Michael Thornton
Molecular Biosciences - Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
3.1
Quality3.4
Difficulty41%
Would Retake99
Reviews41%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
25
4
20
3
21
2
14
1
19
What Students Say
“When I had him for 1010 he was not that bad”
BSC1011 - 2.0 rating“Well lets see here my homey thorton i got a B out his class study groups he had was pointless cause it didnt have nothing to do with the test just study on your own and read the book but go to his office and let him know your name and you will be fine just keep communicating with him”
BSC1010 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
77%
Textbook Required
20%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.66 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOLOGY1005
5.0
(1)GENETICS
5.0
(1)BSC10101011
5.0
(1)GEN
5.0
(1)KINE199
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BIO1011
4.3
BIOLOGY
4.0
BSC007
4.0
BSC1011
4.0
BIO1010
3.6
Reviews (99)
This man is too boring for his own good all you need to do is get the notes and study from that because going to class will only result in you sleeping for an hour
Sorry, but I have to agree with the person above.
No Comments
I guess it's not his fault that Biology is boring, but he is a good teacher. Only take his class if your interested in a challenge.
All YOU HAD TO DO WAS READ THE TEXT AND USE PRACTICE QUESTIONS ON CD ROM AND YOU WERE GUARUNTEED AND "A"
Ok so biology is boring but it doesnt have be. Dr. Thorton makes it extra boring and he always seems on the defensive when students question him or make suggestions! Dr. Drum or Dr. Banks are helpful and they dont suck the life out of bio like he does. I got a B but i had to teach my self cause it was a waste of time ta come ta class
DR. THORNTON IS HOT!!!!!!!!! his lecture is boring but hes nice to look at so its worth going to class... n u do learn in his lecture, he breaks everything down...
Try to take someone else if you can. There's no point in even coming to class. This is pretty much a "teach yourself" class. The only reason to come to class is to know what chapters the class is on, pop quizzes and tests. I had him in the evening so he was 10 times more boring!
Pretty easy. Just come to class and do the blackboard work and you won't even have to read the book. Plus he's pretty cute. Love a man with a PhD and still wears Tims.
You can tell he's a very knowledgable teacher- but he IS boring. All you really need to do is read the book and do practice questions and those study guides. I went to class... but it was really just because it forced me to get work done for other classes. I basically used the class as a study hall
class is borin but he really good to look at...
This teacher is boring! I regret ever meeting him, and if you want to get a good grade in Biology, then take DRUM....
The only thing challenging about this class is staying awake. He talks SO MUCH! I fell asleep and woke up and he was still rambling about the same thing. His class is easy, though. All you have to do to pass is work the study guides and practice questions. You don't even have to go, except on test day...and he is kinda cute.
Knowledgable teacher, willing to help (holds study sessions). NO surprises on tests (all answers can be found in book), gives study guides specifing peramiters of test, and practice questions which may appear on the test. Gives extra credit quizzes, & curves test scores. His boreing lectures not withstanding, you'll get the grade you deserve.
da man is hot!! who care how borin da class is
he is good teacher just make sure he knows you and see that you are trying.
HIS CLASS IS SO BORI NG, BUT HE IS HELPFUL EVERYTHING HE SAYS IS IMPORTANT, BUT IF YOU DONT RECALL WHAT HE SAYS HE EMAILS THE EXACT POWEPOINT FROM CLASS ON BLACKBOARD, AND HE DOESNT TAKE ATTENDANCE. THE ONLY THING I DONT LIKE ABOUT HIS CLASS(IM IN IT RIGHT NOW) IS THE FACT THAT HE TALKS IN CIRCLES MEANING HE SAYS THE SAME THING OVER IN DIFFERENT WA
No Comments
Boring. Laughs at his own jokes. Class is pretty much useless.
Very good professor! He really knows what he is talking about and gives little examples for the students to understand as well. Make sure you read the chapters thoroughly. He also gives quizzes that help your test score so make sure those are always done.
Genetics is not supposed to be a "fun" class. He makes it as enjoyable as possible. If he just lectured then it would be boring. If he ranted at us then we'd say that he was a jerk. He tries to make it interesting, and he is always available in his office, by e-mail, and by phone. If make an effort, he'll work with you. One of the best profs
HE IS SO BORING! HE HAS A BAD ATTITUDE MOST OF THE TIME.. YOUR GRADE IS ONLY QUIZES AND TEST. AND THE QUIZ IS SUPPOSE TO BE EXTRA CREDIT, YET, HE AVERAGES THEM WITH THE TEST SO THEY END UP HURTING U
He is an extremely boring teacher. I used to go to class everyday before our first test;after the test I only went on test days. I recieved an "A" in his class but, I had to read the book and study on my own because I saw that his lectures did not help.
GOOD TEACHER, WILLIG TO HELP.
I aced the class basically go to class if u have nothing else to do.. but otherwise find out exactly what chapters you need go home read them thoroughly and then come in for the test this was to easy if u ask me. REALLY BORING THOUGH!! AND HIS JOKES UMM..WACK
Very knowledgeable about his subject, but also boring. He is kinda dry in his jokes...The quizzes weren't bad for me, but STUDY!!!!!
This class is hella boring, so def do NOT take it early in the morning if you are not a morning person, overall its a fairly easy class as long as you take notes, and pay attentions. And def STUDY! Like other have said, he does tell pretty corny jokes. LOL
He's a really good prof.(though the majority of his subject matter is a little boring)HE offers study sessions before the test, has EXTREMELY helpful study guides,( a little tough but you will pass if you do them) and lecture notes online.
He's better about the interest level than in 1010, but you still have to study like mad to get a good grade. He definitely knows what he's talking about, but it's best to invest in Course Compass. He gives quizzes on Blackboard that are used as extra credit on his tests, plus a curve, so you should be OK. Kinda corny though.
He's cool. and real nice. he actually cares about his students.BUT you must take the class serious, be prepared to study a butt off! he does extra stuff, extra credit, quizzes online, curves...he's cool. i highly recommend him...you'll actually learn from his class.
HE iS A GOOD TEACHER, BUT ONLY iF YOU ARE GOOD AT TAKiNG NOTES WHiLE A TEACHER JUST STANDS AND TALKS. THE CLASS WAS BORiNG TO ME, AND THATS BAD CUZ iM A BiOLOGY MAJOR. AND HiS JOKES ARE VERY CORNY.
He's a cool teacher, but the class is boring. For me, it was one of those classes you have to teach yourself. If you study his test is really not that hard at all.
Very Borin...I made the mistake of taking his class at 8am. Dont do it. Quizzes are okay, test were hit and miss for me. Finished with a C.
He is not bad but be prepared to study like no tomorrow. If your not willing to put in some serious study time, forget it. He does give quizzes and such to help you out. but overall not bad
Well lets see here my homey thorton i got a B out his class study groups he had was pointless cause it didnt have nothing to do with the test just study on your own and read the book but go to his office and let him know your name and you will be fine just keep communicating with him.
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS MAN..HE IS SOOO BORING..RAMBLES ABOUT NOTHING..AND NEVER CURVES..HIS TEST DO NOT MAKE SENSE..PLEASE SAVE URSELF
Really good teacher. Very friendly.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MANN!! i REPEAT PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS MAN IF YOU WANT TO PASS!! HE IS BORING, RAMBLES ABOUT STUFF YOU DON'T NEED FOR THE TEST AND THINKS YOU ARE ALREADY SUPPOSE TO KNOW THINGS! ONLY TAKE HIM IF YOU ARE A MAJOR BIOLOGY && HAVE A GREAT BACKGROUND WITH BIOLOGY!!
Do not take this man unless you absolutely have to. He lectures on and on about things that have no merit in the class. He acts as though everyone in the class is a Biology major and is as dorky as he is. I got a B in the class, but I know a lot of people failed. I would rather go with Drum if given the option of choosing a professor again.
Dr.Thornton is really informative. He is a great teacher if Biology is your major. He takes random attendance. YOU NEED COURSE COMPASS or MASTERING BIOLOGY (some of his test questions come from there). Online quizzes are bonus points. He follows the syllabus well. I'm taking him again.
Thornton is a great biology professor. He knows so much. If you stop by his office hours he is more than willing to assist you. DO blackboard quizzes - DO NOT ask for resets. He is good, but you'll have to work hard for your grade.
Take Him! Test are only worth 10% so if you messed up it will not bring your grade dowm alot. He could be extra sometimes but he str8.
Thornton was my freshmen bio teacher this semester and he has became my favorite teacher. His love for science and what he does makes you want together a good grade. Just focus and study for the tests and there is no way you will fail
Most people don't like Thorton because they are lazy and aren't willing to do the work. Tests are only worth 10% a piece so if you do bad on one or two it wont hurt your grade. He explains things well also. But overall go to every class and READ your book. That helped me on tests and I got an A on all of them.
In order to pass this class you MUST be willing to read the text book. The tests were given on power points which was different but the material came straight from the book. This class is not solely based off of your test grades which is great. He gives you a chance to increase your grade through things like vocab., and class activities.
Attendance isn't mandatory, but you get TONS of extra credit if you show up to class. You need to do a lot of studying for his exams but if you stay for the review session he tells you what questions will be asked on the test. He made the class fun.
He is a great teacher. He gave our class helpful study guides that were very detailed and the test were not hard. He wants to help all his students pass. He even takes time out of his schedule to do test reviews. Awesome teacher!!
I had my doubts about him. Although I came out with an A. I worked my butt off to get that grade. He offers extra credit for attending class. His study guides are excessive and lengthy but they really do help with the exams. Do not procrastinate when studying for his exams because you will become overwhelmed. Science majors take this professor!
I had doubts about him.I did get an A but I worked my butt off for my grade. His study guides are excessive and lengthy but they really do help. He offers extra credit points for attendance so don't miss a lot of class. If you are a science major take his class because you definitely will learn the material. All in all he is a really fair professor
Dr. Thornton is a good teacher you work for your grade but I do not recommend anyone to take his 8 am class I always slept. But make sure to do your learn-smarts there extra credit you will need it because his tests are really hard they are on a slide show I ended up with a B in his class .
GIVES YOU MORE THAN ENOUGH INFORMATION FOR QUIZZES AND EXAMS. MASTERING BIOLOGY IS EXTRA CREDIT. HONESTLY JUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE LECTURES AND YOU'LL PASS. GREAT PROFESSOR .. HE'S HERE TO HELP.
Do not take his class! I love biology, but his power points aren't helpful for the exams, read the book and his study guides for clear understanding & to actually pass! I DONT RECOMMEND HIM. Gave 4 exams and a final, that's all. Attendance isn't mandatory but extra points are given.
He's alright. He has a tendency to ramble during his lectures. I love biology so his class isn't that bad. It only consits of test however if you come to class you get bonus points on his exams. Use the lecture outlines to follow along with him in class because his powerpoints are nothing but diagrams. Also use the study guides and read your book!
He's laid back, his test is not that hard, but the study guides are long. It would be 64 pages worth of material and only 32 questions. Your grade is based off of 5 exams. NO quizzes, homework, or projects/presentations so you really have to perform well on your exams. The only extra credit he gives is attendance points but that barley helps.
Don't even do it to yourself. When I had him for 1010 he was not that bad! He makes this class unnecessarily hard. Expects you to remember all of the textbook and then puts simple questions on the exam. Take someone else please!!
His class was by far the most difficult thing of the semester. I had him for is 8am (the only time he offers it). He takes roll at about 8:06. He gave extra credit for attendance 2 all semester, one being the day before thanksgiving break. Read the book every chapter. Go to lectures. And study alone and as a group. No curves. 4 test & a final class
DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!!! Majority of my class failed but I made it out with a C. I was unclear about his grading scale all year. He only gives 3 EXAMS, those are your only grades. He doesn't give you any homework or quizzes. His study guides were 15+ pages. Avoid him at all cost. Makes it hard for no reason. Terrible lecturer.
He doesn't know how to teach, let's put that out there. He reads from the slides and you have to read to make decent grades on his exams. Only 3 exams the whole year and a slue longgg study guides. H e was late almost every morning and our class was only 50 minutes. His class isn't anything impossible, but be ready to teach yourself.
Class was based solely on 3 exams. Study guides are ridiculously long & overly elaborate. You HAVE to read the textbook and actually understand the material to pass; you CANNOT cheat. If you get the information in the lab class, this class isn't nearly as difficult. Biggest issue in this class is not knowing what to focus on when studying.
Our class got moved to a stem classroom and from there it went downhill. He started to implement clickers as attendance for class and gives out another attendance mid way through lectures. He is boring to listen too and goes through slides super fast. Avoid this man at all cost. Please avoid this man you will thank me.
This class is based solely on three exams which could be a good or bad depending on your perspective. Our first exam was the worst especially since we had one day to cram material over a chapter we did not discuss in class. The reason we never went over it in class because time was wasted trying to get clickers to work. Stay away from this man!
He does the most and is very boring.
Great professor but only grades by tests (luckily the curved tests) other than that hes great
Hes a really nice guy who cares about you, just dont skip.
He has 114 page study guides, 200 slide PowerPoints, he does NOT teach you anything that youll need to know for tests. You get 3 tests, an extra credit opportunity and SOME pop quizzes. THATS IT. He talks to you like youre a child and is not as available as he claims to be. Youre better off teaching yourself. Take Gibbon or Oduwemi.
Take this man. His PowerPoint are boring and he is boring too but he curved everything I went from a 53 to an 80 and I got a 45 curved to a 71 if you get at least a 50 on all of his exam you will pass with an A or B and I never paid attention in his class. If you just look at the study guide for at least a week u will be able to get that 50.
He is very lecture heavy and there are only 2 tests and a final that covers ALOT of material. He gives plenty of extra credit and curves almost all of the tests. Plus his grading scale is curved so an 87 is considered an A. Highly recommend him!
Hes lectures heavy and could get boring. His test are extensive but he does curve pretty good!! Its so much info in BIO2 so knowing everything is but much.
Not the best professor to take. There are three tests that determine your grade and you need to show up to class every day for extra credit and pop quizzes happen every now and then. Professor Thornton is very narcissistic and he talks to students in a degrading way. He can be rude at times. There are better biology teachers at the campus.
Run! The worst professor Ive had so far. He does not care for students, Feels like hes your only class, creates his own class times regardless of your schedule, and he takes tests entirely too serious.
The three tests determine your grade, but luckily he curves every single exam. For example our first exam I made a 63 this man curved the exam and I ended up with a 91. Got to every class the quizzes are extra credit points added to your exam. When studying for his exam go over every figure in the book and be able to label it. Gives extra credit to
WORST PROFESSOR EVER! Im telling you right now do NOT take him he is the most inconsiderate professor ever! Lets his pride and ego stop him form being human. He literally sent out an email saying that because students were passing he was raising the grading scale so we wouldnt pass!!!! Save your GPA and Time!
His class is as hard as you would expect any genetics class to be. Your grade is based on 4 exams, labs, and the homework. Attend class or else you won't really understand. He is really good at breaking down the material but you need to study at least a week in advance for the test. The review can be at least 15 pages long for exams.
Not that bad but if you can take anyone else, do so. Attendance is a grade and makes sure that you are paying attention during the lecture. Trust me. Pop quizzes. Very extra during exams so you wont cheat. Tests are super hard but he curves. Pop quizzes count as extra credit towards your exams. Extra credit assignment at the end. Lot of material.
I dont know how I keep getting stuck with this man. He is the worst hes extremely rude(its bad the rudest Professor Ive ever met) he had class on Conovocation and expected us to be there!!! His study guides are terribly long and everything on the test are not on the study guides. I wont take him again.
His sarcasm, and lecture heavy class makes you not want to listen. The pop quizzes are terrible as he speaks the entire time counting down and the man reviews the answers and says congratulations when the whole class fails that questions. Tests are very heavy on the grade and he makes sure you cant cheat in any form or fashion.
I had to take him again and its the exact same thing BSC 1011 was; Terrible. His sarcasm, and lecture heavy class makes you not want to listen. The pop quizzes are terrible as he speaks the entire time counting down and the man reviews the answers and says congratulations when the whole class fails that questions. His tests suck.
Always talks while you are taking a test or a quiz. Talks to students like we are in elementary school. I'm not a fan of his sarcasm cause it is not needed.
Hated. His class is lecture heavy as he gets on zoom, talks the whole class period, and may throw in a few pop quizzes. VERY extra when it comes to attendance; you basically have to go through 3 whole processes to make sure you're present. VERY extra when it comes to test as he makes SURE you won't cheat. Not the best teacher to actually LEARN from
I don't even know where to start. He was a good teacher but I took him online and I feel like he made it hard for no reason. Attendance is very mandatory. He is also lecture heavy. We could barely get through all the chapters that would be on the test. But he does care about his students. So take him at your own risk
Gives extra credit, very organized, in depth study guides, records every lecture. the Final is not made up of every modules just the one your are currently learning at the time, so basically its like every other Test. Tests are worth 75% everything else is 5%.
This class was pretty easy. He records lectures, give extra credit and allows late work. The only thing is 5 exams make up 75% of your grade but he does offer extra credit and curves these test. The final is non cumulative , only on the last three chapters.
he Puts alot of effort into the study tools given for each test. his study guides are a great reflection of each test and they are given out at the beginning of each lecture. provided access to previously recorded lectures for each module. pop quizzes are for extra credit towards test. Allows late work for partial credit. study study study study!!!
Professor Thornton was a good professor. I had him online, but his lectures were still just as heavy. You have to work for your grade in this class. Stay after and ask questions, read before class, and make sure your prepared for lecture so you can ask your questions. This will get you an A in the class. He's nice to students that make an effort.
He's decent. He likes to keep you the entire time, and he'll get salty if you leave class while he is talking. He asks a lot of interactive questions during his lecture. If you can, I would recommend taking him during the spring because he likes to make assignments due during holidays, game days, over breaks, move-out days, etc.
Attendance is mandatory. Pay attention because he tells you what you need to know for exams because study guides are too long to base your studying solely off them. Extra credit is easy. Don't wait until the last minute to do the McGraw Hill hw. Lot's of written response questions on exam.
Very nice and caring professor. There are three test total. There are online discussions, and very few homework assignments. Test are hard. There are in class pop quizzes which is extra credit for test, they determine the curve and can't be made up.
Professor Thornton teaches very well! Exams are always in class with proctors and attendance is mandatory (your grade will be affected). Be sure to do all of your homework on time and study you should be fine! Extra credit is offered and it is super easy.
If you want a class to slack off in this isn't the one. Definitely have to put in some effort and hard work to understand and pass with a good grade. The test grades are were it is at, homework is average amount, lectures are long and he won't ever miss one and will always take attendance. Definitely knows his material.
Will keep you in class the whole time no joke. Also don't expect him to cancel cause it wont happen ever. Expect long homework and tests with proctors. Must attend class to pass. Overall a decent teacher wont love him wont hate him
do not diminish your GPA by taking this professor. The exams he gives out are something out of a med school board exam. You have to read every lick of the 60+ page powerpoint he has in order to pass. He takes attendance for a grade EVERY class, lectures are LONG and boring. He was even disruptive talking and distracting students during our final!
Thankfully I was able to leave this class with a B but this class was not easy at all. Each chapter consisted of 150+ slides and the exams were on multiple chapters. Exams were 75% of our grade and the class averages were never above a 70%. The class structure is quite boring, and the exams are difficult. I would never take this professor again.
This class was HARD. I am truly lucky to even have a B in there. He gives pop quizzes all the time, 3 tests which are 75%, gets upset when no one engages with his jokes at 8 am, talks/eats through every exam, and expects you to come to class every day. Tests are nothing like the study guide or PowerPoint, so I don't recommend.
I wouldn't say that he's hard. I would say he expects a lot from his students. His lectures are long and lack personality. It would be best to study the content before his class because he does not go into detail when it matters but he will when it has nothing to do with science. Great guy tho! He does attendance using Socrative and is rarely late.
Prof Thornton was great and lab was always easy. He often gives extensions on hw if he notices people that didn't complete it. Quizzes are on canvas. Lectures are very boring.
Not to be negative, but Dr. Thornton wasn't the most motivational professor. He takes graded attendance every day, and his exams are extremely difficult for no clear reason. He's also not very understanding—when I went to office hours for help, he would go on rambling tangents and talk the entire time, leaving me no chance to ask questions.
He talks the ENTIREEE class, heavy lecture, and lots of information. The exams are like 25 questions (average). Lots of written responses on the exam.
His test accounts for like 75% of the entire course percentage, making scores from homework, quizzes, and discussions not matter much. Heavily dependent on his lectures, but he doesn't orate info well imo. His study guides/slides are also really long, making studying more difficult. Comes off condescending but does offer extra credit & extensions.
You should be able to get a B. Tests are proctored by him, and another proctor is usually there; attendance is mandatory.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
77%
Textbook Required
20%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.66 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOLOGY1005
5.0
(1)GENETICS
5.0
(1)BSC10101011
5.0
(1)GEN
5.0
(1)KINE199
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BIO1011
4.3
BIOLOGY
4.0
BSC007
4.0
BSC1011
4.0
BIO1010
3.6