A GREAT teacher! He makes biology fun by telling students his experiences. A funny guy. Exams are easy, as long as you listen to his lectures and pay attention to what he emphasizes. Great course!

He's easy-going, approachable, and his grading scheme is easy-to-follow and entirely fair. He's funny in class and tells you what will be on the test. He's awesome!

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He's a pretty good lecture teacher. I've never left the class without laughing because he likes to be funny. He's very approachable. The class may be hard for some people but if you take good notes and read the book, you'll be fine.

He's a really good teacher. He makes Biology very intresting. His tests arent tricky but he is a hard grader. The lab reports i think were the most challenging. If you study extensively you'll do well in the class.

Great sense of humor, easy going, approachable. Makes learning Biology fun. Lectures easy to follow and understand. Lab report can be difficult (he is very specific about what needs to be in it). Laid back "surfer dude" appearance.

Excellent instructor but he expects you to do your part and study--then the tests are easy. Very willing to work with students and help them out, very funny, great class to take!!

Simply put, the best teacher I have ever had. He mentors those who seek it, and is an overall excellent human being. I have not just learned from him, but actually gained wisdom through knowing and working with him.

Great instructor--wants students to do well and is willing help you out. Read the text, do the labs and then the tests are easy. He maybe the best instructor I've ever had! Good guy.

Easy teacher. Fun lecturer. Great guy.

He's a really great teacher. He actually made me like science, and trust me that's a huge thing:) His lectures are funny, he's a very kinda and nice person. He's clear with his tests and assignments. One of the best teachers in PCC!

He made physiology a very interesting & fun class, tells u exactly what u need to know, esp. for short winter session. This class is all about concepts, tests w/ short-answer essays, lab exp./reports are very thorough, & there are sample exams to look at.

Positives-EXCELLENT professor, tells you exactly what'll be on tests, wants you to succeed, very helpful. Negatives-tests are real specific, lectures get confusing cause too many drawings & no continuity to thoughts. Make sure to keep up with readings.

this is such a hot teacher~ you never fall asleep in his class~ but he is not so easy, fairly easy.dont be fooled when he tell jokes, cause in the joke, there is something important~

He makes life easy!!

Dude, this guy is a total hippie. He totally knows his plants and stuff. I want to be just like him. Great teacher. He rocks with his evolution theories and arguements.

The best bio professor at PCC, if you want to have a fun bio experience take his class! His class is intensive, but rewarding. He is always willing to take the time to help his students!

Great teacher...and kinda sexy. =)

Incorporates humor with biology. Can we say excellent? One of the funniest yet insightful men you might ever meet. TAKE HIS CLASS if you're a Bio major. Tests are a little challenging but you are gaurenteed to walk away with tons of bio knowledge.

Very funny and approachable. This teacher is as cool as they get. Physiology itself is hard, but he tells you exactly what to study. Make sure you understand the material well b/c he likes critical thinking questions.

Great teacher... A Must Take!

Great Teacher. Very open minded towards everything.

Funny, helpful, laid back, and clear. Gives plenty of time to help students. Might be challenging for some, but he cares not to make it too challenging. He's just a great guy.

Best teacher ever!! I don't normally go for hippies but he was definately kind of sexy. The class was hard, but very fun, and he takes time to answer everybody's silly questions. Wants to help everybody understand and pass. Too bad he's getting married!

Thank you Mr Di-Fiori. An amazing individual to come across. Makes so much time for his students, 100% approchable. But the best thing about him is his sense of humor, will make you laugh 90% of lecture time...hands down the best PCC has to offer.

Professor DiFiori is an awesome Prof. I read how some people said he was hard, but he actually grades pretty easy. He's got an awesome persona, and is a very cool looking teacher (it's his awesome tat). I highly recommend taking his class, especially the arts & science block he teaches.

Russ is a wonderful person to be around, not only because of his teaching techniques, but also his personality. He is a biologist who does a lot of research and really knows what he's doing! He's a great friend also.

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A GREAT teacher who is very helpful and friendly. He has a great sense of humour, and is always willing to help. I went on the Baja science program as well, and became a friend (no, nothing sexual, he's just a guy I trust and can talk to). His bio 1A class is hard, but he's fair and teaches it well.

He is perhaps my favorite teacher ever. I love that guy, and I wish he taught more than just Biology and the Sciences. I have to express my gratitude for such an awesome guy. I've never heard a bad thing a bad thing about him, nor can I think of one to make now. Truly a beautiful person.

Great teacher and not to mention hot!! I love the tattoo. He is a very fun teacher. He has a great personality. I knew his son and he is just like him, hot and funny.

I'm more interested in his research outside campus than his biology class because I think he is also an awesome scientist rather than just a professor. It's the easiest biology class ever, but it's hard to become number one.

NO OPEN CASKET! One of the best profs I've ever had. The man is a wandering Buddha. He overflows with a passion for life that leaves you inspired. Definitely take his class.

maybe nothing more is needed. just go take his class

He reminds me of the American Badass Undertaker. Very cool guy, who doesn't get mad if you fall asleep or ask too many dumb questions. Always open to help confused students. Collects all HW at the END of semester. Gives plenty of information on tests during the lecture prior to the test. Laidback.

I was afraid of spiders until i met this guy. He taught me more than he will ever know... baja was an incredible experience, now i crawl in mud, climb mountains go sailing, etc. At the end, you don't even realize how much you know, he's just awsome. Thank you Russ

he's a great teacher, very funny, down to earth. very clear instructions... one thing though is that he gives lot of critical questions on exams.. but if u study in his class u should do fine..

You guys say it all. One thing needs to be mentioned though he's very cool in his lectures and usually make you laugh, but he does not follow closely the course schedule, making it hard for students to know what to expect on the test. Overall, he's a great teacher and very cool person. He treats you as his friends, and he usually reveal test info.

Whether or not you are a bio major, take his class! He loves biology and is passionate about science and life in general. He has a review session for each test and gives you a good idea of what to expect. If you take good notes in class and study them you will probably do fine. Only a little test material is from the textbook.

Mr. Di-Fiori is funny and laid back, but his tests are so hard, especially in ecology and evolution. He didn't teach a lot of important things in class. he did review, tho.Basically, you will need to learn anything yourself. Reading the textbook is very important, and also learning from the CD,the internet,etc.Well,he's kinda a free-style teacher.

The best science teacher ever. Tests are really hard (i got D's on all of them) and the lab notebook is a pain but if you talk to him and put effort into test of the lab notebook you'll end up with a desent grade. One problem is he has very messy notes, so if you like neat notes without arrows pointing everywhere take another teacher

Please take his Field Bio class!! I was extremely disinterested in the subject until I took his class. He absolutely loves what he does, which makes the learning experience engaging for his students. Keep your notebook up to date and participate and you should do fine on the tests.

He's a wicked teacher everybody should have him.....

A cool and easygoing professor and one who makes the subject material interesting and easy to understand. The lectures in this class do prepare you well for the tests, and he makes sure to review material with you beforehand.

One of the greatest biology professors ever! His lectures do not correlate with his exams, but they are interesting and you learn alot. In order to pass the class with a B or A, you need to memorize the textbook. The first exam is cake, while the second one is the hardest, the third is so-so, and the ecology one is the easiest.

A really COOL and KIND guy indeed! He cracks jokes, brightening everyone's day. Still need to read the textbook to excel in exams, though. He NEVER take attendence!!! Take him and u will never regret...

Smart guy.However, his lectures have no relationship with his exams...

Everyone should take his class. The best choice!

I LOVED this program, and anyone who wants to get 9 units of science should take this with Difiori. His class was hard and made me feel dumb, but once we got to baja it was a breeze. I loved it, and I learned so much! On top of it all, i'm done with science and it took only a month. This man is really caring too, we're buddies now :-).

Very interesting technigues of teaching and helpfull.

When you get first test, you will say "What?" I didn't get meaning of problem at all. You need to read book by yourself. However, he will give you the study guide so you don't need to read whole book. He curve the test scores(since test is not easy nor straight-forward) Very helpful and COOL GUY^^

Man, i got to tell ya it wasn't easy at all, but it was all worth it! Great teacher!!

Took his class in Fall 2005. Great class. Not easy. The key to get A is: read the textbook by yourself. What i like abt this guy the most is that he NEVER pressure any students to do anything. So I basically had fun in his class last semester. He never take attendence, another great thing that i like!! He makes Bio so easy and fun. Take him.

he's funny...but his lecture has nothing much to do w/ his exams...so they might be kinda hard...but they only make up less than a half of total pts...keep an average B (after curved) on ur tests and put effort into ur lab notebook...u'll get an A

Awesome teacher! His thought-provoking lectures makes the materials for the course more interesting. Great guy to talk to!

gotta read the book! gotta read the book! gotta read the book!! no other way to get an A in the class lol.. his lectures are interesting but they are almost 90% pointless and useless for exams.. so before i forget: gotta read the book gotta read the book.. when i took him, his study guides where totally useless too so read the whole chapter

I took his Study Abroad Class in the Summer of 2006. It's so awesome! You learn a lot, and although you do not live in the best conditions, I got 3 A's and a B which totally boosted my GPA. But when we were on class, his tests were kind of hard. But he's AWESOME anyway, way funny and sweet!

great teacher...if you're not a good test taker, its ok because the notebook and the paper helps alot, just do a good job on it...he's really funny and a cool person, didnt do that well on the tests, passed though but i kicked ass on the lab notebook and got an A!!!

Hey guy I jut too Di Fiori For 1A over the Fall. His Lectures are the best and you wont find yourself constantly looking on your ceel phone to see what time it is. Study the text book well and follow his study guide closely, anything outside is useless and you'll have tons to study.Even though you have to study alot, only the Multiple choice part o

I can not believe I took this class I am so bad at science. I can say that I am so glad I took this class because I learned a lot from this professor. Biology is not boring with him teaching it. We went to Anza Borrego for our field trip and he taught us a lot in three days. Take this class,but take him for all Biology too.

good professor! very recommended for those who want to get into medical school.

Professor DiFiori does not teach directly from the cold, rigid dogma of a textbook--however, the reading is critical for an understanding of the material he lectures on. Biology 1A is about engaging the students with both the conceptual and the practical aspects of life science and, at this task DiFiori excels. You will not regret taking his class!

Russ is the bomb! He says current in the field and brings relevant recent information into lectures. Tests are hard but exactly what he said they'd be. You'll have to think for yourself, or learn to in this class. Look at the schedule there's twice as many sections of Bio 1A as there are of 1B you need to be serious to get a good grade. The Best

Russ is awesome! Great teacher! His class is fun and interesting and he is very helpful

Difiori is awesome and he loves his job! He enjoys teaching and I learned a lot from him. His exams are all essays and a lot comes from his lectures. But don't worry cus his lectures are very interesting.. I actually enjoyed going to class!

Professor Di Fiori is a Great teacher! You must attend every class and If you dont understand the material tell him so. He is extremely helpful, by far one of the best teachers I've ever had. Highly recommend his class to everyone.

brings new insights

Best Professor ive ever had. His class is very straight forward. He helps you out anytime you need it even during days when u come in on your own and ask for lab help or anything. The material isnt hard its just alot thats why this class isnt an easy A,to get the A you have to spend alot of time on it, but overall he is the best at PCC!

AWESOME!! great teacher sometimes grades by a curve so its hard not to pass his class. Straight foward about what his test are going to be about. Totally recomend him

DiFiori is the best bio teacher on Earth!!! His lectures are exciting. He looks like a teddy bear, so you can't help but love him and his cute smile. Take his class if you want to make decorate your college life memories with bright and colorful experiences. A+

One of the best teachers around. Great guy, but his tests are tough. His lectures are spontaneous and won't exactly follow the text (He knows his stuff too well) DON'T FREAK after first exam he curves the class. use essay part to write a thoughtful argument and he will respect your point and give you the points. Take his field class if you can!!!!

best teacher i have had ever. loves the subject and it rubs off on you. grades on a curve teaches what you need to know.. great class talks. tests are perfect. had a great time in the class...way chill fun time. the kinda class you look forward 2

i had him for envionmental awareness. he is so wonderful,i love him so much. he is so nice and helpful and can be very funny at times. and the class was interesting,im actually thinking about gettin into the environ field. has field trips which are cool bc u dont have to go to class on fridays.if u need and elective take it. he is one of my favs!

hard but curves the class smart affable guy. (and kinda sexy) easy going but don't let that lull you, you need to know your stuff he isn't going to force you tho. its up to you how you do !

He's a great teacher and knows exactly what he's talking about. His tests are very thorough but he tells you exactly what you need to learn so there's no way you can miss. He's also really funny and sarcastic

A great teacher! just follow the course. Keep working hard, and you will get an A.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome. People always put BS lines in comments like "this teacher made me love the subject" in the comments... but in the case its true. This rugged biologist teaches in the funnest ways he can think up. He knows bio11 is just a GE and teaches it so. Extra credit oppertunities, and easy, curved tests.

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO TAKE BIO 1A AS ONE OF YOUR BIO CLASS SEQUENCE. DR DIFIORI IS THE # 1 CHOICE AT P.C.C ... HE IS JUST SIMPLY THE BEST...

This is way too much work for such a 4 units class. prepare to work your ass in this class. He is very funny and helpfull. highly recommended if u can affored to study dialy for 4 hours or more just to be not behind, i repeat 4 hours per day.

Very fun professor, made lectures very interesting. No textbook, so the online reading materials are sometimes difficult to understand, the projects are very time consuming and take lots of work. You're pretty much on your own in this class.

Hum 2 should be required for all science majors. DiFiori is extremely knowledgable and discussions in class are both informative and enjoyable. There is alot of reading/studying for this class, but DiFiori is a generous grader if you make the effort. One of the most worthwhile classes I have ever taken. DiFiori is a quality professor.

Best teacher I ever had at PCC. One of my favorite teacher ever! :)

He is an awesome professor. Took him during the spring, ditched all his lectures except lab and got still got a B. He does not have textbook; everything via internet because he believes it is more up-to-date w/ biol info. Curves exam like crazy. Does not grade on point system but GPA system. If you get a 71, it is still a C 2.0 regardless of grade.

I absolutely love Russell! When I first started his class I was completely confused and lost on what he was lecturing, but when I realized that's how it is supposed to be I relaxed a bit. This class ended up being my favorite class that I have ever taken. He made every class fun and I actually enjoyed being in his class for 3 hours.

Initially the class was very confusing. No textbook but must be somewhat fluent in scientific papers. Def likes creativity and original ideas! Very helpful. mandatory class trips to long beach and catalina. You will do some work in this class. If you like the traditional teaching style with books and memorization,take foster instead.

Great Professor. It was a critical thinking class. By the time the class was over I found that my thoughts were more clear and organized, and I could make arguments that were difficult to refute. Difiori has the personality of an easy-going free-spirit, but he ends up teaching you a very precise, rock solid method to determine if something is true.

He is very general. The tests might take getting used to since its mostly just pictures and descriptions and you writing whatever you can about what he gives you. It is very easy to get an A bcuz he curves. His lectures are AMAZING. He's very up to date. There's several field trips. Lab is an important part of the class. no textbook. TAKE HIS CLASS

unorganized but funny. easy B, little effort to get A. use a website instead textbook. almost everything in this class is about writings including exams which r open notes. and dont waste too much time studying on his website, i hardly use it and still got an A. good class notes will get u an A or at least a B. he's way much easier than Foster.

Prof Difiori is extremely chill...that can be a good thing and a bad thing..as long as you attend the lectures and understand them you should be okay for the test...sometimes hard to understand exactly what he wants on labs but he's a fair teacher

Professor Difiori is the most awesome professor ever in the history of professors he really brings science to life and makes learning science fun he even makes learning about death funny oh and if he does the Altenberg 16 project his Richard Dawkins impression is hilarious. anyone who takes him will love biology after his class even if you started

He's very helpful, open minded and an awesome profes. In the end of the lectures theres always a long line just to ask him questions. Overall do your projects early because near the end your going be overwhelm with it. The trips are fun ^^

Yeah i thought by these comments he'd be a pretty easy teacher but he expects a lot out of us. my friend is in bio 1a with Foster and he gives a LOT less work-so not fair

difiori is awesome!! no book required, what he wants you to know is on his OWN webpage, everything you learn is direct and to the point, no jargon around it. he is very helpful if you ever have a question and makes lecturing really interesting especially the trips we take for the class!

Prof DiFiori is awesome! Lectures are very insightful and very current (no course textbook). There are many projects/labs, oral presentations and a field trip, aside from midterms and final. His Lecture is fantastic, a "don't miss". If you do all the work, study hard, participate, do well on your projects, you'll earn a good grade!

Dr. Difiori doesn't base his teaching out of a text book. Almost everything can be found on his website. There are field trips, camping, and a lot of hiking. The material is easy to understand, but there are a lot of assignments to do. Mostly everything is done within groups. He grades based on a curve. I loved his class, but not the hiking.

After reading all these comments, it's almost redundant to post something. BUT, it's true.. Difiori is the best teacher you will ever take. You would be a fool not to take his class.

He is fun and caring. He tries his best to help student get good grades, but also learn as well. He respects his students A LOT. People who complains probably didn't even try hard enough. He may seem unorganized, but he actually is, that's how he gets all grading done on time. Only hard thing is to study for tests w/o textbooks, but test is easy.

This class is very work intensive. It seems laid back but you will have a ton of work to do. To get the most of this professor make sure you read your SCI PAPERS! It helps a lot, stick to a few good papers and you are set. There is no text book, and the multiple choice tests are very difficult!

You can tell that he loves what he teaches. He is always available for those who want to reach at him after class. He doesn't use a text book, but online articles, and the like. I learned a lot with him. You have a lot of group projects, he grades on the curve, but it still hard to get an A.

BEST TEACHER FOR BIOLOGY! you will not regret taking him. He has alot of work but its totally do able if you manage your time! Hes funny and his lectures and explanations for anything else is so clear. He's willing to help students earn a good grade. dont think. just take him.

An inspiring Professor that really loves what he teaches. Take him for an amazing experience in learning and to learn to love nature more. He's one of PCC's best!

This class is very interesting and very easy. This class takes place in Eaton Canyon and we spent a couple of weeks at Chantry Flats. Of course, the assignments, quizzes, and discussions are still needed in order to receive a decent grade. Prof. Difiori is awesome! His knowledge and personality make the class fun. Easy A, Take it!

Phenomenal prof, one of my favorites ever. Easygoing personality, straightforward grading: you put in the effort, you get the grade! His classroom is the great outdoors. Projects are fun and interesting. A lot of easy-moderate hiking while learning about plants and animals. Take this prof!

he is the second best teacher i have ever had. i would take him again in a minute. i love going to class. i am passing with a descent grade.

He's a great, laid back teacher. It's pretty easy to get an A. He's knowledgeable and will gladly answer any of your questions. You do have to put in some time and effort but the class is fun and very interesting. You won't regret taking him. He's one of my favorite teachers.

More teachers should be like DiFiori. He encourages hands-on learning and always has positive things to say. You have group projects, but you can work alone. Alot of quizzes with the textbook, but theyre easy to handle. You will learn more about sustainability and become more aware of how to improve things! Amazing class and professor!

This class is life-changing. It's true. Super intense work load. I had been dreading BIO cause I hate it. But DiFiori gets you out in nature, inspires you, makes you laugh, creates this weird environment of student comradery and well... I would take this class every semester if I could. Be prepared to sweat, work hard, and fall way hard for nature.

Take the class - definitely. But take it when you have time. I took this class in summer session, and the workload was insane (if you care). Professor DiFiori will give you as much as you want to get out of the class. He knows the landscape inside out, and you will never have a better opportunity to learn from an expert. Best class at PCC so far.

DiFiori is such an awesome professor! There aren't many lectures, but you are expected to read the chapters before class. During class, he assigns problems to students and splits them into groups. These are essential for the exams! DiFiori's exams are challenging, but fair, and prepares you well for the MCAT. You won't regret taking him!

A very cheerful and funny professor. Definitely recommend taking his Bio 14 class in the summer. It's fairly easy to do the work and you get to explore Chantry and Eaton Canyon. It fulfills natural science and a lab on your IGETC if you're transferring. Requires you to wake up early and drive to the locations but you will never be in a classroom.

Honestly one of my favorite professors I have ever had. I highly recommend taking Field Biology because the great outdoors is your classroom and you get to hike and look for plants and animals. He is super knowledgeable and was able to answer all of my questions.

One of the most unorthodox classes and professors I've ever taken. Very abstract and I feel the thing he looks for most is thinking outside the box and giving unique answers. EXTREMELY nice, kind, and understanding, but expects a lot in terms of originality and effort. Prep for CORE exams EARLY like weeks in advance!! Unclear on grading but helpful

Most influential teacher I've had. Very genuine, very helpful. The class is hard, you have to put in the work! Effort will get you far though. Plenty of chances to make up points, just talk to him. Teaching style might seem unorthodox, but it's much more of a realistic learning experience. Your study and research skills should improve exponentially

Take the field bio class! It's honestly just a peaceful hike every week. He's very approachable and will gladly clarify any confusion you may have on the subject.

Definitely one of the coolest profs I had at PCC and he gives decent grades for your assignments. No lecture but many field trips and group assignments. 2 big advice would be to make sure to get into a seat with PRODUCTIVE ppl on your first day and PREPARE WELL FOR THE CORE!

Took BIO 14 online. It was a crummy semester for going outside (Fires, COVID, ect.), but it was still fun. There's a big field research project, and you have the option of doing it online if you have to. I chose to do it outdoors, and it ended up being really fun. Loved the textbook and iNaturalist! Understand, flexible and sweet professor.

Took his physical science class over winter and it was the easiest class ever! Hes a very easy grader so as long as you do the work he gives you full points. Hes also not too picky if you turn in an assignment late. The final was a research project which we did in parts throughout the semester. Very pleased with the Professor and class!!

I can't wish for a better professor, honest. Please please take professor DiFiori's classes, and you'll come out a better prepared person with a higher GPA :). Definitely recommend.

Hes a great teacher period. You have to meet with the class a few times but you get to go on hikes and go off in separate groups, youll just see him with a student talking about some cool plants. He only really does notebook checks and a final assignment and hes super understanding of things going on in peoples lives outside of school. Hes cool

By far one of the best professors at Pcc. He is a very nice professor and gives great feedback on every assignment. The assignments are kind of long but they're pretty easy and straight forward. As long as you turn in all of your assignments you will pass the class with an A. I HIGHLY recommend taking Anatomy with him, he is awesome!

I took his lecture during summer semester and it is tough because of limited of time. You will have a lot of assignments and sometimes you will be lost tho. He replies emails within 24 hours normally, it is pretty supportive. Easy grader.

HANDS DOWN BEST CLASS/PROF AT PCC! I took his field lab 10b class in the spring. We literally just went on a learning hike every week. Workload is manageable and a little time consuming but he's a chill grader as long as he sees ur trying. No exams the final is an open ended essay/research paper kind of thing. u will not regret taking his class!!

Professor Di Fiori is an amazing Professor. I've read previous comments, and it may have been that Professor changed his curriculum throughout the year. Taking him 2023 Fall, I highly recommend his teaching style if you are willing to go out your comfort zone with a less structured approach to Biology. Assignments are creatives and Group Oriented.

Winter 2024. Professor Di Fiori was easier than my English 1A professor even though I took his fast-paced 6-week course. His grading is very generous and he does give feedback quickly if you email him. The assignments can be tedious, but if you try and manage your time, you're fine. Average on assignments were A+. There are no quizzes or exams.

Professor DiFiori is an amazing person and very caring towards his students. Since the fire happened during the term, he was especially considerate to those who were affected. He's a nice grader and will let you fix anything if you did an assignment wrong. I recommend taking him if you want an easy class with a nice professor!

Took over summer for anatomy and it was a ton of work but he is a super caring prof. responds to emails and gives helpful feedback . pretty easy class, provided the textbooks for the class and every test question was in the modules/chapter linked. He does have sketchbook assignments that took awhile but they honestly helped reinforce the info.10/10