3.7

Ryan Shanks

Biology - University of North Georgia - Dahlonega

3.7
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
54%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
3.7
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
3.8
Helpful
3.6
Clarity

54%

Would Retake

85

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

41

4

20

3

7

2

3

1

14

What Students Say

I had him for cell and immunology and cell biology

32404435 - 4.0 rating

All i have to say is the Shankestermeister

1107 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

48%

Textbook Required

73%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 34 grades
Most common grades:
C (8)
A (8)
B+ (7)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(5)C(8)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(9)
Based on 44 reported grades
C: 8
A: 8
B+: 7
Not sure yet: 6
Common Tags
Tough grader (23)
Lecture heavy (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Test heavy (10)
Get ready to read (9)
Accessible outside class (6)
Tough Grader (5)
Respected (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.19 avg change
Feb
Mar
Apr
Jul
Aug
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

11076

5.0

(1)

IMMUNO

5.0

(1)

BIOL1010

5.0

(3)

IMMUN4435

5.0

(1)

BIO1010

5.0

(1)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1107

5.0

1107K

4.8

BIOL3240K

4.7

3240K

4.5

BIO1107K

4.4

Reviews (85)
3.0
4.0
BIOLLAB
Nov 26, 2007

He is always prepared for class. Very helpful if you go to him. Some material in class unclear but probably because this was his first lab ever. If you show up, pay attention, study, and talk to him when you are unclear you will do well. He will be great once he streamlines his class presentations. He is pretty cool and likes to have fun.

2.0
5.0
BIO1107
Apr 2, 2008

He is horrible! Do not take him if you have a choice. He is very full of himself and likes to play the power card. You can tell he was a loser in college and is trying to make up for it now by being cruel to his students. He gives you no extra credit opportunities and his tests are extremely hard! Once again, DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!

5.0
4.0
IMMUNO
Apr 27, 2008

Yes he is hard, but he has to be. He is not a dream crusher. Those who say that don't need to be in the field of Biology anyway. Dr. Shanks has amazing energy and is really funny to be around outside of class.

4.0
4.0
BIOL1107
Jul 8, 2008

Dr. Shanks is an excellent teacher! He is always organized and prepared for class. The material is difficult (biology is never easy),but he does his best to present it to his students as clearly as possible. I think he lives in his office and is always available to help. He is quick about grading and responding to emails as well.

5.0
5.0
BIOL1010
Aug 24, 2008

Dr Shanks was awesome! I took him over the summer. Make sure to take good notes and you'll do fine. Biology is a hard subject and Shanks did an extremely great job explaining those concepts. Hes really funny too, which makes class time fly by. My favorite class so far.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1010
Oct 15, 2008

Was a great Biology teacher. I was dreading this class, but he made it fun and was completely willing to work with his students. He is the most encouraging teacher at NGA. I LOVE HIM! TAKE HIM!

5.0
3.0
IMMUN4435
Mar 27, 2009

Immuno is not an easy subject in fact it is one of the hardest i have had just because of the material it covered but horribly useful. Dr. Shanks is a energetic and happy go lucky teacher who really cares about his students to the point where he gets depressed when they do poorly. I loved him as a teacher.

5.0
4.0
BIO1010
Jun 21, 2009

Dr Shank is hilarious. I was a business major who really did not care anyhting about biology, but he knew that and tried to focus on the biology that we could apply to our lives. His quizzes are hard and he expects you to UNDERSTAND, not memorize. Go see him if you have a problem. Take him for everything science you can!!!

5.0
4.0
BIO1107
Aug 16, 2009

definitely an upgrade from corotto. shanks is amazing with his students. i cant applaud him more! he teaches a hard subject, but he tries really hard to help you succeed. emails back 100% of the time and helps as much as possible. the class was not easy, but what bio class is? shanks is #1 in the department

5.0
4.0
BIO1107
Oct 14, 2009

Very hard class, especially if you're coming straight out of high school. However, if BIO is your major Shanks is the teacher to have. Will help you in anyway possible.

4.0
5.0
BIO1107
Dec 5, 2009

He is a great teacher and trys to keep the material interesting. However, his tests are very in depth and you really have to study to pass. But a really nice guy and is always open to questions and likes to help. Funny guy!

3.0
5.0
BIOL1107
Apr 1, 2010

Entertaining in lecture. Tests are extremely hard. He contradicts himself at times, so watch yourself when answering questions. Tends to help out the giggly, hair twirling girls and jocks more than anyone else, so if your the smart type, you'll have to chase him down for help.The skirt-chasing thing got a little sickening by the end of the semester

5.0
3.0
BIO1107
May 18, 2010

I enjoyed this class. It was not too bad to take a test every couple weeks opposed to 4/5 a semester. Study your printed notes and UNDERSTAND them bc some of the heavily weighted q's on the test are conceptual.U can get by reading only complicated things instead of every chpt. Study the equations and concepts for lab prac's. Attend most classes!

5.0
4.0
CHEM1211
Jun 7, 2010

The Shankmeister is awesome! Class was always entertaining, but not always clear. Note of advice: wearing a Georgia shirt on test days results in a higher test grade..... Also explains the procedures for making alcohol just for the heck of it. Great class and VERY passionate about the subject!

5.0
1.0
BIOL1010
Oct 1, 2010

ooooh. so. hot. ;) also, he is hilarious and makes biology tolerable. .. and did i mention he's not too terrible to look at? .. he reminds me of Jim from the office!

5.0
3.0
BIO1107
Oct 21, 2010

AMAZING teacher! He tries to keep us engaged and entertained. Lectures are long but funny and lab is tons of fun. Very helpful and has a great sense of humor. It was still a hard class because Biology IS difficult no matter who teaches it.

5.0
4.0
BIOL1107
Oct 27, 2010

Really good at what he does! very funny and makes a long class very entertaining. teaches in a way so that anyone can understand the material. goes easy during labs. helps as much as he can. he wants everyone to pass his class. THIS IS NOT AN EASY "A" CLASS!!! STUDY FOR HIS TESTS!!! I love shanks, and I can't wait to have him for immunology! :D

5.0
2.0
BIO1107
Jan 9, 2011

His class is perfectly passable. All you have to do is STUDY the material. Use the book, it appears his test are largely based on his ppt lectures (whcih he provides) and the books. Vocab is important too so know the terms well. Overall, a decent teacher.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1107
Jun 11, 2011

Dr. Shanks is a very funny man. He really likes his job and tries to make class interesting. Make sure to read the chapter before class so you can get an idea of what you're learning that day. I got a B in that class, but I'm sure I could've earned an A had I studied and dedicated more of my time to it.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1107
Jul 28, 2011

I LOVE DR. SHANKS. OH MY GOSH. He is SO funny, (and extremely attractive in my opinion), and is an unbelievable teacher. Most people get C's and D's in BIOL 1107, I got A's on every single test. I understood everything Shanks taught us, and his format for the class is very practical and not neck-deep. You must take him if given the chance.

4.0
5.0
BIO1107
Mar 28, 2012

Shanks is a great funny teacher and keeps class interesting. This is the hardest class I have ever taken. If you don't read the chapter it will be hard to make a good grade. Also, studying is tough because there is no way to really know what will be on the test. I would suggest him only if you are willing to really work hard.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1107
Apr 2, 2012

Loved him, but very hard class. If you are taking other hard courses, don't take this. A Lot of reading and studying needed to pass. Easy Labs!

4.0
4.0
BIOL1107
Jun 11, 2012

Shanks knows his stuff. The class is very hard especially if you dont take the time to study. I struggled and if you struggle with science I recommend going to study sessions. Overall like everyone said, read and study hard! He is very helpful. Just pay attention in lectures.

2.0
5.0
BIO1107
Aug 21, 2012

this dude is the hardest teacher i have ever had in my life! he is way too smart and i could not understand a single thing that he taught. his tests are ridiculous and they made me cry myself to sleep every night. if you wanna fail take this class.

5.0
4.0
BIOL1107
Dec 11, 2012

Shanks was an awesome teacher! He was very helpful and loved when people went to visit him in is office. If you want an A just study a week prior to the test and go over it regularly. Overall this class is hard if you don't care but easy if you put your dedication to it. Take him. Enough said.

5.0
2.0
BIOL1107
Jan 7, 2013

Professor Shanks is top notch. Very smart man. He wants to see you succeed but he wants you to still work for it and apply yourself. Just take good notes in lecture and know what he says. He will only test you on what he goes over in class so if you know what he said in lecture then you will get a good grade! labs are Easy!

4.0
4.0
BIO1107
Jan 22, 2013

Shanks is a wonderful professor. Tries to help you in many ways to make sure you understand the material. The material itself is difficult to learn so if you don't want to devote at least an hour for studying for this class do not take him. But for people who work hard you will enjoy his class! Very funny guy!

4.0
4.0
BIOL1107
Apr 20, 2013

Extremely hard class. He is a good, smart professor, but you MUST study ultra hard for his tests. Lab was also difficult. He wants to help you do well however, so ask for help if needed. Only take if you're willing to work very hard for a good grade.

5.0
4.0
BIO1107K
May 9, 2013

Dr. Shanks is an awesome professor. His style of lecturing helps put difficult concepts in easy-to-understand terms, and his laboratory assignments are entertaining as well as educational. His exams are very tough but in turn incredibly rewarding, because if you earn a high score on them you can be confident you know the material. Recommended.

5.0
4.0
BIOL
Jun 11, 2013

He's a fantastic person and one of the most helpful professors at UNG. Take him if you get the chance, it's definitely worth it.

4.0
5.0
BIOL3240
Oct 25, 2013

Good teacher but extremely difficult if you're looking for an A -- in which case, I don't recommend taking him.

5.0
2.0
BIO1107
Nov 14, 2013

Shanks was amazing! He made class a joy to go to, and you can tell he really enjoys teaching and helping his students. He's super approachable! The class subject is hard, but his exams come straight from his notes!

5.0
4.0
BIOL1107K
Grade: B+
Jan 5, 2014

Shanks is awesome! Bio 1107 is difficult, but he covers all the material and offers way more help than other professors, he also explains things so that you understand them the first time.

4.0
4.0
BIOL1107K
Grade: C
Jan 6, 2014

This was a very hard class. He gives you the powerpoints, so write down what he says. Tests are very hard, even after hours of studying. He was there to help, but not in the right way for me. Be cautious and study hard!!

2.0
5.0
1107K
Jan 21, 2014

Seriously the worst professor ever.He made me doubt my self-worth after one visit to his office for help. His tests are near impossible. #1 A##H### at North Georgia. Someone please just fire him.

4.0
4.0
32404435
Grade: A
Feb 23, 2014

I had him for cell and immunology and cell biology. No his class is not a breeze but you shouldn't expect it to be, this is college not high school! I rarley used the textbook except for a reference but took VERY detailed notes and got As in both classes.His test are more short answer,essay so you actually have to understand material.

5.0
4.0
BIOL1107
Apr 11, 2014

This guy is awesome! He was one of my first professors in college and he actually made biology interesting. The class is very challenging and he expects a lot but he is always willing to clarify and does a great job of teaching the material! He is also a pretty goofy guy which makes class interesting.

5.0
3.0
BIOL1107K
Grade: B+
Apr 17, 2014

He is an incredible teacher and is very passionate. He makes you want to learn. His class is hard and not for someone with a poor work ethic. His tests are from his powerpoints and what he says in class so its important to actually go to class. Honestly, the lab is harder than the actual class.

4.0
5.0
1107K
Nov 5, 2014

Tons of busy work in labs, but SHOW UP! PAY ATTENTION in lectures- he will test you over the most random comments he comes up with from the powerpoints (not text). Be ready for D2L quizzes- he is very specific and can't decide if he wants something creative or a textbook answer. Good for an occasional laugh, but I would not take his classes again.

4.0
4.0
BIOL1107K
Grade: C
Dec 11, 2014

I wish i had studied way more... This class was required for my major. But taking it during your first semester of college.. well I just hadn't figured it all out yet. READ THE BOOK! Do it before class.. You have to know the material well, know the processes! Hard class but he really is a wonderful prof. and willing to help during office hours.

5.0
3.0
11076
Jan 7, 2015

What a fabulous teacher! As a first semester freshman, this class kicked my butt, and it took me some time to get used to what a college class is really like. His tests are hard, consisting of multiple choice, short answer, fill in the blank. Be sure to go to his office hours and he will clarify anything. SI sessions a must! You can do it!

5.0
4.0
BIO1107K
Grade: B+
Jan 9, 2015

This man has a brilliant mind and his intelligence has no limits. Absolutely the best professor in the biology department. His class is no where near easy but if you really really work for it you'll sure make an A or a B. He is truly an inspiration. Best class I've had so far and looking forward to take upper level biology courses with him.

5.0
4.0
BIO1107K
Grade: B+
Jan 9, 2015

What a professor! This man is brilliant. His intelligence has no limits. He is truly an inspiration and inspired me a lot. His class is very hard and you would have to work really really hard for it to even make a B. But he is the best professor in the biology department. Really looking forward to taking upper level bio class with him.

4.0
5.0
1107
Mar 5, 2015

All i have to say is the Shankestermeister

5.0
4.0
3240K
Grade: A
Jul 20, 2015

Dr. Shanks is very bright and has amazing lectures. He is good at simplifying concepts for the class to understand. However, his tests were tough, yet the quizzes felt terrifying. The quizzes don't count for much, and do a great job preparing you for test questions though. If you are willing to put in the hours, the course won't be too bad.

5.0
4.0
BIO1107K
Grade: A
May 14, 2016

He can be very intimidating at times, but he is a phenomenal professor. He is very quick to grade and respond to emails. He is one of the most professional professional professors I've ever had. It takes hard work and dedication to make an A in his class, but it can be done. I look forward to taking him again for higher level classes

5.0
4.0
BIOL1107KHONORS
Dec 31, 2016
Would take again

Wonderful professor not only to learn from, but to also work with. His teaching style is structured in a way that throws you into the action without much explanation. He likes you to learn from your own actions and curiosity. But of course he's always there to explain any questions you have. It also helps that he's a total stud.

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
1.0
5.0
BIO1107K
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

If you want to pass, this is not the class to take. I took him spring 2016 and 75% of my class withdrew or failed out. I made the mistake of sticking it out to the end so please take my warning seriously. He wants very specific answers so on the lipid membrane saturation question rember to put "free" in front of water or get everything wrong.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
5.0
4.0
BIO1107
Jul 26, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Shanks is one of my favorite professors at UNG. His class is hard, you have to know each concept inside out. He has specific ways he will want you to answer questions so be clear & pay extra attention in lecture. He is passionate about what he does & is very helpful during office hours.

Tough Grader
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
4.0
4.0
3240K
Grade: B+
Dec 18, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Shanks is a wonderful professor. His lectures are captivating and interesting, and you can tell that he really cares about what hes teaching. Yes, his exams are hard and yes he can be a tough grader, but his class is definitely doable. You will succeed if you put in the effort, and hopefully will have fun along the way

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Respected
4.0
4.0
BIO1107
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2017
Would take again

While he was intimidating at first, Dr. Shanks became my fav professor by the end of the semester. I respect him very much for both his abundance of knowledge and his passion for teaching. While this class was difficult because of the amount of information given in a short period of time, I always felt prepared with notes I took from lectures.

Respected
Caring
Would take again
5.0
4.0
BIO1107K
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 9, 2018
Would take again

Shanks is a great professor who really cares about his students. He is very clear about what he wants you to know for his exams and is always available to go over them with you. He's easy to talk to and genuinely wants you to do well. Beware the class is really hard but if you work hard and talk to him you'll be fine.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
3.0
5.0
BIO1107K
Grade: C
May 1, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Shanks is a great professor and a really good lecturer. The tests are far more in depth than you would think. He gives bonus point questions that are hard and that is the only extra credit you will get at all. If you hope that he will curve grades, he won't. Well over half of my class dropped and many of the few left failed.

Tough Grader
Respected
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
BIOL3240
Grade: B
Nov 7, 2018
Would take again

Shanks is tough, but he's genuinely passionate about what he teaches, is really engaging, and is absolutely willing to listen to students and answer any questions. He's happy to help, teaches like he's a southern preacher, and is genuinely just a great teacher, even if students struggle to get great grades.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
3240K
Apr 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I have never done so terrible in a class in my life. The tests are ridiculous. Even if you know all the material, if you don't put the answer in his words, he counts it wrong. If you want to drop your GPA, lose HOPE, and develop a sincere dislike for a professor, take one of his courses. 10/10 do not recommend. Avoid like the plague.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BIOL3240K
Grade: A
May 3, 2019
Would take again

3 exams + a noncumulative final based on application questions so pay attention in lecture. The 1st exam is the hardest. Book is optional, but read it and go to office hours for clarification. Labs were great, we discussed articles, but this was the last semester for dry labs only. Overall, hard, but doable if you put in the work.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
5.0
BIO1107K
Grade: C
May 8, 2019
Would take again

I enjoyed having Dr. Shanks as a professor. He is super smart and interesting and very passionate about what he teaches. He is also so willing to help you on anything. However the content is hard and takes every ounce of studying. The tests are not cumulative which is great but you really have to understand the content. Labs are great.

Test heavy
Caring
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIO1107K
Grade: B
Jun 15, 2019
Would take again

His class is incredibly difficult but it is worth every second! He really makes an effort to get to know his students. He's definitely considerate in how he grades and he is always willing to answer questions.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
5.0
5.0
BIO1107K
Grade: C
May 9, 2020
Would take again

This class was probably the hardest class I've ever taken especially for a freshman. Halfway through the year, he did say that about half the class either failed or dropped out. However, Shanks is such an amazing professor that I truly felt I had the opportunity to pass. I couldn't have done it with a bad professor. Honest, Caring, great explainer

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL3240K
May 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Do not take Dr. Shanks. He has yet to learn a proper lecturing technique and does not formulate his exams fairly based on the material he "teaches" in class. He said the textbook was not required, but the only way I learned any concepts from this class was by the book. His ego is too big to be a caring and professional professor.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIOL3240
Grade: A+
May 22, 2020
Would take again

This is a hard class, but he encourages you to actually think. He will tell you what topics will be on the test so if you pay attention in lecture, there aren't many surprises on the exams. Labs are casual. Write down what he says (not just the slides) and know how to APPLY the info. He's very open to questions as long as they aren't dumb.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BIO3240
Grade: B+
Oct 12, 2020
Would take again

Cell Bio is a hard class! You have to work for a good grade no doubt. Overall, I liked Dr. Shanks, he did a good job presenting the material. He lectures heavy but is a pretty funny guy. He grades pretty harshly but if you study hard and thoroughly using lecture notes and the text book you will be just fine. He truly cares for his students.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
1107K
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This professor is a very nice man, but he focuses too much on telling you that he cares about your grade, other classes, life outside of school, etc. yet he does nothing to help you in class. The tests/quizzes are confusing and horribly worded but the labs are really easy to understand and helpful. I would not suggest taking this class.

Accessible outside class
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
4.0
5.0
BIOL1107
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 6, 2021
Would take again

This is a really cool dude and arguably the smartest dude Ive ever met. But this is hardest class Ive ever taken. Absolute reality check of a class. Study your absolute ass off or you will fail

Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
BIOL3240
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2021
Would take again

lectures go 2-4 minutes overtime each day, but overall his class is good. It starts off easy and then the last module (the material on the final) was pretty tough. Make sure you work hard in the beginning so you have a cushion for the final. Some test questions are worded weird but he always gives back points if he thinks it was confusing

Respected
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
3240K
Grade: B-
May 7, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Shanks is a great professor. The reason this class is difficult is not because of him, but because of the material itself. Make sure to go to his office hours and ask questions. He is also a great resource for undergrad research! He goes the extra mile to help you as a student! Do the learning goals he provides and study with the lecture notes.

Tough grader
Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
3240K
Grade: C
Nov 10, 2022

RUN. Dr. Shanks makes his class very hard to get a good grade in anything from assignments to quizzes to tests. I love science courses but the way he set us up to fail was harsh. his tests are impossible to study for as it is not the material we learn in class AT ALL. good luck if you have him

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
5.0
5.0
BIO1107
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Shanks is a great professor. You can really tell that he loves teaching and he always goes the extra mile to help us. He doesn't want anyone to fail. However, be ready for lots of study and a very difficult coarse.

Tough grader
Hilarious
Respected
3.0
5.0
1107K
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2022

Getting an A is next to impossible here. 15% of your grade is weekly group projects in class you don't have enough time for. He refuses to answer questions about lab work. His tests are brutal, he words things incredibly confusingly. Based on lab and test averages, 1 person will get an A in this class. Avoid.

Tough grader
Group projects
5.0
4.0
1107K
Grade: Rather not say
Feb 12, 2023
Would take again

This professor is one of the nicest dudes I've ever had teaching. That being said, he makes you work for the grade. It will be extremely difficult but he does so in order to make sure you 100% comprehend the stuff (i.e. trick questions etc). That being said, I am considering a neuro minor due to him

Tough grader
Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
1107
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 20, 2023

This class made me change my major. Dr. Shanks gives some of the most poorly worded questions on tests/quizzes I've seen in my entire life. Everything is multiple choice but he openly says he knows what common misconceptions are and he puts those as options. He does not give help, lectures a lot, and tells you random information you don't need.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
1107K
Grade: D
Nov 16, 2023

Dr. Shanks is a very nice guy, but many of his lectures are very heavy and prolonged. You have to pay attention in class to do well on the tests. His tests have multiple-choice answers, but some questions are confusing and complicated. He was not very helpful with some of the lecture assignments, and you will also be doing graphing in labs. AVOID

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
1107K
Grade: D
Dec 13, 2023

Dr. Shanks is a genetics professor. His bio 1107 is very lecture heavy and highly dependent on cell structure. Tests are abnormally difficult. The class average for my year was a D. tests are based on his lectures. He's an incredibly tough grader and I personally feel like he did not help me understand the material during office visits.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO1107K
Grade: C
Dec 14, 2023

Get ready to study a lot.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
1107K
Grade: A-
May 2, 2024

the fact that his rating is so high is weird to me. This class was made a million times harder than it needed to be, lectures were long and hard to follow, and his assignments were difficult because he refuses to say what he wants. There is no homework which actually makes it so hard to absorb the material

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
BIOL4435
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jun 13, 2024

Had professor previously and loved the class. Withdrew from this class. Very difficult for a major elective class. Recorded lectures, vocab list and learning goals given. No pdf powerpoints though. HW due weekly in outside learning platform. Weekly quizzes but you can't see your answers after submitted since quiz grades "reflect study habits"

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL4435
Grade: C
Jul 9, 2024

Most terrible class ever taken. He grades papers very tough and he often gives little instructions. His exams are also hard even though he tests only from the lecture videos. Get ready to focus only on this class cause taking more than this will kill you

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
3240K
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 11, 2025

Ryan Shanks is a great guy and harbors a caring personality, a stark contrast to his teaching methods. Be prepared for harsh grading on assignments that often have unclear instructions.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
BIOL4435
Grade: A-
Feb 18, 2025

No positive reviews in the last two years, trust them.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIOL4435
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 27, 2025

Don't do it

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
BIOL3240K
Grade: D+
Apr 10, 2025

Great guy really nice and caring but a terrible teacher he is a really hard grader. Majority of his exam questions are trick questions which are made to trip you up. He treats his class as if it's a graduate level course when it's not. Overall I wouldn't take him if you can take someone else or go to a different campus.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BIOL4435
Grade: B
Jul 23, 2025
Would take again

Despite everything I've heard about Shanks, I had a decent experience. Being an online class, he was VERY strict about assignments, ANY possible cheating, and we had quizzes every week. He is a pretty good teacher though, lectures are good and test are fair. He's very communicative. Although for an online course, it was a lot of work.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
BIOL4435
Grade: A
Jul 29, 2025
Would take again

I'm in Pharmacy school now, and our immunology exams are not nearly as critical and comprehensive as Dr. Shank's test questions. Dr. Shanks' lecture is organized extremely well, whereas other professors say everything all at once with no clear start or end, no emphasis. I'm coasting through grad school because this class taught me so well.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO3240
Grade: B+
Aug 8, 2025
Would take again

Very effective organization. Time management skills/good study habits are required. Even though it's a tough class with hard exams there are many other points in other categories to earn. Dr. Shanks genuinely cares about his students. He's willing to help them in any way he can, even in areas outside of his class as long as he can see your effort.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
BIOL1107
Grade: A
Oct 1, 2025
Would take again

He is an amazing professor. Handsome, smart and inspirational.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Hilarious
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

48%

Textbook Required

73%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 34 grades
Most common grades:
C (8)
A (8)
B+ (7)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(5)C(8)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(9)
Based on 44 reported grades
C: 8
A: 8
B+: 7
Not sure yet: 6
Common Tags
Tough grader (23)
Lecture heavy (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
Test heavy (10)
Get ready to read (9)
Accessible outside class (6)
Tough Grader (5)
Respected (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.19 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

11076

5.0

(1)

IMMUNO

5.0

(1)

BIOL1010

5.0

(3)

IMMUN4435

5.0

(1)

BIO1010

5.0

(1)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1107

5.0

1107K

4.8

BIOL3240K

4.7

3240K

4.5

BIO1107K

4.4

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