3.0

Ric Topolski

Psychology - Augusta University

3.0
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
33%
Would Retake
88
Reviews
3.0
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
3.0
Clarity

33%

Would Retake

88

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

18

4

20

3

16

2

20

1

14

What Students Say

Avoid this man at all costs

PSYCH1101 - 1.0 rating

I find his lectures interesting

PSYC4168 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

88%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (2)
A (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 7 reported grades
Not sure yet: 2
A: 2
A-: 1
B: 1
Common Tags
Tough Grader (4)
Get ready to read (4)
TEST HEAVY (4)
SO MANY PAPERS (3)
Participation matters (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
EXTRA CREDIT (2)
Clear grading criteria (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.38 avg change
Jul
Nov
Dec
May
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PSYCH3108

5.0

(1)

SENSATION

5.0

(1)

COGNITIVE

5.0

(1)

PSYCHCAREERS

5.0

(1)

PSYH1101

5.0

(1)
+34 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSY

5.0

PSY3101

5.0

PYSCH1101

5.0

830AM945AM

5.0

PSYC3165

5.0

Reviews (88)
4.0
3.0
PSYCH1101
Nov 22, 2002

Ok instructing methods, sometimes unclear translation between lecture and tests

5.0
4.0
PSYCH1101
Jan 8, 2003

No Comments

4.0
2.0
PSYCH1101
Jan 17, 2003

Isn't very clear on what he wants to lecture about. Nor what is on tests.

3.0
3.0
COG
Jan 25, 2003

Laid back, fairly unorganized, teaches like it is a ph.d program

2.0
4.0
PYCH1101
Feb 2, 2003

Talks entirely too much!

1.0
5.0
PSY
Feb 23, 2003

No Comments

1.0
1.0
PSYC
Mar 10, 2003

No Comments

1.0
1.0
PSYC1101
Apr 1, 2003

No Comments

5.0
2.0
PSYC1101
Apr 10, 2003

He's a great professor. He's only 'evil,' as some of you described him, because you're supposed to not only attend the lectures but also read the book!

2.0
4.0
PSYC1101
Nov 6, 2003

Did not like this guy! Think he has a thing for himself! Hard as hell, lectures are boring and test are REALLY hard! maybe if you have time to focus on nothing but his class he would be OK

5.0
3.0
PSYCH1101
Nov 11, 2003

He is hard but if you do what he ask you will get a desent grade

4.0
4.0
PSYCHOLOGY
Nov 30, 2003

Really hard, helps if you go to class. He's not evil, he's pretty funny. Makes you think a lot

5.0
2.0
PSYC1101
Dec 11, 2003

I really enjoyed both the class and the professor. He is very approachable both in the classroom and outside. His test are really difficult but reading the chapters definately helps. I would recommend him as a professor to anyone.

5.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Dec 28, 2003

hard tests, but the extra credit for your final rocks, my grade went from a low b to an a because of it, hes a pretty cool guy too, funny most of the time

3.0
3.0
PSYCH
Jan 5, 2004

Just go to class, read ahead for extra points. submit as many question and answers as possible. He's okay!

5.0
3.0
PSYCH1101
Feb 6, 2004

he's everything a teahcer should be. he loves teaching and it shows through his classes. i would definitely take him again and he's cute to look at so take him.

2.0
5.0
PSY3101
Mar 19, 2004

No Comments

5.0
1.0
PSYCH3108
Apr 11, 2004

Decent professor. Doesn't lecture on topic too often but still fun to listen to.

5.0
1.0
SENSATION
Jul 20, 2004

Good teacher. You will actually learn something. H

3.0
4.0
PSYCH1101
Aug 18, 2004

No Comments

4.0
2.0
PSYC3122
Sep 14, 2004

No Comments

3.0
3.0
PSYC3122
Nov 17, 2004

Hard material and on line tests are extremely hard.

2.0
4.0
PSYC3201
Dec 4, 2004

No Comments

5.0
5.0
PSYC1101
Jan 7, 2005

Tests are online and are tough. Make sure you read and you'll do fine on them. He has a great personality-funny-and isn't bad to look at! No class on Fridays...Great professor!

1.0
5.0
PSYC
Jan 11, 2005

No Comments

1.0
4.0
PSYC3188
Jan 15, 2005

Tests were awful. He would find the tiniest detail to test on. Read everything in the book, captions and all. The only redeeming quality of this class were the class discussions.

4.0
3.0
PSYCH
Jan 29, 2005

No Comments

2.0
4.0
HUMANSEXUALITY
Jan 30, 2005

UNPROFESSIONAL, tacky, and tests as if he actually teaches!!

1.0
3.0
HUMANSEXUALITY
Feb 23, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
PSYC3121
Feb 24, 2005

Excellent teacher, he explains things very well.

5.0
4.0
COGNITIVE
Mar 27, 2005

He's a hard grader. Test are very hard so you better know your stuff. His classes are interesting and I could listen to him joke around all day. He has a great personality with lots of sarcastic humor. If you want a good challenge take the class.

1.0
5.0
PSYCH
Mar 28, 2005

No Comments

2.0
3.0
INTROPSY
Apr 13, 2005

No Comments

1.0
5.0
PYSCH1101
May 2, 2005

This man is rediculous! He doesnt teach you anything that is on the test (which by the way are exstreamly hard and they are even online and you can use your book) His notes are power point slide shows that the book provides for him and have nothing to do with the material on the tests! DO NOT TAKE!!

4.0
5.0
PSYCH
May 22, 2005

I really enjoy how he challenges the status quo. His class has helped me to learn how to learn, to sort out facts and form my own opinions.

4.0
3.0
PSYCH3121
May 27, 2005

No Comments

2.0
5.0
PSYCHOLOGY
May 28, 2005

Dr. Topolski does not follow anything that will be in the exams and they are all online. He also said that if we came to class and did the experiments than we should have no problem with our grade at the end of the semester. I did everything he said and studied more in this class than others and still failed. I do not recommend taking his class.

4.0
4.0
PSYCH41733188
Jun 6, 2005

Must be on his good side,Ask???s!Big on attendence quizzes.If you dont take his classes seriously,he wont take you seriously.Has good judgement and is understanding in certain situtations! Very sacrastic..If he rolls his eyes at u,just roll your back!Test are hard but manageable!If you can handle his moody and ****ed side you will be just fine!

1.0
3.0
ALL101
Jun 10, 2005

No Comments

4.0
1.0
QUANTMETHODS
Aug 13, 2005

I enjoyed the class. It was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken but be on time/come to class, study hard, take good notes, do your labs and you will be fine. Be Ready for a challenge!

4.0
2.0
PSYCHOLOGY
Sep 2, 2005

No Comments

1.0
5.0
830AM945AM
Sep 14, 2005

No Comments

4.0
4.0
PSYCH
Sep 27, 2005

I don't know about you guys, but I like my teachers sarcastic and condenscending. i think it's hilarious to talk about the many stupid things in this world... including stupid people. tests are hard, but if you study your book and the power point notes, you should be fine. often the questions are straight out of definitions, or deal with the application of said definitions. If you have any sense of logic at all, you should have no problem.

3.0
4.0
PSY1101
Oct 6, 2005

Test are extremely difficult! its true that his style is way dated. a nice guy but not sure about teaching ability. def knows his suff but cant expect us too!its intro! loves to relate everything to sex. if u want an easy class dont take this one.

3.0
4.0
PSYCHOLOGY
Oct 15, 2005

No Comments

2.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Nov 16, 2005

Did you know that everything in the world can be related to something sexual? You will after you take this class. He's a nice guy,and I am doing good in his class, but he's just one of those people that you have to have patience for. He can get extremely cocky. Avoid answering quesions because he will make you feel stupid because he eggs you on!

4.0
2.0
PSY101
Mar 22, 2006

tough but very interesting. does talk alot about sex and weird things but thats what is interesting. you learn alot in there and alot of it comes back in other class like soc and others. tough class but really cool guy. just do what your supposed to

3.0
4.0
QUAN
Mar 31, 2006

His tests are not like what he talks about in class. The book is not helpful, don't waste your money buying it.

5.0
3.0
PSYCHCAREERS
Apr 13, 2006

Nice guy but lectures can be boring. I recommend skipping this class altogether and just buying the book if you're interested. It's tedious and seemed like mostly a waste of time.

4.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Apr 26, 2006

No Comments

5.0
3.0
PSYC3122
May 15, 2006

GREAT GUY, JUST READ AND PAY ATTENTION!

4.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Aug 17, 2006

awesome teacher, keep up with him and you`ll be fine he gives out points so make sure you answer when he asks, and if you vol. for something in the class he gives you points good teach!

3.0
3.0
PSYC4165
Feb 1, 2007

PAY ATTENTION TO THE POWERPOINTS!

2.0
4.0
PSYC3188
Mar 16, 2007

i had him for 3188 and 4165. he is incredibly arrogant and wastes a lot of time. he claims his tests are easy, but if everyone is having trouble then maybe it's not the students!! i only took him because i had to; i wouldn't recommend him. tests are difficult and going to class doesn't do anything for you...but it's still mandatory

2.0
4.0
PSYCH4165
Mar 21, 2007

Lectures using powerpoints and talks about how text is inaccurate, yet he uses premade tests that I dont think he ever reads over first. He knows the tests are very difficult and he's proud of it. Tests are taken online, but they're not open book and cant be done in groups either, so study!!

4.0
4.0
PSY3121
May 14, 2007

i took him for quant. methods and it was pretty easy. he didn't take attendance but if you miss a class you're kinda screwed. he's a funny guy. i think most people in my class got a's and b's.

3.0
5.0
PSYC3165
Nov 15, 2007

if you aren't interested in cognition don't take this class. he's an awesome guy but tests are pretty hard. the book sucked.

1.0
5.0
PSYC3122
Jan 6, 2008

The absolute worst teacher I have ever had. Never stays work related to topic. Has he attitude that "hey I got my degree, I don't care if you get yours". Stay far away

2.0
5.0
PSYC1101
Apr 1, 2008

He gives horrible tests, the lectured were okay, however they do not help. Notes and book will not even help on tests and his tests often have flaws that he will not fix. Most of all he is a liar! He'll say he will give you extra credit, then say he never said that.

5.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Nov 11, 2009

my best teacher this semester! funny teacher, does powerpoint lectures. the test are taken online, at home, you can use book, and anwers come straight from book text. you can get xtra credit on final grade for attending experiements and if you come to class every day he will add 4 points on final grade. as long as you read the text you will be fine

2.0
5.0
PSYCH1101
Nov 20, 2009

DO NOT TAKE!!! his test are extremely hard and he knows it..powerpoints are not helpful and he gets off topic in class...although the test are openbook they information is not easy to locate because of the rewording i would Never reccommend him to anyone...especially if psychology is just an elective class for you!!!!

3.0
4.0
PSYCH1101
Dec 16, 2009

I loved Dr. Topolski! His tests are hard, but if you really read the book you will be fine. Gives many opportunities for extra points, including in class points and even offers a total of 7 points on your final average if you come to class everyday and do 4 extra experiments! Great personality and a very fun professor.

2.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Dec 18, 2009

I do not recommend Dr. Topolski. Going to class was like a waste of time because he hardly focused on the book at all. If you want to do well in his class, you have to learn on your own and study the textbook like crazy.

3.0
3.0
PSYCH1101
Apr 13, 2010

I thought his lessons were pretty insignificant. He puts some questions from lecture on the tests which were kind of ridiculous. It was an okay class.

2.0
3.0
PSYCH3190
May 10, 2010

Not very funny but thinks he is. He is extremely vague on assignments. He has his grad student make up all the tests. I made a B in his Careers class. I wouldn't recommend him to a friend.

2.0
4.0
PSYCH3122
Dec 2, 2010

I took him for research methods and honestly dont know how I passed. His tests were very hard, but I did well on my research project and Im guessing he curved the grades some. He is good, just listen and read! And attendance does count!! He will drop you if you dont show-up. And he wont inform you until its to late.

2.0
5.0
PSYC1101
Mar 18, 2011

For your own good...DO NOT TAKE! again I repeat..DO NOT TAKE

4.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Mar 24, 2012

I took him for the online 1101 and am happy with my decision! He's accessible, willing to help, quick to respond to emails, and friendly which is a nice bonus. The course is very thorough, so you do have to put in the work and it is time-consuming! It's very interesting though, and I would definitely recommend taking this course.

5.0
3.0
PSYC3121
Apr 11, 2012

I took him for Quantitative Methods,it was a hard class, because I am bad in math. However Dr. Topolski teaches the subject very well. He is very helpful. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK HIM FOR HELP!!! Helpful hint, Pay Atention to concepts not just math formulas. GREAT CLASS! GREAT PROFESSOR1

5.0
1.0
PSYH1101
May 14, 2012

This was the easiest online class I have ever taken. Dr. Topolski was helpful with any questions. You get to take all tests twice and the midterm and final are open book. Doesn't get any better than that!

2.0
5.0
PSYCH3121
May 15, 2012

Terrible attitude towards students.Not helpful at all. Sends you to his research students for help when they are too busy grading his work.Only way that I passed was paying for a private tutor.If you are bad at math STAY AWAY! There are better options to make this class more enjoyable.

5.0
1.0
PSYC1101
May 15, 2012

EASY. Online course, complete the homework assignments and do the research projects- you can do all of them in 1 day. Extra credit; EASY! Also, everything is open book. Get a good grasp on concepts. You also can access previous quiz answers, many which will show up in midterm/final. Fool proof course. A+ and I barely tried.

4.0
2.0
PSYC101
Jul 30, 2012

Took his online class, and it wasn't bad. Pretty easy class if you do the online assignment questions. Every ch. has multiple choice quiz, but it's open book. If you read you will get an A.

2.0
1.0
PSYC3160
Jan 4, 2013

Make sure you attend class or he will drop you. He reads straight from the power points. Tests are based off the book and lectures. Boring but easy class. He is a very dull and rude professor.

5.0
4.0
PSYCH3121
Jul 24, 2013

Dr. Topolski is by far one of my favorite professors. He really knows his material and is always willing to answer any questions (as long as he hasn't previously repeated the material to the class multiple times). You need to attend class in order to learn the material. He responds quickly to e-mails regarding class material. He is a very witty guy

3.0
4.0
MULTIPLETIMES
Oct 4, 2013

Don't take his courses unless you are interested in the subject and are willing to study really hard. Lectures are dry and tests are hard.

2.0
4.0
PSYC4168
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 25, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I am taking him now for Cognitive psychology. Again- stay out of his class. I am an A student and he makes getting an A unnecessarily difficult. avoid him if possible

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
PSY1101
Mar 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

His exams are online and very hard. Papers are graded by graduate students. I'd advise you not to take him unless you know Psychology really well.

SO MANY PAPERS
TEST HEAVY
1.0
3.0
PSYCH1101
Mar 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I am miserable in this class. The papers aren't even graded by him but by graduate students who grade you too hard. His lectures are very inappropriate as they are mostly about sexual things. He talks too much about things that aren't even on the exams, which are nearly impossible to pass. Avoid this man at all costs.

SO MANY PAPERS
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
PSYC1101
May 4, 2017
Would take again

Course consists of somewhat dull lectures. However, with those lectures, he'll offer extra credit opportunities randomly whenever you answer a question in class. You will be writing Psych papers that are graded by his Grad Assistants, but as long as you follow the instructions, they're not hard to do. Tests do include things that he says in lecture

Participation matters
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
4.0
PSY1101
Grade: A-
May 11, 2017
Would take again

Ok so the lectures are dry and boring but he tries to be funny and make it interesting. As long as you interact and answer his questions he wont hesitate to give you extra credit points which is very helpful in the end. I suggest reading the chapters on your own before the lectures. Worked for me on the long, hard online tests. Ctrl f is your bf.

SO MANY PAPERS
TEST HEAVY
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
4.0
PSYC3188
Grade: B
Jul 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Everything is online so it's up to you. The class is definitely passable but if you want an A that's a whole new story. The tests are 100 questions which you must answer in 1 hour. Quizzes aren't hard and discussion posts are fun. For his tests you need to read every single word. His tests are extremely tricky. I have yet to meet a person with an A

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
4.0
4.0
PSYC4168
Nov 2, 2017
Would take again

I find his lectures interesting. The tests are not a big deal if you read the book. His grad assistant this semester was terrible with grading papers and is very condescending when giving feedback. Even when you heed the feedback info, she finds something from which she can take off a lot of points. I hope he helps his future GAs with grading

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
PSYC4168
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Something needs to be done about his Grad Assistant! She is by far the worst grad assistant Ive ever encountered, and Im more than sure she grades harder than him! Shes very arrogant especially in the feedback she gives on the lab reports. His test are 20% EACH of your final grade. I would not advise anyone to take this course, EVERRRRR!

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
Tests are tough
4.0
2.0
PSYC1101
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2017
Would take again

The class does not have any outlandish assignments. You have three papers that don't have a length requirement, 14 homework assignments (easily the longest part), and 7 tests. I made a 0 on the first two homework assignments, but I still ended up with an A in the class.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
Would take again
3.0
3.0
PSYC1101
Grade: A
May 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

All of his grading is done by grad assistants which can be frustrating at times. There is a ton of reading and note taking for the online class if you want to do well. We wrote one application paper for the semester. If you need to go to office hours, you can only see grad assistants. Kind of annoying since they're students too.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
PSYC4168
Grade: B-
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I would not take him! I think this was one of the worst classes Ive ever taken. Hes nice but half of the stuff he says isnt even on the tests. Please please do not take him in this class.

Test heavy
2.0
4.0
PSYC3121
Dec 1, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I took his class online, but I wouldnt take him again. He wasnt very accessible outside of class. He was not very friendly. This is not a subject that it easily self taught. Some labs are all or nothing. He gave me a 0 on a lab and told me to not be discouraged, he just wanted perfection. If youre up for a challenge, hes the professor for you.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

88%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (2)
A (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 7 reported grades
Not sure yet: 2
A: 2
A-: 1
B: 1
Common Tags
Tough Grader (4)
Get ready to read (4)
TEST HEAVY (4)
SO MANY PAPERS (3)
Participation matters (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
EXTRA CREDIT (2)
Clear grading criteria (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.38 avg change
Jul
Nov
Dec
May
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PSYCH3108

5.0

(1)

SENSATION

5.0

(1)

COGNITIVE

5.0

(1)

PSYCHCAREERS

5.0

(1)

PSYH1101

5.0

(1)
+34 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSY

5.0

PSY3101

5.0

PYSCH1101

5.0

830AM945AM

5.0

PSYC3165

5.0

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