2.3

Mohammad Islam

Biology - Binghamton University (SUNY)

2.3
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
35%
Would Retake
130
Reviews
2.3
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
2.3
Helpful
2.3
Clarity

35%

Would Retake

130

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
130 total ratings

5

26

4

11

3

11

2

13

1

69

What Students Say

If you ever had doubts about Pre-Health, Mohammad Islam will be the #1 reason you want to quit

BIOL304 - 1.0 rating

Dr Islam is easily the funkiest and freshest professor

BIOL304 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

8%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 48 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (50)
A (24)
A- (7)
Grade Distribution
A(25)B(8)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(12)
Based on 104 reported grades
Not sure yet: 50
A: 24
A-: 7
Rather not say: 6
Common Tags
Test heavy (62)
Graded by few things (51)
Get ready to read (19)
Lecture heavy (12)
Tough grader (12)
Hilarious (8)
Inspirational (6)
Respected (6)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.34 avg change
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIOL304

2.3

(129)
Difficulty by Course

BIOL304

3.9

Reviews (129)
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 29, 2022

Very hard to understand, making this is already difficult class even harder

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 8, 2022

I have had some awful professors but I needed to make an account just to say how awful he is. Lecture is useless as he just reads off slides or goes off on a rant about nothing. Test questions can be so random and that's all he grades off. Yet he wonders why only 20 kids show up to lecture out of a class of 200

Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A-
May 9, 2022
Would take again

He was helpful in his office hour. He is a good Prof.

Inspirational
Respected
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Rather not say
May 11, 2022
Would take again

Very caring professor and always willing to help. Exams are very easy because they are all online. Attendance is not mandatory.

Inspirational
Accessible outside class
4.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 11, 2022
Would take again

Your entire grade is made up of 4 exams (one gets dropped) and a cumulative final. The lectures are in person only but the exams are online so it's not too bad. Professor Islam is super funny and cares about his students, he wants everyone to do well. I would def recommend this class.

Hilarious
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 11, 2022
Would take again

Professor Islam is so funny he makes you laugh every time in lecture. The class is difficult but the tests are online with one being dropped. Would recommend taking this one.

Clear grading criteria
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Rather not say
May 13, 2022
Would take again

Great professor who cares about his students. His powerpoints are well made and he keeps his lectures interesting. Definitely take at least one class with him before you graduate! You won't regret it.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Accessible outside class
2.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B+
May 24, 2022

I would not take a class with him ever again. He is very hard to understand and doesn't care how his students do. He's very unfair, there were many times when he selected the wrong answer for an exam and even though he was wrong he wouldn't give anyone points back. You need to know almost everything from the textbook. Avoid taking a class with him.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Rather not say
May 25, 2022

1)Don't even try asking questions in class, he'll either ignore it or answer a dif question completely 2)Hard to understand 3)In class pop quizzes didn't count for anything and were on material that we learned in the beginning of that same lecture 4)Test questions have nothing to do with class information

Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Rather not say
Jun 22, 2022

The professor fully wrote his own reviews at his old institution, and seemingly is doing the same here now. Don't know how someone is complimenting his slides when they were the old professor's, as he was hired three weeks before the start of the semester. Did not know the material in the book or from the slides. Unapproachable, hard class, avoid!!

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: A-
Jul 28, 2022
Would take again

The total grade of the class was made up 4+1 exams and they were all online & unofficial open book, beautiful man.

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Aug 10, 2022

This professor is writing his own reviews. He is not a good professor. About 35 students out of over 200 showed up to his lectures. Next semester the tests aren't even online. Run

2.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A-
Aug 29, 2022

Has a very thick accent and considering he is speaking on terms most students have never heard before, this makes lectures borderline useless. Class was online when I took it which is the only reason why I did well. Unfortunately it isn't online anymore and pre meds need biochem so be prepared to teach yourselves everything.

1.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 16, 2022

Genuinely signed up/wrote this review DURING his lecture. Thick accent, "teaches" off of slides, and constantly rants about himself. 40 mins and only ~5 slides. Heard about his med school journey, the path to professing, childhood, etc. again... every. lecture. People are legit walking out as I type. Exams are 100% posted slides.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 28, 2022

tells us what we need to memorize for a test one class before the exam. this makes everyone really apathetic and discouraged given we've probably been studying since the material had been released with no clear direction. lectures are disjointed and very difficult to follow. I have no reservations about his accent, find it unfair to rate on that

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: A-
Sep 30, 2022

There is no organization in lecture, slides are random facts that don't connect to one another. He reads the slides fast and will not stop to elaborate. Most of lecture is spent learning about his life, 20 minutes for material. He switches what is/isnt important for tests every class. Says he wont elaborate because he "doesn't know". Bad class.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 30, 2022

He couldn't have even taught me the ABCs. I have learned that his son likes Redbull but nothing about biochem. Slides are horrible, he'll put a term you need to know in the middle of a paragraph describing it. Random terms in descriptions that he'll never explain. I rather have my toenails ripped out one by one.

4.0
4.0
BIOL304
Sep 30, 2022
Would take again

His slides are disorganized and he spends most of the lecture talking about his life stories. However, the way he formats his class requires you to read the textbook and do your own research, which you will benefit from. Students just want the knowledge handed to them, but he forces you to work for your grade by knowing every little detail.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Sep 30, 2022

He tested us today on material "we should know from middle school biology" and laughed while he said it. He asked us a random fact, from middle school. He wanted us to recall information from years ago. Information that he did not even gloss over in class. He is blatantly disrespectful of students time and effort.

5.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Sep 30, 2022
Would take again

OKAY, nice and easy exam. I gave him 5 for the exam.

1.0
1.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 30, 2022

Awful professor overall. His exams are nothing related to class, the textbook or his lectures and slides. His lectures are completely pointless and he rants about his life stories instead of teaching. He refuses to talk to any of his students and he is very unapproachable. I do not recommend this professor or this class.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 30, 2022

Test today had a handful of questions that were never referenced in the lecture or textbook. Islam told us to memorize lecture slides and use textbook to clarify lecture material. Many are understandably upset by these few questions, however the rest of the test was exactly from the slides are were extremely easy if you are able to memorize things

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 30, 2022
Would take again

I think it was fair exam but let's wait until exam graded by Prof. Most of the questions were easy, last page was super easy.

5.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2022
Would take again

Dr Islam is one of the most caring professors on campus. He is very chill and his tests are very managable. Everything you need to know will be on the slides word for word. All you need to do is memorize what he tells you to focus on in lecture. Everyone who says he is not a good lecturer is focusing too much on his accent rather than his slides.

Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2022
Would take again

Professor Islam is one of the most caring professors at bing. As pre-med, compared to other classes, this class is easy to manage. it is based on slides and smts textbook. Yes there were some a's on the exams that we didn't go over doesnt make his lecturing skills bad. His med stories are looked down on but are imp since majority of us are pre-med.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Oct 1, 2022
Would take again

Success in the course is dependent on effort outside of the class. Straight forward material relating to textbook and notes

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2022

Awful professor. Would never recommend this class or professor to anyone

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2022

Super toxic approach to school, told us we couldn't have social lives if we wanted to do well. Pits us against each other, gets sidetracked every lecture. He'll tell us what's important for the exam, but not test us on more than half of it. Hard to understand, easy to get distracted. Makes it clear that attendance is not mandatory, but dismissively

Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2022

The worst professor I have ever had. The problem does not arise from his accent, rather his incapability to present the material in a manner that is interesting and understandable for students. I usually don't complain about professors because every professor has a different teaching method, but in this case, he has no teaching method.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 1, 2022

If you want a class that teaches you absolutely nothing in lecture, this would be the class for you. He reads off the slides, which makes it look like he doesn't actually know the information himself. It's also hilarious that the 5 star reviews that you are also probably reading are written by himself. Surprised he has a job tbh

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 2, 2022
Would take again

Made me hate a subject I thought I enjoyed learning. It's honestly impressive to teach so badly. In the comments he write himself above, he says that students complain about his accent but its not his accent that's the problem. He doesn't teach the material that we need to know because he just reads off the slides and skims through things

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 3, 2022

His lectures consist of reading off slides the entire time and he will say the textbook is optional, but his exams are 90% textbook and 10% other class information that aren't even required to take his class. His exams are extremely unfair and he tells you upfront that we cannot ask questions on the exam because "There are no mistakes on here"

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 3, 2022
Would take again

exam 1 was easy & straight from lecture, exam 2 was probably 75% lecture & 25% textbook.Syllabus states exams are only on lecture material. Pretty unfair. could be an easy A if he actually only tested on lectures. Exam q's are pretty straightforward. Ive had harder bio exams at bing w/ other professors. hoping next exams are only on lectures.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Oct 3, 2022

It's not an exaggeration to say that he spends the same amount of time talking about his personal life as he does talking about the material. When he does talk about the lecture material he reads it word-by-word from the slides. Tests are designed terribly and don't reflect your knowledge of the subject. I should've taken the general biochem :(

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 3, 2022

This man reads straight off the lecture slides as if he's seeing it for the first time, he doesn't prepare the students for the exams, and he doesn't explain the content well. I'd barely call him a teacher. He does NOT prepare you for any pre-health graduate studies. Take the other biochem class if you can, if you want to learn biochem.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 4, 2022

This class doesn't really feel like a biochemistry course, but rather which obscure information you can recall from the slides or textbook. Its a shame because the information is interesting and there is a lot of potential, but Dr. Islam does a poor job conveying material and constructing exams, which is what your entire grade is based on. Don't

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 4, 2022

He is by far the worst professor I've had as a bio major. Lectures are useless. He reads straight off the slides, which are a poor textbook summary. I could teach myself this class without going to lecture, and since he just reads off the slides without explanation, that's what I do. He has repeatedly told us that lectures are not mandatory.

Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BIOL304
Oct 5, 2022
Would take again

The reviews against him are a little too harsh. The first test in his course was reasonable wants his students to succeed and answers questions. The second test was more difficult but so was the material, he give back credit for 3 questions which is a big difference when the exam is only 30 questions. Justice for Professor Islam! He is very nice.

Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 12, 2022
Would take again

I like him as a professor. He is helpful outside of his class.

EXTRA CREDIT
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Oct 15, 2022
Would take again

I was right, exam was fair and easy.

4.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 19, 2022
Would take again

Everyone complaining about him is just lazy and doesn't want to study. If you sit down and memorize the lecture slides then you will do very well in this class. Exams are easy compared to other upper level bio exams at Binghamton

Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 20, 2022

I absolutely regret taking this class. The professor spends the first 20-30 minutes of each lecture talking about how easy the course is and how we just have to try harder. He will make you feel like trash and then spend 20 minutes skipping through slides that are so obscure and hard to follow. I've never had such an unfair professor who cant teach

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Oct 20, 2022
Would take again

I absolutely love his class. He just trying to separate you from the hard working students like me. 400 is good for you, please leave

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
3.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 21, 2022
Would take again

His exams are fairly easy if you take the time out to study. I've taken a ton of upper bio courses and these exams aren't nearly as hard as those. As someone who barley passed chemistry (C+) I still managed to score a 90 on the exam. Its straightforward and not meant to "trick" you. However, be prepared to learn a lot of the material on your own.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 21, 2022
Would take again

While he is not the best lecturer, a majority of the questions on the exam are very straight forward and basic recall. The questions students were upset about we ended up getting points back. Not the best professor I have had at Bing but definitely not the worst. If you read the textbook and review the slides in detail you should do fine.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 24, 2022

Professor is honestly pretty terrible. He never follows his syllabus relating to the exams until the students question his unfairness and his lectures are terrible, never actually relating to biochemistry. Lectures are useless for exams

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Oct 26, 2022

with all the time he spends writing good reviews for himself on here, you'd think he would take a second to read and understand why we are unhappy with him

Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIOL304
Oct 26, 2022
Would take again

Test average was an 86 which is high for a stem course. His lectures are not the best but the tests are fine and he gives points back for unfair questions. You can do well in the course, but do not expect mastery of the material with just lecture.

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 12, 2022

Honesty one of the worst professor. His lectures are very disorganized he reads directly from slides. First exam was okay, direct recall. 2nd exam had a few questions that got everyone upset & was brought to the chair. After that, his exam became impossible to do, focusing on smallest details and even stuffs not mentioned in class. PLESE AVOID HIM!

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 12, 2022

Honestly, what got everyone upset was the fact that he couldn't see his problems and think we're fooling around. I would say most students in this class are pre-med/health and we put in the effort to study and do well. But not only is he a terrible lecturer, he never thought of how he can help us do better but kept finding ways to make exams harder

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2022

Possibly the worst professor here. Lectures consist of his life stories and how easy it is because he was able to do it. Does not allow questions during exams bc there are "too many people". Exams are difficult and very specific. No outside work for other credit and grade is based solely on exam grades. Not approachable and demeaning. Do not take

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2022

I stopped going to his lectures because all he did was talk about himself and read off the slides. You are only graded off exams that are extremely hard and specific. He offers no help and gaslights students. Awful.

Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Dec 14, 2022

i have never been more miserable taking a class in my life. this is worse than orgo. the inconsistent number of questions on exams and lying about how many he would ask is ridiculous. i'm appalled that they even let him teach another semester

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Dec 14, 2022

His answers on the exam answer key contradicted the lecture slides, but he refused to give any credit back for the question. Seemed irritated when some students complained to him about this question.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2022

You can get an A... but every exam felt like prepping for blind battle. No matter how prepared you were based on the slides, there would be multiple questions not on the slides or talked about. I only knew things from other classes sometimes. This class is lacking clarity, which has killed GPAs and TAs know it. He's quite funny, but not a good prof

Hilarious
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2022

His lectures were not useful at all in terms of learning biochem, as he'd spend half the time talking about his personal life and then zooms through slides. Does not like to receive feedback from students. Contradicts himself about what to know for tests, and puts things from textbook on tests despite saying slides have all info for the tests. Run.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2022

All of the good reviews on this site are made by his TAs, as there has been a large uptick of dislike since he started teaching this course. You're better off taking regular biochem, was always a nightmare trying to prepare for tests, as there was no clarification for what would be on it, especially with things we never talked about.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2022

Worst experience with a class. Grade is based on 3 exams and the final. NOTHING ELSE. He often goes back on his word about the exam content. He does not respond to feedback. He reads straight from the slides and adds his own worksheets and you are responsible for everything even if his notes contradict his lecture material, which they often do.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2022
Would take again

Teaches BCHM 480A (Biochemistry senior seminar), but the code for that is not here. Graded on two presentations and one proposal. The first presentation is 15 minutes and the second is 30 minutes. You have a partner. The proposal is two pages max. Wants you to do well.

Group projects
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2022

Very unclear about what his tests will cover, so you'll end up trying to study a lot of material in addition to unnecessary details. He also isn't very much receptive to feedback, so you'll end up dedicating a lot of time to class in order to pass or get a sufficient grade. Do not recommend at all.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Dec 16, 2022

Genuinely this isn't a very difficult class in terms of material, what made this class unbearable is the absolute lack of teaching ability provided by the professor. It wasn't even worth showing up to lecture half the time to hear him ramble for half of the class. Tests make up your entire grade and they are indefinitely impossible to study for

5.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2022
Would take again

Honestly, he is not a bad prof. If you study lecture plus textbook, you should be in good standing. Everyone will not get an A in this class that is sure. Only hard working will get an A in every classes.

5.0
1.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2022
Would take again

Professor Islam is such an inspiration! Before I entered this class, I was lost and confused about what I wanted to do as a career. Now, I realized that my calling is a biochemistry professor. He is very clear about what he wants in class. Everyone else that is complaining doesn't know the amount of work Professor Islam puts into the course.

Inspirational
Caring
Respected
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Dec 19, 2022

He says gpa dosent matter for med school and before the final which its self was tough on a lot of us, the class avg was a C/C+. Ill leave it at that.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2022
Would take again

I had 2 courses with him (not 304), it was easy quizzes with lab reports. Very easy to earn an A on both courses. He did lecture part and it was short lectures. He is a good man and open to help students.

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 20, 2022

Very upsetting that the professor has to write his own positive reviews to distract from the many many negative reviews. He does not care about

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Dec 20, 2022

I have never been exposed to a "teacher" on the same level as "Dr." Islam. He denies any explanation of material and exam topics. He takes students asking for help as an indication that they are bad students, afraid to study. He believes that because he understands something, everyone should WITHOUT help. Something has to be done.

Tough grader
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2022

For those reading this fearing next sem, don't worry that much. Put in the time to read the textbook and know EVERY slide. He does give unfair q's back,, sometimes. I promise you can get through this class with an A if you put in the time. I took a full week to study for his exams and it always ended up well. Pst! Get the exams from this sem

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 21, 2022

The only grades are four multiple-choice exams (one drop) and a final, so it's easy for your grades to slip. His lectures are pointless, and he would laugh in our faces if we said the exams were too difficult. If you have to take this class, be prepared to put in the time to read the textbook and memorize every little detail.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 22, 2022
Would take again

This class was rough but not nearly as bad as what I had heard about it from previous students. I took genetics and cell bio before this and they both overlapped for content, so if you can take one of those first it would probably help. He doesn't really explain the powerpoints but you catch other details in class. Nicole, the grad TA is amazing.

3.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: B
Dec 23, 2022

Honest review. Unfortunately, there are no other grades in the class besides exams but there was a BIG curve. You HAVE to read the textbook+memorize. So many people complained but most never came to class. Dr. Islam asked at the beginning of lecture if anyone had questions and almost never got a response. You have to put in effort to get the grade.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 27, 2022

His accent wasn't the problem, it was the fact he did not know how to explain concepts or would teach incorrect material. 4 tests, with 1 drop. Final was cumulative. Textbook will be your bible. Know your pathways, enzymes, and coenzymes. Tests on many fine details as well. Bad professor but material is essential to understand. AVOID if possible!

3.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Jan 2, 2023

While no doubt this class will take up a lot of time, getting a high score isnt impossible. This is LECTURE SLIDE HEAVY. Professor Islam just reads off the slide in class and you will have to teach yourself. Test questions will be word by word and final score is just an average of all your test scores, which may be good or bad for some. HUGE CURVE

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 24, 2023
Would take again

This class is interesting, and I like the way he explains clinic concepts with biochem. So far it is good.

2.0
5.0
BIOL304
Mar 15, 2023

Your grade is dependent upon 3 tests, the final, and a small 10% quiz grade. The material for the class isn't difficult to understand but it does take a lot of time to memorize, especially when needing to know every little detail. It would be nice if exams were curved to help students who put in the effort but have trouble memorizing so many things

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B+
Mar 29, 2023

I wish that I had been put into a coma on the first day of this semester, simply so that I would not have to experience the "teaching" of Dr. Mohammad Islam.

2.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 17, 2023

Prof. Islam did just happen to give a homework to try and help the grades of the class which was appreciated, but with the difficulty of memorizing so much of the textbook, it would be nice to have curved exams and more homeworks to help supplement the efforts of students that have trouble memorizing so much. Your grade is 90% tests.

Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 19, 2023
Would take again

Material isn't difficult but having to memorize every little detail is extremely difficult. With your grade being 90% tests, there should really be a curve on the exams or your final grade. Get ready to sit down for hours remembering entire biological processes. Dr. Islam certainly knows his stuff but the class feels impossible

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 21, 2023

This class really needs a curve. With most pre-med classes having a curve, I don't know why he refuses to have one. Taking biochem while also taking 3 other classes is impossible.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
1.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 21, 2023

If you ever had doubts about Pre-Health, Mohammad Islam will be the #1 reason you want to quit

5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2023
Would take again

#1 reason that I wanted to take biol 304 because I will be a medical student soon and Dr. Islam is good for clinical concepts.

Inspirational
Respected
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 8, 2023

Do not even waste your time taking this class or this professor. He is rude and condescending when students do poorly on exams and his exams are extremely difficult. His lectures are pointless and you're not actually going to learn anything biochem related

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
May 12, 2023

Dr Islam is easily the funkiest and freshest professor. His trademarked brown denim business casual look in unparalleled and leaves other professors with their jaws on the floor, and their tongues rolled out like carpets. A true slay-queen professor. He speaks with a raw, vigorous tone that is both flamboyant and authoritative. Kidding. He bad.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B-
May 13, 2023

worst professor ever and he writes his own 5 start reviews. if you email him prepare to get some sass back

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B
May 19, 2023

One of the worst courses I have ever taken at Binghamton. Biochem is notoriously hard but Dr.Islam makes it 10x harder. He will go on tangents for a majority of the lectures and will not cover material that will be on the exam. If you don't go to class you may miss out on the only extra points offered. Read the textbook and go to the TAs.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B
May 19, 2023

The worst bio class I've ever taken in bing

4.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2023
Would take again

Dr.Islam is a mediocre professor but a really good person. He cares about his students and does what he can to help you out. Go to his office hours and make sure you ask questions. Class isn't hard if you put in the work it is easily manageable. People love to complain but don't put in the work.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2023
Would take again

He's gotten better! Compared to other reviews, exams are no longer cumulative and all of them were curved up. You can tell he really cares about you learning and understanding the material, and tries to make it as easy and enjoyable as he can. Yes it's hard, but the tests are more than reasonable, especially with a curve. Def take this over 403!

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Caring
3.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2023

Don't listen to the older reviews, Dr. Islam is not that bad. He really put in the effort to improve the course for the students, and is open to constructive criticism. As long as you keep up with studying, the class is fine, and exams are straightforward and (mostly) fair

3.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2023

Dr. Islam reads off the slides, does not explain anything, and goes on tangents. However, the class itself is not terrible in terms of the quizzes, discussions and tests (curved). He's also pretty flexible. I would take this class over 403 if you are pre-health. Just put in the work outside class.

Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
BIOL304
Dec 13, 2023

not convinced he understands what he is teaching. thick accent makes him hard to understand. he goes on tangents about other medical/ pre med topics. would be a good A&P prof. this class will not prepare you for the mcat.

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: C+
Dec 13, 2023

He gives 4 tests a semester no cumulative final. The lecture before the test he goes over each topic straight from the paper, you won't get 1/2 the information from it. This past test was on 3 chapters, he didn't post the material on one of the chapters, then proceeded to make the entire test about the chapter that was not posted on brightspace.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2023

Take this class anywhere else. Biochem tan my entire semester and I still did not do good in the class. Professor rambles more than lecturing, and tests are not forgiving. Absolutely regret taking this class, however would be manageable with a better instructor and a grading scale not based SOLEY on exams.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2023

I was fine with Dr. Islam and the new structure of the class until the final exam. There were 4 tests (70%), take home quizzes (15%), and discussion points (15%). The class felt manageable until the last test. I studied more for the final test than any other, yet ended up doing terribly since the question style felt so different from previous tests

Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: B+
Dec 29, 2023

Dr.Islam promised all students a grading curve that he did not follow through on Many students who requested more information on this curve he promised were told to refer to the syllabus, as he had never stated it in there. However, he repeated this many times in class and office hours. DO NOT take his course. He doesn't care about his students.

Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Jan 22, 2024
Would take again

I had a lot of mixed feelings about this course due to what I have heard of Dr. Islam. The class is not what I thought, I thought he was a very fair professor. The lecture slides and his class notes were what was reflected on the test, and he curves every test up. The amount of knowledge and time studying is a lot being said, but it is worth it.

Caring
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Feb 13, 2024
Would take again

Greatest professor of all time

5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Feb 13, 2024
Would take again

GOAT for biochemistry

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Feb 16, 2024

Just read the other reviews and see for yourself

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Feb 23, 2024

After taking this professor's class I needed therapy and I am now also on antidepressants. Make of that what you will.

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: C
Feb 23, 2024

Dr. Islam spent half of every lecture talking about things that were completely unrelated to the actual course material. He would therefore often rush to finish lectures because he would run out of time before being able to actually teach. Going into each exam also felt like I was constantly unprepared no one had any idea what to expect.

Tough grader
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Feb 23, 2024
Would take again

I took class with him last semester and I earned an A. His Biochem was nothing wrong and he is a good Prof. If you don't like biochem then don't take with him.

1.0
1.0
BIOL304
Mar 6, 2024

Tricks and gaslights students avoid if you can

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: C+
Mar 13, 2024

Dr.Islam genuinely is a nice guy, very smart, and does care about his students in a broad sense. Unfortunately, he is just not good at teaching. I wasn't able to understand a lot of the things he said due to the THICK accent, he would detail complex concepts with too little detail. I hope the best for the guy but just not at Binghamton.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Mar 20, 2024

It's not even his terrible "teaching" that makes him an bad professor, but he constantly puts unrelated content on his tests and then tells students that they should have known about this topic that he never once mentions in class and DOESN'T EVEN APPEAR IN THE TEXTBOOK. He needs to get checked by the department for his completely unfair tests.

4.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 22, 2024
Would take again

If you attend class, go to office hours, read the textbook a bit, and study you will be fine. he goes over what you need to know in the lecture. And this is an upper-level bio you have to study. Dr. Islam is an MD so he gives a clinical approach to his lectures which is helpful. His slides are DIRECTLY from the textbook so it is pretty clear.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: A-
May 6, 2024

Probably the worst professor/teacher I've had in the entirety of my academic career. He does not utilize class time to teach content and just yaps about himself and Joe Biden. Stopped giving slides by the end of the semester and only gave poorly written diagrams. The only way you will do well is by teaching yourself using NinjaNerd and the textbook

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
1.0
BIOL304
May 8, 2024
Would take again

maker sure u go to the class right before every exam, dont email joe biden or he will get very mad and air it out to the whole class.

Hilarious
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 14, 2024

Dr.Islam is one of the worst teachers I have had at Binghamton. If you read through the good ratings on this site, they are all the same because he wrote them himself. He doesn't teach during class, he mostly rants about anything but biochemistry. He will put the most random stuff on your test that you have never seen before. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B+
May 16, 2024

He refuses to actually teach and explain the concepts he finds us responsible for. Screwed us over with our overall grades bc he got lazy. He made our final 28 questions when our other exams had at least 40 and then refused to add a curve. Would also added irrelevant material to exams. He only complains about students and politicians.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: B-
May 16, 2024

absolute worst professor ive experienced. HE DOES NOT TEACH AT ALL. i would find myself and others rolling our eyes cuz he would just yap about absolutely nothing, which is super frustrating. his test were also tricky but discussion was easy. super heavy accent and talks fast and mumbles, idk how hes still able to teach

5.0
2.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
May 18, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Islam is an MD; his concepts are clinic and tests was fair to all students. He cares his students.

Respected
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: B
May 22, 2024

1 star is generous

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: A-
Jun 4, 2024

Spends too much time yapping, best way to actually learn material is by reading the textbook/outside resources.

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Aug 11, 2024

Unironically I used my hatred for this class to hit some PRs in the gym. Basically reads off slides, yaps about Joe Biden and random stuff, and requests feedback just to gaslight students. Exams are 80% pathways and 20% random bio facts he likes sharing. Gives no info about what's on exams until the class right before, MUST GO TO THESE.

5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Sep 12, 2024
Would take again

he is so cool

Hilarious
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 6, 2024

my problem with him is that he goes on tangents in class. one time he spent almost 40 minutes talking about random things instead of starting the powerpoint. i wouldn't criticize his teaching so much if he met us halfway. one bad test can jeopardize your entire grade.

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: B+
Oct 8, 2024

just don't take him

1.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A-
Oct 16, 2024

Genuinely the worst professor ive ever had. His speaking is hard to understand, and writes his questions the same way. Hes awful at teaching and j reads off the slides. When he decides to write something down on the board, even his handwriting is awful. He also yaps for 20 minutes about nonsense at the beginning of every class. 0 redeeming factors.

5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Oct 23, 2024
Would take again

If you pay attention in class you will do fine. Just take notes about what he says you should know and read the textbook. Attending his office hours helps a lot too as he explains concepts and you can ask questions. He also likes to tell stories in class which I personally think makes the class less boring.

Respected
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
BIOL304
Oct 24, 2024
Would take again

funniest best professor take him while u still can

5.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 16, 2024
Would take again

hi so I had a lot to say about dr islam before he was out due to an emergency and we had a sub. I miss him so much he was a lot easier than i gave him credit for

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Nov 20, 2024

Worst professor I've had at Bing. Reads directly off his slides, only need to go to class to get his handwritten notes which are impossible to read. Verbatim said "idc I still get my check" does not care about his students succeeding.Don't be shocked when you see random questions show up on the exam that weren't in lecture or the textbook. Goodluck

Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2024
Would take again

Islam's exams have gotten a little easier this semester, the thing is you have to memorize every detail from the slides. All rote memorization, and a thick accent that takes some time getting used to. Didn't think it could get more difficult until he left after an emergency and was replaced by Schertzer who was somehow worse.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: B
Dec 23, 2024

Dr. Islam's class is a challenge, but Unstuck AI can help with exam prep. The lectures are hit-or-miss, so focus on the textbook and attend study sessions. With diligence, you can do well despite the eccentric teaching style.

2.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Jan 16, 2025

not a good professor. he gets way too off topic during lecture so we dont finish the content. i had to work so so so so so hard to get an A im in shock i was able to do it.

Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2025

His accent is a bit hard to listen to and understand, and he goes off on tangents very often. Some of the things he says is relevant to the exams/interesting, so if he ever pulls out that piece of paper, take a picture and actually memorize it. Otherwise, no real point in really going to lecture unless you want some entertainment.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
BIOL304
Grade: A+
May 15, 2025
Would take again

Dr Islam was my first instructor that was an actual MD and I expected him to be much harder on us. It was cool asking lots of medical specific questions.

1.0
5.0
BIOL304
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2025

As an alumni, this was the worst class and worst prof I've had in all my time at Bing. I would have failed without certain YouTube channels teaching me the material, I had a 50-60% in the class at the end of the semester but got curved to an A because everyone did so poorly. Tests were worth 90%, no textbook, no slides, sadistic

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

8%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

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Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 48 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (50)
A (24)
A- (7)
Grade Distribution
A(25)B(8)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(12)
Based on 104 reported grades
Not sure yet: 50
A: 24
A-: 7
Rather not say: 6
Common Tags
Test heavy (62)
Graded by few things (51)
Get ready to read (19)
Lecture heavy (12)
Tough grader (12)
Hilarious (8)
Inspirational (6)
Respected (6)
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BIOL304

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BIOL304

3.9

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