4.0
Quality3.7
Difficulty33%
Would Retake170
Reviews33%
Would Retake
170
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
109
4
21
3
8
2
9
1
23
What Students Say
“Johnson is a "my class, my world" professor”
BIOL202 - 1.0 rating“Johnson proudly acknowledges he makes this course much harder than it should be”
BIO202 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
76%
Textbook Required
87%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
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Declining
-0.87 avg changeRatings by Course
BIOL
5.0
(1)BIOL456
5.0
(2)PHSC101
5.0
(1)BIO456
5.0
(2)BIOL201
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
ORNO001
5.0
BIO
4.0
BIOL
4.0
BIO202
3.9
202
3.8
Reviews (170)
passionate about subject, extremely clear and understanding of students' needs,
Make sure you have a friend take the class with you. He is wonderful!!!
Dr J is a Great teacher
very enthusiastic
Ornithology. Fun. Great class, Great teacher.
such a nice guy!
Good Teacher-Funny-VERY Specific Grader!
Awesome teacher, funny!
he may be funny...but he's an ass when it comes to grading
hard class but he is great/GO TO CLASS/DO WORK/no book
Be prepaired to do A LOT of work. Tests = 5 pages of written answers. Good Luck.
He is very enthusiastic about teaching. Loved his class. Must study. Will help you if asked. Wants to see students succeed.
Dr J. Is a great teacher. One hell of a performer, he keeps everyone interested. He mixes things up in lab with field trips and...er... mating games. Unfortunately he is not as personable as one would expect when stopping in his office for help.
He is very helpful and caring about his students and teaches things that you actually want to learn about.
If you want any sanity, Do Not--I repeat-- Do Not take this professor. Brave soul to say so. Pple drop'd like his birds in his class. His ESSAYS are impossible if you don't write exactly what he wants. Study Groups, a definite, and attendance a MUST.
My favorite prof ever... seriously. His tests are freaking hard but if you go to class and study you'll do fine. Hes interesting and knows his stuff, and wants you to do well. Easy to approach, fun classes, take him! =)
VERY HARD TESTS - ALL ESSAYS, you must know the absolute definitions he wants in order to get good grades. The trick is, you must define terms in your answers. Easy to reach, ask for help - you will then get B or A depending on you effort.
He has jokes sometimes, if you are not serious about Bio, then you need to take someone else. he doesn't give extra credit. He does take attendance atleast 3/4 out of 5 days. His test are very tricky and they are all essays (25-30 questions)stress!!!
Test are hard. NO EXTRA CREDIT!!lots of lab hm wk. humor (okay). if you dont do well on test or do hm wk he will be a major ****. doesn't try to help you on how to improve on test.test-long long essays.Dont take as Gen Ed-not a easy class or easy A.
I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS HE IS A DIFFICULT TEACHER AND IF YOU WANT AN EASY COURSE THIS IS NOT THE ONE. HIS TEST ARE CRZY ALL ESSAYS. YOU NEVER HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO GET YOUR THOUGHTS TOGETHER. IF YOU LIKE BIRDS/OUTSIDE TAKE HIM BUT BE PREPARED!!!!!!!!!!
Dr Johnson is a fantastic professor, who has a sense of humor, is easy to approach (if you can catch him at the end of class ;p) and loves for everyone to do well. Fun labs, and he loves the subject. Yes, tests are hard, but dont let that deter you!!
Although he is very demanding, he bends over backwards to help students do well. As long as you care, he cares. If you are a slacker though he won't waste his time with you. He is funny and teaches much interesting stuff.
Dr. Johnson is demanding, but he is kind and willing to help. He definitely knows his material and does a good job in keeping your interest. Yet I recommend that you enter this class with a good background in science or the course will seem like Greek.
i love him, you have to work really hard, but he knows what he's talking about. tests are directly from the study guides. plus, he's hot . . .
I bet his house is filled with stuffed birds. An interesting class and professor. He gives out every note he shows in class which lets you laern concept instead of writing. I thought the tests were average almost easy for the bio tests here.
Dr. J comes across as a tough cookie but is really a sweetheart. Has a great sense of humor. Definately study the study guides for exams and should do fine. Cares about students success and willing to clarify any questions or concerns.
Great professor. He knows his stuff and makes it understandable to his students. He expects you to be serious about his class--i.e. you must show up and pay attention. Plus, we got to read research articles! Best class I took at Towson.
I can't say enough good things. Great attitude towards teaching. Extremely helpful if he sees that you put your time into the class. Best bio prof at Towson. The tests may be challenging but he teaches so that students learn & remember.
Great guy! Very passionate about teaching and if you are interested in the material you will be fine. Tests are almost all essay, just study the study guides and you'll be fine. Labs are easy, not too much other homework other than studying. Definitely take if you don't mind working a bit!!
The man is a ****bag, takes himself way too seriously and forces umerciful amounts of busywork on you. Ridiculous for a 200 level class, avoid this guy!
He is an okay teacher. He is nice and all, but the way he grades is bull****. He does essay tests but he system of grading is ridiculous. He gives you study guides, but they only help if you answer the study guides exactly like he wants you to since the tests are usually a lot like the study guides
No Comments
this guy is very demanding and he sucks AVOID
A really good class to take for bio majors. He goes over everything really clearly and class isnt too boring. Do the study guides ahead of time and go to review sessions. Material is pretty interesting. Labs are boring and kinda pointless, but easy and the hw from labs will raise your grade.
I thought this class was awesome. I love his style of teaching because I actually learned and retained information. Labs are fun and easy (you go to the park) tests ( mutiple choice and short answer) are really not bad if you study the study guides. Little easy lab hws and that about it. TAKE!
if you don't memorize things exactly as he words them, then you get test questions wrong. write til your hand hurts on all tests!! he wants short answers, but then says you didn't write enough! kept us late every night. cut class short by a month to go study his birds, 2 exams in last 4 weeks
I thought this class was awesome. He basically gave us a review sheet for every exam. Exams were LONG and alot of writing. We got out a month early!! And class was very cool. Highly reccommended.
He does give you a study guide but if you dont word things like he wants it then its wrong. not very helpful has favorites
Awseome teacher. If you pay attention and do the study guides (the tests are straight from them), you will get an A in his class. If you have questions or need help, he will be more than happy to help you. He also gives fantastic examples to help you remember the info!
He is the best bio teacher ever! He's very helpful and funny. There is a lot of work involved but it's worth it if you're a bio major. Take him!
No Comments
He is a very nice guy. The class is a little more interesting then most cause he's not boring. Tests are essay so you have to know you're stuff and its about all understanding what he teaches you. I was in danger of not getting a C and passed with a B b/c i busted my butt so be prepared to study.
Tests appear to be easy but his grading is ridiculous. Word things exactly as he does in order to get the points on the test. Lots of tests and huge study guides. Excellent teacher but too strick of a grader. Hardly gave any A's in the class- mostly low B's and C's
Great professor, and so smart! He has "hot brains" ladies!
Great Teacher! I am a computer science major and have to take some upper level science. If you have any interest in bio I highly recommend him! He is very organized and tells you exactly what is going to be on his tests with his study guides. Although it is a lot of material, he keeps it interesting and will help you every step of the way
Very funny, quick witted, keeps the class interesting, passionate about the subject, used to teach in lower level schools (ie. middle school etc.) so he's very good at making sure you "get it" when he's teaching. People think the tests are hard, but really if you listen well and take notes, tests are easy. dont take if your not into biol. goodteach
I don’t know why someone would say he doesn’t give A's... so far we have had 3 tests and my average is like a 92... the labs are really easy barely any homework from them... and what little homework there is from them you have a week to do... He basically tells you exactly what’s going to be on the test you just need to study it
Very good teacher! Makes the subject very interesting and amusing! Tests are long but not hard if you study the overheads and pay attention in class! He gives very clear directions on test study guides! Provides review sessions before exams for clarifying potential exam questions! Lab is easy, homework is not much! I will definitely recommend him!
This class is great! If you are interested in Animal Behavior, than obviously this is the class for you. I learned so many interesting things this semester. It was my favorite class by far. Dr. Johnson is a great professor and is extremely helpful. He gives great study guides and there's no book to buy. I highly recommend this class.
Dr. J is a very entertaining teacher; he also is up-to-date on the material. i enjoyed his animal behavior class more than any other at towson
Do not take this class. He does not care about his students and is very condesending. It is awesful because he wants to fail kids to make himself feel better. Who ever wrote that he is an amzing teacher is not that great.
Awful, do NOT reccomend- he told me to drop the class and take an easier teacher... didn't even bother to help me or anyone else get a better grade. There were students in my class who took his class before trying to pass again- and failing. Hes a bad teacher.
Dr. J is a GREAT professor, by far one of my favorites at Towson. His lectures are clear and he even gives you study guides for the exams. He WANTS you to do well, but you do have to do your part. It's important to go to class and do your work, but he practically give's you the exam before you take it. He's a nice guy and VERY fair. :)
Excellent professor! Couldn't be more clear-cut. Attend class, be engaged, and do his exam study guides. You better study your ass off! He's tough and demanding. But, be dedicated, and he's totally on your side. Show limited interest, and that's what he'll reciprocate with. Attentive students are rewarded with attentive professors. Go figure!
He is in fact not a great teacher at all. Don't let positive comments fool you (i think that he writes them). ALl of the tests are essay and only 2 or 3 multiple choice- it's like he wants the power to give you whatever grade he wants since it is essay question only. Awful teacher: DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!
The person below me probably expected to do nothing in the class and pass. Dr. J has incredibly informative lectures with study guides for each one to backup the material. If you go to the lectures and do the study guides you will be fine. He even holds study groups before every test to address any concerns about the material.
Very nice professor...easy to get along with and very helpful. You have to do the work and show some amount of initiative, or your grade will definitely suffer. Even if you are a non-major, definitely take this professor. He makes the material easy to understand...and the class is pretty interesting. Highly recommend.
He is an excellent proffesor. Always willing to help those that are willing to put in the effort. Tests are ok, all essays. I deffinitly suggest you take him.
Dr J is a true pedagogue. Not only are his lectures outlined to provide maximum understanding, but he also posts up study guides that make no secret as to what will be on upcoming tests. He is attentive to queries. Those who dislike him simply don't put in enough effort, which is sad if you're thinking of a career in science. A nerd's McDreamy.
Good teacher, interesting subject, alot of material to study...but concepts are simple. some math but its easy
What can I say abt this professor? He is one of the best professors I have had so far. The class was demanding, but if you work hard, you will def. get thru it. It's a great class, and all the credit goes to Dr. J. He can explain things really well. He can make the lcass interesting. He is really orgnaized with his lecture notes. 2thumbs up for him
Dr. Johnson is a great teacher. He knows how to make really boring material (in some opinions)fun and interesting. He is a tough grader, but if you go to class and do the study guides, then you would do fine in his class.
I loved this class! He keeps it interesting with current research and his enthusiasm is contagious. Dr J. is very helpful to those who try and is very understanding.
Excellent professor, great class! Dr. J provides study guides for each lecture instead (mostly) of textbook reading. (however textbook is great supplement) Study guides are necessary test prep and teach you HOW to study. A must have skill for all Bio majors! Makes learning fun with his up-to-date examples and great sense of humor! Highly enjoyable!
Dr. J is an awesome teacher. I hated this class when I started it. I thought is was too much work for a 200 level course and it took a test to get a sense for how he grades. But having completed the class, I can honestly say it was one of the best courses I took at Towson. Dr. J is very understanding and willing to help in any way he can. Take him
great teacher. lots of information but if you do the study guides you should be fine. always willing to help. replies to emails in timely manner. just pay attention in class and do the study guides and you will do fine.
This class requires a lot work, but is very interesting and fun at the same time. DO THE STUDY GUIDES! Tests will be relatively easy if you actually do the study guides. The tests have no supprises. Lecture attendance is not required, but will be reflected in your grade because Dr. J does not teach straight from the book. I enjoyed the class.
This is the best teacher I've ever had! He replies to e-mails quickly, gives lecture notes before class, study sessions before the test, makes the subject interesting (very funny guy). The study guides ask the questions that will be on the test. No surprises! These are NOT formal, 3-point essays. Emphasizes *conceptual* knowledge over memorization.
Don't go into this class thinking that you can be a slacker. It makes you think and expand your horizons. If you show up to class, pay attention and do the study guides you'll be fine. Dr. Johnson is very fair and given a chance, one of the more personable professors that you could hope to have teaching you.
The best class I have ever taken, I actually learned really interesting things. BUT, you must do the study guides! its not easy, but was worth all the effort.
he claims "birds are acoustically fabulous"
He is funny & a flirt
Great teacher, influenced me to be a biology major, do the study guides and you'll be set
great teacher,but hard test! i personally feel his test is a little bit biased.but it is not impossible to get a good grade if you can strictly follow him.be sure to do all the stuff he required.he is a really helpful teacher, even though he looks a little cold.carefully choose this class based on ur perspective, easy A or wanna to Learn something
Dr. J was by far the best bio teacher I've had, both through high school and college. The course is tough, but if you go to class and DO THE STUDY GUIDES you will be fine. Don't need the textbook - takes questions right from study guides. Anyone who gets a bad grade just didn't do them. He makes the topics interesting and hes a funny guy. Take him.
The course itself is interesting & educational. In addition to that, Dr. J is one of the best professors I've ever taken. He provides study guides for every exam so you know what to expect. He leads his own review sessions each day he has lab (during exam week), & even sometimes twice daily. DO THE STUDY GUIDES and you'll do well in the class!
This teacher was recommended by a BIO major. It's informative and fun if you're interested in nature or science. Be ready to WORK! He grades hard but gives study guides-DO THEM. He has study sessions-GO TO THEM. Labs were actually interesting and related to lecture unlike many I've had before it!?!
Johnson is an excellent teacher and one of the best proffessors I've ever had. He cares about his students and wants them to learn. As with any good course doing actual work is required but he provides plenty of help and support for those actually willing to put in the effort.
Dr. Johnson is a great teacher. The class requires a lot of work, but the material isn't bad. Do the study guides- all tests are based off study guides! Review sessions help to see what he will ask on the test. Labs are easy and you always get out early
TAKE THIS CLASS!!! This is a great class to take whether you are a bio major or not. The content is interesting and Dr. J's teaching style keeps the class fun/exciting. The work load really depends on how committed you are and how willing you are to do the study guides. DO THE STUDY GUIDES!!! The study guides are optional but crucial to (continued)
to getting a good grade. Dr. J is probably the BEST professor I have ever had. He really cares about his students and is always willing to help. His teaching style is so effective and it really helps you lean the material. Dr. J seems to value hard work and effort. Just show up to class, pay attention, do the study guides, study..and you'll be fine
AWESOME professor. I am a cell/mol bio major and am not interested in ecology or evolution at all but i LOVED the evolution part of this class. I learned so much interesting material. Do the study guides and go to the review sessions, its not alot of work if you just pay atteniton which isnt hard since he makes class really interesting
no textbook but you have to read/print a LOT of material. not a bio major and this teacher is the best bio instructor i've ever had- interesting, great sense of humor, knowledgable. expects a lot of investment into material but exams are reasonable- provides very helpful study guides. definately recommend.
I loved this class! Dr. J is challenging but fair and has a great sense of humor. Tons of reading but it is interesting. Be ready to work and study hard for exams and you will be fine.
This guy is amazing!!!! i have wanted to do marine biology and because of this class i think i want to do ecology!! he teaches a LOT of information but it is so interesting!!! you need to know a lot of detail for the tests. he is hard but not impossible
he can teach but very biased and sometimes does favortism. i hated 202,stay up late, answer study guide.mostly its critical thinking(his thnking)or else you r gonna fail.i had to memorize some of his essay answers in other to earn high points on his test.studyguides is somewhat helpful for da multchoice.but on the test he changes the entire senario
This is my favorite professor at Towson so far. He is very helpful and extremely nice. DO the study guides! They are almost exactly what is on the test. GO to the review sessions he will tell you exactly what he expects on the exams. It is not an easy class you have to work but it is very interestiing and he makes it fun. He is an awsome professor
By far my favorite teacher at Towson. It is not an easy class by any means but he is very organized. The lectures are interesting. He is a very engaging teacher which make lectures enjoyable. Test are very difficult but if you do study guides and go to review sessions they are definitely manageable. Expect to put a lot of time into the class.
prof johnson is a very good teacher. makes class worth attending, very funny and interesting. You actual learn the material in his class, he makes you want to understand it not just memorize it. Tests are hard, no extra credit but just go to every class, do study guides and should do ok. Always get out early in lab, easy and fun
Its sad that many of these comments appear to be written by Dr J. He has weird ego problems and is passive aggressive. As other posts have noted, his tests are extremely biased and he only gives A's to his favorites. He stresses understanding over memorization but if you don't word things exactly like he says its wrong, regardless of the meaning.
Professor Johnson is by far one of my most favorite teachers at towson. His class may be hard but i learned more in his class then any other class i've taken at towson. Yea you may have to memorize some definitions but you also have to understand what they mean, its not an easy class but i well worth one
This class is not easy, but if you want to do good and put the time into this class (like going to the review sessions before EACH exam)then you will do good. The lab is so much fun!!! and will help your lecture grade. There are lecture notes that you print out and fill in during class. Don't let this class scare you, Dr. J does bite!
for my post below, Dr. J does not bite! I miss spelled that. Meaning he is easy to approach when you have a question or concern.
Absolutely fantastic class. Of the life-changing variety. Extraordinarily gifted teacher, great material...I'm a fan. Just do the work--this is one class you can't breeze through. YAY DR J!
Tests are hard!! He wants his exact notes as your answers and not your interpretation, like word for word. Do not take him unless you have to. He sends out an email the day before final drop day and will tell you to withdraw or he will fail you...He's a nice guy in lab but not when it comes to tests
I absolutely loved this class. you have to be willing to work though and actually take time out of class to do the work. and definitely do the study guides. dr. j is very helpful and makes the material interesting. if you want to take 202, take it with him!
Dr. Johnson is a goood teacher, just make sure you go to class, print the study guides and remember every detail he mentions. review sessions are a must! dont buy the book if your not a bio major.
The class got harder as the semester went on just because he seemed to rush, especially since he gave 5 tests but overall really great class! He's definitely really passionate about the subject and he is very thorough. DO THE STUDY GUIDES and go to the study sessions! Super helpful.
One of the best professors anywhere. He knows his stuff and teaches in a manor that holds your attention. The comments that say he is a bad teacher are written by people who are not willing to work hard. He practically gives you the answers to every test question, so of course his grading is strict. This class is not easy, but it is excellent.
Dr. J was an awesome teacher! It's a hard class but he does almost everything possible for you to pass - study guides for exams, review sessions, etc. Sometimes he explains things in a weird way but he knows his stuff and wants students to learn the material thoroughly. TAKE HIM if you will put in the effort.
Difficult class, you NEED to study if you want to do well but he makes the material as approachable as possible. Textbook not used heavily, only for review. Lab attendance mandatory, lecture is not but he takes role. Holds review sessions but I never went, 2 field trips. If you need 202 take it with him. Tough material but he'll meet you half way.
Concepts were fairly simple but there was a lot of material covered so doing the study guides and going to review sessions are crucial for success. Course is very well organized and Dr. J makes it very clear what information you need to know. The course material is really interesting, especially the evolution part. Good class and teacher.
This is a great class! And this is a great professor! Dr. J is always willing to help. The best way to ensure your success in the class is to attend all lectures-they are fun and very interesting! Dr. J keeps them very organized as well with lecture guides. Attend all review sessions before the test, they help immensly! Dr. J is the best proffesor!
This is the only class I have ever taken that I found interesting enough to share what I learned with my friends at lunch. The organized way in which Dr. J presented the material was very effective & helpful. The study guides (which you SHOULD do)helped to reinforce what I learned. I feel that I will retain this information for many years to come.
He's a good biology teacher if you have the time to study his lectures to the t. He's extremely particular in his grading so make sure you memorize his study guides by heart or you won't pass. I wouldn't recommend him to anyone who needs to take this class for another major because your won't have time for anything else.
It is clear to me that most of the people writing these comments are his favorites... This class is absolutely entertaining. In fact, I loved it. Dr. Johnson is a great prof I mu admit. Grading? definitely biased. He has favorites. Things must be worded his way or you basically fail. Take this class if you want to learn but lower ur GPA.
Easily the one of the best classes I've ever taken in college, and one of the best professors I've ever had. Classes were fun, engaging, and often hilarious. If you do the study guides, I feel like it's impossible to do poorly. If you don't... that's your own damn fault. Take him if you want to learn a TON and be entertained at the same time.
Dr. J is a fantastic professor. The classes can be difficult but they are definitely worth it. If you do all the study guides you are given you will do well. He knows his stuff and is always available for help. I would strongly recommend any class with this professor.
He doesn't like the book but some study guide questions are from it. Very challenging class. Make sure to not miss a lecture! Study guides come EXACTLY from lectures and the tests are identical to them as well. Ask for help, he will but wont just straight out give the answer. You either know the material or not! 2 trips to oregon ridge park for lab
The concepts covered in class isn't hard but the tests requires a deeper understanding of the topics covered. Nonetheless he is a very particular professor that likes things the way he wants it and it can be very annoying at times. Even though he is very specific, he knows what he's talking about and you could learn a lot from him.
AVOID taking him!! The information isn't hard at ALL but he complicates everything and makes things a lot harder than they need to be! Also he is very rude and inconsiderate, he is definitely on the list of mean professors at Towson. Dr. Johnson likes everything his way and if you don't do what he says than he will be very angry!!! AVOID AVOID!!!!!
negative comments are mostly from students who do not study. he's an awesome professor, Ive learned SO MUCH from him, he knows what hes talking about. The reason why answers need to be specific is b/c he wants u to learn. he's even hilarious making the lecture interesting and not dull and boring.It's not an easy class, but what bio class is easy?
This class is very difficult. You must study hard to well on the exams. Complete the study guides in full, on time, and understand the material, and you will do well. I struggled at first, but after I understood how to study, I began getting A's on exams. He can be harsh at times, but he only wants you to learn. Try hard.
I had a rough time in the beginning because he really wants you to know all the details of everything. As long as you study hard, you can do really well. I'm surprised to see people say he's rude; he was never that way with our class. I enjoyed him; he really loves what he's teaching.
Over complicates the material that otherwise would be easy to comprehend. Expects you to have minuscule details from examples in lecture memorized for the tests. He is extremely condescending. His snarky comments, rude digs, and personal attacks are unacceptable. He went out of his way several times to force myself and others to drop the course.
The class material is interesting and Dr. J tries his best to keep his students engaged. Most of the criticism towards this course and the professor is that the tests are more difficult than a simple multiple choice test. However,I have retained more info in this course than any of my other courses. Study hard. Do the study guides and review them.
Dr.J is not rude, he gets frustrated if you have not put the necessary effort in and will call you out on it. I recommend this teacher! He really cares about his students and presents the material in a funny and interesting manner. Great professor! Study hard and you will do well! Talk to him if you need help.
Dr. J is a tough teacher but he is very helpful and clear about what he wants. He holds multiple study sessions before each exam and if you are a responsible student who completes the study guides like he asks you will be fine! I retained so much information from this course because of the way it was structured.
Dr. Johnson has been, without a doubt, the best professor I've had at Towson. His version of Bio 202 was an extremely tough and rigorous, but I learned so much about biology and how to study. DO THE STUDY GUIDES. Do the study guides multiple times, and you will do fine. I didn't think it was possible to pass, but with some effort its possible
DO THE STUDY GUIDES. Great professor, prepares you for upper level coursework. You must make sure you have a detailed knowledge of the material since the tests are largely short answer and essay. He is looking for a deep understanding of the material. When in doubt, go more detailed. Study and you will learn a lot from him.
Dr. J can be the greatest help if you work hard. He's incredibly devoted to his class and actually cares about how you do in the class. He holds study sessions before major exams, he'll answer your questions, and he'll joke with you. He won't tolerate apathy. If you don't put in the effort, your grade will reflect it. Study well and you'll be fine!
Was a very rigorous course but worth it as a bio major. Cares about student success. By far one of the best professors Towson has.
Dr. Johnson is a fantastic professor, he is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the subject. This class is a must for any bio student that is close to finishing their degree. You will learn a lot on subjects that you may not be familiar with, and you will learn to critique primary literature
Bio 484, his seminar on Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, was a great class. There was not a large time requirement outside of class and plenty of information learned through article discussion. It was almost never boring, and only meets once a week, so it's easy to tack on to a schedule. Dr. Johnson is a great professor and this is worth taking.
Dr. Johnson's Seminar in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior class was awesome! There are no formal tests, exams or lectures! It's strictly a discussion class on peer-reviewed literature, and you'll learn a lot about fields of study outside of your own. I highly recommend taking this course.
Great class, with a really hands on discussion format. In this class you learn the critical skills of dissecting primary literature in Biology. I highly recommend this class to any Biology major.
Easy 1 credit class, and you learn a lot about interesting topics and how to conduct research and present your findings. I mean, your just going through research papers that you want to read with a fine tooth comb. Awesome concept for a class anyway. If you are going to grad school you should think of taking this class as a must.
Seminar in ecology, evolution, and behavior is a great course. I highly recommend taking if you are a biology major. The course is discussion based and requires leading a dicussion on a selected paper. The small class size provides a great forum for discussion. Dr. Johnson is also a great professor. I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course.
Seminar in Ecology and Evolution was good. We actually got to read primary literature and discuss it and its importance. I highly recommend taking it if possible.
Dr. J's course is very difficult, especially if you are in incoming freshman. However, he dedicates a ton of his time to his work and gives students a lot of resources to see them pass. He truly cares about his students and their success! He will go out of his way just to help a student out! Even though he expects a lot, he gives a lot too.
Dr. J is by far one of the most amazing professors Towson has. He was my very first bio college professor, and it was a positive experience. He makes lecture overheads so you can follow along and take notes during lectures. He also makes study guides and has review sessions, which help A TON. Easy AB if you work for it, just need a good work ethic
Dr. J is great. DO THE STUDY GUIDES AND THEN DO THEM AGAIN. Take notes and pay attention and you will be fine. I'm writing a good review and I got a C in the class (I was lazy for the first half). He gives 5 lecture exams and 1 lab exam, so there's plenty of room to improve if you screw up some tests (which I did). Lab is not strenuous at all.
Even though the class is only one credit, it is actually a lot of fun. You read a paper every week and a discussion is led by a different person each week on their own paper. You definitely have to read them to pass the class, but the discussions are a lot of fun and you learn how to read and analyze scientific papers. It's a really helpful course!
I had Dr. J for Animal Behavior and loved it so much that I decided to take this seminar. Definitely recommend if you are interested in learning more than the basics of behaviorecology or pursuing a career that involves reading journalsdoing research. Readings and participation are mandatory but that's the point of a seminar. Very fun class!!
I've taken three classes with Dr. J and loved them all, but this one was so much fun. It's once a week, and it's just a one credit seminar. The paper's chosen are usually pretty interesting (they are chosen by your classmates), and the class is really relaxed once everyone gets to know each other. It's an easy A if you participate in discussions!
Just looking at BIOL 487, this class is a MUST take for anyone that is trying to go into any form of biological science. The class teaches you to read peer reviewed literature and discuss it's merits and flaws with the class. Great class, will definitely take again when its offered in two years (you can retake it).
This class is one that I can confidently say I actually learned something I will use. Reading research studies and critiquing studies has taught me so much that I can use conducting my own research in the future. The teacher is obviously passionate about this class and the topics covered. The discussions he leads become so interesting.
Dr. J is my favorite professor! He clearly explains everything, he's so funny, and it's clear that he loves what he does. His tests are tough but if you do the study guides you will ace them. Attendance isn't mandatory but it's really important to understand the concepts. I learned so much from him!! I would highly recommend any of his classes.
Dr. J made me wish I was a bio major so I could take him again. Tests are TOUGH but if you do the study guides, and no you cannot do them the night before the exam - you will pass. Lab is fun, with semi-frequent field trips. He makes you work for your grade, but he is definitely one of the best professors I've ever had. And he's super funny.
the course material is not hard at all, but he makes the class harder than it needs to be. extremely nit picky about how you word things and takes partial points off if you dont. provides study guides for every chapter & whatever is on the study guide is fair game for the exam. HOWEVER, by doing so he expects answers that are PERFECT. tedious class
Ridiculously hard for 200 level course!
Even if you complete the 20 page study guides and go to the review sessions there's still a chance you may fail the exams. He's extremely nit picky with how you word things, even if you understand the concepts. If you fail he'll tell you to "go outside and bang your head on the sidewalk." Not a good teacher at all. Sets you up for failure.
This is not an easy class. He makes you work for your grade. The study guides are essential to passing. Very particular about the wording of things. He's willing to help, but you have to put in the effort. For bio majors, it'll only get harder from here. This class forces you develop good study habits. Very nice/funny guy, passionate about his work
DO NOT TAKE HIM! Overall the class is not hard at all, but he makes it so confusing. I would not recommend him to my worst enemy! He is a HORRIBLE professor! His grading is hard, it's almost as if it hurts him to give a good grade.
Personally, I regret taking this course. Although this course is challenging , the professor makes it 10x harder. I took the class again with different professor and succeed.
While this class is hard, Dr johnson challenges you to actually learn the material. I still know the material we covered in lcture 1 bc he does not let you forget anything. If you do the study guides then make notecards of the important questions, you will be fine. Im not a bio major and i HATE science but I enjoyed this class and did well.
dr. j was my best professor yet. he helped me in any and every way possible that he could, he is there for his students as long as you are present (aka going to every single class, filling out all the notes as lecture goes on , and doing every study guide he gives) exams are extremely hard, but completely manageable with his help and tools!
Dr. Johnson really wants you to clearly understand the information he teaches. My problem is that on every test you had to check his grading because he always made mistakes! On the test before the final, there were an extra 12 points he didn't give me just because he wasn't paying attention while grading. Proceed with caution.
Bad, bad, bad! No comments...
Dr.J gives you everything you need to pass, he gives you old tests to study from and then spend an entire class going over the answers for you. He is always available for office time. I would take him again if I could.
The concepts are easy but he overcomplicates them on the exam. Dr. J holds review sessions & gives study guides before his exams. These may help somewhat but he is extremely critical when it comes to the essay portion of the exams so be able to say it exactly how he wants you to. Wouldn't recommend taking this course with this professor.
Hardest professor I've ever had. NEVER I repeat NEVER take him for biology 202. His test are extremely hard!!!
Dr. Johnson goes above and beyond as a professor. You really have to make the effort to pass his courses, but he provides you with the means to do so and encourages your success. Would recommend!
The study guides given are crucial to pass his tests. He is an extremely tough grader and does require to phrase explanations a certain way. However, he is willing to work with you in order to pass his class! make sure you show effort. I suggest you make appointments with him if you are struggling with any problems.
He overcomplicates this course which is an introductory level course. His tests are so hard being that he gives you study guides. Half of the class dropped. He goes through a lecture a day. His world revolves around BIOL 202, & birds. He studies birds so that's all he talks about in his lectures as well. Did I mention his tests are HARD?
Dr. Johnson is one of the hardest but one of the best professors I've had at Towson. He makes you work hard, and sometimes pushing through the long study guides can be awful, but he sets (with more effort than 90% of professors) those who are willing to work up for success.
Tough!! Grader. you will print out LOADS of paper. Loves Birds. Makes material harder than it really is. Very specific in the way he wants to you word things. Over half the class dropped by the second test. He gives a lecture on how everyone fails or does poorly on first exam. Pretty reasonable guy and pretty funny. its clear he wants you to pass.
Dr. Johnson was the best science professor I've had till now. His lectures are very interesting and easy to understand because of the overheads he gives. Do all the study guides, and show up to the review sessions and you will do good in the exams. He is very helpful. I would be emailing him the day of the exam with questions and he would reply.
Dr. Johnson is a "my class, my world" professor. Acts very friendly; it's a facade so he can get away with being a ridiculous grader. Show full knowledge of the content, but don't answer a question to his exact specifications and you fail (no exaggeration). Basically punishes you for not reading his mind and for having classes outside of his.
It is 4 am and I am thinking of withdrawing from this class. I knew I was doomed when I got a terrible grade onn my first test. I mean who would've thought an intro class would be this hard? You have to answer questions on tests exactly how he does so record lectures. Homework? I feel myself getting wrinkles completing it.
Way too tough for an intro course. Of all the teachers that lead this class, he is by far her toughest one. The test questions he makes can be really vague and confusing, and if 70% of the class misses it and he doesnt even curve it. Besides this, hes always willing to help so PLEASE take advantage of office hours. Do not wait until its late.
Dr J is one of the best bio professors I've had at Towson, I wish I knew about his existence sooner. I bombed my first exam by blowing off his study guides, don't do that. He gives you the materials you need to succeed and works with you if you go to him for help. I plan on taking his ornithology course just so I can have him as a professor again.
Avoid at all costs. Johnson proudly acknowledges he makes this course much harder than it should be. A prime example of a professor who is entrenched in his methods and can do no wrong. On tests, you could answer all talking points, and show full knowledge of content, but he'll still mark you down because he subjectively didn't like your phrasing.
Dr.J is one of a kind. You can tell hes been doing this for decades. His study guides make it perfectly clear what needs to be known for exams. Final is non cumulative. Makes labs and field trips fun. I didnt dread going to this class everyday and actually started to enjoy it towards the end of the semester. Would recommend and take again.
lots of lab assignment, 5 exams in a semester(that's a LOT!!), tough grader(try to write exactly what he said, otherwise loose your points).
First Day of class he shares a story about how 50% of the class normally fails the first exam and drops the class and he did not seem to care. An example of being stuck in his ways and unwilling to incorporate more efficient ways to not let his students down and do his job as a teacher.
Lost full credit on an otherwise perfect essay because I split one of his personalized, mandatory, run-on sentence definitions into two sentences. Ridiculous.
Only class I ever had where Half the class stopped showing up the by the end of the semester. He acknowledged the empty seats and poor test scores by saying the others just didnt take it as serious. Did not seem to care that his class was holding students back
I felt like if you didn't already know all the information already you were going to fail the class. I sent an e-mail asking if there was any in person study groups or tutoring sessions I could attend because I was really struggling and the response I got was make flashcards. directions where not clear about the information needed to know.
The professor's teaching style was tough - felt like you had to know everything already to pass. Reached out for extra help but got generic advice. Ended up using Unstuckstudy to prepare, which was a big help.
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