2.6
Quality3.8
Difficulty50%
Would Retake222
Reviews50%
Would Retake
222
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
222 total ratings5
33
4
44
3
48
2
49
1
48
What Students Say
“The best strategy going in is doing the readings before class, ask him questions, and make a good schedule for reading”
BIO141 - 5.0 rating“You will regret it if you don't”
BIOL141 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.22 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOL141H
4.5
(2)BIOL100H
4.0
(1)BIOL 141
4.0
(1)BIOL100
3.3
(44)100
3.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
BIOLOGY
5.0
BIOL000
5.0
BIOLOGY100
4.0
BIO141
4.0
BIOLOGY141
4.0
Reviews (220)
Do NOT take his "active" learning biology class (taught during the spring)!!!
agreed with other comment... do NOT take the "active learning"
In"regular" class in fall,interesting lectures but HARD tests
nice guy
DO NOT take Bio 100 active learning, there is no learning going on in that class
his class i cake if u pay attention to his lectures.
you learn more from the book and the ta...the active learning thing does absolutely nothing but confuse you more and to wonder how this man became a teacher
I thought the Active Learning was actually better than a regular bio class...I guess the other would be better for those who prefer tests that are worth more.
Active Learning=public embarassment. This guy is a ****. do not approach, or he'll laugh at you and tell you you're an idiot to your face. The tests are HARDER in the fall!?!?!? He became a professor soleley so he could make everyone feel like
Althoug active learning may suck... it helped me get a "b" in a science course! If you like to brown -nose and earn credit to boost the low exam score... take active learning and participate and do the articles... easy points to boost grade!
Nice guy, never helps. When I become a professor myself I'm going to run him out of a job. This man is worthless.
THE TEXT IS GOSPEL!! Lectures aren't too bad at times, but pray that you have a good TA. I did and she cleared up a lot of questions. Read the text, know the experiments on the student CD, and go over the study guide and you'll survive. He curves exams.
Very tough. Does not make the class easy for you. If you only want to pass the class don't take him. However, if you want to learn the material, take him. I personally liked his blackboard discussions on-line. They helped a lot.
He's an idiot! He does experiments (active learning) on students, his exams are hard, and he's not nice about calling you an idiot!
Pretty nice guy, tests kind of hard... all multiple choice but very tricky... somewhat a lot of atudying needed... he tests on detail!
Don't raise ur hand unless u know exactly what ur talking about. Keep up with the readings, read the chapter before class, and lectures will make more sence. It's hard to take notes in lecture. The text cd helps and so do the TA's. I still dropped it tho.
DO THE STUDY QUESTIONS!!!!he gives u study questions before each test do them all and double check the answers. Tests were pretty hard but if u do the study questions its a garunteed AorB. Keep your tests
Got an A without going to even half the lectures. Slept through the ones I did go to. Class is a waste of time, just get his old exams
This guys sucks. He is really mean and bitter. I was lucky to get through that class with a "C" He put a lot of trick questions on the exams and the lectures sucked. Highly unrecommended.
He is a cruel, inept teacher. He made fun of me several times during the lecture. At the end of the semester, when you fill out the teacher evaluation forms, he comes out and says your opinions don't matter b/c he has tenure and can't get fired.
This man brings out more anger in me than I thought possible. He wastes class time with his "active learning" and confuses me to no end. He is rude and has the urge to belittle students. My High School Bio Teacher was 10 times better.
He's really not as bad as a lot of people make him out to be. His active learning class was interesting and I actually learned a lot from his class that helped with Genetics and Cell. Just pay attention. He's actually a pretty nice guy.
Very "out there". He forces students to raise hands and participate in a >200 people class. Takes attendence, does not know much more than what the textbook wrote, very rude. All-in-all, did not like that man, although he's pretty easy w/ old
he is hard and sucks at explaining things!
it was a waste of time and money, too much info, nothing ever explained, and to top it all off, i was in the front row and kept falling asleep. you try doing that in a class where the teahcer is worse then a chiwawa on crack
Be careful with assignments because he seems to have the desire to give you a zero on assignments. He will spend more time explaining how you can lose credit or fail an assignment than on how to get credit for the assignment. I would not reccomend him.
Don't take his spring class! Too many extra activities needed to keep up! =(
Do Not take his class in the spring. You will be forced to wear name tags, hold up signs with your name on it,be graded on partcipation(in a large lecture hall),speak into a microphone which is passed around the room AND forced to sit w/your group.itsucks
This class is by no means easy, not even for Honors students who had AP Bio in HS. Sokolove is quirky but he is not a monster. His classes are very different and his style is odd. Honestly, though, I like him. Even with the old tests, tough class.
Even though his test are tricky, everything is off his study questions. He takes the same exact questions. He knows his stuff.
his study questions outline the test. he curves the three exams and drops your lowest score. spring class has active learning... not very much better. makes you use discussion board on BB. if you can pay attention, he's a pretty good teacher.
The only helpfull thing is his study questions. But, he still sucks at teaching and explaining material. He won't even put his lecture slides on blackboard to go through later at home.
boring class, ridiculously hard exams, he seemed like a jerk
If you put in hard work, you will do well. To get an A you should study those study questions until you know everything and can just about finish the question before you're done reading it. It takes time, but its possible. Sokolove is pretty nice.
he's a really good teacher. teaches the material well, but you really have to work for your grade..he doesnt just hand it to you.
I had sokolove last year and his class is very very indepth and he's a great teacher. Just know what you're learning and know it WELL and you'll be A-ok! Jus be careful an stuff. Doc Sokolove WILL judge you on intelligence and doesn't hesitate on jibes
Overall a great class to take. Not very hard if you keep up on the material and do all the study questions. CD is helpful for concepts that comes with the book as well as the website. Great guy and makes class interesting.
Dr. Sokolove is a good professor who focuses on one main goal when teaching: student understanding and retainment. Though the spring course involves more activities and participation, such additions helped many students keep up with the material.
Good professor. He offers convenient office hours. He uses blackboard for open discussions. Exams can be tricky but he gives you study questions which outline each. His final exam is ridiculously easy. Read material before class and you'll be fine.
He isnt really down to earth, it seems like he knows hes bes better than you and he lets you know it. He is one of those type of professors that will give you the material but if you have a question it better be thought out or you'll leave feeling dumber then you started.
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He likes to put people on the spot so make sure you're paying attention.
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Where to start!!! VERY HARD grader, unapproachable (takes 5 pts. off your test if you have a question about it), extremely rude, I have no idea where he gets his questions for his tests- I have attended every lecture, and read every page, and he still lost me before we even started. DON'T TAKE HIM!
difficult professor. Focuses on himself, and his teaching styles more then the actual material. Tests are short, multiple choice, and tricky. I strongly suggest knowing answers to the study questions before taking exams.
hard exams but are right from the study guide, doing it is a must, as is using study groups. he doesnt like to straight out answer questions and discustions get off topic.
Only came to class for CPS exercises. Lectures aren't as helpful as the textbook. Keep your exams and STUDY them for the final. Most questions are straight from the 3 prior exams. Hard class, but not impossible to get an A.
Great professor. Download the notes online and do and understand EVERY study question and argue with your friends about the answers cuz that helps understanding. The exams get harder but if you read his hints on the discussion board, he gives away some answers to tough concepts. Final = Joke
Terrible teacher...you have stroke his ego to get anything from him. I was a bio major before taking his class, and afterwards i changed my major. he just sucked my interest from the class. very rude, and unhelpful. TAKE BIO 100 DURING THE SUMMER TO AVOID THIS PROFESSOR!!!
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Give the man some credit. Only the hardest teachers are the ones to really make you know your stuff. I got an A and I spaced out half the time. He's egocentric yeah, but if you had to deal with 100+ students a day who THINK they know everything about the subject, you probably would be too.
94, 97 (without the curve) on first two test . Just dont be lazy and the A's there for the taking
This class isn't that bad if you study and go to class. Read the book espically when he talks about cellular respiration and photosynthesis since he teachs these topics poorly. Don't take this in the spring because he teachs it in a crazy way. Take it in the fall!!
Not very easy, but you will learn a lot.
dedicated teacher
at times very rude especially when correcting someone, but overall good teacher. i still remember all the photosynthesis and glycolisis stuff a year later.
good teacher, but very annoying person. ask him a question and he just wants u to talk amongst ur peers.. very annoying when u juz want a straight forward answer. but a good class neways.. its kinda easy to get an A, kinda not. just do the work and DEF. do the study questions, they help ALOT.
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Horrible Professor. Replies to Questions with Questions. Can not teach worth a lick. Still employed because he's a GREAT RESEARCHER. NOT because he's a good Professor. IF not Bio Major, or req'd to take BIO at UMBC, TAKE BIO at local community college and transfer the credit. Avoid this professor at ALL COST. You've been warned.
I took his class in the spring and found it easier (than I would imagine) than taking it in the Fall. Even though he makes you do seemingly stupid things, in the end they're just easy points. Do the study questions; he's practically handing you the exam so don't put those off! The final is all of those past exams you took so keep your old exams!!!!
He'll get back to you right away when you have questions. He posts grades up fast, too. Study questions help prepare for test. Overall, it's a very doable class if you study.
i can't pay attention in the lectures. it is more beneficial to just read the book - the only reason i go to class is for those stupid cps attendance taking thingies that never work. i also have learned more from my TA in discussion than in class
Tough class but a really good teacher.
okay, not great
Very Smart dude, masters at stanford, PHD at harvard. That doenst say much about his teaching skills. He doesnt explain things enough. Puts up slides for you to copy but doesnt give u enough time to copy them. The tests are even difficult if u understand the concepts because of the wording. If u ask him a question, he just tells you to put it on BB
teachers cool. In the beginning he can be hard but then after u start listening to him..he'll give you clues and if you follow his instructions you'll have no prob...he's also very intelligent..good prof, although may not seem to be in the begininn
very intense and fast course. sokolove is an excellent teached once you get used to his personality. DO THE STUDY QUESTIONS!!! even though its completey time consumming you are basically answering the questions that WILL be on the exam. keep old exams cause questions on the final come exactly from the old ones. be careful casue he is tricky!
I got to know him outside of the classroom, so I can say that he really cares about his students and how they do. He doesn't want them to memorize info. and spit it out. He wants students to actually learn. TAs are great and they help a lot! Do not take if not a bio/biochem major! If you think this class is hard, it only gets harder.
Sokolove is a pretty easy teacher. Tests are pretty straightforward. Make sure you do the study guide questions because the exact material will be on the test! The final is really easy because he reuses basically all of the questions from tests. Expect to attend every class because he always has CPS questions.
While his class was difficult, he made it as easy as possible to do well. DO THE STUDY QUESTIONS! There will be one exam question for each study question on the list, so if you can answer them completely the exams are simple. Just watch out for his wording. He focuses on understanding, not memorizing - I learned so much from this course.
You should get to know him...the more he knows you..the more he can help you out at the end. I was really close to getting a C in his class but since i frequently emailed him and he knew who I was he helped me out by giving me a B. Hard class but easier if you get to know him...
He is really into Biology, unfortunately for Bio 100 students with no prior knowledge of the said subject, we don't get that same excitement, and he doesn't make it easy or fun for us.
HIs test questions are tricky because of how they are worded, but if you do the study guide questions you should be fine. What annoyed me about him was he does all these teaching experiments, yet he is not the greatest of teachers. I mean stuff from the book is not even in the test!! But he is a really nice guy, just not the greatest teacher.
experimented with us with his "teaching techniques" most of which did not help and were just annoying, constantly reminds us he's a phd from harvard, but i did not think he was that good of a teacher at all
boring lectures if you don't understand even just one thing. test questions are there to trick you. his teaching style is very confusing. it's more likely to make you slip and fall rather than understand the concept. i think he makes easy things difficult to understand.
He does not know how to teach. I taught the material to myself and ended with a B. His test questions are more on your test taking skills then the material itself. Dont take him if you can help it. Lectures are pointless coz you never get what hez talking about.
oh my god. >_< worst class ever. his lectures were pointless, he couldn't have made his class more boring. i pretty much fell asleep every time i was in it. The tests were ok if you read the book. He insists you hold up a name sign in order to speak and won't call on you unless you have one.
He cares a LOT and is very kind and helpful; besides that point----AVOID HIM BY TAKING WHATEVER MEANS NECESSARY. I took him, I failed, I dropped him...not quite veni vidi vici. It is sooo hard and he does not try to make it easy; he tries to fail you I promise that. Good luck!
Very difficult class. A lot of material. Attendance is mandatory. I recommend taking it with another teacher.
AWFUL TEACHER. THE WORST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN IN MY LIFE. GIVES CPS QUESTIONS THAT ARE TRICKY AND GIVES OUT A LOT OF STUDY QUESTIONS TO ANSWER TO HELP WITH STUDYING, BUT Q/A ARE MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE THAN THE EXAM QUESTIONS. HE'S RUDE AND HIS TESTS ARE BASED MORE ON AN ABILITY TO ANSWER TRICKY QUESTIONS VERSUS KNOWING THE MATERIAL. AVOID THIS CLAS
This class was HARD!!! I don't necessarily think he is a bad teacher, he just makes you work harder. But, it's true, his exams are really hard, I advise to do the study questions even though it is tedious. The study questions do somewhat help. If it is possible do not take it with him. I did not do good on his exams and neither did 1/2 the class.
Relies on CPS system wayyy too much. If your CPS runs out of batteries that counts as a 0 for the day, because you were "unprepared." The discussion sessions were where the material was really learned. Read every chapter to get A's on tests. Not impossible though, you just to be interested in biology and show up to every class.
Bad professor. Lecture notes he gives are directly out of the texbook. Attendance is mandatory, he takes attendance and gives class participation points using the CPS pads. He gives study guides and only tests you on whats on there. He spends half of class trying to fix the microphone that doesn't work at all.
umm this class is not hard. take it in the fall.
attendance is mandator only insofar as CPS points go, a total of 75 out of 500 total possible points. Material isnt so easy, he goes over everything three or four times, answers all questions, very good about blackboard, TRICKY TEST QUESTIONS, but he gives u study questions; if u no the answers to them, ur good
Horrible teacher
The class was was horrible! I would never recommend it to anyone unless you are 110% dedicated to this class. Going to class isn't mandatory but, if you dont go you won't pass. He likes to put people on the spot by using a microphone in the lecture hall and randomly calling on students.
Class is simple. Lectures are straight from book, if you dont understand: read the book. Tests(though worded trickily) are based directly off study guide, if you know the answers there youll do fine on the test. CPS: if you answer one question, whether you are right or wrong, you get your participation points for the day. Its not that complicated.
Just know all the answers to the study guide questions inside and out and you'll be golden, but pay careful attention to his wording on exams. If you have a question just ask, he's nice about answering questions. I didn't get too much out of the lectures, but came to class because of the CPS.
He is very passionate about biology and I really enjoyed going to class. JUST MAKE SURE TO GO TO CLASS. Sokolove relies heavily on CPS (which annihilated my grade, and made me go down to a B) Know study questions and old exams for an A. Everyone who says how awful of a teacher he is just wants to be spoonfed an A. I'd recommend taking him.
Dr. Sokolove or Dr. Phil as we call him is a mess!! he is in love with CPS questions and is bitter towards the criticisms he has gotten from previous classes and takes that out on you. He SWEARS he will remember your name but he never does and he requires a name sign to be held if you have a question. to be continued....
Worst professor I ever had, took him my freshmen year in 2003-2004. Took his course twice, thought he was a jerk. Doesn't care for his students very much. Knows the material, but it very unrealistic for a 100 level course.
The vast majority of what I learned in this class was self-taught. Class is a waste of time and lectures contributed infinitesimally to my understanding of the material, but attendance is mandatory. Exam averages in the 50s reflect poor teaching.
The vast majority of what I learned in this class was self-taught. Class is a waste of time and lectures contributed infinitesimally to my understanding of the material, but attendance is mandatory. Exam averages in the 50s reflect poor teaching.
Don't. Just.... DONT.
He is very strict. If you miss one assignment due, he will never let you make it up. He will get smart with you during class also. He has study questions which you research and find the answers yourself. He spends class walking around trying to explain everything but its hard to understand him when he standing in the row behind you lecturing.
WORST PROFESSOR! I learned nothing in lecture, read own ur own! If you like being humiliated and treated like your in pre-school then by all means take the class. He does not speak to you on an adult level and makes fun of u and ur opinion. He will belittle you Unless ur his favorite! so if you wanna take his class brown nose like crazy!
A dreadful Professor. He thinks that a class average of 50% is a good average. His lectures are difficult to understand and he doesn't tell you the answers to the CPS questions, can leave you in a difficult situation. I would advise you to choose another professor for Biology.
Worst professor of all time. I have been taught by approximately six professors this semester and this one is the most inferior.
He is the worst teacher I have ever had the experience of having. He is by far the worst in terms of expectations and teaching skills. Limits students questions, doesn't answer his cps questions and provides students with a failing formula. The class average is about a 50 and he considers that to be high for a science class...
basically come to every lecture! clickers are used everyday, pop quizes are alrite. he teaches a little fast sometimes, and some of the material is taught in a confusing manner. Read the chapters thoroughly if you want an A. Name signs are used, quite frustrating. Easiest final ever , because all questions and answers, you will see prior
Avoid him, take Dr. Lake instead. His lecture are boring and useless, although the discussion section is helpfull. Study previous exams for an A and pay attention to EVERY small detail, his exams are extremely tricky! this is a warning.
Don't listen to whiny freshmen complaining that Sokolove thinks a 50% average is a good grade. He was talking about OTHER sciences, like computer science, not his own biology class. A positive attitude to Sokolove's class can help you learn take initiative in understanding the material yourself, rather than being spoonfed. This is college, kids!
he makes it hard for you to do well, with 'trick questions, it feels like he's testing how well you understand english rather than biology. he doesnt tell answers to cps questions, attendance is mandatory. you'll get an A if you're a bio major who's also really really good in bio, otherwise. .. .
This guy is a jerk. He does not wish to help his students at all and will don anything possible to make them fail. If you can, take another biology professor
He's a good teacher, but he's definitely tricky. Just pay attention and do the study questions and you'll be great!
This man will spank you. And spank you hard. One or two kids will figure him out; he'll make them TA's. They will scower the room for students not attentive. If you don't cuddle with a Biology textbook at night, you should probably look elsewhere.
Different. Hard. Either you get it or you don't. Definitely wish I had a better professor, but get his old exams, and you will at least pass the class...
Took this class and am now his TA. Am guessing most of these comments are from freshmen or non-bio majors. This is a class for bio majors. to exam averages in the 50s comments- not true, its upper 60s, like every other college class. he is hard because he expects you to spend time out of class studying. discussion board is extremely helpful.
Solid professor. Do all study guide questions and understand all of them because the test questions are based on them. Tests are not hard but can be tricky so pay close attention to every word when you read the questions. Just study and read the chapters and you'll do fine. If you have the drive and work ethic then an A can be obtainable.
Wonderful lecturer, hard exams!There's definitely a lot of reading in this class.His exams are very tricky but make sure you do all the study questions.The only complaints I have are that the quizzes are unannounced and he will take off 5 points of your exam grade if you think you made a mistake bubbling in your answer sheet but it turns out that i
In class this professor is charming and witty. But forget about it if you want to talk to him one on one! He is condescending! If you're an independent person who reads responsibly and studies without any help from the professor this is your class!! But I cannot stress enough, that ALL study questions are on the exams. Just study those;)
To be blunt, he is just horribly obnoxious, disrespectful and irritating. If you loved high school...this is a class for you. You are babysat by the TAs and treated like you are 5 years old. The TAs are generally pretty nasty and rude.
This man is the worst biology teacher that I have ever had. Instead of testing you on biology he tests you on english. If you dont listen to every useless word he says you probably wont get a decent grade. Not to mention that he makes you feel like an idiot if you dont know the answer to his retared CPS questions. Do not take this man!!!!
Sokolove is an excuse for a professor. He does not teach you anything about biology. Unfortunately, he is tenure and UMBC wont fire his worthless a**. He is the worst professor at UMBC avoid at all cost. If you must take him, do all of the stupid study questions and pray everyday.
Don't take this class if you want to be spoonfed information like you were in HS. Sokolove wants you to learn to think for yourself, and just because his style of teaching is different, it doesn't make him horrible. Every prof teaches differently, and you'll just have to adapt to his style. His course is hard, but you WILL LEARN SOMETHING.
You either like him or you don't. Some of his policies are somewhat unfair. I had an awesome TA, which helped A LOT. If you are even the slightest bit active in class, then he seems to like you. He encourages discussion but almost never gives straight forward answers.
He's actually not as bad as people say he is. Although he can be a bit too much in class, he has good intentions. His lectures are crucial so definitely attend them - don't forget your clicker! He'll randomly bring out an indexcard kind of thing to see if you're there - don't cheat! Discussions are okay - do the study quest. and study old exams!
good teacher, makes you think and gives you the test questions at least a couple weeks before test. if you actually work youll be fine
I've read what some of the other students have said, and some of them are being way too harsh. Dr. Sokolove is one of the best professors I have ever had. To pass his class READ and PAY ATTENTION...this is college (to all the whiny freshman)! And please LOOK at the study questions, he truly does tell you what you need to know!
I can't understand why Dr.Sokolove is rated this low... He is actually the most FAIR professor= if you study, you'll earn A. No professors will give you good grades if you do nothing and expect to do well on exams. If you... 1) do ALL study questions and 2) get old exams to study, you will ace this class. My TA was very bad.... though...
really good class. ya many whiny freshman but i thought it was easy if you put descent work into the class
Great teacher. If you read ahead, work on the study guide questions he gives, and ask for help when you need, you should get an A.
Sokolove is a great professor. The ratings that I read are ridiculous. It is not Sokolove's fault if people do not listen or pay attention on his exam questions. He is a VERY fair professor and in my opinion entirely approachable. All his exams questions are basically given to you when he gives you the study questions to study off of. Take him. :)
Great teacher! Although I didn't earn an A, I knew I deserved the grade that I got. A lot of people say that his questions are 'tricky'. I don't believe so at all. You just have to read them carefully. He puts them there to make sure you understand the context. Use old exams and study questions and you'll be set for his exams!
last semester people with C and low B average got As because of a massive curve. I worked my @ss off and I got a high B. Didn't get that A. Does not make much sense. There are probably better teachers out there.
he needs to teach us biology and not how to learn. we are college students. got an A in the class, but i did not like the class much.
Most of the exam material can be learned from his lectures, which are very clear. Book provides needed details. However, sometimes seems like a high school class because he requires students to carry name tags and individually answer questions. Exams contain many trick questions, READ CAREFULLY. Honors section teacher, Bryan MacKay, is EXCELLENT.
he thinks he can teach, but i taught myself way too much on my own. just no, its do-able if you have to. later on bio classes are easy compared to him. dont if you dont have to
um if i got one more question right on a test, i would have an A. how messed up he wont round because i didnt spend my free time posting online..... i self taught too much.
crazy bitter old dude. aced all the tests from massive studying, but fell asleep through 2 quizzes and didnt try during cps so i got a B. its easy, dude cant teach though.
He's pretty much a jerk. the only reason I didn't get an A is because I didn't comment on blackboard every freakin second. He told me he gave me less than avergae (which means less than half the class) on in class participation too. I was probably one of about 20 people to actually speak in class out of the entire class last semester...and a lot.
I learned more in my high school biology class. He spends three weeks talking about cell theory, but then tries to go through a chapter in one class. His exam questions are based on his opinion, not scientific facts. He is arrogant and thinks his degree qualifies him to teach. Even though I got an A, he is still the worst professor I have ever had.
When he says something that conflicts with the book, he expects that you remember his opinion. Don't bother arguing a question with him, he'll spend twenty minutes dancing around it, never get to the point and refuse to give you your points back. Overall terrible professor.
The class isn't too difficult (make sure you do the study questions), but the professor is useless. All of the graduate TAs are good, the undergrad TAs are okay. Lecture was a bit childish (sitting in groups, having name signs). Professor had a lot of technical issues.
WORST PROFESSOR EVER. AVOID AT ALL COSTS (especially in the spring semester!). Takes simple concepts and makes them confusing. Don't not properly explain more complex topics. If I ever have to have him as a professor again, I will change my major.
This terrible is terrible. He is not helpful, asks questions that he has not yet expected us to know, and wastes time during lecture. Not to mention the fact that he is a week behind on the material.
He can be a jerk but so what, he makes class entertaining that way. Get the old exams and do the study questions and I guarantee you'll pass. The people that hate him are just slackers, this is college, not high school. Some people can't learn from the way he teaches but that's what the textbook and study questions are for. Do your work people.
I feel liek he makes things harder than what they actually have to be. I think it is impossible for most people to pass his exams. When I say they're hard, they're HARD. I STRONGLY recommend you DO NOT take him. And I'm really not trying to be mean, i just don't want anyone else to suffer. I hear reagan leake is wayyyy better.
Definitely one of the best professors that I've ever had. He is very interested in the material he is presenting and works hard to try and keep his students interested as well. Very helpful. Gives you tons of resources to help you study. He expects a lot from his students, but if you do the work, go to class, and study you'll be fine.
He turned the subject of bio into subjective instead of keeping it objective as it should be by asking questions on the exam that he expects the "best" answer based on how he perceives the material and gives you 3 correct answers to choose from. Worst teacher I have ever had, although he is entertaining due to his arrogance.
I can't decide if I should start by describing the lame "joke" breaks he took each class where only 5% of the class would laugh or the fact that he calls on random students, then insults them if they don't give an answer that he would have given. Exams are pretty hard because of the way he phrases the choices..try and find someone who's taken him
At 1st you think he is horrible but as you go through you life at UMBC you realize that he is not a bad professor at all - there are far worse. He won't budge about an exam question being right or wrong. Go to class & get those clicker points, use Discussion quizzes and study questions for exams, participate on Blackboard & you will do fine.
NO!!! NO!!! NO!!! Never take this guy. By anymeans necessary do not take this evil awful dispicible man. He makes BIO 100 like a Physics class. His exams are based on him only means its an easy F. He needs to marry his clickers because every 2 seconds he always have clicker questions and one person gets it wrong everyone gets points off.
I find his teaching style unhelpful: he makes you learn it yourself. Also, the tests don't tests your understanding
He doesn't test your knowledge of biology, he tests your knowledge of his opinion. Insults students for getting questions wrong when he randomly calls on them. Seems happy when students are confused. Avoid them professor at all costs!!
He is completely unhelpful! He demands way too much of a 100 level class.
The only thing about his class is that he teaches through fear. You have to attend class to get your participation points, and he may just randomly call on you. His tests are tricky, but once you get over that, they are not that bad. He gives study questions that are basically the test itself. Overall, moderate professor. Good wake up call.
I got a B in his class but it was absolutely ridiculous. He was just a pain. Rude, discouraging and egocentric. He loves to act like a "nutty" and brilliant professor but makes concepts much harder than necessary. I learned more in high school. You basically teach yourself everything because if you listen to him, he'll only teach his opinion.
I just don't like the fact that he makes us do all the work and then he goes over it with little clarity. Plus, when we ask questions he tries to get us to answer them ourselves. I mean, I wouldn't be asking the question if I could answer it myself. If he could just try to be more clear and more helpful, that would be great.
He is a nice guy outside of the classroom but his tests are based on trick questions and trick answers. I usually get A+ in bio but his exams are so tricky! I get answers wrong on the exam, but according to the book that's the right answer. It is all about what he thinks is the BEST answer. Horribly structured foundations course!
Get ready you are going to have to teach yourself pretty much everything. He is not straightforward exams are not structured to test what you know! I love UMBC but this guy is a joke.
If someone else taught Biology I could guarantee that NO one would take Sokolove unless they didn't have a choice. It's his exams. You have to think like him to get an A. Biology is about perspective and this class is all about HIS opinion@
Coming into UMBC I heard horror stories about this professor. But honestly, if you come to class, do the study questions, and write down the clicker questions the tests are pretty straightforward. Also, don't freak out if you do poorly on the first test... they get far less broad later in the semester.
Everyone always talks about how they do not like him as a professor, but he is actually a great professor! He definitely gives students the tools they need to do well and if you are having problems in the course he is very available and willing to help you as long as you are driven and put effort forth. Exams are tricky but make you think!
Most of the kids in my class really disliked Sokolove, either because of his confusing tests, work load, or manner of teaching, but I found the class to be a lot of fun. Prof. Sokolove is very engaging and makes it impossible to fall asleep. Biology 141 was by far my favorite class this semester.
I had Dr. Sokolove, who co-taught with Miller, this semester as a freshman for Bio 141. I enjoyed the challenges that this class brought, such as unstop textbook reading, tricky exam questions, and mandatory lecture attendance. A high final grade will result if you put in ALL the effort you could towards grasping the concepts. WORK HARD STUDENTS!
Better than Miller, another professor who taught with Sokolove. His exams are okay, but you really need to study the study questions that he gives you. Need to know details for exams, but he puts a fair amount of curve.
He is one tough cookie, he definitely expects a lot from you right off the bat. You really need to read the book carefully and ask lots of questions, and do the study Qs, they are really helpful for the exams! Self-correct your exams when you get them and keep them for the final. He's very engaging but very demanding so brace yourself!
GREAT teacher. he has VERY challenging tests that test your understanding of the topic very well, the questions are ment to trick you. not at all an easy class.
Hard, but very clear and easy to understand. His tests are tickey, but if you read your textbook and do the assigned work you will do fine. One of my favorite professors at UMBC so far!
TOUGH, but clear and makes you actually LEARN. Will not just give you answers. Make sure you READ the textbook, and always keep it as a reference and study for the tests. Tests have TRICKY questions, so carefully read through the question and ALL the answers. Study with a partner or in groups only after you've studied by yourself for some time.
The reason I'm no longer a Bio major. Talks way too fast. Condescending and rude. Laughs at students when they ask serious questions.
Awful - guy got a degree from Harvard, so he has a very high opinion of himself. Like others said, class is about his view on biology; he is rude, does not take questions seriously (& many times does not answer them), threatens to ban students from BB discussion board for posting their opinions, expects you to read & memorize chapters in 1 night.
Really annoying. I love bio, and I'm a bio major, but he really got on my nerves. His tests are really tricky. Even if you know the material, you still probably won't do very well. He never gives you a straight answer, and most of the answers to his study questions are up for interpretation. Very frustrating teacher.
Honestly one of the worst professors I've had.He is very unclear about covering material and about grades,so you're never really sure what you have in the class.He never fully understands questions you ask him,and BS's answers.And has a very time consuming,stupid policy about name tags and clicker questions.He's unfort.the only prof.that teaches it
He really isn't that terrible. Make sure to REALLY memorize the practice exams that he posts and find someone who already took the class to get the answers, because he doesn't post the answers, and a lot of these questions will be on the exams. You have to study a lot, but it is not that hard of a class to get a B or A in if you read and study.
Dr Sokolove, to be perfectly honest, is not that bad! Granted at first if you've never had a professor like him before his mannerisms give you a huge culture shock but HE RECYCLES QUESTIONS! How much better could a prof do than giving you questions to which you should, and could have known the answers already. His legend overshadows him negatively.
TERRIBLE. The problem with Sokolove is that you think you know what he's talking about, that you understand the course fully, then when an exam comes along, you fail. He is not clear on what you should know in depth, or what is important remember. Also, he tends to answer a lot of questions with "I don't know" -_-
Pretty much study from peoples past exams and make sure they have circled the correct answers..... about half of the questions from previous exams will have the exact type of question on your exam, the other half will come from study questions which are pretty much the most useful thing in the class to do....with a generous curve ull prlly get a B
He is actually a difficult teacher. He wants students to help other students. His TA's are inconsistent. Just take Bio at a Community College or another institution. It will transfer over so talk to your adviser about it. I took his class and dropped it and took it at HCC and now I am in Med School. Thanks to HCC for getting an A
Very difficult course only because he made it that way. Exams are difficult for no reason, and he is very condescending. If you have ANY other options for this class I suggest you take it. Google taught me more than he did. I got an A and I still hated every lecture; possibly the worst professor I've had at UMBC.
He Does not give answers to any questions. You need to find tests from last semester. Expect to learn nothing from his class, and know that his tests are incredibly tricky. he does not test you on if you know the material, but if you can take his tests. Also, the final exam is 90% previous tests. so hold on to them. good luck. hes the worst...
It's not really that bad. Even though its a difficult class, and you have to work hard for the A, I felt like i learned a lot. Make sure to use the study Qs as much as you can and read the relevant sections in the book. He is a good lecturer
Lectures were engaging and informative. Important to read required chapters to understand concepts and do well on online reading quizzes. Study Qs and old exams are best exam study tools. Enthusiastic professor. You have to work hard and do all assignments on time to get a good grade. Enjoyed class and learned a lot.
The class itself was difficult. His lectures were ok but he rushes at times. His exams are very tricky and hard, and they are solely based off the study questions, so study them a lot. Make sure you understand the reason behind the correct answers.
Horrible professor and boring lectures and you have to attend if you want clicker points. But if you work hard and study hard you will have no problem, just make sure you know the answers to study questions. Average on the first exam was a 61, but he curves the class a lot.
Unhelpful, condescending, too quick through lectures. Attendance taken through clicker questions, which rarely reappear on tests. Tests are based very loosely on study questions. He loves trick questions, and they all have a "none/two/three of the above" answer option. All of the answers usually sound right. Good luck.
I wanted to be a doctor, and then I had Phil Sokolave.
His classes are hard, but if you study, you will get an A or a B with the curve. Sokolove a teaching method is unique, but he went to Harvard, he knows what he is doing. If you can't get a B in his class, you don't deserve to be a doctor
The class is hard for a lot of people. People will tell you that it's hard without AP bio and I never took it and still did well. Use study questions and STUDY WITH FRIENDS! Attend lecture and use your old exams! He isn't all that bad, he's actually very approachable.
Sokolove goes too fast in lecture, you have to write down everything he says or you'll miss it. Definitely study the study questions in depth. If you do that then you should do ok with the tests and hopefully the curve does the rest.
He's a great professor. You'll learn biology in a different manner. As long as you read the chapters, do the study guide Qs and understand the practice exams, you'll be fine.
Know the study questions in and out and memorize past exams. Many of his questions come straight from past exams. Sokolove is condescending and rude to students, and unwilling to listen. He lectures way too fast and much of the time he's very confusing. But I was too afraid to ask questions because he's condescending to those who speak up
Dr. Sokolove is an extremely nice guy when you talk with him OUTSIDE of class, but he is a straight up jerk INSIDE of class. He's rude and condescending, and if you ask him a stupid question, you will get straight grilled. Listen: know the study questions inside out, forwards, backwards, and sideways, I guarantee you will get an A.
Definitely one of the hardest classes you'll take in college, but very worth it if you're willing to put in the work required. I have never been happier or fought so hard for a B in a class before. He will challenge you, but he's willing to answer your questions as long as nobody else asked the same question before you.
Worst professor I've never had. I made this account just so I could review him. Very condescending, try to avoid at all costs. Very childish, and requires "name signs" in order to ask questions. Exams are very tricky, not a fair test of your knowledge of the topics. For some reason, he "cannot tell you if your answer is right or wrong". Do not take
He made me feel worthless.
Sokolove is known to fail a lot of his students. However, I learned to love biology after taking his class. But it's really IMPOSSIBLE to get an A without sample exams. GET THEM NOW. Even if you think you'll be fine, trust me you'll regret it after your first midterm. I would not have been able to get an A without past exams from my friends.
I had his class last semester and he was pretty nice. He gives joke breaks, teaches in lectures, and the clicker questions aren't bad. Record the answers to them each class and save exams, he recycles questions. I rarely read but studied the past exams and ended with a B+ overall. Study and read; his class is do-able, the curve helps, you can do it
Throughout the semester do not stress too much- he puts no grades online, but everything turns out better in the end. He is a confusing, frustrating, unhelpful, condescending teacher and no one knows what his take on a bio concept is. The structure of his class will drive you bananas. Don't let this course scare you though, bio is actually fun. GL!
Sokolove was not good. He hardly taught and instead of teaching the subject he gave us his opinions. He was condescending and very rarely answered questions. You'll ask a question and he says "good question" and doesn't answer it. His exams don't test what you learned, they test your attention to detail and if you can read. Good luck.
He was intimidating in the beginning, but tbh the guy was WAY more bark than bite. The exams were straight from the study guides he gives us. And he answers the study guide in order, in class. Do the readings, show up to class for your clicker points, do the study guides, and read the exam questions carefully. Really easy with a little effort.
His teaching style is a bit unique, but he isn't a bad teacher at all. The lectures are very helpful if you read before class. His study guides are basically everything on the exam, so make sure you know every single little detail about the questions on the study guide. Aced the class with an A
His job is to weed out pre-med students and he is awesome at that. He's very tricky and condescending. He made me feel dumb when I asked questions. He posts practice exams but does not post the answer keys, you if you take a practice exam, you have no idea what you know or don't know. He drops your lowest exam grade and curves nicely though.
The best strategy going in is doing the readings before class, ask him questions, and make a good schedule for reading. A 30 page reading can seem overwhelming the night before, but if you read 6 pgs/day you should be fine--DO THE STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS ALONG THE WAY! If you dedicate yourself to this class and do his practice exams, you'll get an A.
His exams are almost identical to his previous exams so if you study fully you can easily get an A or B. His lectures are incredibly boring and some sleep through it. He will not give you straight answer to your question. he will try to guide you to the right direction but can be really confusing.
Attendance taken through clicker questions. TAs are not allowed to answer questions and are sometimes confused about the practice exam Qs. Exams are recycled from every semester so study the previous exams that he posts because they are similar if not the same. ALOT of reading but online quizzes are easy. Take your time on exams and go over twice.
Read the book. Go to class-clickers. You will regret it if you don't. All 3 exams are literally exams from previous years. Do your study questions. The final sucks bc there's no practice exam. If you get A's on all 3 exams then you can get a C on your final and still get an A. GO TO EVERY DISCUSSION & treat it like a real class. DO NOT SLACK OFF.
He is degrading.
Sokolove is tough, but he prepares you for the harder courses to come as you progress through umbc. He is researching effective teaching techniques, so everything he does, he does to help you learn. He is tough, but its his job. You get what you put into it. Take time to study for this class. Study the learning goals and his old tests.
In this course, you never receive answers. Everything is always so open-ended, which makes it hard to know whether you're on the right track or not. The lectures did not help me at all, especially since it felt like the PowerPoints were just copied and pasted from the book. I'm pretty sure this was his last semester though.
terrible. very condescending and arrogant. lectures are boring and rarely answers questions.
Sokolove can be more than your average professor. Definitely enjoys being condescending at points, but overall not a bad lecturer. Sad to see him retire soon. He wasn't anything like most of these posts say, perhaps it was due to the fact he only taught about 23 of the semester. Overall, nice guy, definitely more bark than bite.
This teacher was very unhelpful and insulting. The students who had taken AP Biology in HS did better but if this is your first time taking Biology do not do it... Major time commitment & the professor tells the TA's to not answer your questions. This class is a weedier out course for STEM majors. DO NOT take for non-lab science credit.
Sokolov wasn't a bad professor. He was definitely very sassy to students who talked back to him. Overall he makes you think more beneath the layer, which is good. It's a pretty good class. I enjoyed it. Feeser wasn't nearly as good as Sokolov.
You have to read- trust me
Sokolove's not to bad for lecture, just the content can be really confusing, especially if you don't go to lectures. He "takes attendance" by clicker questions, so they're easy points. READ
First off, read before coming to class. You won't do well if you aren't prepared for the lectures. Do all the reading quizzes, bring your clickers to class and ask for help when you need it. Also, study from his past exams! He uses the same questions from old exams in his new ones. This helped me get a B in the class.
First of all do the reading quizzes textbook readings and go to class (clickers are form of attendance). While his policies limit the TA's and he never really answers the question, he definitely makes you think about the answer. He does have tests that you must read all the way twice to make sure you have the correct answer. Overall not terrible.
This class is hard, but not impossible. Find as many people who took the class before and get their advice!
He gives handouts but doesn't let you even know if what you are studying is correct.
Professors say lecture is not mandatory, but clicker questions you miss in lecture are worth in a 15% of your grade, so GO TO CLASS. Second, (if you are given 1) GO THROUGH THE PRACTICE EXAM! Third, READ THE TEXTBOOK, or you will be clueless about the reading quizzes, clicker questions, and study guide questions (which he bases the exam off of).
Personally, I don't like how this class was taught. Lectures were boring, and you never really get an answer to your question. Even for discussion assignments, your answers are graded based on whether you support your answer with evidence - could be the wrong answer with the wrong evidence, you wouldn't know. I had to teach myself the concepts.
Very sarcastic demeanor, doesn't understand that is out of the scope of the professionalism in an educational educational environment such as this . That being said, exams are fair if you put in the work. And go to class!
Overall, solid teacher.
Sokolove is tough. If you're looking for an easy A, don't take him. He's tricky and will give you very tough questions to answer. This doesn't make him bad, though. I'd say that Sokolove is a good teacher. I learn a lot from listening to him and his study questions are very helpful. Just study for the tests or they will destroy you.
Pretty tough tests, he retired but I actually love him as a professor!! I'm going to miss him.
This teacher has poor character. A classmate brought up a shared issue, which put Sokolov on the spot. Next class he had a clicker question where he gave the scenario of the raised student, but coupled the answer with something so obviously detrimental to students grades no one selected that answer. Then he smugly commented how he was right.
Tough but fair professor. Lectures are to-the-point, though attendance is required. Textbook is used but not strictly necessary. unstuck study ai proved handy for quick review before exams. Overall, a challenging class, but manageable with dedication.
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