2.1
Quality4.5
Difficulty20%
Would Retake113
Reviews20%
Would Retake
113
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
11
4
11
3
14
2
27
1
50
What Students Say
“I don't think they stress enough how much you need to read the book”
BIO1111 - 2.0 rating“His lectures are as bad as his tests are brutal”
BIO1111 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
73%
Textbook Required
43%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.03 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO101
5.0
(1)BIO3101
5.0
(1)BIO2112
5.0
(1)BIO1111SOAR
5.0
(1)BIO1911
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BIO1911
5.0
BIO101
5.0
BIOBIO
5.0
BIO00
5.0
BIO26
5.0
Reviews (113)
I had Dr. Balsai for Bio1111 lab. He quizzes were tough if you did not study and get the material. He expects specific answers on quizzes and likes asking questions about phylums,etc. Take notes from whatever he writes on the board, because he can pull quiz questions from it. Overall his grading is fair and you can learn a lot from taking him.
An incredibly intelligent individual. This guys really knows his stuff. If you pay attention in class and even stick around and talk to him he provides intresting conversation as well as tips on how to succeed in the class. Most of what I needed to know to pass the quizzes I learned from talking to him one on one.
Dr. Balsai is so awesome and funny! He does trail off a bit when he's talking, but if you ask him to repeat himself, he will. I learned so much in his lab. The quizzes and practicals are really hard, but study the material and make good use of your time in lab. Some people chose to leave early each lab- bad choice. Study ALL the slides EACH lab.
He really is a helpful teacher who will clearly answer any question you ask him. The major issue is the Quizzes. You never know how to study for them. Whether you study or not you still end up getting around 4 out of 10. He goes over like 50 new terms and concepts in lab which are not covered in lecture, so its like lab is its own 4 credit course.
Most of the other reviews on here are people who had him for lab. I had him for lecture and he was HORRIBLE. I'm actually interested in the subject & studied for every test, but he makes them impossible. The highest average was a 48%. The test questions are impossible and aren't from the material at all. No curve. Horrible horrible teacher.
Had him for lecture. Even if you sit all the way in the front, you can hardly hear a word he says, because he mumbles. Most people just stopped going to lecture because it was pointless. I think it was his first time as a Bio lecture professor because he used to be a lab instructor.
Balsai is very helpful if you speak to him directly, exams are very tricky, it's not enough just to know the material. Keep up with the readings and NEVER EVER cram. I started studying 3 weeks in advanced and still got a horrible grade. Oh yeah, and they say there is no curve, but who knows. If there isn't, more than half the class will fail.
Smart man but I didn't learn a lot. I can't blame him - I think it's the curriculum. Bio 1111 will ruin your semester. The class is meant to weed out students who are not prepared for med/pharm school. You learn 27 chapters in 1 semester. Tests are hard - average did not exceed 50%. Prepare to work hard, struggle, and feel discouraged.
Dr. Balsai is not a good teacher. There is no way around it. If you are taking Bio 1111 I highly recommend you to take another professor or take it at a different time. It will ruin your GPA, it will discourage you. You cannot hear a word he says in lecture and his exams are absolutely ridiculous. The avg is below 50% for the entire class.
HARDEST CLASS EVER!!! it will ruin your life.
worst teacher and course. the teachers can't teach and the course isn't curved like they say. the average never exceeded a 50%. how can the students be blamed for that? take bio elsewhere. you're wasting your time at temple.
the worst biology class ever taken! the class is worthless. you can never understand the professor and the questions on the exams are completely all over the place. i would recommend taking the course elsewhere because the bio dept at temple is horrendous
Insanely hard. Very few, and I mean VERY FEW are able to pass the class. This class single handedly ruins Temple Biology Department. If you can, try to take Intro to Bio elsewhere, because with Balsai, it's near impossible.
Even if you do above average you will fail there is no CURVE. I worked my ass off for this class while taking Orgo and physics.... If you want to do well in this class take it alone. Test are ridiculous and lab should be a 3 credit course it's self... Horrible professor he doesn't teach. It's all powerpoints...I got an A in Orgo and B+ in physics
I went to every lecture in a hall for 300 people and every time it was filled with the same 15 students. How can so many people skip lecture, fail, and be surprised? Dont hate Dr. Balsai because you couldnt even put the effort in to go to lecture. Hes a pretty lazy teacher generally, and he is a powerpoint commando but quit whining & go to lecture
had him for bio 1111. although the averages for the midterms were in the 40s i found that doing mastering biology did help.i'd suggest that and studying the Powerpoints hardcore. igot in the 60s. he'll drop the lowest midterm.try to do well on at least one lab practical since they double your best score.i got a B+ in the class doing these things
Makes no attempt to teach and gives ass exams. I got A's In Phys 1-2, Orgo 1-2, Bio 2, Calc 1-3, and Chem 1-2, and now I'm worried about failing this "Introductory" class even while putting forth my absolute best effort, which included me reading the entire syllabus over break prior to taking the class.
Words can not describe my frustration with this class. Don't take it unless you absolutely have to and if you do good luck
Imagine taking a class and no matter how hard you try...you can never do better than a 50%....and then there is no curve, so you fail...now imagine it again because you WILL have to retake...don't make the same mistake I did.
Imagine taking a class and no matter how hard you try...you can never do better than a 50%....and then there is no curve, so you fail...now imagine it again because you WILL have to retake...don't make the same mistake I did
Read the text, go to lectures, go to his office. Do well in lab. The class is very hard. He is reasonable, if he knows who you are, situp front get to knowhim
Dr. Balsai is an intelligent guy, but his tests are extremely hard. You have to study and understand the materials, this class isn't about memorizing. Just reading his power points is not enough, read the textbook also. Coming to his office hours is really helpful, the materials will make more sense when you talk to him one on one. STUDY HARD!!!!!
bio 1111 is an unorganized and poorly designed course, you can study daily for hours and attend every lecture and still not pass the class. focusing on balsai, he basically stood next to a powerpoint and mumbled. he never sent an email, that was all spaeth. he did not seem to care if we understood the material. smart man but shouldnt teach bio 1111
He didn't do much teaching throughout the semester, a lot of mummbling infront of a powerpoint. Was unclear about what exactly to study, it is possible to read everything and do all the work but still possibly fail or end up with a D. Exams are 25-30 questions that covers 7-12 chapters. Extreme teacher.
The worst teacher at Temple. The bio department is extremely unorganized. The exams are impossible, the averages are extremely low, there is no curve. If possible, avoid this course/teacher at all costs. Studying hard and reading the chapters won't take you anywhere. Barely passed this course, it ruined my GPA.
This is one of the worst teachers I have taken so far, he doesn't seem to care much about the success of his class, the test questions are extremely hard and so much more advanced than the information he teaches. I barely got out of that class with a C, but over half of the class failed! Im warning you to not go through the pain and torture!
Hardest class I've taken at Temple yet. Do the sample questions and know the concepts in and out. Lab is almost completely irrelevant; expect to memorize a ton of BS.
its a worst class i ever take.his lecture is very horrible.first of all its hard to hear anything eventhough if you are at front row.class attendance is not at all mandatory,,also a waste of time .majority got D and below .not recommended at all.
88% of the class got either a C- or lower. I read the entire text for the class over fall break and during the semester and could only pull off a B-. If your looking to pass this class your going to have to teach yourself bececause you will get absolutly no help from Dr. Balsai. The questions on the tests are also frequently miss worded
His exams are crazy hard! they cover between 8-12 chapters each, which is like 200 some textbook pages, and there's always less than 30 questions on the exam! plus he's a fan of "many answers are right but some are more right than others" to make it even harder! i changed my major to chem after this nonsense masquerading as a class.
Imagine yourself sitting in this class and learning nothing. You go home and read everything more than one time and its still not enough to actually get above C. Since you wont be able to get C or above . You have to retake this class again and go through the same amount of pain and its still not enough. I retook this class and still have C-.
Balsai for 1111 will make you feel inferior to the entire biology department. Temple has extremely dissapointed me in the fact the bio department doesnt care about your education. You can dedicate 10+ hours a week, and never score above 50% on any lecture exam, lab practical or quiz. No matter what you do, it is rarely enough. Think twice.
30 questions per test ( a paragraph long). Each questions has 2 answers that are right ( 1 better answer). I wouldn't say anything bad about Dr. Balsai but he should understand that students may have their confidence broken because when you try @ your lvl best and dont get the desired results your confidence to work hard will diminish.
Given the option between taking bio 1111 or just dropping out of college, well sadly this class is so awful it made me consider just dropping out. Most people just outright fail the first time they take this class and the second time you take it you might just squeak by with a c- if you are lucky. This class will destroy you.
Don't take this class if you have any plans on passing.
Took Dr Balsai for Evo. He is an amazing teacher that wants his students to learn. Willing to repeat and clarify anything. For those who say he's bad, Bio 1111 is a weeding out class and it's terrible no matter who's teaching. His tests do require an understanding of the material as opposed to just memorization of facts though.
Ruined my GPA and now I'm changing my major. THANKS TEMPLE.
Make sure you get the book early and start reading the chapters before the class actually starts. You will probably end up falling behind in the reading and do bad on the tests. Doesnt hurt to get a head start! & to pass the class, stop trying to memorize every little itsy-bitsy fact in the text! UNDERSTAND the concepts, dont memorize facts.
You'll struggle even if you're a 4.0 student. Don't get arrogant about this class, believe what you see. Hardest class ever. You'll have an easier time in Grad school than this class. You can't hear him. His notes sucks. He's arrogant. They kill your esteem before you even get started.
Balsai throws as much information as he possibly can, gives you a test, and then likes to see what "sticks". Is it a good way to prepare you for a workload similar to medical school / MCATs? Absolutely. Is it frustrating that a class intended for freshman is attempting to do this? A little bit. Talk to Balsai in his office hours if you can swing it
One class that I do not want to be in. The exams he gives you are possiblbut not pleasant. Went to his office hours once a week... none of them helps... Believe me, you can say that the office hours are very helpful; however, his office hour... NOT. Iwoul ask him a question, he just repeats the power point notes.
I passed bio 2 with an A, I'm flunking bio 1 the second time around! Balsai does not make this class easy! it's one of the hardest class you'll ever experience! just be prepare to have your GPA drop and re-take the class SOMEWHERE ELSE!
The key thing with this professor is GO TO OFFICE HOURS. He is incredibly helpful in one on one sessions. Print out the powerpoints and pay attention in lecture and go to the skill sessions. The 1st and 2ns exams are only 20% of your grade so don't drop the course! Also, your lowest exam is dropped.
You will fail all the tests, labs, and final. I did, but I got a B-. Go talk to your instructors, because my grades did not match my tests compare to others, so maybe the teachers play favorites.
Personally, this was THE hardest class I have ever taken at Temple! It was literally torture everyday. The lecture and lab exams are extremely hard!! Do not underestimate the class- IT IS A WEED OUT CLASS AND MADE TO STOP PEOPLE FROM GOING ON TO THE OTHER CORE REQS. Study every single day! Read, read, and read!and do the questions at the end of chp
Bio1111 is TOTALLY doable. Read the book, UNDERSTAND the concepts, KEEP UP. 3 most important things. GO TO STUDY SESSIONS. You don't need to throw your life away but do dedicate adequate time. All my exams were in the 70's range, got a A-, hard to get but if you STUDY you can do it. Paying attention in class helps alot when trying to read the book.
Just because you input 10+ hours a week does not mean you are capable of getting a good grade. While I commend those who do, many still fail, unfortunately. It is HOW you study that makes all the difference. Classmate: 12+ hours/ week, ends with D. Me: 5-7 hours/ week, end with B+. Find which method works for YOU.
He is an amazing professor. You will not pass his class by aimlessly memorizing like most people do. Learn the material and be able to actually apply it. If you struggle with a concept go to office hours, he really is willing to help but only those who put forth effort. His class is was pleasure to attend. He is also a very funny guy.
Best teacher at temple
If you aren't willing to studyget poor grades and do nothing about it then stop complaining.
Be prepared for HELL. More than half of the class fails. The HARDEST class ever at Temple. Lecture & Lab exams are very difficult. This class is weed out to prevent students from going to medical or pharmacy school. Class doesn't help cause he mumbles and there is no curve. All exam averages were below 50s. Your GPA will drop
Mostly hype. At the 1st class everyone who helps with the lecture tells you that ur life is over & that you will fail & they keep up this attitude throughout the semester. Pretty neg. environment. Honestly, all you have to do it read the text book & not expect to just regurgitate facts. It always sucks to have these mult. choice tests define you.
Guys, relax. This class is pretty difficult, but it comes with the essentials to what you will be doing in your career later in your life. My lowest exam score was a 76 (which was dropped) and I got an A ! Just read as much of the text book everyday so you're caught up and attend SOAR sessions to test what you've read. It's totally doable.
One of the worst teachers I have ever heard ofseen. He mumbles into a microphone all lecture and gives awful exams. I got A's all semester but only because I crammed info from the textbook the night before. I didn't see a curve or anything. He makes the final and naturally I failed that. Beware the Balsai.
He's hard to hear, that's my only complaint. I had a 96 lecture average, it's the lab that killed my grade. More than anyone, I should be infuriated. But after the shock, I realized the lesson they're trying to teach; you can never know "enough" about a science that deals with life, and death. If you don't feel that way, you shouldn't be a doctor.
This is a weed out class. Anybody who is pre health will probs take 1111, just prepare.... the class just takes alot of effort. ALOT.
His lectures are as bad as his tests are brutal. I'm amazed that such a garbage professor is allowed to monopolize an introductory course and make it this soul-crushing hard. Makes 2112 look like middle school. You can skip lecture. Literally just powerpoint readings read by someone who sounds like they're eating their own sweater.
There is a LOT of material to cover in this course. He is very smart and his lectures are clear but there is no substitute for studying in this class. If you read every chapter and study hard you can do well.
Bio is easy. Balsai is great. Clickers are nonsence. Don't go to class and you will pass.
Are you a tired, hungry, busy bio major? Say no more! This required class is perfect to do all of those things! Sleep, eat, catch up on work you name it! B/c you wont learn a single thing with balsai. I got lots of errands done in there. Tip: the less you study, the better you do b/c the tests aren't on what you read, literally. Good luck!
Don't read the textbook. Strictly study his powerpoints (i.e. questions include a specific fact found on caption of picture of powerpoint). Focus on concepts rather than exact facts. Do well in lab (all memorization) and go to office hours often (will curve if your name is familiar). Expect your test average to be in the 70's-80's to pass.
He went to and taught at Penn. Know what you're getting yourself into
Bio 1111 is an extremely challenging class, but was one of my overall favorites. Dr. Balsai is difficult to hear during lecture, he mumbles a lot. Despite this, he is amazingly helpful if you go to his office hours, and really nice (Bonus his office is full of dinosaurs!) He also had some of the best lecture notes ever. Go to the SOAR sessions!!
I'm a bio major and this was the hardest class I've ever taken. I don't understand why Temple still has him. His tests have the most irrelevant topics on them. I read his power points and knew everything but when it came to the test I had no idea what he wanted me to apply to.
He comes in, reads off powerpoints, and gives no direction. Each exam covers 6 chapters but is only 27 questions. This is very time consuming but it is possible to do well, you just have to give up all other aspects of your life and do a low of work. My best exam (96) I spent 45hrs studying for, so know what you're getting into.
Being a chemistry major student that already took gen chem, orgo, calc 1-3, biochem etc. This was by far the worst class i have taken in my life. The only way to get a decent grade on exam is by memorizing the Test bank that is online.
Balsai is one of the worst professors I've had at Temple! He reads everything off of Powerpoints that are basically simplified versions of the textbook and mumbles all his words so even when you try to pay attention it's almost impossible. This course is a monopoly and the school could care less if students pass or fail.
This is a very challenging course. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WHILE TAKING CALCULUS 2 and CHEM 2. I made the mistake to take all three of these courses together. It was a miserable semester. I recommend for you to study concepts and READ every night. Do not wait until last minute to go over chapters. If you work hard you can pass.
"It's not a weed out class, you weed yourself out." (Balsai's syllabus) This is a TOUGH, HARDEST, ROUGHEST class I've ever taken in my life. He expects you to read and UNDERSTAND CONCEPTS in order to apply to questions on exam. It doesn't ask for definitions or whatsoever. If you're able to fine a practice exam, you're in the range from 52-76.
Definitely not an enjoyable class. Listening to Balsai doesn't help at all, this is one of those classes where you just have to learn the stuff yourself. His class really makes you apply concepts & think. While it's def. one of the hardest courses I've taken, it's doable if you work hard. Don't give up, push yourself & you can accomplish anything.
Yes this class is difficult! but it is doable. Dedicate time to read the chapter out of the textbook or get the study guide manual and read it BEFORE lecture. You'll get more out of the class that way and it'll prevent you from falling asleep. Keep up with the readings/drawings for lab week by week or else it gets pretty hectic by finals time.
Don't take him. He mumbles in lecture, hardly audible to the back seaters. He just reads ppt slide. I basically taught myself in class by reading textbook heavily.
Had to retake Bio 1111 after failing the first time. Realized the second time around is that even though the test questions are tough, if you pay close attention to the info on his powerpoint slides (i.e. memorize) and understand what he is asking in his questions, the test are actually very straightforward. Skip reading the book, waste of time.
The class is difficult but really not that bad. Don't even bother reading the book, its useless. Study the powerpoint and look for practice questions online, there are a ton and they can be very helpful. Don't cram for exams they cover too much material.
Good luck hearing what he says if you sit more than 20 ft away from him. He's a mediocre professor on his good days, and near god awful on his bad ones. I admit that he makes a decent power point, but that's his only redeeming quality. Do the homework, read the power points and look up some practice questions and you should do well enough to pass.
BIO1111, by far is the worst class in CST and at Temple! Prof. Balsai is horrible can't hear anything he says and exams are soo hard class average is 50-60's plus attendance is mandatory. The lab isn't too bad, starting studying 2 weeks prior to exam otherwise it is impossible to pass. There is NO curve and mostly like don't take any other science.
His lectures are mundane and he mumbles alot. This class basically sets you up to fail. The exams are very difficult and the lectures are not helpful.
Just want to clear up, attendance MIGHT not be mandatory. I took this class about a year and a half ago and the TA himself told me the ONLY reason they took attendance was so that if a student came to the teachers complaining about bad grades, they would be able to pull up their attendance history to see if the student was trying at all.
To pass, go to class and make sure you click in then leave. The lectures do not help at all and you will end up studying on your own time. Just read the textbook and you'll be fine. Don't bother trying to understand him, his voice is very low (and he mumbles). He doesn't give too much homework but make sure to stay alert for anything.
Trash class with trash exams. Dont listen to what they say on the first day because blood, swear, and tears will still not be enough for a good grade in this class The only way to do wo well is to do perfect in lab
The guy loves biology and makes a good powerpoint but this class is ridiculous. You are expected to know so much material. I recommend just reading his powerpoints,no textbook for exams. Lectures are awfully boring. The guy mumbles and you can barely understand. They check attendance through clicking in with clickers. He just reads straight off pp.
my problem wasn't The prof. tbh, the material it self is TOO HEAVY!!! don't you ever think about cramming it for last minute, you'll definitely fail. Bio1111 requires you to put your absolute focus to get a good grade. Don't neglect the lab, that was my mistake. Balsai isn't the best prof., but he's great during office hours. make sure he knows u
Dr. Balsai is a terrible professor. On the first day, he said he didn't like standing in the front, and for the whole semester he stood in the corner. I failed every test because the questions were not based on the book, but on trivia he happened to mention during lecture. The class beat me up so bad I have to retake it and another core class too.
Dr. Balsai is one of the greatest professors at Temple University. He really cares about his students, I've taken two classes with him. As long as you show up to class and ask questions when you're confused, he is very willing to help.
This class is not as bad as people say. Yes it covers a lot of material, but It is NOT boring. The tests are hard but they teach you how to actually think for yourself and be able to use what you learned. It only takes a few office hours to realize that Dr. Balsai is very sweet and not at all scary. If you are a good student you will do great!
Dr. Balsai is easily one of the worst professors at Temple, with a high fail rate and bad teaching techniques. He's nice at office hours, but his lecture consists of reading off power point slides and half of the time you can't even hear him. The tests are incredibly difficult and some of the question content is from the textbook, not the lecture
He mumbles and the material is so dense.
this professor is horrible, he reads the slides ( you can access these slides at home), the slides are not helpful, you cant hear what is saying (mumbles a lot), test are no where near his teaching
Even though Dr. Balsai was not the greatest professors, he still knows his stuff and I can see that he is very intelligent in the field of biology. I respect him for the most part, but he himself cannot help you succeed in bio. Utilize his office hours and get as many help from him and others! do not do this on your own! Balsai isn't that bad tho
Dr. Balsai isnt the monster everyone makes him out to be. Yes, he reads straight off the ppts but that's basically all his job is. Don't waste time at lecture or reading the book. Just study the powerpoints and do well in lab. Study SOAR questions and get good at answering those types of questions.
Awful professor, avoid at all costs. He is so monotone while giving lectures, and stands in the corner reading off of his non-updated powerpoints. No matter how much you study, it's useless because the tests are still hard as hell. Just study his lectures and EasyNoteCards in hope you'll do decent in the course.
I don't think they stress enough how much you need to read the book. A lot of the exam questions come from background info that you'll find in the book but not on the slides. I read the book and then copied down the slide notes (time consuming but its the only way I passed exams). Most importantly, ignore the negativity surrounding this class.
Exams are IMPOSSIBLE. I studied for 5 days with a friend for the final and got a 56. Exam q's are suer specific and maybe 2 q's test your general understanding, the rest are just random trivia. My exam grades (not including drop) were 72, 60, and 58. What saved me? Got a 93 in the lab and went to office hours. THERE IS NO CURVE
One of the recitation instructors when 1111 is taught in the Fall. I love this man. He is a really good at explaining the quiz questions. Balsai's recitations always end early as well! Since he is the 1111 lecture instructor in the Spring, he knows his stuff so he is a great if you have questions about the lecture content or how to take the tests.
Not an easy class by any stretch and same format as BIO 1111, but you either love or hate Balsai. He loves the topic and the class is pretty laid back. If you're pressed for a BIO elective and are willing to put some work in, it's worth it.
If you need an elective and this fits your timeslot, this is a really laid back class. Go to lecture, look at the specified terms in the powerpoints, do the outlined readings in the syllabus and you'll be set for exams.
The reviews are true. Balsai is a nice guy, but he is the major hurdle that stem majors need to jump over to succeed! His exams are IMPOSSIBLE AND TRICKY. He stands in front of class and whispers. The lecture slides are posted on canvas, rambles in office hours, 27 questions on every exam, he takes attendance. Just do great in lab
Have to retake this class after spending nights upon nights studying. Lol what a semester. The class is extremely hard. Know what your getting yourself into. Dont take too many core classes at once with this class.
It's possible to do well in the class, but considering the avg in the class for this semester was a failing grade, it speaks volumes as to how hard you need to work just to pass. The way I got through it was to read the text ALOT and go over the PowerPoints he posts online ALOT. Alot of exam questions come from useless specfic background info.
If you have the option of choosing him or another professor (I didn't), I'd take my chances with someone else. His lectures are hard to pay attention to and don't help at all. That being said, the class itself is very difficult regardless of who you have. I've heard he's nice outside of class, but I never went to his office hours so I wouldn't know
Balsai is a great person in general, however, not so good as a professor. He reads off his slides during lecture in such a low voice that if you sat in the back you wont be able to hear him. I suggest you find a seat up front if you want to pass. I studied by reading the text book and printing out his slides. Still did bad.
If you have the opportunity to take another professor, do so. Unfortunately I did not have the choice. Dr. Balsai is not a good professor in general, but his exams are the worst part. Definitely makes you feel like the whole course is intended for you to fail. Exams are extremely difficult and tricky. He doesn't even know the answers sometimes.
Dr. Balsai is a nice enough person, but a terrible professor. You have to rely on your lab grade to bring up your grade. His lectures have failing averages on every exam because his exams are so unfair. He stands in the corner of the room and mumbles into a microphone, so you can't even hear him half the time. Try to avoid him at all costs!
I went to class for 2 weeks before I realized it was no help at all. I would read the information taught in lecture each day, but from textbook rather than his powerpoints. I received higher test scores than my friends who actually went to class. If you read the book and know the information FROM THE BOOK then you'll pass easily.
Although I liked Dr. Balsai as a person, he sits in the corner of the lecture hall and reads off slides. This is a major class for most people taking it (premed/healthcare majors) and the way the course is set up makes it hard to do well. The avg exam grade was always in the 50 which reflects the teaching method, not the students.
Do not get me wrong, Dr. Balsai is such a sweet man and really does know a lot about biology. However, the format of the course and his style of teaching are a disastrous combination. He reads straight from the powerpoint and is not very engaging. Tests are extremely difficult and wordy.
Terrible Professor who reads right off ppt and mumbles into the mic. Tests are extremely difficult. Please take someone else if you have the option, honors 1911 is much easier than 1111. Lab grade brings your grade up like crazy so that's good. The lowest midterm grade gets dropped (of 4). AVOID AT ALL COSTS
Dr. Balsai is a smart man and very nice however not the best teacher. His lectures were solely based off powerpoints and nothing else to the point people would not show up to class making him do attendance 3x per lecture . The tests had failing averages Ace every hw assignment in order to bring your grade up. Given options I would not reccomend him
If you ask for help, Dr. Balsai will give it. I highly recommend going to his office hours and getting to know him, he's an interesting person with a deep knowledge of his subject. The tests are all memorization, but he goes over everything in-depth in class, so if you pay attention you're golden.
I don't know where to start from other than that this guy was the worst professor I had during my 4 years at temple. I have no idea how this guy still teaches until now. Worst professor that just wastes your time in class talking about stuff that has nothing to do with the class and will teach you ABC in class and test you on nuclear physics. AVOID
Reads right off slides, very vague in answering questions, difficult exams, no effort in making lecture engaging or educationally valuable. Take Honors if you can.
Worst professor ever. Read off the slides for every lecture that you are better off not attending the class. The exams were even worse. The questions barely test anything you learn from the slides or textbook and are super conceptual. The entire course is a mess. DON'T TAKE HIM IF YOU CAN, YOU'LL REGRET IT
Balsai is really not so bad. I expected much worse going into the class, but in the end I had a good time. Taking his class will make you a better student if you work for it and think hard about the tests. He clearly loves biology. Helpful outside of class. Pretty kind and funny guy. There are gonna be haters, but if you're pre-med, take Balsai.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
73%
Textbook Required
43%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.03 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO101
5.0
(1)BIO3101
5.0
(1)BIO2112
5.0
(1)BIO1111SOAR
5.0
(1)BIO1911
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BIO1911
5.0
BIO101
5.0
BIOBIO
5.0
BIO00
5.0
BIO26
5.0