I got an A on his class. You have to study. He is helpful.

Good to have for lab but covers a ton of material in a short time. Friendly and easy going. Enjoyed the class even though I hate Micro. Heard nightmares about him as a lecturer though as sometimes it's difficult to understand what he's saying.

Is a very encouraging person. On a one on one basis he explains things well, and has lots of patience.

Very well knowledged on subject. Willing to help students who want to perform better.

stop complaining ppl!! yea he is a little hard to understand but if you read the book, you ace the test!!!

I don't understand what all the complaining is about? I BARELY went to class, studied from the book and earned an A. This class was seriously not that hard if you put in effort to read the book. From my experience it's always the students who do poorly that complain. Teachers just dont hand out A's, you have to earn it.

Extremely difficult professor. And I did do well in his class but still found his lectures difficult to follow. Not a good idea to take this guy in the summer, 6 weeks is not enough to master his way of teaching. Memorize the book if you hope to pass.

Professor Rao is an excellent teacher: Knowledgeable, competent, eager to have his student understand the concepts especially when it is difficult. He has a nice sense of humor and is respecful of his student. My next course will Microbiology: I will make sure to choose his class. I highly recommend him.

Good prof. Just study what he gives you.

Professor is very hard, only way you can pass is to really study his material which he does give out to his students. I took him for lecture...

Really nice man! Drops lowest test score. Lectures on powerpoint and on his website. I just studied those and the review questions from the textbook and got an A. He tries very hard to get the students interested. I would recommend him to anyone that cares about their school work.

Professor Rao is the best!!! He gives you powerpoint notes, and only multiple choice questions. As long as you are happy with your grade you do not have to go for his final. He makes the class fun with his jokes and he is a very caring professor. THE BEST!!!!! LS

Prof. Rao was very easy to understand, covered information required without excess. Approachable and very nice! I would be happy to have him again!

Real easy going.Likes to joke occasionally. Gives good lectures. Exam questions are tough but straight from the book and his notes. Sometimes a little hard to understand his accent.

Bio is hard...if u are not interested u r probably going into the wrong field. U need to put in the time if u want a good grade. Prof Rao is a very good teacher...he's fair and tries to make sure u understand. If u really want to learn he can help you...if u r just looking for an easy A...find another profession.

A fair professor. He gives out specific notes for each chapter. You only need to attend class and get the book if you need further clarification on his notes. 5 exams and you can drop one. All multiple choice. You literally have to memorize his hand-outs to do well on the exams. Not an easy A but study the hand-outs and you will do well.

Nice guy...approachable....fair grading...all multiple choice...tests from his handouts only but the book is needed to help understand. Bio is difficult so you have to study to get a good grade. Very down-to-earth.

I have to say his bio lab is pretty brutal & I really don't complain about tough classes as a rule. I just find it insane that I'm doing better in lecture than lab when lab usually helps to bring your grade up. Quiz every week & more material and detail than in lecture - nice man & very helpful but avoid him if you can.

Rao has become one of my favorite teachers at UCC. He not only has the knowledge but has worked in the field so he gives very interesting tidbits about microbiology today and offers a different point of view because he is not originally from the US. Loved, loved, loved his lecture and lab classes. He has inspired me to pursue biotechnology.

His test are really hard. You really have to understand the matter for the test. Memorizing is not gonna work. Besides the test hes pretty good. Just be prepared for his tests.

Hes very funny but his tests are extremely difficult (even though it is only micro-lab). I had him for microbiology lab and it did not help my lecture grade at all. So sorry even though I like him I'd have to say he needs to losen up a little on the test questions.

Professor Rao is a very fair professor. I had him for lab. If you attend all his classes and pay very good attention to what he is saying you will do fine. Most of his quizes are based off of his handouts. I think he's a great professor and recommend taking him.

His exams are not easy. He test your understanding of the subject. He is fair and is very helpful to students. If you really study his notes and attend classes you will be OK. However, if you are lazy stay away from his class as his first exam will expose all the cracks in your armour.

I got an A in his Summer 1 BIOL 108 class. I read comments on here prior to taking him and was nervous due to the bad reviews. I want to say, he is an excellent teacher in the Bio department. I barely used the lab book to study. I just stuck to studying his notes real well and Aced all his tests. He has a great personality too!

Prof Rao, is an excellen professor. all you need to do is study his notes really well and you will do well in his class. he is very detailed so youu need to pay attention in class. whatever he talks about in his lectures usually is on the tests. if you want to learn and also want a fair teacher take him for micriology lab and lecture.

He is very nice and funny, he makes class interesting by telling stories and making jokes. His class is not easy though and you do need to study hard and dedicate time to it, but he is very nice and understanding.

1. He does NOT require the textbook for 108, he gives you the slides handout and that is the only thing you need to study. 2. you actually NEED to study, so anyone who failed it's because they did not take time to actually learn the material and blame the professor for it. 3. He is extremely nice and will help you understand and give good examples

He is very nice and sweet; his jokes and stories are quite interesting and can make you laugh quite a bit. He does not require you to go to class or to get the textbook, he gives you handouts. He is also very good for lab and explains everything very clearly. you do need to study for his class and make sure you know the information.

Very helpful, very good at teaching, and very funny. I would definately recommend him for Bio 108 and Bio 108 lab.

He gives you a lot of information, but what type of bio/nursing student are you if you're not willing to do the work. he is nice and helpful so he will not ignore you. It's good that he does not require the book because that's less money to spend.

HE IS HARD PROFESSOR BUT VERY FUNNY AND HELPFUL. HIS EXAMS ARE NOT EASY BUT IF YOU ARE NURSING STUDENT I WOULD RECOMMEND TAKING HIM.IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND HIS POWER POINT NOTES YOU HAVE TO READ BOOK.

He is a wonderful, awsome, and nice professor. I love his exams and he says jokes during class and the jokes are related to what we are learing. thank you for everything.

I took Bio for the 3rd time, and finally passed it!!! he is not easy but extremely helpful!!!! he is always willing to take out time aside to explain anything that seems confusing to you... I would definately recommend him!!!

His tests are very particular so study every detail of the packets. The book is not required and he reads almost completely off his packet. The class itself is geared mostly toward clinical aspects of microbio so not a good choice for a bio elective if you are not going into the medical field but still lots to learn from it.

Prof. RAO is an excellent professor, he is helpful, very smart, not lazy at all, explains all subjects matter and you do not even need to open the book 'cause he strictly follow his hand outs. Be prepared for his classes, study for exams and you will be fine.

he is excellent and very helpful to all students. he tells awesome jokes in class which relate to the topic. I would recommend him as a teacher for bio.

Had him for microbio lab. Excellent professor. Very easy going, very nice guy. Made the class very interesting, I learned a lot from him. Saves you money, dont have to buy a book. Keep and study his handouts and you can get a good grade. His tests are not too bad at all. I would def recommend him! Great professor!

Excellent teacher. he doesn't usually teach bio 101 or 102 so if you need these classes please take him!!! Ive had other bio teachers at this school, he is by far the best. can make you understand any concept as he tells jokes that pertain to subject. easy tests if you study his handouts and understand them. don't need book.he cares about students

So HAPPY with professor Rao,he was a fantastic teacher who made a hard subject easy to learn.No homework or papers.Just multiple choice tests. Study the slide notes he gives you and you will ace the test. Concepts are easy if you review and ask questions. Tests are not hard if you study/review.No final if all tests above 86%.Got an A thanks to him!

Great Professor because he is very helpful. All the material comes of his slides. His tests are fair, lecture is clear and understandable, & you can get by his lecture without buying a textbook. Best recommendation is to study, study, study; you don't want to fall behind because when it comes time for the test, it will pile up believe me.

Had Professor Rao for Micro Lab and he was great. Very helpful.. all the information came from his slides no need for the book. His tests are ok you need to study. Overall I would recommend him.

great prof. He gives you helpful notes therefore you dont need to purchase the book. I am not saying he is easy because the material is not a piece of cake but he really takes his time to explains in details in ways you can better understand. also if you do good throughout the semester you dont need to take final exam

I recommend this professor 100%! I am a student traveling from Brooklyn. Unfortunately the $20 train ride is very steep so I appreciate a professor that doesn't require 100% attendance. Professor Rao has all his material online @SaifRao.tk and you don't need the text book because all his test are straight from his notes. He is very anal so you must study his notes as if your doing brain surgery. However, as long as your informed the week before the test about where to stop studying. You'll Pass!

My friend take BIO 108 with professor Saif Rao, and She recommended me his hand outs for BIO 105. These hand outs are really good. I have already registered for his classes for next semester.

Best professor for bio, he was very helpful, understanding, and cares about the students passing his class! I would highly recommended him! The material is very hard , so study study and you will pass!

I read the comments before registering with him. The material is hard and there is a lot of information. I passed but it was not easy and I studied. He is a great Professor. His lecture exams are hard. You have to know everything. His labs are a bit easier. He is very fair and is there to help you. He is funny too

So many people complain that he's tough, but honestly if you study and pay attention it's not a hard "A." He doesn't care about the book and provides slides of everything you need to know. Just learn them and you'll do well. Plus, he is funny and a genuinely good guy.

i think he is both a great professor and a great person. i really recommend taking him for micro, makes the topic interesting for someone who was really dreading the course.

Good professor, very clear explanations, but very very obsessed with the questions in his test. He enjoys when the whole class fail. Don't take him I have nightmares with him.

Lab manual not needed. He hands out packets and gives a week advance notice to upcoming tests. Everything is from the packet so study and memorize it. He's a great professor, and all he can do is present you with the information for you to study, so you either know the material or you don't. If you have difficulty with accents, record the class.

He is very smart and a great prof. Biology is a hard subject and contains a lot of information. As long as you study hard and attend the classes, you will do well. Idk why ppl keep commenting that he is difficult, maybe because u just want easy way out. There is no easy way out with science!! Dont blame the prof because ure lazy! he was great!

Good professor. Funny You will learn a lot. In lab you dont need a book. He is very helpful. Listen and pay attention in class.

Great professor! All exam questions were straight from his notes, textbook not required. He gives NO study guides so make sure you know the handouts but everything is there, people are just lazy and want everything handed to them. He gives great examples to help you understand the material. I enjoyed his class and learned a lot.

The best Prof. in UCC, he explain every chapter in detail. I guess those student writing negative comment about Prof. Roa just don't want to study. Best Microbiology Prof.

Highly recommend. Book not needed & attendance isnt mandatory. He is funny & uses examples that help you remember the info. He does more than he has to for his students. My only issue was that he asks very specific questions on his tests, things you might overlook on the packet. But its all there, so study hard! Take him for the lab too if you can

This professor was a role model and also refreshens up on prior biology classes. He really does want his students to pass. Great professor

Prof. Rau is a great professor. A lot of people complain about his test,but he gives out a handout and EVERYTHING that will be on his test are in the handouts. Read the handouts like a bible and you will pass his test. Book and attendance are not mandatory. He is also HILAROUS. He is very informative and knows his stuff. I would def take him again.

Great teacher. Sticks to material but you have to do your part and study to understand material not memorize. Best bio I have ever taken and I have taken a few already. My respect to this professor

Great professor. Imparts knowledge very well, and in a very friendly manner as well. He's funny and makes class not only interesting, but also fun. From being in his class, I get the impression he is a great dad. If you want to learn and have a good time doing it - take his class!

I took this class at night so him being hilarious to keep me awake had me paying attention. You don't need the book !! His test are from his handouts. Study every slide you will get an A or B! He checks attendance every class. It's only 3 test and a final! A little challenging but it's worth your grade! And I dislike science but I worked for my B!

Great Prof. the material is not easy but he gives his student EVERYTHING they need to pass, he is great at making the material easy to understand during lectures. Very well organized, says what he wants. Not tricky at all he really wants students to learn & not just memorize. He provides students w/ packets so books are not really needed.

He gives you everything you need in the lecture slides. That being said, his lectures truly embellish the material on the slides and skipping lecture is doing yourself a disservice. Not only does he seem to care about students, but he also has incredible insight on the world of microbiology & how it affects our daily lives. Very interesting class!

Professor Rao definitely has the most entertaining lectures. He's really funny and has great analogies so he really does a great job at keeping students engaged. He gives you detailed packets and the textbook is not even necessary as everything is covered in his notes. I took him for lab but I heard that for lecture he is a bit tougher.

DO NOT EVER SKIP CLASS.. He is amazing really took him for Lab and didn't have to take the final. STUDY and get your A too. And nothing comes easy in life also.

Gave us packet handouts he calls our "textbook". I usually read the book to get a clear understanding of the material, and a packet with bullet-facts couldn't do it for me. He's funny, lectures too fast sometimes (makes up for it by recording lecture). Just my opinion, but his teaching style just wasn't for me; I struggled, partly my fault.

Great professor. very insightful. very knowledgeable. read the material for understanding and study hard. record lectures. attend every class. this class is very tough. a lot of information so get ready to work.

Professor Rao is a dedicated teacher. He is there to teach you and tries to explain the concepts so students can understand. Pay attention. The exams are reasonable. Read the book, read the powerpoint, read the material in the Pearson mastering if you want to ace his class. If you want to learn, register under Prof Rao.

Funny professor and makes your feel comfortable. BUT beware of his tests. the first test is easy, but he switched up purpose and makes it hard, and the third. He will drop one bad grade. If you do good on the first 3 test, no need to take final exam. Don't bring water or food in class. Don't miss class either. PLEASE PAY ATTENTION!!!

I'm not gonna lie, this Professor gives you too much information to study which is a good thing. I've become responsible when it comes to studying because he doesn't give an easy A grade. You need to work hard for it. So if you're a lazy human being, this professor is not for you.

Professor Rao it's amazing! Take him if you really want to learn. Makes the entire class feel comfortable and he is super funny. He makes you work for your grade, but that is the reason why we go to school. My grade wasn't the highest, but I got to learn so much. I wouldn't think it twice to have him as my professor again. Thank you Prof. Rao

Prof. Rao is a excellent professor. I had him this Fall for lab and lecture! He's funny, makes the class interesting especially with his analogies. Yes you have to work hard and study alot, it is a Biology course, but having him is a good start! Take him and Good luck!!

Listen to lecture , he actually post them so no need to record . Dont skip class , everything you need is in the slides . I took this class with nursing 2 and survived you can do it too! His exams are straight from his power points no need to buy the book . Enjoy

Prof. Rao doesn't use book, he gives handouts prepared from the book. You have a test at the end of each handout (+ final), not every meeting class; you have to study in order for you to pass. For his office hours, he meets you in class, and he allows practice. He's funny, and approachable, you feel comfortable in class. I Highly recommend S. Rao.

I'm not really sure why there are so many negative comments... Prof Rao is a great professor! Do the work, get the grade. It's that simple! He will work with you and let you know what you need to earn in order to pass with either a C, B, A. He doesn't require a textbook and provides slides that his test are based on! I would definitely take him 2x!

He definitely isn't the easiest professor, but he is a GREAT ONE. He tells you flat out how the class will go on the first day. His tests are strictly on the handouts he provides. He is by the book, but a genuinely really nice person and helpful. He does keep you until the end of every class period, so I would say take him for lecture over lab.

Great professor. Very knowledgeable and doesnt make you feel stupid for asking dumb questions. Hes pretty understanding. Definitely have to read the PowerPoints, which are very straightforward. Dont take this class if youre lazy, though.

Coming into this class I was really nervous as this isnt my best subject and I had read so many bad comments about him beforehand. I was unable to switch teachers because it was already too late. But Im glad I didnt. He is such a great professor and I really learned a lot from him. If u just study his PowerPoint notes u will pass. Memorize!

Great professor. super smart and easy. just study his handouts and you will pass his exams.

Its so funny I was running away from professor Rao, signed up for another professor and was placed in his class. I was so nervous, hes really a good teacher just have to read over the hands out and memorize every single thing, dont leave a page until u remember and understand everything. He has office hours dont be afraid to talk with him.

Loved this guy Hes funny and willing to help. Yes you need to do the work however he practically feeds it to you. He makes hand outs as long as you study you will be fine.

I took Professor Rao for BIO108 LECTURE during spring of 2020. He is passionate about teaching. Biology is my least favorite subject. He had no issue answering ALL my stupid questions and made sure I understood everything before he moved on while teaching. I noticed some people complaining about his accent on this site. It wasnt so bad at all.

Professor Rao is honestly the best teacher I've ever had for an advanced science course. I thought that I would fail Micro in the beginning because i had a different, horrible lab teacher but all the extra work that Rao offers allowed me to maintain a stellar grade in his lecture class. I was able to walk away with a B+! So thankful!

Professor Rao is a great professor, but if you want to pass his class you need to study, take notes during lecture, and read the book. Read the book to get a good understanding also, do not just use the PowerPoint print outs to study. If you do take him online you have to make sure to do very well on the midterm and final or else you will not pass.

Professor Rao is a great professor and I learned a lot from him. Take him because you want to learn and you will. You have to study, take notes during lecture, and read the book. Do not just read the print outs use the book also. If you do take him online make sure you study hard especially for the midterm and final grade.

Professor Rao is great, his lectures are long and he does give homework. But his test are based off his lecture notes and the homework assignments. He always gives breaks during his online lectures which was nice since it is a lot of information. I will be taking another course with him.

Prof. Rao provided ppt.'s for his lectures; lectures are recorded and can be found in each lecture week. Tests are based off the ppts. he provides. Assignment due dates were reasonable. He was available by appt. to review previous weeks quizzes. Do not wait until the final exam to review them all with him. Ill be taking him for BIO-108.

Prof. Rao runs a tough but rewarding class. Lectures are dense, so take notes and read the textbook. Use unstuck AI and other study aids to stay on top of it. Not for the faint of heart, but worth the effort.