2.6

Nancy Butler

Biology - Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

2.6
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
20%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
2.6
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

20%

Would Retake

94

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

15

4

14

3

18

2

25

1

22

What Students Say

Bio majors can't really avoid her, but don't take her for lab

BIO106 - 3.0 rating

I could write a novel about how terrible that class is

BIO106 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

73%

Textbook Required

71%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
B (3)
A (2)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(4)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 14 reported grades
B: 3
A: 2
A+: 2
B+: 2
Common Tags
Tough Grader (4)
TEST HEAVY (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
Get ready to read (1)
Hilarious (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.12 avg change
May
Aug
Apr
Nov
Apr
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO10

5.0

(1)

B10

5.0

(1)

BIOLOGY

5.0

(1)

ZOOLOGY

4.4

(7)

BIO332WI

4.0

(1)
+21 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIO100

5.0

BIO011

5.0

BIOLECTUR

5.0

MC431

5.0

MBIO2

5.0

Reviews (94)
2.0
5.0
BIO010
Jan 22, 2003

this lady sucks, what a horrible, horrible teacher.

5.0
2.0
BIO10
Feb 19, 2003

This chick rocks!

5.0
3.0
B10
Feb 19, 2003

an impressive teacher

2.0
5.0
BIO
Apr 7, 2003

she sucks!

4.0
3.0
BIO106
Apr 13, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
BIO010
Apr 14, 2003

No Comments

1.0
5.0
BIO
Apr 14, 2003

Take her for lab... you will get an A. If you take her for lecture you will fail cause her tests are hard as my ****.

2.0
5.0
BIO100
Apr 15, 2003

No Comments

1.0
5.0
BIO010
Apr 30, 2003

No Comments

5.0
5.0
ZOO
Apr 30, 2003

She is sooooo nice and definitely helps you out, but her tests are kinda hard and include like 5 chapters! (way too many chapters per test) I would probably definitely take her again because shes pretty cool. Her labs are good.

4.0
5.0
ZOO
Apr 30, 2003

tests are very hard. way too much info for one test. have to memorize EVERYTHING in the world. Not a good teacher if you cant memorize stuff

3.0
5.0
BIO010
May 6, 2003

Not a good prof, talks really fast, barly lets u copy notes, unless you have her for lab to accompany lecture, your basicly screwed into getting a C, thats IF you do good on the tests!

1.0
4.0
BIO240
Sep 30, 2003

She sucks. She's more confused than her students. Avoid her at all costs.

2.0
5.0
ZOO
Oct 28, 2003

No Comments

4.0
5.0
BIO106
Oct 29, 2003

i thought her class was tough but if you go to class and study you'll do fine, i got an A

3.0
3.0
ZOOLOGY
Nov 12, 2003

She is kind of scatterbrained and not very organized, or clear on expectations. I had a 4.0 until I took her class, I ended up with a B. I think she will be better after she teaches this class a few more times. She just needs a little organization.

1.0
5.0
BIO011
Nov 20, 2003

She is a horrible teacher. Her lab is horrible. She is never there and treats the kids in her class like little children. Doesn't answer ?'s clearly and makes everyone feel like they are stupid.

2.0
5.0
BIOLECTUR
Nov 24, 2003

Her lecture is so horrible. I felt like she was talking to us like we were fellow biologists instead of teaching us the material. I wanted to stab myself with my pen.

5.0
1.0
BIO
Nov 27, 2003

whiney students who can't do well and complain too much keep out.

2.0
5.0
BIO010
Feb 11, 2004

Not very nice and not recommended

3.0
5.0
BIO106
Mar 6, 2004

hard course....need lots of study time

4.0
3.0
ZOO
Mar 25, 2004

Nice teacher, but difficult and a FEMINIST. Gentlemen, take something else if you can.

1.0
5.0
BIO010
Mar 31, 2004

She makes things waaaaay harder than they have to be. Her lectures are very boring, although she does try and keep it interesting by jumping around, but it doesn't help.

1.0
4.0
BIO
Apr 2, 2004

She's not understanding at all and doesn't teach the material. Her lectures are just the pics in the book.

1.0
3.0
BIO010
Apr 5, 2004

She teaches her lectures way too fast. She's not understanding at all. If you have questions she makes you feel inferior for asking them. Her lectures are boring and from the book.

1.0
4.0
ZOO
Apr 12, 2004

Horrible!! She rambles through lectures, doesnt answer questions, and won't help you outside of class. Lab is horrible to. Tests are VERY hard. Flipped out on lecture class b/c everyone getting D's/F's. Bad rep w/ other faculty. Hates men with passion.

3.0
3.0
BIO010
Apr 12, 2004

she is so hard to understand in lecture. she will sit there droning on about the subject, then, out of nowhere, A BURST OF ENERGY! she'll start running around as if to make us understand what she's talking about, but we don't. hard tests, too

1.0
5.0
BIO010
Apr 30, 2004

No Comments

3.0
4.0
ZOOL
May 3, 2004

Hard class but not a bad teacher, she grades fair and if she is always willing to talk to you about grades. Plus loads of extra credit make life a little less stressful

1.0
4.0
BIO
May 12, 2004

Yo, she is crazy, don't take her! You will learn nothing from this class, and her tests are brutal!

5.0
3.0
ZOOLOGY
May 14, 2004

Good at explaining difficult processes, if you pay attention. Course conveys LOTS of information in a short time. If you're looking for a blow off class, this is NOT it! She is VERY helpful if you ASK.

2.0
5.0
ZOO
Jul 27, 2004

nothing she teaches is ever on the test... her lectures are a waste of time. i never worked so hard in my life to get a C! avoid if possible.

1.0
5.0
BIO010
Sep 1, 2004

Butler is a HORRIBLE HORRIBLE teacher. She made my semester a living nightmare!! I had to seek a Bio tutor who I saw 3 times a week and when i went to her for help she told me I was not studying enough. Her test are incredible HARD and LONG. STAY AWAY!

4.0
3.0
BIO010
Grade: A
Oct 25, 2004

She is very helpful as long as youre polite and a good student. If you slack off, dont read the book, and dont pay attention, dont expect a great time or a good grade in the class. Now, if you choose to do the work, pay attention, and study youll do great. I got an A in the class no problem.

5.0
2.0
ENV100
Oct 27, 2004

I thought she was an easy going helpful prof. A lot of information presented on tests, but if you take lecture notes and read the book, you'll be peachy.

5.0
2.0
BIOLOGY
Nov 11, 2004

Her tests are not impossible she takes alot of questions from the online quizzes. If you take the time to study you will do fine, just like any other teacher. Shes very nice and helpful as well if you ask

2.0
3.0
ENV100
Nov 11, 2004

She was a nice person but bad teacher, very unclear about what she expected, tries to blow you off when you ask questions and often seems annoyed and gives rude answers, tests aren't too bad, i got an A

5.0
5.0
ZOOLOGY
Grade: A+
Dec 12, 2004

Hey this lady is crazy! It is impossible to sleep in her class. She makes learning fun, and she has so many interesting stories to tell, especially about what her mother used to do to her.

2.0
4.0
ZOO
Mar 2, 2005

I think it's just a hard class with an even more hard teacher. She is set in her ways, and she knows her stuff. Asking questions often leaves me feeling stupid and aggrivated. Good luck for who ever takes her. You'll need it.

5.0
4.0
ZOOLOGY
Apr 7, 2005

Its not a HARD class. It's just you have to know everything about every animal...ever. Lots of information. You can not slack off in this class or you will fail! Dr. B. is usually really nice, has bad days, but don't we all.

2.0
4.0
BIOZOOLOGY
Apr 15, 2005

what an ass!!!! she insults you if u ask a question. Teaching is not only explaining info but making sure your students get it... she need to teach not be a sarcastic ****.

4.0
3.0
ZOOLOGY
Aug 24, 2005

Great professor. Only cocky when you're clearly not trying. Challenging course, but if you study and do the work you'll pass easily. She also gives TONS of extra credit.

5.0
3.0
ZOOLOGY
Oct 26, 2005

Dr Butler is an amazing professor. She is intelligent and helpful!She makes you work for your grade, but let's face it people... If you don't want to work for it, get the he** out because it only gets harder from there. She prepped me well for the core comp exam, and I still visit with her just because she is a GREAT person!

1.0
5.0
ZOO
May 1, 2006

This lady is horrrrrible. She's full of herself, teaches useless nontest material during lecture. Nobody likes her and you must take her Zoo class for any science major. Many people I know have changed their majors as a result of her class. She should be fired!

2.0
4.0
BIO010
Dec 26, 2006

This professor has no business teaching a gen ed class. She gets annoyed when you ask a question and clearly has favorites. Read chapters in advance and study like this was the only class you are taking. I had to drop the class cuz it was just to much. She knows her topic but is very cocky! She just made me hate biology more then i already did!

5.0
1.0
BIO010
Dec 29, 2006

Butler is fair, entertaining, and recommended. Her class made me love Biology, a subject previously hated and feared by myself. She is truly passionate about what she teaches. I got over a 100% in her class without trying. Didn't take notes, didn't read the majority of the book, did assignments immediately before class. Easy.

1.0
5.0
MC431
Feb 22, 2007

No Comments

3.0
4.0
BIO106
Apr 11, 2007

This lady needs to realize that not every creature can be her favorite. She needs to make instructions more clear, and help them out more in lab. Hope that u only have her for lecture. Lab is worse.

4.0
4.0
BIO106
Apr 7, 2008

I wouldn't go so far as to say that you should avoid her, but memorize everything. She's... entertaining to say the least. Cockiness does get to you though. And yes she does have favorites. She's a really distant person, does think she's better than you b/c she's done a TON of research. But over all she's the most qualified person for the job.

1.0
4.0
BIO323
Sep 11, 2008

Very difficult to understand through her "I'm the greatest" attitude. If she doesn't like you, your grade will be affected. Not very flexible at all, and even less clear on instructions. She may have a ton of research under her belt but unfortunately she lacks the concepts of being a teacher. She teaches through a certain level of intimidation.

1.0
5.0
MBIO2
Sep 11, 2008

Very difficult and unfriendly. Hard to understand since she changes her requirements as the class progresses. Please don't think you know more than her, her brain won't allow that and your grade will pay the price. Not the easiest to approach for help either. Likes to make you feel stupid and doesnt think twice about dumping on you to prove it.

1.0
5.0
BIO316
Nov 12, 2008

Difficult and unfriendly. Tries to make you feel stupid when you ask questions. Do not recommend. Take someone else instead.

1.0
5.0
BIO104
Nov 26, 2008

By far, the worst prof in the bio dept. For whatever reason, does not want her students to succeed! Is only interested in feeling powerful, and making students feel small. Gives the bio dept a bad name, when there are so many good profs. An awful, awful human being.

2.0
4.0
BIO316
Feb 20, 2009

I had Dr. Butler when she was at Gustavus in MN (she was "asked" to leave). It looks like she hasn't changed a bit. She was the #1 reason why I lost interest in biology. I do wonder if she is bipolar as one day she was nice, the next EVIL! Not a bad teacher, but a TERRIBLE adviser and/or mentor. DO NOT DO RESEARCH WITH HER!

4.0
5.0
BIO106
Apr 2, 2009

Butler is... interesting to say the least. She expects you to know a HUGE amount of information. Many of her exam questions are from the online quizzes. She can be quite funny.As long as you understand that this class will be difficult, just try to have fun! and be VERY polite to her!

2.0
5.0
ZOO101
Mar 22, 2010

She is a heartless human being. She thinks its funny when students fail. One student asked what more he could do because he had studied everything for hours...her response " I guess you didnt learn it" SHE NEEDS TO BE FIRED!!!!!

2.0
5.0
BIO106
Jun 2, 2010

PLEASE AVOID THIS PROFESSOR AT ALL COST!!!! i have never worked so hard in my life to get such a low grade of C! SHE NEEDS TO BE FIRED!! she thinks she is god!

2.0
5.0
BIO106
Apr 17, 2011

She is very interesting in her lectures but the thing is they do not help you for the test. Attendance is not mandatory. This course is a lot of information and memorizing and I feel that she does not know how to teach it and doesn't really help the students. Try to avoid

2.0
5.0
ZOO106
Apr 18, 2011

Worst teacher I've ever had! Tests on every little detail within the text when exams are 5 chapters at a time. Won't help when you go to office hours, claims she's "too busy" to answer your questions. Serious attitude problem because she's thinks she's God or something. DO NOT TAKE

3.0
5.0
BIO106
May 4, 2011

One of the most difficult professors you will ever have. She is an amazing person with a wealth of knowledge but you will need to study more than you ever have. That being said if you are serious about biology and are willing to work you will do well. Dr. Butler respects intellect. Show her you have some and you will do well. Great professor.

2.0
4.0
ZOO100
May 13, 2011

Her class is near impossible! I had a C all year and then I think lab pulled it up to a B. I have never worked by butt off so much to just get a C. I wont take her again if I have the option not too.

4.0
4.0
ENV100
Jun 8, 2011

I had Dr. B for ENV 100, Zoo and Limnology. Tests....do textbook reviews. Hard, yes. Awesome, yes. Just because a teacher is hard doesn't mean they're a bad teacher, it means they actually want you to learn.

4.0
3.0
BIO106
Aug 31, 2011

She knows her stuff but can be on the scary side one on one. When you ask a question, most of the time she says look it up yourself. Doing the online quizzes from the books website ARE VERY HELPFUL. I only had her for zoology lecture not for the lab. Her lecture have power points and she is a good lecture prof. Funny too.

1.0
5.0
ZOO106
Jan 25, 2012

shes the meanest professor i've ever had. her sarcasm isnt even border line funny. she needs to get a grip of herself and realize she isnt the best profesor at ku

2.0
5.0
BIO106
Feb 13, 2012

Stay away, she cant teach! Most of her student fail or drop. Its not that hard of a course, its just she cant teach and makes students feel stupid by talking down to them, not answering questions and just being arrogant. She needs to be replaced. Stay far away!!!

4.0
4.0
BIO106
Mar 30, 2012

Zoo requires a lot of work, but it's not like Dr. Butler makes it that way to make you miserable. She wants you to learn and pushes you to do so. She's knows her stuff and is extremely helpful when you give her a chance to show you. Totally worth the hard work!

2.0
5.0
BIO104
Apr 12, 2012

let's just say I'm no longer an environmental science major because of her.

5.0
4.0
BIO106
Apr 18, 2012

Dr. Butler is wonderful! Yes she is sarcastic and can be "mean", but she is so intelligent and delightful. This class is hard you will work yourself in the ground you will pull countless all night-ers and study endlessly, but its worth it. She sets the bar high, but not out of reach. Study hard, use the book quizzes & you'll pass.

3.0
4.0
BIO105
May 10, 2012

Zoology has been my favorite class by far in my college career even though I got a C. The class is a challenge but she is a great professor. You have to respect how smart she is and you will enjoy her. Take her for lab. Get to know her. Always be prepared. Shes really not that bad.

3.0
4.0
BIO106
May 17, 2012

She is very hard and a very "either you like her or hate her" kind of teaher. You do have to teach yourself and stay on top of everything. But, she pushes you to understand the information instead of memorizing facts and regurgitating them for a test. She can be mean, but she wants you to succeed. PS: NEVER ask "will this be on the test?"

1.0
5.0
BIO1
May 25, 2012

Worst ever

2.0
5.0
BIO106
Jul 11, 2013

RUN! She is a horrible teacher. I loved zoology before this course. She is the kind of teacher who believes that if she makes a fool of you when you ask a question you will never forget it. She is stuck in 70's teaching methods. The only class I did not get an A in. She began the class by telling us we will all fail....she was right.

3.0
5.0
BIO106
Aug 25, 2013

Hard, sassy, not approachable. Brilliant woman, but awful with students,

3.0
5.0
BIO
Oct 31, 2013

I had her for lab. I like her sense of humor but her class is really difficult. PAY ATTENTION. If you miss something she says she won't be willing to repeat anything, which I suppose is reasonable. I think she's fair, but tough. Work hard.

4.0
4.0
BIO332WI
Jan 16, 2014

She is a wonderful teacher. Her classes are not easy and she does not sugar coat things. So some students blame her for there short comings rather than take credit for there own actions. I would take every class with her if i could. Truly one of the smartest people i have ever met in her field. I hope to be an Aquatic Ecologist 1\2 as good as her

2.0
5.0
ENV100
Mar 19, 2014

I had Dr. Butler for ENV 100 If you don't get on her good side right away she isn't going to like you, don't go in for office hours for help because she'll make you cry. The homework she has you do (from the book) has nothing to do with anything that you learn in lecture. And it's almost pointless to take notes b/c her exam is so hard.

3.0
5.0
BIO106
May 7, 2014

She's extremely intelligent and enthusiastic about the material, but it doesn't allow her to be an awful person. She's very rude without reason. Not every professor needs to be an inspirational wonder, but at least show the bare minimum of respect to adults paying to take a class. Bio majors can't really avoid her, but don't take her for lab.

2.0
5.0
BIO106
Jul 15, 2014

If you have to take Dr. Butler's zoology class, bless your soul. She is a very smart woman, but a rude, arrogant, and completely unhelpful professor. Students fear her, and there's no point in asking for help in lab because she will just talk down to you and make you feel stupid. I could write a novel about how terrible that class is. Good luck.

3.0
4.0
BIO316
Grade: B+
Aug 17, 2014

To do well you must record the class in order to catch all the details of her lectures as no copies of powerpoint presentations or lecture notes are made available. The text is unhelpful. She goes quickly through the material and seems irritated to have to stop to answer questions. She's an encyclopedia of aquatic bio knowledge.

3.0
5.0
ZOO
Aug 18, 2014

Dr. Butler was rude and didn't care if you were struggling. I Do NOT recommended this professor.

3.0
5.0
ZOO
Grade: A
Apr 23, 2015

Zoology will destroy your GPA if you are not ready for it. More than half the class will withdraw or not pass. That being said, she is sort of the gatekeeper of the Kutztown Science program. Many students switch majors after trying to take this class and it might be a necessary evil. I enjoyed the class because it was exams and lab, that's it.

4.0
3.0
ZOO
Grade: B
May 4, 2015

I had Dr. Butler for zoology and invertebrate biology. She can come off a little tough in zoo, but I got to see a different side of her in invertebrate since it was a very small class. If you get to know her, she's actually a really interesting and nice woman. She is extremely knowledgable on certain topics. I really enjoyed my classes with her.

1.0
5.0
BIO106
May 13, 2015

NEVER take this professor. She is absolutely terrible; does not offer any help whatsoever. I asked a question, she told me to figure it out and when I said I didn't know, she told me she should slap me over the head for not knowing the answer. What professor in their right mind would ever say that to a student? I would NEVER recommend her.

4.0
5.0
ZOOLOGY
Grade: B
May 16, 2015

She gets a bad rap for this class. It's not easy, there's an incredible amount of information, and this the hardest class I have ever taken. But if you don't put in the work you won't do well. She yells at the people who are asking questions that prove you haven't done the work. She wants to see you succeed, so she's not going to hand it to you.

2.0
5.0
BIO106
Grade: C
Nov 19, 2015

Very critical and doesn't offer much help. Also doesn't allow students to utilize the biology computer equipment (DIT lab) outside of regular hours, making it more difficult to get work done in piece.

5.0
1.0
BIO106
Grade: A+
Apr 12, 2016

You need to be willing to put the work in, the course is difficult no matter who teaches it

3.0
5.0
BIO106
Grade: C-
Apr 27, 2016

Dr. Butler seemed to think that intelligence meant that you could memorize hundreds of names and species. No intuitive thought, unnecessarily rude, garbage trap mind.

5.0
4.0
BIO106
Grade: B
May 3, 2016

Dr. Butler is an extremely intelligent professor and Yes, her class is very hard but she forces you to actually LEARN and not just remember for a test. Remember to READ each chapter and learn the Taxonomy first, then the details that go with it. Keep it organized in your head or it won't be possible to retain the information.

3.0
4.0
BIO106
Grade: B-
May 20, 2016

In the classroom, Dr. Butler is a difficult professor. Outside of the classroom, she is a helpful person. It doesn't hurt to ask for help, but if you're struggling alone, don't expect sympathy from her.

2.0
5.0
BIO106
Grade: C
Aug 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Butler is a very difficult teacher. Definitely not an easy A, nor an easy class by all means. She is very passionate about her work, but often speaks with a kind of know it all attitude. Out of the classroom she is super cool and has a really neat past. She has done lots of neat things that many only dream of! Very tough, so study, study, study!!

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ZOO106
Grade: B+
Apr 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She's hands down my least favorite professor I've had during my 5 years at KU. Zoology is a ton of memorization and you will likely forget all of it the following semester. It's unfortunate because zoology could be an extremely interesting and relevant class but it ended up being mostly a 5 month headache for no gain. Power through it, freshman!

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO010
Nov 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Don't take her

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
5.0
BIO106
Apr 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This class freaking killed me and its only 100 level. Never worked so much and did so bad and she was just really unhelpful and told us in the beginning of every lecture how stupid we all are.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO106
Grade: Not sure yet
May 3, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Butler is an amazing person; she is so passionate and knowledgable in her field. There is little information on her powerpoint so go to class. She's not afraid to yell at you. Work really hard and you'll do fine. This class is hard, but it teaches you how to study difficult information. If you pass this class you can pass in class in the future

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

73%

Textbook Required

71%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
B (3)
A (2)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(4)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 14 reported grades
B: 3
A: 2
A+: 2
B+: 2
Common Tags
Tough Grader (4)
TEST HEAVY (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
Get ready to read (1)
Hilarious (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.12 avg change
May
Aug
Apr
Nov
Apr
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO10

5.0

(1)

B10

5.0

(1)

BIOLOGY

5.0

(1)

ZOOLOGY

4.4

(7)

BIO332WI

4.0

(1)
+21 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIO100

5.0

BIO011

5.0

BIOLECTUR

5.0

MC431

5.0

MBIO2

5.0

Similar Professors