
He's tough. If you're just looking to satisfy the lab science requirement, steer clear. Motivated goal-driven biology majors should be banging down doors to take his courses though, you won't learn more from anyone else, and it will truly help with the rest of your bio classes. Grades on huge curve and scales all his tests. An A IS possible.
He is very fair and if you have any questions he will stop the class and will not proceed until you get it. He starts every class with "Does anyone have any questions about the reading?" and expects students to ask questions. He grades on a scale and grades at the PhD level. You can score a 35/160 and get a C. 50/160 is an A.
Great professor you'll learn alot ,but not easy. I would recomend him for all biology majors who really want to know there stuff. An A is possible just study hard all Tests are scaled heavily
Off the bat is a nice guy. Goes through a lot of information you are expected to delve into. Doesn't provide study guides I am one of the students who have done well due to getting same info from other classes. Last exam 4 As, 3 Cs, 4 Ds, and 13 Fs. Be wary if you are not totally sure you can handle getting more than half wrong on any exam.
Dr. Matsumoto is not an easy teacher. Under no circumstance. His lectures are excellent, and his humor lightens up the class. Incredibly clear, but expects much of his students. Highly recommended for ambitious students, and students who really want to learn. Is easy to talk to and get in touch with. If you don't pay attention, you will fail.
While difficult, he notices students who actually try in class and will gladly help you. If you try and study hard, he will notice. He is really funny, but never be afraid to ask questions! A lot of students feel like he messes around/picks on them, that may be true, but it is funny, and he cares a lot about his students believe it or not.
His Exams are very difficult and his grading is like that of an Ivy league school, but he is the best professor you will ever get! If you can make it through his class you can get through anything. Just make sure you read the text and attend class and you will do fine on the exams.
His exams are very difficult but are scaled according to how well the class performed as a whole, so befriend most of the class and then plant incorrect information so that you get the best grade out of the class and subsequently an A. Remember, if the whole class fails (as you will have undoubtedly hidden your success) you will remain undetected.
Professor Matsumoto teaches a Biology 111 class which is the introductory Bio course for incoming Biology Majors. No Classwork, Quizzes, but 3 Exams not including the Final. Drops your lowest exam score completely, and an A LabLectureNo Final., however the final wasn't bad. Grades on a strong curve, a 51 was considered an A, hard but 5190-160
Great professor! His exams are epicly tough but they are almost a badge of honor when you see the rest of the classes results! He genuinely cares about his students and wants to see you succeed in not just his class, or even biology, but rather in life as a whole! Go to class and read the book and you will do just fine!
His tests are INSANE. I nearly lost my mind. But he grades on a curve. His knowledge is so vast, I was truly in awe and found this course, though very challenging and time consuming, to be an inspirational introduction to biology. I took it to see if I wanted to become a bio major, and it convinced me to do so!
i was not a fan of him, he was hard to understand. he seems to get annoyed when asking him for help so many times. even when students asked to clarify something in lecture he would but it was still not clear. avoid if you can!
Honestly the best teacher I ever had as a Bio major. I took this course and worked extremely hard for an A-. For the duration of my college career every single course was a breeze. You will be surprised at how much you learn. Dr. Mats is hands down the best professor at RIC. Just don't be lazy or he will chew you up.
I never missed lab and took notes in class and put my heart and soul into this class, and still only managed a C+. When I sat down with him to discuss an exam he gave me the most disapproving look and told me "I'm really disappointed in you. I expected far more from you." Mind you, I did the best in my lab on that exam. Literally killed me.
This whole semester was just horrific. I would never take this course with this professor or recommend anyone to unless they want to set themselves up for failure. This professor makes me want to change my major. Absolutely confusing, not clear, and definitely not helpful.
One of the few professors that challenged his students with compassion.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
57%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.89 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO102
4.0
(2)BIO221
4.0
(2)BIO111
3.6
(59)INTROTOBIO
3.5
(2)BIO101
3.4
(5)Difficulty by Course
320
5.0
BIO109
5.0
BIO102
5.0
BIO112
5.0
CELLMOLEC
5.0