If you are looking for a easy science class, take this one! easy A and professor Groff is a really nice guy who really cares about science. Even got me excited about science!

Groff is the poster child for botanists. The class is really easy. He'll tell you that you NEED to know a TON of stuff but when the exam comes around, there's like 15 true/false and a few multiple choice about a diagram that he provides and doesn't even white anything out from. Half of the answers you can find on the exam itself. Super nice guy

Took him as a senior. For ecology. Mandatory I pass for graduation and he was a big time help.. Gives you a study guide and the test is the study guide for the most part.. Very helpful and understanding. Nice guy

Great professor.. Needed it for graduation and he helped big time.. Nice guy and his test are replicas nearly of the exam.. Solid and cool individual

Very enthusiastic about helping students learn the material and getting as much as possible out of class. Very knowledgeable about subject matter and creative in presenting difficult ideas.

Very knowledge botany professor. The class is structured like a fun, ideal science class (field trips, etc). If you do your part, you should succeed in this class.

Dr. Groff was tremendously enthusiastic about the material, very responsive to questions, and good at explaining big ideas in a simple way. He also went out of his way to give students the benefit of the doubt and was very "easy." I'd recommend him, especially if you're looking for an interesting biology elective that won't take too much time.

Have you ever fell in love with a professor? Because I dd this semester with Paul Groff. The sweetest, most influential, open-minded, relaxed and accomplished professor whom I've ever had. Take this class if you want a refreshing personality, and a teacher who actually DOES want you to get an A in a biology course all while learning.

Very friendly guy, enthusiastic about his class. If you're interested in botany let him know and he will do anything to help you learn more. A lot of people did not show up to class, but if you want to get on his good side, show up and participate a bit. Tests are easy, and there is a final project which you will get an A on if you do it right.

Probably the best bio prof at UM. He is passionate about what he teaches and he inspires his students. His tests are moderate (A-B range) and people get decent grades because his lectures are always full (people want to learn), unlike the other bio classes where no one shows up. Gives 10% free extra credit for workshops.

SO easy at first, but after the first test, things get a lot harder. Hardly anyone shows up to class, not a big deal. Very big talker, and EXTREMELY repetitive. But, if you read ahead of class, theres no reason why you wouldnt get at least a high B on the tests. Very annoying though, and ALOT of material. His tests are EXTREMELY SPECIFIC

There's going to be a lot of reviews saying he is an easy teacher. All I can say is that you have to learn how to study when it comes to this class. If you accomplish that, then you will definitely get an A. You need to read the assigned chapters BEFORE you get to class and then take notes on them. Start making mnemonics in order to memorize charts

Read the chapters, study the diagrams and go to lecture and you will get an A. Bio professors at UM are tough and don't care about their students but Dr Groff is kind and considerate. I had him for a seminar last semester and when I saw he was teaching this course, I planned my schedule around him. Great professor and very knowledgeable.

He definitely a guy that cares about his students. He will help you with anything that you need. The material and his test is hard, but if you take good notes, study and memorize everything with time, youll get an A. A LOT of memorization. His test are about 40 to 50 questions that are really straight forward, about probably from 4 to 8 chapters.

Groff is the man. Nicest professor I've had so far. Most people with his intelligence are too smart to teach an intro bio class but he did his best to put the material in simple terms. This was his first semester teach this class so expect the exams to be a lot harder than the ratings say they are. He genuinely wants his students to do well though

AMAZING! Definitely one of the best science professors at UM. He truly cares about each of his students and his or her success in the course. I would recommend taking him over any professor hands down. Lectures are interesting and tests are fair. You will definitely have to read and work for your grade. The amount of work you put in will show.

Really a great guy who cares about his students enough that he tried to learn the names of everyone in his 230 person lecture class. Takes cheating, honor, and respect very seriously. If you put the work in, you'll get an A. Would definitely recommend reading the book and going to lecture most of the time. Overall a great class.

One of the best profs at UM. Unlike most of biology faculty, he values your opinion, even if it contradicts his as long as you substantiate it. He expects high standards from his students but at same time makes class enjoyable. Groff's seminars give you an opportunity to read current research and broaden your thinking on topics like extinction.

Dr. Groff is the greatest professor I have had at UM! He is so friendly and inspirational. He is super passionate about what he does, and will remember your name! There are 4 exams including the final. You will need to study, but it is so worth it ! TAKE HIM!

Dr. Groff is a respectful, knowledgeable, and passionate professors. He truly cares about his students and wants them to do well. His seminar consists of reading two books and discussing assigned readings. I genuinely loved coming to this seminar, and learned so much at the same time. A privilege to have and a must take.

Dr. Groff is not just a good professor (highly knowledgeable, organized, responsive, respectful, etc.) -- he's a remarkably eloquent and inspirational advocate for why biodiversity and conservation matter. Dr. Groff is particularly strong in small group discussions, and I'd highly recommend any of his seminars.

Probably the best professor in the bio department. He is passionate and plants and the role they play in this planet. His knowledge about plants is endless and he could literally point to any plant and blow your mind with its history. His hand writes all his exams to reflect the concepts learnt and does not test on minute, unnecessary jargon.

Groff loves his job and really wants his students to succeed. If you go to class he basically tells you questions that will be on the test. The class does require a lot of memorizing and reading, but the tests are fairly easy. Definitely recommend taking this course with Groff!

My experience in Dr. Groff's class was exceptional. If you attend lectures and put in the work that is asked, then this class will be your best friend. If you don't put in the work, then you'll be scratching your head once grades are released. Dr. Groff goes out of his way to clue you in in what to focus on. He also opens additional hours to meet.

Dr. Groff is an amazing professor. Unlike other professors he cares a great deal about the success of his students and makes an effort to make his class as encompassing of the material as possible. Rather than recycling the same course and materials that have been used for years he is innovative. Any serious student who takes his class will do well

Being a workshop leader with Dr. Groff was great. He cares about his interactions with his workshop leaders much more than the average biology professor. His workshops are also much less boring and repetitive than other professors as well since he does not recycle the same ones for years like they do. His passion will make you work harder

Dr. Groff is hands down the greatest professor that I have had in my experience as an undergrad. He deeply cares about every student, which is evident. He even learns and remembers many of the students names in large classes, which I have never had any professor do. He is very passionate about the material and his lectures are amazing. TAKE HIM!

Dr. Groff is an amazing professor. You can tell he wants each and every student to succeed, and even remembers everyones' name! He's straightforward with what he expects. If you put in the work, you'll do well.

I took this class for one of my STEM cognates and because I remembered anatomy from high school well I didn't struggle. He presents a reasonable amount of material for a non-majors course and is very helpful and thorough during lectures. Attendance is not mandatory but he stresses that you attend lectures to learn. I'd take him again.

Dr. Groff is really nice and yeah he knows everyone's names but is annoying in the fact he is super vague about some exams. First two were easy but third was literally so specific. No critical thinking at all just straight memorizing. And if the class doesn't know an answer he says we should have read and doesn't answer the question. Annoying to me

Dr. Groff is really caring and sweet. He tries his hardest to make the material interesting and relevant to your life, even in a non-majors course. His tests were very fair as he believes in "throwing balls that you can hit." The specific course I took (BIL109) was extremely easy if you learned literally anything in high school biology

I truly enjoyed Dr. Groff's botany class. He is a very energetic and caring individual. I would absolutely take his class again, one of my all time favorites at UM without a doubt. Always smiling, always willing to help.

The 5 most recent 1's he received on ratemyprofessor are from people that don't go to class and do badly on his tests. Don 't listen to them, he is a great professor and an awesome teacher.

Groff teaches you everything that will be on your exam. First study everything in bold, red or KNOW! on his ppts. THATS WHAT HE WILL TEST ON. Yes, there is a lot of memorization, but that is what biodiversity and evolution material requires anyway!! He is the BEST BIL 160 teacher at UM. His exams are easy. If you don't know something, thats ON YOU!

Definitely talked up by many, but not nearly as bad a choice as recent comments suggest. Gives good study tips during lectures and has no surprises AT ALL on exams which is a blessing. Always smiling and legitimately trying to lecture as he is paid to do, but 100% willing to open additional Office hour slots and thank you for your hard work.

Dr. Groff is so caring of his students and really works with you to do well. He is understanding and gives great lectures. His class is very interesting and engaging. We went on field trips which were very fun as well!

Don't understand the negative reviews- one of the nicest most genuine profs. Tries to schedule every single student to individually reviews exams. Not a hard science class at all. EVERYTHING is on the slides, come to class and read the book for clarity.

Dr Groff is caring and respectful of his students. His class taught me a lot about plants and he was very knowledgeable in the subject. I liked that the class was seminar style, and that it could also be taken as a writing credit. I def recommend !

His class is mad easy, but you also learn a lot. Only good person in the bio department from what I've experienced.

Best choice for BIL160. Do what he tells you to which is read ahead for the assigned chapters and go to lecture. His lectures are okay but in them he makes it very clear what you need to know by putting "KNOW!" on certain slides and giving study guides out before the tests. Lots of memorization and very little in-depth concept questions on tests.

Dr. Groff is one of my favorite professors at UM without a doubt! He is always willing to make time for his students and go the extra mile because he actually cares about the material and his students' learning. Use the textbook and notice what he focuses on in class, and you will do well. Helped me so much in future classes

I highly recommend taking Dr. Groff! Read the textbook & pay attention during lecture & you will do well. Go to his office hours & send him emails when you have questions (He usually answers within minutes!!)He's nice, genuine, and passionate! He really cares for his students. His exams are multiple choice and are graded fairly.

Dr. Groff is an amazing professor. He tells you exactly what he expects and makes it easy to accomplish that with a little bit of effort. Very passionate and loves plants which is so interesting actually. I would definitely take, just make a relationship with him and dont be afraid to ask questions. Will give LOR if you get to know him!

Dr. Groff is amazing! Ive never had a prof that is more passionate about their subject! Lecture slides are always online so if you miss class its not a huge deal but youll miss out on his actual lecture which is more in depth. A lot of memorization but he is very clear about what he wants you to memorize.

Professor Groff is kind. He really cares for his students. He teaches many courses and students so his time is limited but he'll try his best to accommodate you. His exams can be VERY specific, read the textbook, take notes from it, focus on the red highlighted things on powerpoints. See what he focuses on in lecture. READ THE TEXT, trust me. READ.

Just be prepared to read the book thoroughly. As long as you do that and read the PPT slides, you will be fine.

Get ready to study the book throughly. Go to class! If you miss class you most likely won't do well on the tests. Really emphasizes what's on the test during class as well as highlighting things in red on the powerpoint that are most important, so study that!

When I first enrolled in Groff's class I was nervous, but I LOVED him and this class. Groff cares so much about his students and is so incredibly passionate about Biology, which makes the material really fun to learn. You will have to work for this grade, but if you go to class, take his advice, write detailed notes, read the textbook, easy A or B.

Dr. Groff is a great professor and really cares about being fair. The class is an easy premed course but is a lot of memorization. If you at least read the textbook and takes notes on his PowerPoints you should have no problem getting an A, but def study for exams bc you do need to know the material. And the extra credit from workshops helps a ton!

Dr. Groff is the best. Also note that even though it might not be listed, ask him and you can receive a writing credit. He is so kind, caring and extremely passionate. You would be missing out by not taking him, especially if you are interested in botany at all.

Really great professor. You could pass by just showing up to class and taking notes on the lectures, he does a really good job of specifying what exactly will show up on the test. However, if you want a really good grade and understanding of the material, you should read the text book. Also, GO TO THE WORKSHOPS, they're extra credit and attendance.

Execellent teacher. Awesome assigned readings. You'll learn in a lot in his class and it's not difficult either. Show up, read the assigned readings, and you'll be good.

Dr. Groff is hands down the most caring and passionate professor I have ever met. The class is inherently difficult, but if you listen to his suggestions about studying you will do well. Hes also super accessible and will go out of his way to help you. Hes a great lecturer but can be a bit redundant. Still, definitely a top prof in the bio dept.

This has to be the best professor Ive ever taken in my life. Caring, passionate, accessible, and knows how to teach. For students looking to take him, the material isnt necessarily easy but he does an amazing job of teaching it which makes it easy. Attendance isnt mandatory, however it is EXTREMELY beneficial to your grade. Amazing prof, 1000/10

Groff made botany very interesting. Its obvious how much he loves it. Participation isnt mandatory but I went and barely studied because he repeatedly asks questions to the class that are almost identical to those on exams. Botany is more technical than I presumed itd be, but fairly easy to grasp. Got an A+. (Open note exams for online)

Great professor and incredibly nice. Always willing to help students and you can tell he cares so much about his classes. Material isn't easy but read book, take notes, and go to class and you'll do fine

The workshops for his class are literally all extra credit, so go to them! Dr. Groff is so personal and kind, even in an online class of 150 students. Take notes on what he questions you, they will show up as test questions. I honestly barely studied for this class, just read the textbook and attended lectures. Grade is based on only tests though

Literally the kindest, most passionate prof at UM. He is so intelligent and so good at teaching. His class is also very easy and fair. It's all multiple choice, open book exams. Take his class, learn a lot, and have fun. Also: take as many classes as you can with him. He is so great you'll learn a lot about topics you didn't even know you'd love.

He is definitely the best BIL 160 teacher. He gets a 3 for difficulty because while I found the exams very easy, I also took the time to read and take handwritten notes on all 20 chapters assigned and attended almost every lecture. So while it is open, you definitely still need to dedicate time. He also makes clear the most important topics.

Dr. Groff is probably one of the kindest people I have met. He is a thorough teacher who genuinely cares about his students. If you are doing your part, you should have no trouble succeeding in his class

Super easy class if you read the textbook, professor is very nice and cares about what he's lecturing. Exams are online.

Professor Groff is very accessible and kind to his students, and is definitely there to clarify any confusion. The class isn pretty much just exams, however they are open note and relatively easy.

Read the textbook and pay attention to the things he emphasizes in class - they will appear on the exam. Pay close attention to the wording on the tests and you should be fine. Tests are open note, but that does not mean you can ignore the material.

Very nice class to take if you need a cognate or want something new to learn about. He lectures very meticulously and I found it helpful to just listen and/or take notes. The exams are easy, I would just listen in class and prepare a study guide to easily refer to information. He is such a kind man and I really didn't find any issue with the class.

Dr. Groff is one is one of the nicest and most accommodating professor's I have had. He understands that the course is for nonscience majors and explains things in a way that make sense to someone who isn't majoring in a scientific field. Go to the lectures and take good notes and you will do well.

Dr. Groff was a great professor and very nice. His tests weren't too hard and he really cares about the students.