3.6

Norman Kenkel

Science - University of Manitoba

3.6
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
57%
Would Retake
109
Reviews
3.6
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
3.5
Helpful
3.7
Clarity

57%

Would Retake

109

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

40

4

29

3

19

2

14

1

7

What Students Say

He's a total bro and will answer all questions

BIO3290 - 4.0 rating

All in all, a very interesting course

BIOL3290 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

14%

Textbook Required

36%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 40 grades
Most common grades:
A (17)
A+ (12)
B+ (5)
Grade Distribution
A(29)B(4)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 44 reported grades
A: 17
A+: 12
B+: 5
B: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (16)
Test heavy (16)
Clear grading criteria (10)
Graded by few things (10)
Respected (6)
Lecture heavy (6)
Hilarious (5)
Amazing lectures (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.78 avg change
Jul
Dec
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Mar
May
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1123

5.0

(1)

001101

5.0

(3)

1101W

5.0

(1)

BOTANY

5.0

(1)

BIOL4312

4.7

(3)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

3290

5.0

BOTN3280

4.3

1123

4.0

BOTANY1101

4.0

BIO3280

4.0

Reviews (109)
5.0
1.0
1101
Nov 22, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
1101
Dec 1, 2002

Very easy, very clear style of teaching, very helpful, interesting course

5.0
4.0
1123
Feb 17, 2003

No Comments

5.0
2.0
1101
Apr 21, 2003

Take this course if you are in science and need a W requirement... he's an awesome prof! Super friendly, super clear... bring a pillow to class and expect to get an A!

4.0
1.0
071125
Jul 17, 2003

He's a very caring and polite professor. He makes class interesting by making every class different by providing interesting clips,pictures and even samples of exotic fruit and wine! Study really hard for tests . Written assignments are very easy.

1.0
5.0
1101
Dec 17, 2003

Boring!!!

5.0
1.0
1101
Dec 18, 2003

Nice prof. Organized lectures on power point. Very percise and to the point. Fair exams and assignments. GPA boosting class. Highy Recommended!

5.0
2.0
001101
Dec 20, 2003

has notes already for you in a booklet which u can purchase at bookstore, exams were very fair n easy!! Beware, though classes are incredibly boring.

4.0
2.0
1001
Jan 4, 2004

Very cool teacher, enjoyed the class, provides a booklet of his notes, that you rarely suppliment. 2 3-page written essays which are a little stressful but fun. Good guy overall, tries to make the class have fun, loves what he does.

5.0
2.0
001101
Jul 21, 2004

He is very clear and tries to entertain the class. I really enjoyed his class and he made me very aware of the material in my everyday life. He is great!

5.0
1.0
001101
Dec 2, 2004

The best prof I have had!! If you can't follow this guys class then maybe McDonald's is for you. Only one thing wrong, what's with him always wearing black, like he's going to a funeral.

5.0
2.0
ECONOMICPLANTS
Jan 6, 2005

The BEST Professor! Interesting, Fair and Helpful! And he looks great in Black! He's Hot!

4.0
4.0
BOTANY1101
Jan 7, 2005

This guy is one of the hardest marker i have ever seen..

5.0
1.0
1101
Jan 15, 2005

Greatest course I took last term! Prof was clear and interesting. Mid-term and exam were fair. Learned a lot from the essay topic too! Highly recommend this one. Thanks Dr. Kenkel!

3.0
1.0
MEDICINALPLANT
Mar 11, 2005

This man needs to take a human physiology course. Pronounciations of hormones is embarassing and sounds unsure of himself when explaining any human biological processes. Can't answer any questions asked in class, says he'll "have to check on that" every time and we never hear a follow up to it.

5.0
2.0
MEDICINALPLANT
Mar 17, 2005

Wicked prof, tests and assignments are really fair. super helpful whenever you need to ask him about the course.

3.0
3.0
MEDPLANTS
Apr 26, 2005

Horribly boring class of useless information. Exams don't reflect whats important in class and for future reference or use. No one cares about dates, no one cares about the region in Africa the plant is from. Utterly boring & should be an Arts course rather than a Science. Disorganized & convoluted.

5.0
2.0
MEDICINALPLANT
Jun 17, 2005

This was a GREAT course! Interesting and valuable! Dr. Kenkel really knows his stuff and I really enjoyed his approach to what otherwise might be dry material! The historical information was particularly useful to me and my paper has led me in a promising direction of study. Thanks Doc!

4.0
2.0
ECONOMICPLANTS
Jul 22, 2005

easy course.. got an A.. very easy exams... just have to pay attention to details when studying for it.. would recommend to everyone that is looking to fullfil his Written English course requirements

4.0
2.0
ECONOMICPLANTS
Aug 30, 2005

He's very enthusiastic, but personally, I thought the class was really boring. Maybe I'm not into plants so much. His instructions on assignments are super clear, but he always seems to knock your mark down lower than the student teacher who initially grades it. Seems like a sweet guy, though.

3.0
3.0
ECOPLANTS
Nov 18, 2005

I'll have to check on that....i'll get to you next class

5.0
2.0
1101W
Grade: A+
Dec 12, 2005

I thought this guy was a fabulous prof! His instructions for assignments were VERY clear. He prints out his notes and sells them in the Bookstore, so you relly don't even have to go to class if you don't want. This has to be the easiest/most interesting written requirement course offered...

5.0
2.0
BOTANY
Mar 9, 2006

good teacher, straight foreward, tests are easy if you study. a good class to take to boost your GPA.

5.0
4.0
BIOANALYSIS
Apr 9, 2006

All you want in a prof (smart, clear, approachable and reasonable). Norm is super dynamic and energetic during his lectures. I wish i had a camera to catch some of his crazy poses while explaining conceptual graphs. I bet he has tried most of those medicinal plants he talks about!

3.0
3.0
BOTN1010
Nov 2, 2006

Alright prof, okay class, assignment really clear and easy, but watch out for his multiple choice tests. He tests you on the **** that doesn't matter, like if the plant was derived 10 000, 8 000, or 6 000 years ago. WHO CARES! He didn't test us on anything that was USEFUL. When you study, study all the little tiny details...

4.0
2.0
BOTN1010
Jan 6, 2007

Easy course, just study like mad, I mean read your notes OVER AND OVER and you'll do awesome. A little picky with the written assignment but he said hes removing it from the course. Friendly and helpful.

4.0
4.0
BOTN3280
Dec 20, 2007

Very interesting class but the exams were so hard. Was totally unprepared for the level of difficulty for midterm but I studied for final a lot and did really well. Makes the final worth tons so be careful(65%)!!! Do not take classes with this many for a GPA booster since you'll have to work at it. I thought he was very cute and funny.

5.0
3.0
BOTN1010
May 15, 2008

Great Professor! Each class follows along with the course pack ($16 at bookstore). One mid-term(35%) and one final(65%), but if you study the course pack there is no need to worry. Dr. Kenkel truly loves what he is doing and it shows through in his lectures, THE GUY LOVES PLANTS!!! Great class, I would recommend Dr. Kenkel to anyone !!!

5.0
3.0
BOTN1010
Dec 5, 2008

Great teacher, funny and interesting. Loves plants. Mid-terms and final were hard, you need to memorize everything in your book to get an A. just pay attention in class and read everything over and over in your book when you study. He tests on the things you wont study lol trust me. other than that its pretty easy

5.0
4.0
BOTN3280
Dec 8, 2008

Really interesting class, but should not be taken just for fun or as a GPA-booster. No textbook, just the prof's notes for purchase from the bookstore. Attendance is not mandatory. Just memorize every plant's native origin and every single historical date mentioned. Memorize the notes religiously and you'll do fine.

2.0
5.0
BIOL1300
Dec 10, 2009

WORST CLASS EVER!!! Boring and useless. No need to go to class at all. 2 midterms and one final, exams are REALLY hard. You pretty much have to memorize his whole book. I have the final tomorrow and am DREADING it!

4.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Dec 17, 2009

You won't do well if you don't study. And by study that means memorize every single detail (even if you think it's stupid) in that book you have to buy. More of a history class (very fact based) than a science class. Interesting, but prof speaks very quietly (I zoned out a lot). You don't have to go to class to do well, just keep memorizing!!!

3.0
3.0
BIOL1300
Dec 6, 2010

You do have to memorize most things from the books he gives you, but it's a short book, and it is possible to memorize. You don't NEED to go to class, but it helps reinforce the things you memorize later. It's pretty easy to tune him out in class, though, because he's so soft-spoken and monotone. That said, he loves plants, and is always engaged.

4.0
2.0
BIOL1300
Jul 26, 2011

Anyone with high interests in science or plants will have fun with the ease of the course. Tests and exams are based off the booklet required, as are all lectures. Only studied the first half of the booklet for the exams and passed with a B+. Covers wide range of material, so is interesting enough. Good elective.

2.0
1.0
BIOL3290
Oct 8, 2011

seems nervous, comes across as "burned out" and very approachable. Although the note are very good, delivery is AWFULLY BORING. Poor prof.

3.0
5.0
BIOL1300
Nov 8, 2011

If you're looking for a science elective don't take this course!You need to memorize a lot! It's more like history!You need to know a lot of countries!It's not a GPA booster!

3.0
3.0
BIOL1300
Nov 16, 2011

I called him, I emailed him! NO ANSWER! Lots of memorizing and the exam marks were a big surprise sometimes! Class average was about 70%

4.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Dec 16, 2011

LOTS of memorization of dates and native distributions of plants! Took it to fulfill my 3000 level bio requirement, otherwise would've stayed away. He loves his plants, but you need to know EVERY single detail in his course notes.

4.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Dec 18, 2011

Don't be fooled - this is a tough class. There's ALOT of memorization. He's friendly and soft spoken. Material can be quite interesting but lectures themselves are very boring. He speaks very quietly so sit near the front!

5.0
1.0
BIOL3290
Feb 7, 2012

Great course, great prof. You don't have to go to class, all material is tested out of the notes book... but Dr. Kenkel does add in some pictures and it can help reinforce things to hear it spoken. The material is interesting to learn. Midterm is a bit tough with some obscure facts, but the final is EASY. And he uses the same tests each year.

4.0
4.0
BIO1300
Dec 11, 2012

a lot of memorizing he put together a small textbook you have to memorize going to class was pointless

5.0
3.0
BIO3290
Dec 14, 2012

A lot of memorizing, but it's a 3000 level, so what do u expect. Dont have to go to class but would recommend or else very easy to fall behind. Awesome prof! Very easy to get in touch with, and genuinely seems to care about students. Yea he's quiet and sometimes the class was dull, but he tries to make it easy to understand. Keep up and ull do fine

4.0
2.0
BIOL4312
Jan 3, 2013

Fun course. Being once a week, and with no real assignments, this course was pretty easy. Very good prof, although, sometimes he spent a lot of time on explanations of already trivial concepts. His course was really cool for someone who likes statistics and math. This is a modeling course, so don't expect p-values etc. that's Roth's course!

5.0
2.0
BIOL3290
Jul 25, 2013

Good proffessor, lectures are basically the text with some interesting pictures and good storys from the proff. Attendance not mandatory but reccommended.

5.0
1.0
BIO1300
Jul 25, 2013

REally good prof. Knows his stuff. just lots memorizing but pretty easy

5.0
3.0
BIOL1300
Sep 26, 2013

Didn't think I would find this course interesting but it has turned out to be my favorite class by a long shot. Prof is passionate about the subject and his lectures are both informative and very interesting. Attending class is absolutely a must as it really brings the material to life and makes it much easier to remember.

5.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Dec 10, 2013

The course material is really interesting, but this is not a GPA booster

4.0
5.0
BIOL3290
Dec 10, 2013

I've never cried during an exam before.

5.0
5.0
BIOL3290
Jan 21, 2014

This is a very hard course, u have to memorize the history( as well as the dates!), cultural use, chemical and medicinal properties for about 60 plants. The final was cumulative and it was detail based. So u definitely have to keep up with all the the material through out the semester. Some people were crying during the exam :(

5.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A
May 26, 2014

This course is way harder than I expected. Everything is tested from the notes booklet. Very hard to study from the notes booklet itself so it's a good idea to make your own point form notes from it (and make a timeline). Tests on obscure things you wouldn't expect in a science course (i.e. history and dates). Exam questions are straightforward.

2.0
5.0
BIOL3290
Oct 1, 2014

This class sounds very cool, which is why most people take it. This is the worst class EVER! not only do you have to memorize every sentence in the book, but the lectures are long and dry. not at all what I was expecting. Not an easy A that's for sure.

4.0
3.0
BIOL1300
Oct 14, 2014

this prof knows his stuff but not helpful when you email him. no response. way too much memorizing!! (countries, dates) the final has ALOT of material. basically need to memorize each sentence in the book. material is not hard, just way to much info.

4.0
4.0
BIOL1300
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2014

ALRIGHT. So in this course there is the midterm-30%- and the final-70%. Super stressful since there are no other chances to bring up your mark. The Prof is lovely though, he teaches well but you better be good at memorization.

3.0
3.0
BIOANALYSIS
Dec 17, 2014

this course is different compared to medicinal plant. you don't have to memorize anything from the notebook, which may sound easy. however, you have to COMPLETELY understand every single analysis technique about how they work and interpret them on the exam. all the questions on the exams are conceptual questions. It's all about applying knowledge

5.0
4.0
BIOL1300
Dec 17, 2014

The mark breakdown was 30% midterm (35 mc questions) and 70% final exam (100 mc questions). A LOT of memorization to do!! I suggest you make your own notes, especially taking notes of the locations, as he probably put around 10-15 questions just on location alone for our final exam. Not an easy A but it is if you do your reading.

2.0
5.0
3290
Jan 5, 2015

AVOID AVOID AVOID this class. Took medicinal because it sounded awesome, but the amount of material he asks you to memorize is absolutely crazy. Monotone lecturer who did not hold my interest.

4.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A
Mar 26, 2015

Took Med Plants because I had heard it was relatively easy for a 3000 level course... and it really was not all that bad. Attendance is beyond optional as the entire course is written out in the textbook. The exams are the book verbatim, so I highly recommend shelling out the whole $15 to get it

5.0
2.0
BIO1300
Grade: A
Jun 7, 2015

Awesome professor, assigned reading was very straightforward and discussed very well in class. Memorization and understanding of the lecture prior to class is important and will help you get ahead. Very entertaining to listen not boring :)

3.0
3.0
CHEM1300
Grade: A
Jun 19, 2015

He compiled all the lecture notes into a nice little handbook. I went to the first few lectures, but then realized that the information presented in lecture was identical to the info in the handbook. Quit going, read through and studied the lecture notes, and that was enough to ace the two exams. Easy A if you don't mind a little self-study.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1300
Grade: A
Oct 13, 2015

Overall one of the better profs I had at the U of M. This is a great class for arts students trying to get their science requirement. Only one midterm and one final exam and both are solely multiple choice. You buy the notes at the bookstore so technically you don't have to show up, but attending class definitely helps the material sink in

5.0
2.0
BIO1300
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2015

One of my favourite professors! He is very passionate about these topics and provides very interesting outside perspectives. Textbook has all the information, therefore no note taking is required just highlighting. Highly recommended if you need a science credit.

3.0
5.0
BIOL3290
Dec 15, 2015

Going to class is optional, tests on extremely small dumb things. Do not take this class as an "easy" science course because it is not due to the fact that you need to memorize EVERYTHING from front to back of the notes to do well. Boring lecturer but seems like a very kind man who will help.

5.0
3.0
BIOL4312
Dec 16, 2015

Great prof overall! Really nice and approachable and could tell he really wants his students to do well. The midterm was tough, the two assignments weren't too bad, and he pretty much told us all the topics that was going to be on the final exam. Be prepared to stay awake in class thought as he has a voice that can put people to sleep

4.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A+
Dec 16, 2015

Really nice prof! Attendance was optional but when you go to class, you can tell that he's really into what he's teaching. Lectures were kind of dry but you can read everything from the book of notes he provided. Lots of material but exam questions were straight forward. Great guy! :)

4.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Dec 22, 2015

He is a very good prof. His lectures can certainly be dry, but he clearly is very knowledgeable about the course material. He is a very approachable teacher and will answer any questions you have clearly. The two exams are tough because you have to memorize a lot, but the material is interesting. An easy A if you put the right amount of work in.

5.0
2.0
BIOL3290
Jan 8, 2016

This was a really interesting course. Course content is completely written out in the book of notes, so attendance isn't really mandatory, but it helps because he mentions what's more important in class. Prof is very nice and approachable, exam questions were very straightforward. There's lots of material to know, so work for the grade you want

4.0
2.0
BIO1300
Grade: A
Mar 1, 2016

Took an elective and quite enjoyed it! He puts all necessary info into a cheap booklet instead of forcing you to buy a textbook which is awesome! Content is easy and interesting, looots of memorization though. I would recommend giving yourself a lots of time to review for the final. Only a midterm and a final, and he's a great prof! Recommended.

4.0
4.0
BIO3290
Grade: A+
Jun 1, 2016
Would take again

He's a total bro and will answer all questions. You don't need to go to class, all material on the exam is in his notes from the bookstore. His exams are extremely detail oriented--you have to memorize specific things such as years and names. Internet assignments consist of looking up plant questions and having a few guaranteed on the exam.

3.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Nov 30, 2016
Wouldn't take again

HATED medicinal plants! I though it would be interesting but it was SOOOO boring! Dropped the course cause I couldn't handle it anymore! If you like memorizing, this class would work for you, also you would like it if you like history!

Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIOL1300
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He is terrible at sticking to the outline he gives in the front of his booklet, speaks with a monotone voice, & doesn't make the material more exciting to learn. Lectures aren't necessary, just buy his book. ($13) & often cut 30 minutes short. Exams: Midterm 35% Final 65%. Overall, it's MEMORIZING USELESS INFO. Don't take for your gpa.

Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A+
Dec 19, 2016
Would take again

All in all, a very interesting course. Lots to memorize but if you study in advance you will do well. The lectures were well presented and were accompanied with lots of interesting pictures, which personally helped me with remembering the material.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
BIO1300
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2016
Would take again

NO TEXTBOOK!!! He gives you a spiral bound lecture notes book for super cheap at the bookstore and it is all you need to pass the class. Go to lectures for the funny and interesting learning opportunity but don't sweat if you miss one. Studied for 2 days for the mid term and got an A. 1 day of studying for the final and I got a B in the class.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A+
Dec 22, 2016
Would take again

This class is great. There is lots and lots to memorize, but if you go to lecture and stay on top of things it should be okay. He's not the most engaging presenter, but he loves the subject and teaches it well. Mandatory but very cheap textbook/note pack, lots of great tidbits in there. If you're a good memorizer, 2-3 days of study should be enough

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
BIO3290
Dec 22, 2016
Would take again

This class is SO fascinating. Lots of memorization but the material you learn is well worth it. He created a short spiral bound book which is everything you need to know for exams.

Respected
Inspirational
3.0
3.0
BIO1300
Grade: B+
Jan 9, 2017
Would take again

This class is so interesting and you can tell he is very passionate about what he teaches. Sold his notes at the library which was great, you didnt even have to go to lecture, although i would still suggest it. Exams arent hard, but you have to know a LOT of little information, which is frustrating. Overall good class.

Get ready to read
5.0
3.0
BIO1300
Grade: A+
May 28, 2017
Would take again

My fav orite prof at the u of m by far. I found the material interesting, the prof engaging, he is very approachable and cared about his students. I would definitely recommend him

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
3.0
BIOL1300
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2017
Would take again

He is an awesome professor. I am in my first year, but I can tell that he is a good prof. He talks clearly with points and he describes the material very deeply and detailed. He answers questions and also inspired me to learn more about plants which I wasn't interested at first at all! He is fantastic and I would totally take this prof again !!!

Respected
Inspirational
Caring
4.0
4.0
BIOL3290
May 10, 2018
Would take again

Great prof, taking this class in May, only one month long but very dense as there is a lot of material to memorize. Study hard and you should be fine. The only bad thing I can say about this prof is that he speaks very quietly, but everything he says is in his notes package so you'll be fine if you take the time to study

Respected
Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
BIOL1300
Grade: A
Jun 5, 2018
Would take again

It is only one midterm and a final although i took this in May as a spring course. If you study hard and go to lectures you will do great! He gives you a notes booklet with all the info you need for the entire course but his lectures help understanding the material rather than just memorizing it :) Hes a great prof, defs recommend!

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Oct 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I'm pretty unimpressed with this course, you'll only do well if you have great memorization skills. He tests on very specific sentences from his notes, which is frustrating since it's hard to know the right stuff to study unless you memorize everything.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
3.0
BIO1300
Grade: C-
Dec 19, 2018
Would take again

Definitely knows his stuff about plants. I'm leaving this course with more insight on the types of corn than I ever knew was humanly possible. If you are student who is terrible at science and needs the credit, this class is definitely a go to. Just make sure you keep up with the readings and do the practice test.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 21, 2018
Would take again

This class and prof are wonderful. He writes a book on the material and makes it available at the bookstore for $20. He has lots of wonderful stories, and he's such a sweet, hardworking guy. However, there is a ton of memorization. It is a tough class for the procrastinator type, because you can only drill so much info into your mind at a time!

Respected
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO1300
Grade: B
Dec 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are very boring to attend, most of the students in my class were on their phones the whole time and not paying attention.. You only get 2 chances to make your grade a mid-term and final that is worth more than 50% for your grade. When trying to contact my email I did not receive a response back and he did not administer the course eval.

Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
5.0
BIOL3290
Grade: C+
Apr 3, 2019
Would take again

Great person, loves the class and his students. Very difficult exams and class average is low. However he does enjoy and respect his students and accounts for his difficult exams in the final grades.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO3280
Apr 12, 2019
Would take again

Dr Kenkel is such a nice professor. He genuinely cares about his students. However, the exams are insane, so be prepared to know every detail written in the notes. He provides his own course notes which is what the exams are based off of and even if your memorization skills are excellent it will be challenging.

Respected
Graded by few things
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A
Apr 23, 2019
Would take again

Pretty dull material, but he built the course from scratch so he truly does enjoy it. Kinda mumbles most his lectures so sit close if he doesn't mic up. The course is all about memorizing tiny details about the plants and little anecdotes about their history. Lectures are pretty much optional since he just reads directly from notes. Overall, okay.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
BIOL3280
Grade: A+
Apr 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This was the most content heavy course I've ever taken. The final and exam tested incredibly specific sentences so get ready to know everything. He often absolutely raced through lectures and wouldn't finish in time so would continue past the end of class. That being said the content is interesting and I learned a lot. 0/10

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
BOTN3280
Grade: B+
May 8, 2019
Wouldn't take again

It would help to be somewhat interested in biogeography. Tests on what should be fun facts, all multiple choice and only marked on a 40% midterm and a 60% final. Lectures are fast, very content heavy, brutal exams, and yet if you show up regularly and do your best he "doesn't like to give out F's" so don't take the L after a bad midterm.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO1300
Grade: A+
Nov 6, 2019
Would take again

Kenkel is a solid prof. His class was only graded on a midterm and final so you need to study hard for those exams. It's a lot of material to memorize but it's manageable.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
BIOL4312
Dec 12, 2019
Would take again

My second course with Dr. Kenkel and again - enjoyed every class. You can tell that he enjoys teaching and is very kind to students. 100 % recommend for anyone who is thinking about grad studies and/or likes stats. Also, if you struggle through the midterm material a bit, the second half of the course is much more fun!

4.0
3.0
BIO1300
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2019
Would take again

Lots of small details to remember but overall not too bad. Didn't present any info during lecture that wasn't in the printed notes (cost like $15 in bookstore). Lectures not required, but were fairly interesting. Slides shown during class weren't provided due to copyright on the images.

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
4.0
5.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A
Feb 5, 2020
Would take again

Content heavy course so be prepared to know everything. The notes are printed for you and the beauty of this course is that everything is testable. One must know everything in DETAIL. The information is very manageable and he is very good at elaborating on the notes - don't just read of the slides. What he says is supplemental, not mandatory.

Get ready to read
Caring
Tough grader
2.0
2.0
BIOL3280
Grade: A+
May 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I am very disappointed. The material was presented with utter monotony and ridiculous levels of specificity. The exams were not like most profs who want to make sure you know general concepts, instead he gives concepts and asks you for a species of tree. Everyone does well because he curves but is a terrible teacher. Also makes you buy his notes.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
2.0
BIO3290
Grade: A
Jun 21, 2020
Would take again

This class was super organized and well set up! The prof provided slides, written out lectures and sample exams. Very interesting material and easy to follow. We had to do two research projects on our own from which MCQ's were tested in a quiz. Overall great experience and highly recommend!

Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
2.0
3.0
BIO1300
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2020
Wouldn't take again

There was 2 research quizzes (total of 20% of final grade), meaning he gives a terrible outline on what to research and then be tested on that research. He suggests the use of Wikipedia (which doesn't give half the answers) and then half the questions had nothing to do with the outline. Other than that, it was easy.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
BIOL1300
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

It sucked! There were no recorded lectures and the textbook that he makes you buy is so useless because he gives you lecture slides with the same info but more specific��

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
BIOL1300
Dec 17, 2020
Would take again

The class was tougher than anticipated due to the lack of clear direction on what went really needed to study for the research quizzes. When I asked if our class could receive a small bit of additional time on the tests (we arent allowed to return to previous questions) he sent me a pre-made email with the wrong course name in it.

Test heavy
1.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: B+
Dec 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Gave little to no explanation of what needed to know for research quizzes, did not lecture at all even though there's a scheduled lecture time, notes right from textbook with spelling errors, exams not allotted the time needed for complex questions. Not responsive to emails or helpful in any sense. Avoid.

1.0
4.0
BIO3290
Dec 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I took this course during online due to COVID, and the research "quizzes" were extremely unorganized and questions are completely random / pulled out of thin air compared to the outline, most people failed. Midterm/final were pulled straight from the textbook, however, if you end up taking this in person.. AVOID!!! this is not a GPA booster lol

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIOL3280
Grade: A
May 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Had him twice and still have not seen his face. It is clear he isn't interested in teaching as he just provides notes for you to memorize which he then tests open-book at a crazy time crunch. The tests and quizzes were quite strange and the amount of material to know is absurd. I imagine this course would be much harder in-person. Only take online.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A+
Jul 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took this as a summer class. Something that isn't made clear on aurora is that the course is completely distance ed (no lectures at all). The textbook/slides have everything you need to know but honestly it's quite a bit of material. The exams are open book but there is a crazy time crunch. Doable but I wouldn't take it if you don't have to.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
2.0
1.0
BIOL1300
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

No lectures, but not needed since the course content is EXTREMELY straight forward. It's the easiest A for any science class in uni. There are a lot of notes to write but the 2 exams are open book. Just read the material enough where you know where to find the answers. Just copy his slides & add extra info from the mini textbook you buy.

Accessible outside class
Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
1.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A+
Dec 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I lucked out getting to take this class online/open book. For that reason the exams were easy. However, this would've been a nightmare in person. The sheer detail and volume of information would be extremely hard to memorize for in person exams. He also didn't even lecture even though we had a time slot, it was basically a "teach yourself" class.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIOL3290
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class is a joke. You have to teach yourself everything and the professor is basically nonexistent. For the entirety of our semester, he reached out twice. The material is so heavy and so much emphasis is on small irrelevant details. Don't bother taking this course if it isn't online; choose any easier elective/gpa booster.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
BIOL1300
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

No lectures, just reading the textbook and taking notes. I think if this class was in person it would've been easier since he would've been explaining things. The class itself is an easy A and I'd definitely recommend if you need a class for a science requirement. No projects or anything - just a midterm (40%) and final (60%), both open book.

2.0
3.0
BIOL3290
Grade: B+
Jan 19, 2022
Would take again

Everything was learn at your own pace with a 40% midterm and 60% final both open book. Content was easily understood and clear with attention grabbing details, however the final was pretty difficult even as an open book.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO3280
Grade: Incomplete
Mar 28, 2022

this course is a nightmare for students who take it . no live lectures plus the professor gets rude whenever i emailed .take different courses but avoid this prof and the course at all the costs . the exams were made so difficult . half of the class failed and professor donot even care why this happaned

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
3.0
3.0
BIO3280
Grade: A+
May 20, 2024
Would take again

25% midterm, 50% final, two 12.5% tests, all open book. No need to go to class, just remember where things are in your notebook. While this class was easy, I didn't actually learn anything. Dr. K is polite but his lectures are very dry. Easy class, would recommend!

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
BIO3280
Grade: B
Jan 11, 2025
Would take again

Professor K's class is a mixed bag - the material can be dry, but engaging with the textbook and tools like Unstuckstudy helped me prepare well. Manageable workload if you stay on top of it.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

14%

Textbook Required

36%

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