2.8
Quality4.2
Difficulty25%
Would Retake221
Reviews25%
Would Retake
221
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
54
4
32
3
30
2
42
1
63
What Students Say
“Highly recommended, but be prepared to put in substantial effort”
MICR455 - 4.0 rating“Regardless of the professor, it will be a hard course”
BIO140 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
70%
Textbook Required
94%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.11 avg changeRatings by Course
BIO455AND385
5.0
(1)BIO140MICRO
5.0
(1)MICROBIO
5.0
(1)BIOL455
5.0
(1)BIO140385
4.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
385
5.0
MICRO
5.0
BIO300
5.0
BIO455
5.0
BIOL1
5.0
Reviews (221)
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He needs to keep all of his comments to himself.
Your opinion already doesn't count, why would it when he is always right.
Very opinionated
HES WAY TOO HARD!!!
He tells some really cheesy jokes, a bit scatterbrained. I like him as a person but i think the class is way to hard to be 100 level.
Alder made learning extremely difficult and his tests were the hardest I have ever taken. He often said something would not be on test when it was, and did not go over all test material. Put students down, constantly made jokes about women in class.
Might as well throw the book away. Non of the test material is based on the book at all. And forget about doing extra credit - it isn't worth it - it will not change your grade. The most unclear presentation of subject matter in undergrad prg.
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HORRID HORRID HORRID professor. *INTRODUCTION* means nothing here, kids ... he must have thought he was teaching doctors. I barely squeaked by in his class, and it killed my GPA. PETITION AGAINST THE ADLER!
Take VERY good notes. If you can apply your knowledge of biology and chemistry to novel situations, and support what you say, you should be able to get by on his crazy short essay exams, but don't ask him for help because he won't give a straight answer.
Excellent teacher. Some people don't like him, only because he tells it like it is and because of his cheesy jokes. But, my experience is that he is a very good instructor. And, it is false that nothing on tests is in the book.
Adler is a very good instructor. Most people who complain about his "opinions" are people who are angry that he isn't teaching Creationism... bottom line. But, it's a science class - not Sunday School.
Holy crap..this class is freaking hard. Tests are all essay questions and he jumps around in lecture. AVOID!
Adler is a really good professor. Usually, lazy people don't like him. He is challenging, but if you actually pay attention and read the material, you'll do okay.
As a person he seems generally nice, but as a professor he could use alot of work. My advice read the book and be prepared, if ure religous, to be highly offened. No one expects the Adam and Eve story but at least explain that evolution is just a theory.
This professor is not only a poor teacher, he is also a ****. He is extremely sporadic. He may spend a half hour lecturing on a subject and then neglect to put it on an exam in favor of asking a question covering one sentences of uncovered text material
I wouldn't say a really hard professor, more like a challenging one. No matter what anyone says, the material he tests on is indeed in his lecture and in the text. He's entertaining to listen to, albeit he sometimes spends too much time on mundane details
i studied my ass off for this class. I took good notes, read the book, and i still could not figure out where the hell the questions came from.
His tests were very difficult. The book and the lecture corresponded but those tests were ridiculous! But he curves at the end of the semester.
Overall decent instructor, not as bad as people say, but you must understand that this is college so of course it's going to be challenging. If you read the book and attend lectures, I don't see the big problem.
Worst teacher I have EVER had!!! He teaches like it is a 300 level class! Most material on exams are talked about for only several minutes. Review sessions are useless, he goes off on tangents for 20-30 minutes at a time, etc..... DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!!!
Professor Adler is a really good teacher. He can teach you a lot if you apply yourself. Don't be afraid to go to him for help, in fact I think he gives you a leg up if he sees that you care and come for help. Read all the chapters for the tests!
to all the people who "failed" his tests, and "dont' know where the test questions come from" probably never went to class. I taperecorded his lectures and got an A in the class b/c all of his test questions come from lecture. some pp
Tests were quite hard, but everything that I've learned I've retained and has really come in handy over the last few years. He just wants you to think on your own. Looks like some of us have a hard time doing so.
BEWARE! You lose all your confidence after this class. Questions on the test come out of NOWHERE. It's like he's teaching professors
honestly, everyone needs to relax and give adler a break. I would take his class in a heartbeat... yeah it was harder than any class ive ever had and his tests are killer but he's such a clear teacher that there's no reason you should fail. I got a 96,
HARD EXAMS, BOOK DOESNT HELP, BUT HE IS VERY HELPUL. I DONT RECOMEND TAKING HIM IF YOUR A LAZY STUDENT/
His tests are horrible. He's looking for specific things, so memorize everything, and do the readings. If you do well in lab, that will keep you from failing.
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HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. The worst teacher in umd. doesnt even lecture just basically talks bout his fam.
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There's a lot of negativity floating around campus about him, though I found most of it to be superfluous. My only bone of contention is his undying penchant for tangents during lecture time; in his defense, most were interesting if not vaguely relevant.
Boring lectures but very easy on tests. Allows cheat sheet.
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Just plain bad
man...don't listen to what everyone else says he is an incredibly brilliant teacher, and is probably the smartest in umd. His tests are challenging, and expects you to know everything he exposes to you in lecture. He is hysterical with his **** remarks. Old exams are somewhat helpful. awesome guy
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PROFESSOR POPCAN>>nice guy, but if you can, don't take his class.Horrible teaching skills. exams require memorization and not understanding.OLD EXAMS HELP. I didn't take micro because he was teaching it.
You think your pre med? if you can get an A in this class you deserve to be pre med. take this class to test your ability, trust me this class will tell you whether or not medicine or science is for you
Come on people! UR in college now. Show a little initiative and go to his office to ASK for help;he'll clarify what ur having trouble with. You might not like his lectures or tests, but this class really weeds out the goof-offs. Yes it's a difficult course but this isn't high school anymore. Grow up
Loved the class! He makes you learn all of the important concepts and helps you with anything you are unclear about. All of the people with negative comments need to grow up! You will have harder prof. than prof.Adler in the future and keep his personal life out of it, it is none of your business!
he is the worst professor
poor professor, poor educator, not the least bit interested being fair and/or objective, feels need to push atheism on students
All I can say is... This guy is like a savant with no talent - you know, like Rainman without any talent. He is a poor teacher that is really confused, unorganized and unrealistic. The school should take notice of these numerous complaints (48 now) and let him go. P.S. He has a height complex.
He is an intelligent instructor, fair and willing to help students if they show interest in learning
Very unclear. He tell us to understand not know, dont fallow the book, and deal with this class blindly. Best advice: study by yourself, this is independent study. 2nd best adivce: eat your book, its very large. No, seriously, eat the book, it tastes like...o...a book...
Very Very smart guy, great teacher but unfair on grading sometimes but overall pretty good! Only problem with him is him going around picking up cans all over school when he has a phD and probly makes a****load of money, we put like ten cans on the table when we see him coming to the UC as bait!
He can be very funny at times and very corny at other times. His tests are hard and he can get on your nerves. He is a good guy, but is not very organized with his notes and goes from one thing to a totally different thing. It is very comfusing.
Dr. Adler is a great guy, sure his exams ask you to APPLY knowledge, but so what, that doesn't mean he's a bad teacher. He is very helpful, and in this class only half ur grade is exams. Do well in lab and hw, and get high 80s on exams and u'll get an A. u'll learn a lot, but u'll have to study.
Great instructor! Why would someone bother taking a course in biology and expect not to cover evolution? That would be like expecting to take a physics course and not talk about Newton. Anyone, besides the occassional numbskull who made the class not as fun - Adler's overall a great professor!
Worst UMD has to offer... Stay away. If you're over 5`6 inches he'll hate you!
He does not prepare his students for his tests.
Crazy guy, pretty weird, but I learned a lot! He'll help you woth anything, but you have to ask (duh).
Do not listen to any good rating. This professor is the worst professor. His tests are misleading. He treats this like an upper class. Do not take him ever.
Very bad professor.
The most unsympathetic teacher ever! My car's (only transportation) starter broke down the day before his exam, and despite showing him the actual repairing documents later on, he emphasized the NO MAKEUP EXAM policy. Sheesh! I thought that was for slackers, not good students with a crisis!
Trust me, STAY AWAY. I know more than 5 people who changed their major from bio to something else b/c of this guy. He treats you like ur trying to get ur PhD. Ignore all the good comments. He's also a ****.
he is evil, monster....his tests are very difficult and i think that the smarest person in the university wouldn't be able to get A.questions are not fromt he book nor notes.stay away from him.university should fire him.i think student should give the petition to fire him to save the future stdents.
don't take him. his tests are extremely hard. he thinks people who are in his class are all there to become a doctor + he think they would become a very good doctor after taking the bio 140 with him...hate him...made the class very difficult, more difficult than 400 level class.
His tests require you to think critically and apply information covered in the book and in lecture, so if you don't understand the way a question is worded, you're screwed. Lectures are somewhat amusing, but sometimes he answers questions with a question.
Hes a pretty poor teacher and all he talks about is how biology supports evolution, which is not true and makes him look even more foolish
i don't recomand anyone to take him.he is the worst teacher in the university.his tests are not from the text and he is not giving good notes.he goes from one topic to other and then come back to previous one.his notes doesn't even help.he shouldn't be teaching bio 140 and he is the hardest teacher.
Man it is irritating to here people critisize evolution and yet taking a biology class. He is a smart guy, very hard, but he has to discuss evolution. He is not atheist and says that religion and science are separate and do not contradict eachother. Do not take bio if u cant discuss evolution.
totally uninterested in how his grade will affect you academic career and therefore your life. He is an atheist by the way to correct the last reviewer. If he has since retracted his atheistic views it is only because the university has forced him to.
worst rating, based on most ratings. you are a bad person adler. one day you will suffer the consequences of your actions.
Ok, everyone is wrong, if you STUDY HARD, read the book, even tape his lectures, you will do well, my exam avg was 95, and I had a B in bio 130 with nesmith. And tests are only 50 percent of ur grade, so do well in lab and hw, and it's an easy A.
Sure he's tough - a professor who actually thinks you should learn something rather than take up space. And yes, quite a few students expect to receive A's
If you're a **** pig, you'll love him.
I can't stand how people assume you have to be an atheist to accept evolution. Just because Adler doesn't teach about religion, myth, and magic - people get ticked. Creationism is NOT science (and I'm a born again Christian in case you're wondering). Evolution IS science. Adler is great!
C'mon ppl, if ur premed or pre pharm or anything like that, and if you can't get above 90s on his test, do urself a favor and make new career plans. This class is a lot easier than upper level bio classes. Study everything, all details, that's how u learn! Don't think anything isn't important
I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, I hate him, I hate him......It's about time for UMD to get a new professor for BIOL 140 and 385! I hope Adler retires soon or something....Two words can sum it all up: "Adler sucks!"
His tests are challenging, but not impossible by any means. He drops one anyway- what more could you want? Dr. Adler is amusing and interesting and a very intelligent man.
HE is the reason I am no longer a Bio major!!!!! 90% of my class could not stomach him. The best grades on his exams are generally 60's and 70's (some students celebrated getting 50's!). Does not curve either! BUYCOTT BUYCOTT BUYCOTT
He's a nice guy and a great professor. His tests are hard but he also gives hw which helps out. Take him if u want to learn.
He's not that bad.
Overall, he's okay, his jokes may be offensive to some. His tests are hard and most ppl do bad no matter how hard they study.He expects too much for an intro level class.But there is the lab grade and homework assignments and as long as u get atleast a 60%,u got a C...so that's pretty leniant of him
adler blows
He's hard for 140, but as you get to upper level courses, he seems to get better. A brilliant prof. People who whine about him teaching evolution need to change their major, BIOLOGY IS EVOLUTION! It's non existent without it, and creationism is NOT science. Tests aren't THAT bad, some people are just morons who dont try. The lab is useless though.
Adler is the nicest professor, especially willing to help if he knows you are trying. A good dedicated teacher and fairly funny.
I really disliked his teaching style. I like structure and even though his lectures are planned, they don't go over the material in the book. He just excepts you to learn the material in the book on your own.
The worst the school has to offer.
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His tests are all short answer and if you ask him a question on something that is unclear, expect to hear the same explaination from him. Besides that the class isn't too bad, he likes to bring up his wife and past experences, which can be funny.
An excellent professor. I highly recommend him.
One of the best profs in the world. HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Expect to work - but he expects YOU to actually understand material since its more than just memorizing.
I hated this class.. and I LOVE Biology.
I didnt like his teaching style
Adler is the man. Had him for Immunology, Microbiology, and 140. Tough prof, but he expects you to understand the material, not just read the book. brilliant prof, funny guy, he's nice. he's tough in 140 because he weeds out people who shouldnt be in the program. definately a cool prof to have in smaller upper level classes. people shouldnt whine.
He is hard but very good. I loved his lectures. Be prepared to work.
I am not a science major, but I took Biology 130, and figured that this class wouldn't be too much different. Boy, I couldn't have been any further from the truth. The material is hard, and if you don't understand it...you better if you want to pass. You must be able to devote a lot of time to this class. Labs are fun though.
Biology is major cause I find it the most interesting topic ever found. But ADLER makes the subject so tough and uniteresting. I knew all the material for this class cause I allready took many Biology classes but I still he tries to make it hard as much as he can. Whatever u do, u'll n't get more than C with the worst teacher ever found.
Dr. Adler is one of my favorite teachers I have ever had. He makes you work, but if you take good notes and study old exams, you'll be fine. His difficulty is really overhyped. He is really clear in his teaching and I like his jokes :)
lol, yeah right... half the students who worked incredibly hard ended up with a B- or C. I think the average in our class was around a C. Beware!
Took one class with this guy, was strongly considering a micro major before i took it, If i get a micro major it won't be from UMD,ill never take another one with Adler
You work, you learn, you do OK. If you complain about how much work, you probably shouldn't be there - major in an easy course.
Worst Prof in UMD. Plain and simple - I can't explain all the things wrong with this guy. Just look at the 100+ negative feedbacks - can everyone be wrong? Students: Avoid this guy! UMD: Wake up and hire people that actually teach!
I enjoyed the class very much and look forward to taking additional classes with Dr. Adler.
OK SERIOUSLY PEOPLE. If you are going to be a bio, or biochem major, his intro class should be a joke for you. If you can't do well in his bio 140 class, change ur major to something other than science. Just take really good notes, and memorize/understand the book, it's not that hard. Me and 12 other people i knew got over 94 average .
His class was hard because of him. The material is not difficult but he insists on lecturing a 100 level class as a 300 level class. He does it on purpose because he believes all the students want to become doctors. IDIOT!!!! However his A range starts at 88
Damn is Dr. Adler is hard or what, but don't shy away from his class. He's clear and willing to help students with material. You pretty much teach yourself in his class. Your grade is 50% exams, 25% HW, and 25% lab. Lab helps you out a great deal and just read the material BEFORE you come to class and you'll be fine. Challenging but good.
Do NOT take him!!! besides... you will see him around looking 4 pop-cans in the garbage
TORE MY A$$ A NEW ONE, sike easy as hell class, just memorize the book and the notes and its a cake walk! Oh old exams help out a lot two. Oh and we all know how messy evolution is...just leave it be we know its a bunch of hot air, so dont bother him let him say what he has to say and the class will go by smooooothly! Enjoy!
If you're over 5'2'' he will hate you... Worst Prof in umd. Throw the book in the garbage - his tests are not related to the book in the slightest sense.
Adler is who he has always been, a challenging teacher who explains the material well. His exams are still difficult, but he is always there for help, either thru email or office hours. He seemed easier for micro as compared with Biol 140. If u have a chance trying taking someone else.
Absolutely awful. Rude, unhelpful, irrelevant lecture periods and hard tests.
All u babies who whine and whine about this guy are wimps.. hes a good teacher.. yea hes tuff but hes fair and very lenient.. people just dont want to put in the time and effort to study but want the easy way out..hes a good teacher...if u can handle heavy studyin and alil hard tests then hes good if u really wannna learn.. hes a really nice guy
Great professor. He really cares!!!!!
He's not nearly as bad as people make him out to be. He might be tough for the intro courses, but you need to know that stuff if you have any chances of doing well in the upper level Biology/Mirco classes. Make sure you read the book before class so you can answer questions, he's more likely to help if you if you've put in some effort. I got an A-.
Worst Teacher EVER!!!his test are hard, you teach yourself, assignments are pointless, and ERRR the class makes me mad!
I'm not a fan. I heard hes better when you are taking upper level classes. But dont expect the grade you want when you take Bio 140 and hes the teacher. Absolutly terrible as an into professor.
worst experiance in my life! didn't learn and didn't get a good grade although am an A student. His tests are all essays with no partial credit. The book is useless for his tests, he doesn't give good notes (he tells silly jokes abt his wife). If you have to take him and he gives u a hard time go and complain. He was on probation by the way.
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He is a great professor. he gives a lot of extra credit to do where if u do all you'll grade will change from B to A- so don't miss them plus read the book and try to get old exam, this class needs a lot of time but it's worth it.I got A and u can do it.
If you can, take someone else for 140.He's smart,but he doesn't share any of that with his students. Very poor lec. structure with frustrating exams.And don't tell me I'm not cut out for medicine b/c this class is hard for me, that's bs. Again,it's hard b/c of him, not because the subject is hard. He should take advice from Nesmith on teaching.
The secret to this class is attending lecture regularly and instead of MEMORIZING the steps to whatever he is explaining, try understanding it first and it will all come to you. He always asks if there are any questions before moving on to the next subject and he is very helpful and clear. Study chapters assigned for exam ull be fine, believe me!
He's terrible. I don't understand why UMD chooses to keep him on staff when He just ruins their reputation.
He will answer any questions you have just ask. If you do not have a basic understanding of CHEM134 wait to take 140. I enjoyed Adler's lectures but he loves Bio history. His exams are all essay but you do not need to be perfect on them. Keep your points up in lab and homework and do all extra credit. DO NOT TAKE HIM IF YOU DON'T ATTEND LECTURES!!
This professor is terrible. His tests are very long and all short answer. His lectures are all over the place, and if you don't understand chemistry, you will fail. Avoid this prof. The day he retires will be a happy day for students at U of M Dearborn.
Exams are some of the most difficult I've ever taken, yet I did not find his lectures very helpful in studying or preparing for exams. I got far more out of working on my own, pounding away at the textbook, than I did his lectures. Challenge aside, this has been my least favorite class at the U over the semester I've been there.
I took Prof.Adler's 140 class two times,1990's.Both times I ended up dropping at the last possible moment, didn't want bad grade.I attended 95% of lectures, used the text, and still wasn't able to write my exams to his liking.I really felt I knew the material,never had probs before with regurgitating material in other classes.No bio major for me.
Need to put time into this class. His lectures aren't too helpful, but its always wise to attend them because a question may come up on the exam and you'll remember the answer to it because of the example he used in class. I'd recommend him if you want to get something out of the class, but if your looking for an easy A take someone else. Smart guy
He was amazing. He is extremely well informed on the subject of Biology...as well as the history of how certain theories and discoveries came about. Old exams are helpful, and make sure you read the chapter AND attend lecture. If you aren't willing to put in an effort...don't bother.
WARNING: KEEP AWAY
This professor is terrible. I'm one of those students that goes to class everyday, takes a lot of notes...his tests are completely random. Don't believe me? Take his class and waste 1000 dollars, and a semester of your time. AVOID even if it will set you back. He teaches well and tests you on things he's never even mentioned. No exaggeration.
Worst teacher I have ever had. Tells you, you don't need to know things for the exam and the first essay question is what he said you didn't need. If he would just test you on what he actually covered the class would be fine. He makes questions that are hard to understand. If you take him make sure you understand the material really good before
worst teacher. his exams are very hard. i felt like only ppl who had taken a lot of bio in high school did well on his tests..if bio is pretty much new to you it's impossible to get an A, he doesn't teach the material, u never know what to write down in class, he just expects u to memorize the chapters which is a lot harder than u might think
Horrible Professor. You will not get a good grade unless you know everything before you come to this class. Ridiculous to say the least. Avoid.
This GUY is the WORST professor on campus.. i don't know HOW he has managed to teach here for over 10 years..major g.p.a killer.. no curve..no help..notes in lecture? HA.. he talks about his wife more than bio.. i feel like i've known the unfortunate lady for years after just one semester of listening to him..if you want to continue with bio..AVOID
WORST PROFESSOR EVER!!!!!!!!! He tells you everything thats NOT on the test. I completely failed his class and had to rely on my lab professor to teach me what I should have been learning in lecture.
the only reason this professor is even teaching is because he has tenure. awful, avoid. you WILL get a C, along with everyone else in the class. and he doesnt let you evaluate him at the end. just awful, you'd be STUPID and STUBBORN to sign up for this class after reading this review.
He was horrible. I avoid any class with his name on it. Nothing he teaches is on the test and he does talk more about his wife and kid then bio. He thinks his jokes are funny but there not. Don't take him!!
Professor Adler is a very smart man, but SURPRISE! You have to actually put forth an effort in his class. He is not as bad as everyone else has said, I got a B+ in his Bio class easy, as well as his Micro class. Just read the assigned readings and you'll be fine.
Not nearly as bad a prof as everyone makes him out to be. Went into his class extremely worried, but found that everyone's complaining was based on their refusal to put forth any effort towards learning the material.
he is probably the most knowledgeable professor's i've ever had for anything. the man know's an amazing amount of biology which would explain the difficulty of his tests. like a lot of classes he simply does not have enough class time to teach everything that is on the tests so alot is reading on your own for the tests. funny but offensive
I completely agree with the last review!!!!!
run away! do not take bio with him, you will regret it. i had to work my butt off like crazy! basically, u must study by reading the book. but u also have to go to the pointless lecture cuz he includes stuff from lecture on the exams. he is nice, but the exams are unfair cuz he doesnt help u understand the material. take somebody else!
I took bio 140 with him and hated him, i took immunology and loved him. he is great on the personal level, he is strickt with intro classes but it is only good for you. take him for upper level, as mostly you will have to take him for bio 140
The last guy nailed it, in upper level courses Dr. Adler is a great professor, really knows his material and you walk out knowing a whole lot more than when you came in. Many of the students in bio 140 put no effort into the class at all. Talk to him, and he's more than happy to help anyone out. People just don't make an effort and then complain
this guy belongs in the nut house he collects bottle from the trash cans around campus. but he knows his stuff. intro level courses are not taken serious by students. but he is a great and hard professor. f you get an a in his class that means you will make it in med school.
not as bad as people say. you have to put in a lot of effort, but that is what university is about. your grade depends on how seriously you take the class which is fair enough. He is very knowledgable about bio, so take it with him! if your confused, he is happy to help!He is awesome!! and kinda funny
expectations for an A are near impossible to meet. You have to memorize each chapter word for word to know whats going to be on the test. Lectures Don't help at all in learning the material. Yeah he knows his bio, but he doesnt know how to teach it!
What can I say he's a great teacher. He really knows his stuff. His tests are really hard, I would not recommend taking him unless you are a bio major or pre-med. I'm in CIS and I just don't care about this stuff.
I knew Adler was a tough teacher before taking his BIO 140 class, but he was the only instructor during the the winter 2010 semester. Exams were annoyingly hard. I actually enjoyed his lectures. He has a funny sense of humor and cracks a joke every chance he gets. Avoid at all costs if you're not interested or good at Biology.
What can I say... The 1st exam is actually easiest exam and the 2nd is when the real biology starts so practically everyone dropped that one. It took me 3 exams to know where he gets his questions. LECTURES LECTURES LECTURES.
HORRIBLE!!!!!! Avoooooiiiid..
if u have to take the class with adler, don't bother showing up to lecture. seriously, just read the book at home. he loves to confuse his students, and he gets payed to confuse them. horrible, horrible, horrible professor
Wow, this guy is Ssa and it has it written all over him! Horrible Professor.
wallah i hate this guy
I have Adler for Microbiology and had him for Bio 140. He's a GREAT professor. It's challenging to get an A in his class, so take it during one of your easier semesters, but it IS doable. Record his lectures, make sure you stay on top of textbook reading, and ask questions! He likes people that ask questions. You learn so much from Adler.
I had Adler for micro lecture, micro lab, and bio140. GREAT professor. Yes, he covers a lot of material, but the tests ask specific, predictable questions. At the VERY beginning of class he gives away some of what will be on the next test to reward people who are on time. He is super knowledgeable and is great at answering any questions you have.
Wallah I love this guy.
ok, so you wanna hate micro? take him.. WORST PROF ever, the ones who made it through w/ an A have his old exams or have no life! not recommanded!
Adler is a bit challenging. His exams can at times seem very unpredictable. This is particularly true in Bio 140. However he explains things well and so long as you study, his exams are still manageable.Further, his papers are extremely easy to ace and those papers along w/ lab are a large portion of the total grade. Basically,just don't slack off.
class average on exam 1- 46% class average on exam 2-40% class average on exam 3-56% hes very knowledgeable ill give him that but for some reason his exams were impossibly hard! I read the book day and night and it still didnt help lectures are way too brief he explained the krebs cycle and cell respiration in 4 minutes! Should teach higher level.
I wish I chose another professor. He allows no makeups, even in impossible situations from the weather. He tells a lot of meaningless stories in an effort to illustrate a point - long digressions are often more distracting then educational
Not as hard as expected. You do NOT have to memorize the book, but you MUST truly understand the material. He expects you to be able to critically think about the info instead of parroting it back on exams. Lectures are annoying, though - he definitely knows his stuff, but can't teach it very well; digresses VERY often.
DO NOT TAKE unless this subject is what you're interested in. He is a neurologist and teaches at a much higher level than he should for an intro class.
HORRIBLE! Has to be the worst teacher at ufm. He doesnt understand how to relate to his students, and talks about his wife half the time. Hes rude, and talks down to you if you fail a test or ask a question. AVOID TAKING1
He is not a bad teacher at all. I got high C's on my tests (don't know about final), and I still got an A- in the class. But, you have to get an A in lab and the homework. Try hard, and ask questions b/c he will help you! And you have to read the book and go to class. Plus he lets you drop your lowest test score.
Honestly, this guy was very knowledgeable. However, he was very tough on grading. His exams were very hard, and it was almost impossible to pass the first exam with a C or higher. Many people dropped his class during my semester. He doesn't have sympathy for students' grades. I would only recommend this for students who REALLY know and LOVE biology
He's the worst instructor that I've ever had, his course was nerve wracking and complete waste of time and money. AVOID!
Very hard class, by far the hardest class yet. Pay attention, go to class, record lectures. Forget the book. In upper levels with Adler all he cares about is lecture, memorize everything he says and you will be okay.
Wallah this guy's the greatest.
Good professor and his classes are interesting. However, he does go off on a tangent a lot and talks about his family and his life history, but this makes it interesting.
This review applied to any class by him. Adler is a very smart guy and he is easily the best biology professor on campus. He wants the students to understand biology. Gets very annoyed at people who walk in late. His exams are challenging; really wants you to understand biology. Listen in class, ask questions and ur good. Read book as well.
The book was a must for me (you can get by in the B range using just the notes however). Had him for 3 classes, 140, 385, 455. 140 he is trying to weed it seems like. 385 is incredible. You'll learn so much. 455 was very difficult as the material is much drier than 385. Lots of minutia (names of cell types, protein products etc.) But worth it.
Best ever professor !!
Dr. Adler is amazingggg!!!!
He is very intelligent and knows the material well. He is not an easy professor - learning the material and attending the lectures are both very important. Read the book THOROUGHLY. His tests are 1/2 mc and 1/2 short answer. He is very clear and usually easy to listen to. If you are interested in the material, he is a great prof.
Adler is probably the smartest person I have ever met. He has high expectations and is a tough grader, but an A is not impossible like some claim. Homework and lab are really easy so they serve as a nice cushion for exams grades. I am looking forward to taking Micro 385 with him and i highly recommend him for Bio 140. You'll learn so much.
great guy, very informative.
He seems like a nice enough guy but my rating is bad for several reasons: 1)Tests on lecture and the book but he was vague about what exactly would be on exams 2)He actually changed one of our exams because SI gave us a study guide which actually covered relevant info. 3)Expects several essays AND two lab reports. Bottom line: avoid if possible
very difficult class. people exaggerated how hard it was going to be, but you will need to dedicate alot of time to studying. know the book inside and out, especially details. Very smart guy, just very tricky with his exams. Dont take if you want an A, getting one is very difficult
DO NOT TAKE. unfair exams, tries to trick you and doesnt even give points back for when HE makes mistakes
avoid at all costs
this class will take over your life
neither the material nor exams are difficult. it's just the fact that he gives extremely poor lectures, and assigns tons of counterproductive assignments, which lead to students not having enough time to study for the exams, which ultimately ends up seemingly failure on the students behalf. the root of this is that he can not teach.
Students give him a bad rap and I don't know why. I think it's because he makes you read articles and books for exam questions and his tests are relatively difficult but I studied and did great in his class. Plus, he always tells funny stories and jokes during lecture that make it not so boring. Also very intelligent and he answers any questions.
his exams are hard. not because of the material, but because he puts unfair questions. makes things he talked about for a few seconds in lecture 4 pt questions on the exam. its almost like hes trying to get people to drop his class. don't take him. his course is nerve wracking and unfair.
If you are not a bio major do not take this BIO 140 course thinking it will be easy and will satisfy your pre req!!! it should not be on the list of pre reqs at all!!! it is way too difficult for non bio students. i felt like i was set up :(
Do not take Adler. Unless you want to dedicate 10 hours a week to this class and still not receive an A, do not take Adler for bio140. Does not curve his class or his exams even when the average is somewhere in the fifties. Worst experience of my life.
He is a nice guy but his lectures will put u to sleep. No study guide and no power points. Test are super hard. No curves on anything. If u take him u better have a lot of time on ur hands to read and teach yourself. He loves history so u will see a lot of questions bout history on the tests.
Great guy, very nice. The class was a bit difficult. But honestly if you read the chapter every week before or after lectures, you'll make life wayyyyy easier on yourself!!! If you are a bio major and you want to learn something useful for future classes, TAKE HIM! :)
worst class ever. don't take him. you will kill your gpa. he grades harshly for no reason and he spits when he talks
He Aiight
WARNING DO NOT TAKE HIM no matter what. He gives really hard exams and grade them harsh! you would think this would be an easy class since the material is easy but he makes it HARD!! HE IS THE WORST professor I have ever had!!
I am going to give an honest review. he gives 4 exams, lets you drop one. however, there is no curve at all. he makes his C range 60-79% so he can "pass" students. His exams are very difficult, majority are trick questions. this is supposed to be a weeding class but this professor takes it way too far. avoid. do not take this class.
THE BEST PROFESSOR IN THE WORLD! IF YOU WANT TO LEARN TAKE HIS CLASS. IF YOU WANT AN EASY A THEN JUST LEAVE THE UNIVERSITY BEHIND AND ATTEND A COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dr. Adler is one of the most intelligent people I've ever met. I truly believe all the negative comments about him are because people don't want to have to work hard for a class. I have already had Dr. Adler for 3 classes and I've learned more in them than any others I've taken. Highly recommended, but be prepared to put in substantial effort.
Professor Adler convinced me that i did not want to major in the sciences. His tests were complicated, and although his lectures could be interesting he did not stay on topic. Not an easy class, but an easy lab.
Unless you have a STRONG biology background, do not take. If you don't know a lot of it coming in, you're doomed to fail. There's is just too much to learn too quickly. First test was ridiculously difficult. I'm an A student at uofmd. But if you want an A, you have to forget you have other classes. Or a job. I will be dropping. Bye $1,000.
Do not take him for Biology. Even as a very hard working student, it seems like this course is designed to fail you. Only gives out review materials at S.I sessions, which are generally during when many students have class. Exams feel next to impossible without titanic amounts of reviewing. AVOID IF YOU LIKE YOUR GPA!
Absolutely the worst professor on the entire campus! Doesn't properly prepare students for exams, nor tells them what will be covered on them. Unless you like the idea of very likely tanking you GPA not too mention wasting your tuition money should you fail the class, mountains of unnecessary stress, and studying 6+ hours a day.
ONE OF THE BEST, NO, THE BEST PROFESSOR ON CAMPUS. INTELLIGENT, ORGANIZED, HELPFUL WONDERFUL PERSONALITY, FUNNY, HE IS JUST AN AMAZING PROFESSOR. HE TEACHES YOU WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR. EXPECT NO LESS. YOU HAVE TO EARN A GRADE AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL. ARE YOU THERE TO LEARN, OR EASY-A YOURSELF OUT? A+++ OUTSTANDING DR. DON'T LISTEN TO OTHERS
Ok, he is a tough teacher. if you're smart, you prolly wont take him simply cuz he requires tons of unnecessary busy work. If you want to have no life, by all means take him just to boost your self ego. If you want a good grade and want to learn the same exact material, take someone else. its quite foolish to think ur gna remember small details
Great lectures and funny guy but he will kill your GPA and his tests dont reflect what you know as much as the tiny details that you find in a footnote.
Great lectures and funny guy but he will kill your GPA and his tests don't reflect what you know as much as the tiny details that you find in a footnote. Id never take one of his classes again.
What students don't realize is that Bio 140 is a weeding out class. Regardless of the professor, it will be a hard course. However, his tests were too difficult. He had conceptual questions rather than simple definitions. If you are a science major, I would recommend taking him because he prepares you for the field. If you aren't, you will struggle
All of these other comments are right. His tests don't show a reflection of your understanding of the material; they're ridiculous! Having AP bio the year before helped, but I couldn't get an A.
He weeds out the freshman that think they deserve an A. If you have a REAL question about the material, schedule an appt with him. Never skip lecture. Yes his tests are difficult, but not impossible. He wants to know your University of Michigan material. And intimidation does not work, he's been called everything and finds it's humorous.
Adler is by far one of the most intelligent professors we have here on campus, and probably at any school to be honest with you. Minds like his don't come around too often. Makes you work hard as sh!t for your grade and he will take off points although you were right, but if you care enough and go to his office he may give them back (sometimes)
I hate when people say bio 140 was a weeding out class, this professor just straight up sucks. I had a c+ in his class and ever since i took his class freshman year ive had a 3.84 gpa (after 2 years), so it obviously wasnt because i was a bad student. all he did was hurt my gpa but he did actually make me a better student, i gotta give him that.
His tests are really ridiculous. I didn't find his tests to be an accurate representation of what a student knows, more than painstakingly detailed and purposely confusing questions which do not reflect the general information. He does not prepare students for the exams and his homework assignments are also very confusing. Really difficult class.
Test are very hard, especially the last two in the semester. Ruins your grade. Try to get old test, they help out a bit, but not much. You learn in lecture, and lab, but test are just ridiculous. He loves focusing on the history of things (scientist). You will probably have to retake the class if you aren't super hard working and careful.
You HAVE to record the lectures and listen back to them again. That's the only way to pass the tests. They are ridiculously hard. He often words the questions to trick you. He'll go on long side tangent stories that have nothing to do with the class. Skip one class and you might as well drop the class because you'll miss too much.
Listen up, the man is one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met. Yes his exams are challenging, but if you attend every lecture and read the book often, you'll do great. My advice is to not take 140 with another science, because you will work for what you receive. An A is difficult, but attainable.
Pretty good teacher. Tests are really hard as he'll ask you something really specific about something you have to read that he posts on canvas or something he said in lecture. He also stresses an understanding of how things interact with each other, i.e. "What would happen if this structure was surrounded by water instead?" or something like that.
Dr. Adler seems like he understands the subject matter well. However, he does a very poor job of conveying the material in lecture. I passed the class with a C (thanks to lab) but my highest test grade was 67%. The class is very tough. Test material is almost exclusively in the book rather than lecture, so be ready to read a lot.
Here's the deal: Adler is tough, but he is not impossible. You need to be ready to do the work on your own to make sure you understand the material. PAY ATTENTION to the specific examples he gives in class because they will be on the test I promise you. He lets you drop your lowest grade. Don't bother trying to speak with him, he couldn't care less
"Freshman killer" is what he's called. Covers one chapter a class. Exams have trick questions. You really have to read and know your stuff for the exams. A B is possible, but you have to really bust your butt to get it and make his class a HUGE priority. There were 4 SI teachers to help. By the end of the semester we went from 75 people down to 23.
How to get an A+ in BIO 140 w/ Richard Adler: 1. Read the chapter that is being discussed in lecture before coming to class. 2. Show up to lecture (IMPORTANT MATERIAL NOT IN BOOK DISCUSSED IN LECTURE BASICALLY EVERY CLASS PERIOD). 3. After lecture do the problems in the back of the chapter that was discussed in lecture. 4. Rinse repeat.
Lectures consist of material not on the exams and often talks about miscellaneous, irrelevant things such as his vacations or stories with his wife. Even reading the book does not help, as exam questions are often trivial. Exams are all written and he does not give enough partial credit for the quality of the answers written. Do not take.
Dr. Adler knows his stuff, I'll give him that. But his lectures are extremely boring and he talks about random things that seem unrelated but they probably will show up on an exam. Reading the book is a must, he records lectures and makes questions about the most specific details or things he mentioned once. He is not easy to talk to either
extremely difficult to say the least. do not take this class.
1) Extremely knowledgeable 2) Take note of the history 3) RECORD THE LECTURES 4) Any random phrase he says may show up on the exam 5) if you like conception questions take this class 6) Ask questions 7) Attend class and take notes then take notes again after class 8)read the chapter even after all this you might get an A- lol
He is one of the least personable professors I have ever met, and he made an introductory level biology class unnecessarily hard. Ugh.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
70%
Textbook Required
94%
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