1.9

Shannon Flynn

Biology - Oakland Community College - Orchard Ridge

1.9
Quality
4.3
Difficulty
17%
Would Retake
123
Reviews
1.9
Quality
4.3
Difficulty
2.0
Helpful
1.9
Clarity

17%

Would Retake

123

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

12

4

9

3

11

2

22

1

69

What Students Say

I had him for summer 1570 and this class was so hard

BIO1570 - 2.0 rating

he was an awful teacher

BIO1530 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

72%

Textbook Required

30%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 54 grades
Most common grades:
B (14)
Not sure yet (12)
Drop/Withdrawal (7)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(20)C(13)D(13)F(2)A-/B+(5)
Based on 77 reported grades
B: 14
Not sure yet: 12
Drop/Withdrawal: 7
B-: 6
Common Tags
Tough grader (45)
Test heavy (32)
Lecture heavy (22)
Graded by few things (11)
Tough Grader (10)
LECTURE HEAVY (9)
Lots of homework (9)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.76 avg change
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MICRO1570

3.0

(5)

BIO1520

2.7

(3)

BIO1500

2.1

(54)

BIO1510

2.0

(3)

BIO1530

2.0

(22)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOLO1530

5.0

BIOLOESCI

5.0

BIO1520

5.0

B2710

5.0

BIO2710

4.8

Reviews (123)
1.0
5.0
BIO1510
Nov 15, 2004

the dummest teacher in the Oakland Cummunity College. must fired

4.0
2.0
BIO1530
Dec 2, 2004

No Comments

1.0
4.0
BIO
Dec 15, 2004

Terrible at lectures, dont help on the tests. Read the chapters if you really want to pass. Tests are very hard as well. Offers a lot of extra credit because everyone does so poorly in his class. I would highly recommend another teacher.

4.0
3.0
BIO1530
Jan 4, 2005

Labs were extreemly easy. Needed to really study for the tests. Rarely met the whole three hours.

5.0
2.0
BIO1530
Jun 13, 2005

Test are basically based on the book, don't make the mistake of just reading the notes, concentrate heavily on the textbook. Also use the livewire.com to help understand the material. His labs are nice and relaxed and fun.

1.0
4.0
BIO1530
Mar 21, 2006

This teacher is horrible, very vague on what he teaches and there are more than 1 correct answer in multiple choices... he's a tricky teacher... dont get him, you'll STRESS out.

1.0
5.0
BIO1530
Mar 22, 2006

he is the most picky teacher I have ever had, he thinks that we all want to get a docterate in bio, he is an ass....

1.0
5.0
BIOLO1530
Aug 29, 2006

do not this teacher he was the worst thing happened to me . please do not have him if you want to learn and pass he does not understand the materials neither want to see successful students he is just sick sick sick teacher .

1.0
5.0
BIOLOESCI
Nov 5, 2006

where should i start!!! he is the worst teacher i've ever had... he does not care if u understand the material or not..all he cares abt is covering the whole chapter in 2:30 hrs. he never lets u go early...he tells u wut to study for the test but he never has these information on the test.. DO NOT TAKE HIM AS A TEACHER, HE'LL MAKE UR LIFE MISREABLE

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Dec 20, 2006

INGORANT LITTLE MAN!!!WHAT AN ASS...HE DOESNT' KNOW THE MATERIAL HE IS TEACHING AT ALL, DONT EVEN BOTHER ASKING QUESTIONS, HE WON'T KNOW THE ANSWER. EEVEN THOUGH I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO TAKE THIS CLASS, FLYNN MADE IT SO BORING!!!QUIZZES EVERY WEEK..TESTS ARE HARD!!!!!!BOTTOM LINE, AVOID HIM!!!!!!!!!!!

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Jan 14, 2007

wORST TECHER EVER......WHAT EVER YOU DO DONT TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!YOU WIL REGRET IT!!!!!!!!!

5.0
4.0
BIO1570
May 17, 2007

Dr. Flynn lectures on Powerpoint at all times so attendance is a must. He gives a take home Review before the actual test. Gives extra credits for attending Seminars. Curves grades when test results is low. Final is from old tests (something you already learned!). My tests weren't as satisfying but I have an A b/c did well on my final.

1.0
5.0
BIO1530
Apr 23, 2011

This professor is extremely difficult. I do nothing but study for hours and days on end and still cannot get anything higher than a low C in his class. I have discussed this with him and expressed my concern and he does not care. Plain and simple, do not take this professor. He DOES NOT CARE!!!! Tests are impossible.

2.0
5.0
BIO1530
Apr 27, 2011

I have read the book over and over, attend class regularly and still can't get better than a C in this class. All my other classes are A and B grades. I have even been going to a BIO tutor every week. This is the ONLY reason why I am scraping by with a C. Everything I've learned is from the tutor. This class is impossible! class average is only61%

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Nov 3, 2011

Dr. Shannon Flynn is a very hard teacher. I really do not suggest taking his class. I have studied the proper amount for his tests and received horrible scores. The material he teaches in class and the material on the test seem alien to each other. I have a 70% as of right now. Yet, I doubt the way the tests have been i will be able to keep mygrade

2.0
5.0
BIO1530
Nov 7, 2011

The facts: the class average right now is about a 65%. The previous 2 exams given resulted in a 50-60% class average. Dr Flynn comes off as a very nice decent professor however the class is impossible to pass. He purposely (and has stated to doing so) makes exam questions extremely tricky and as difficult as possible. If you take this class, beware

2.0
5.0
BIO1530
Nov 8, 2011

READ THE TEXT! This and the online stuff he gives will be the only saving grace to pass this class. He summarizes the text and rarely explains. Tests are insanely hard. Class avg is 58% right now and we're over halfway through the class. I've managed a B for now, but it's because I study for a full week for these tests, no joke! Very hard!

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Nov 9, 2011

Absolutely the worst proffesor that you could ask for. Makes tests as hard as possible, his labs are frustrating because he doesn't prepare them well and he does not care if the test averages are in the E range.

2.0
5.0
BIO1500
Nov 15, 2011

Dr. Flynn is a horrible professor. He does not care about his students. His tests barely cover the things talked about in class and labs are useless. DO NOT TAKE ANY OF HIS CLASSES!!!!!

3.0
3.0
BIO1500
Apr 30, 2012

Terrible at explaining things clearly. I also don't think he treats students respectfully when it comes to working around missed classes even if you give him a fair warning. Also, don't miss lab..easy points that I lost because I didn't go to some.

5.0
3.0
MICRO1570
May 25, 2012

DR shannon flynn is nothing like these other people have described, hes extremely nice and helpful. Hes even reset quizzes online because we ran out of time to learn the information. He tells you whats on the tests and im in a summer session so yeah its tough but you have to work for it. answers every ? and extra credit!

2.0
4.0
BIO1530
Jul 23, 2012

This class was awful. He did not respect his students, his tests covered (in extreme detail) material he either mentioned briefly or in passing and was hardly covered in the text, labs are a joke - don't buy the manual, it's a waste of money. Avoid taking classes he teaches at all costs. It will ruin your GPA.

2.0
5.0
BIO1520
Nov 8, 2012

I consider my self a fairly good student...I study for weeks for his exams and I have gotten nothing better than a low C. When I ask him what else I can do, he simply says, "you're doing everything right, I'm not sure whats wrong". Sort of makes fun of his students. Not prepared for labs. Doesn't explain things well. Not a good professor at all!!!

3.0
5.0
BIO1510
Dec 20, 2012

He's super hard, but nice and fair. I feel very prepared to now go on in Bio. Work your butt off, do ALL the extra credit and you'll be fine in his class.

4.0
3.0
BIO1500
Dec 7, 2013

Dr. Flynn is a fair man who is willing to stay after and help you after class he drops your lowest test and quiz scores and gives you information that alludes to what is going to be on the test. He is kind and is always in a good understanding mood. He will go the extra mile for you if you just show him you are trying. Professor Flynn is wonderful.

5.0
2.0
BIO1500
Dec 13, 2013

Here is the key to pass his class. Read the chapter before lecture, go to lecture and listen, print his notes off D2L, and re-read the chapter again. Ask questions. Show up to class ON TIME!! And TRY! This class will not be easy if you don't try. Also take advantage of EVERY extra credit opportunity

2.0
5.0
BIO1530
Grade: D
Dec 23, 2013

Very difficult. I studied hard for exams and I still received failing grades. The final exam was ridiculous as well.The easiest thing about this class is the labs, just put in effort and you'll do well there. But as for the rest of the class, you have to work VERY hard just to get a C. AVOID THIS TEACHER

1.0
5.0
BIO1530
Apr 8, 2014

Everything is on a powerpoint and he does not give time to go over each slide and ask questions. Be prepared to study on your own and know the material very well. He does not explain things in detail.

3.0
4.0
BIO1530
May 4, 2014

Very difficult professor. Never had time to finish the exams since they consisted of many short answer questions. Make sure you read all of the chapters in order to pass the course. He is very fast with his power points but reading the chapters will clarify most things.

5.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: A
Nov 25, 2014

LOVED this class! You will need to buy the textbook and attend every class. Tests are 50 questions, with two one-page essays. You do get the essay questions in advance, but he tends to look for specific things in your answer, so pay attention to the in-class worksheets and the learning objectives. He's one of my favorite teachers! Would take again

5.0
2.0
BIO1500
Dec 5, 2014

He's really funny, and is obviously very passionate about this subject. His lectures can go either really quickly or rather slow, depending on the subject. He's very strict on grading the lab write-ups and essay questions, but he tells you exactly what he's looking for each time. If you show up to class and put in effort, you'll pass.

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Dec 17, 2014

I do not recommend this professor for Bio 1500. Tests were tough and the questions were different than what was lectured since the professor changed them around. Hard at grading on every assignment which was labs, essay questions, etc.

2.0
5.0
BIO1500
Jan 5, 2015

You have online assignments due every few weeks or so, but the teacher gives you no reminder other tj an the 1st class, you could easily forget and be up a creek, the tests are very tough. Try and find someone not so hard on you for your 1st Bio class.

5.0
3.0
BIO1570
Grade: A-
Jul 3, 2015

I took Dr. Flynn's Microbiology of Health and Disease class on my 1st summer semester, and recently finished. Dr. Flynn accurately and passionately covers this topic. Great about answering e-mails, provides myriad study materials, and understands the material extremely well. That said, you must spend 3 hours of outside study per period to get an A.

3.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: A
Jan 2, 2016

Dr. Flynn is a tough teacher no doubt. If you are looking for an easy bio class where you can slack and get away with nothing than don't take his class. However, he is not anything unreasonable. He stays after class to give you help when you ask. He gives all assignments at start of the sem. and as long as you stay on top of them you'll be fine.

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: C-
Mar 29, 2016

Shannon Flynn is personally a good teacher over all. He is a tough grader and he doesn't tell you what he wants you to write essays on but tells you after he grades. He doesn't go over what will be on tests and our essay questions on the test he doesn't go over either. So if you learn better on your own, then this is your teacher.

2.0
4.0
BIO1500
Apr 7, 2016

First and foremost, Dr. Flynn is a kind, intelligent man. You walk away from class feeling confident but once the test results come back, you will likely be surprised at how poor they are. Grading scale is massively confusing and class averages are low. You are really going to work hard if science isn't your forte.

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Apr 25, 2016

He is not a nice person an is awful about responding to emails, the lectures are long, dry and boring. the test question are barely related to the lecture subjects (same goes for the essay questions) all of the test averages in class are low. If he does not like you you will not pass he's class!

2.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: C
May 2, 2016

Tests are difficult due to poor wording of questions; class averages in the 55-60% range. Very unclear on expectations for essays and assignments; follow the instructions and get a 50% on a paper. Flex point system is a novel idea, but with such harsh grading you need to get as many as possible, defeating the purpose. Book was not used at all.

1.0
5.0
BIO1530
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jul 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

extremely hard. trick questions on test as if he don't want you to pass. will answer your question with a question. impossible to reach outside of class. impossible to reach while IN class. half of my class had to drop to save our gpa. he was an awful teacher.

1.0
4.0
BIO1570
Grade: D+
Jul 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

OMG!!!! he is the worst teacher that I ever had! He just reads whatever says on power point slides! and when we asked him extra questions he got lost! "That is a very interesting question, I have to look it up!" that what we usually heard when we asked him! I have As for all my classes! Except his class! he gave me D! I have to retake that class!

2.0
4.0
BIO1530
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He is very vague during lecture and expects you to learn most of it on your own. He'll lecture with a powerpoint, but soars through it. His tests are extremely difficult. although he is nice and tries to crack a joke in lecture, his class was difficult to keep up with.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
BIO1530
Grade: B+
Dec 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This class was awful. Don't buy the textbook we never used it in fact he even admits reading for study material won't help you and neither will the vague powerpoints. Tells you he wants you to learn conceptually but doesn't really teach it well. Lab was always ahead of lecture so it never made sense. Class test averages between 40-60%.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO1520
Jan 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I took this professor without checking here because I sat in one of his other classes. He as a person is a great guy, but as a teacher; not so much. I barely passed and I was ABOVE the class average. He also assigns no homework and your textbook is basically useless as everything is on the power points.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
BIO1520
Grade: A+
Feb 17, 2017
Would take again

I took the environmental science course. Lectures were long but interesting. Paper assignments were graded tough. Test were difficult but study guides were provided. He has a point grading scale which is cool because you can chose which assignments to complete, and get 3 points each class for just participating. Plenty of extra credit was offered.

Tough Grader
Respected
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
1.0
BIO1570
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jul 5, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Flynn initially came off as a good Instructor, but after some time it became clear that I was wrong. He has favorites and if your not one of them dont expect him to be understanding at all. His exams has so many trick questions, as if he wants you to fail. I dropped the class and tested out of it. Yet all my higher bio classes I got A's and B's

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO1510
Grade: B
Sep 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

For an intro course, Dr. Flynn complicates the material and makes this class way harder than it needs to be. Tests are impossible. Don't buy the book, you won't use it. He expects you to be an expert on the material, not just be able to recognize it. The field trips are awful. Don't buy the lab book either, just write the answers on a loose paper.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: A
Jan 15, 2018
Would take again

I'm really shocked to see Dr. Flynn have such a low rating on here. He was awesome in BIO1500. He's funny. and really strives to get students to participate. The class I took was not difficult, the tests are multiple choice with 3 short answer questions. And he provides a lot of extra credit opportunities. Would definitely recommend him to anyone

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: A-
Jan 21, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The questions he gave us for review sheets were not always clear, and while that was troublesome what was really disturbing was he could not seem to set politics aside. I wanted to learn more about how I could positively impact the environment. Teach me about the science behind environmental science and let me draw my own conclusions about politics

Tough Grader
GROUP PROJECTS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: A+
Mar 7, 2018
Would take again

I really enjoyed this class! Dr. Flynn does make you apply yourself and study, but he gives very clear study sheets and adequately expresses what he is looking for on tests. He also offers a lot of extra credit opportunities. If environmental science interests you, this class will feel easy because he makes a lot of effort to be engaging.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MICRO1570
Grade: A
Apr 22, 2018
Would take again

If you work hard, its an easy A.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
4.0
BIO1570
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 20, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I had him for summer 1570 and this class was so hard! Barely half of the learning objectives were on the test and the questions on them were so tricky, its as if he wants you to fail. I wouldnt recommend him to anybody. The only thing I like is that he drops the lowest test score

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
BIO1570
Grade: B
Jun 27, 2018
Would take again

I will preface this by saying I have a degree from a Big Ten university, and am going back to school. Dr. Flynn was my first professor back in class. He cares about his students and wants you to do well. If you engage with him in class you'll understand more. You definitely need to memorize to do well, even though he says don't. Lots of dad jokes

Tough Grader
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
4.0
BIO2710
Grade: B+
Dec 31, 2018
Would take again

Great lecturer. Great in lab. Offers tons of extra help, even held open labs on his days off. Great sense of humor.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
BIO2710
Feb 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

-not recommended -as a person, he's nice. as a professor, he has a bias that will get in the way of him helping students -reads right off PowerPoints -doesn't give format for exams -unorganized -doesn't care about your grades. will not help you if you ask for it. he wants you to figure it out yourself -this class is with a laboratory portion

Tough Grader
Participation matters
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
MICRO1570
Mar 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I would not recommend this professor. He is a tough grader, he wants students to figure things out for themselves, he doesnt like when students ask questions. He gives students study objectives for each chapter-which makes students feel so overwhelmed especially since he barely goes over the content in class. Trust me, get a different professor!

Test heavy
Group projects
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Apr 22, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Hes a good prof in person. But his tests are always out of what he teaches. Reads through PowerPoint slides. Explains things that are not even mentioned on slides. Tests are very difficult not from slides. Very tough grader. 1 mcq is worth 4 points or sometimes 10 points if u get 1 wrong u lose 10 points. No extra credits are given. Horrible clas

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: C-
Apr 28, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Doctor Flynn is the worse professor ever.... Tests are not from notes or from the book. He doesn't email you back. Also really lazy as heck! Terrible grader.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO2710
Grade: A-
May 20, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Flynn was by far the worst teacher Ive ever had. He is super unorganized, his exams are hard and not from his lectures. He never gives study guides or offer helps. He doesnt answer questions and he criticizes people who do bc were supposed to know everything on our own. He messes up the exams and he always takes points off when he shouldnt

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO1570
Grade: B-
Jun 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Don't take this class Dr. Flynn. I have emailed him several times and no reply. His PowerPoint slides filled to max-capacity with words and presented for hours. Also, he keeps things secret that are necessary requirements, unless you are in person to get the information. Tests have 7 options multi-choice: A-G or AB,AC, AG etc. Inflexible and hard.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
MICRO1570
Grade: D
Jun 20, 2019
Would take again

I took microbiology with this proff w/t the lab component. Very difficult, you need to study and memorize everything otherwise you will not pass. We did not use the book, but it did help me understand the material better. No extra credit, lectures the entire time, power points filled with words. He is a nice guy but his class is really hard. STUDY

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 24, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Flynn was a great Professor. He is a huge marvel fan and he wants you to do well in his class. I think he did a great job with explaining things and he didnt give too much homework. You need to do the labs and put your full effort into them because they count for a lot of your grade. DO THE OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS. They will save your grade

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MICRO1570
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jun 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I am a science major. Dropped his class because I was getting no higher than a C on everything. Very unorganized with the labs. I never knew what lab we were doing. He doesn't tell you what's going to be on the exam. Half MC/ half written. Very picky grader. Just horrible. Waste of money.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Jul 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

If you tolerate a sarcastic non-caring professor this is your person. Shannon was not helpful. You will waste a lot of printing money and paper! If you got a bad grade on a test he will remind you that it was your fault knowing that he didn't do a good job at teaching the material. I would recommend someone else.

Lots of homework
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
B2710
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 23, 2019
Wouldn't take again

By far the worst professor I have ever had. Not only does he somehow manage to not convey a single piece of useful information in the entire three hours, his tests contain many unrelated topics. He frequently berates students when they ask simple questions, telling them that they are expected to know every detail about the lab. Dont take.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
1.0
BIO1500
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Flynn was the hardest and worst teacher I have ever had. Everyone in class is failing, hes very sarcastic, wont answer your questions unless hes made a comment to make you feel stupid. Testsare very confusing. Lost our first test, doesnt make clear the material. Takes forever to get any grades back. Easier to teach yourself not worth the money

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Poor time management skills, will make you teach yourself many chapters. Does not grade anything in a timely manner. Using confusing wording on exams. Worst professor I've ever had

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Dec 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Main point: take this class online if you can. I think most of the bad reviews are from in person class but online hes really easy. He allows you to use any online resources you want during the tests and most questions can be found online. Just show up and do the work and its an easy A - only reason I got a B is because I slacked lol.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: D
Feb 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Hes a tough grader on labs. You can ask him as many questions as you want and feel confident after and still fail the lab. Essays are graded harshly as well. Im an A student in English and Ive never gotten below a B in essays but in his class its impossible to get a grade over a C.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO1500
Apr 2, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Flynn is a very cool guy. I cant say that his lectures were the most helpful, but most of the info you needed was on lecture slides. His online class was very easy, and there was a 20 point extra-credit assignment that really bumped the grade. He clearly loves teaching about what he studies. Labs were a breeze (online simulations).

Hilarious
Clear grading criteria
Inspirational
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: Rather not say
May 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took Dr. Flynn this past spring for environmental science. Although he has a good sense of humor, he makes this class nearly impossible to pass unless you have stellar test grades. I tried to get an incomplete from him, but he refused to give me one because of my test grades. I dont recommend this professor at all.

Test heavy
Hilarious
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: B-
Jul 25, 2021
Would take again

Attendance was mandatory. He explains everything really well. Overall solid choice. He's also really funny and laid back.

3.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Dec 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Disorganized and a poor communicator. Hes generally a nice guy, but he likes to talk; often to the point of talking over students mid-question. The material wasnt difficult and all the information was laid out in his slideshows, but he takes a very long time to 1) answer emails and 2) grade anything. Always late. Ask questions right after class.

Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO2710
Jan 27, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Very disorganized. Hard exams. Lectures don't help. Confusing contradictory questions on exam. For multiple choice there are 7 to 8 answer choices at times. Not much extra credit. Dropping the lowest exam does not help. This is an important subject and quite interesting to learn but just not taught right.

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 18, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Very tough grader, very awkward jokes, doesn't lecture very well, very important topics but is very harsh grader. Tests answers are all technically correct so he's looking for his idea of the best answer, short answers are impossible. this guy is a bag of hotdogs

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
B2710
Grade: B-
May 19, 2022

The worst professor I have ever had. Unorganized, unhelpful, incredibly lazy, and awkward. Flynn is the best example of what a professor should NOT be. Criticizes questions and wants you to feel dumb. "Study guides", if you can call them that, reflect 2% of the actual exam. Lab is even worse. A living nightmare for an A student.

Tough grader
3.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: A
Jun 25, 2022
Would take again

1. Don't buy the textbook for BIO 1500 2. Don't let him convince you to drop this or any other class if you're taking more than 2 over the summer. 3. Slow grader. Don't let reviews scare you. His grading can sometimes seem a little unfairly tough, but never biased. He's a nice guy and engages with students in class. Taking him won't doom your GPA.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: D+
Jul 2, 2022

Unorganized, bad time management within the classroom, is not clear on assignments, grades OFF of the rubric created so you will never have a clear understanding of how to reach a good grade. I was shocked to see that he had a 2.3 average.I thought it would be much lower.

1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: F
Jul 2, 2022

Very unorganized his ability to to convey our lesson was always last minute. Grading scale too high.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 18, 2022

he allowed to take the test twice but DO NOT retake it, the retake are different and sometimes harder, longer. Instead of lecturing he make students guessing the answer, multiple choice are confusing

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 20, 2022

words I would use to describe this man would be disrespectful, belittling, uncooperative, and insensitive. Shannon is one of the worst teachers I have ever had in my entire schooling career. His lectures are long and boring. With barely any materials that get you ready for the test. His coursework was organized but not taught correctly.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: C
Dec 24, 2022

Tests are graded on whether or not he likes how you write it, not if the info is correct. Book isn't used, rude comments are made sometimes, not enough time to complete labs, tests are very important so pay attention to dates. He isn't understanding at all, But if you teach yourself the lessons you should be okay, he doesn't teach well. Good Luck.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
BIO1500
May 18, 2023
Would take again

I liked the prof as a person but grading was pretty unclear. I did bad on one test that I studied really hard for but then also did very good on a test that had about equal effort. The quiz requires long form answers so you really need to be able to speak a lot about the topic. I did like that he allowed you to pick3 of the 5 questions to answer

1.0
4.0
BIO1530
Grade: C-
Nov 15, 2023

Somehow I've managed to have a professor that makes biology confusing and lame. He's very unclear about what kind of answers he'd like on the written portions of tests. He also was very behind on uploading our lectures online. Labs feel pointless. When he tries to make us participate, everyone is lost and confused. Find another BIO teacher.

Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BIO1530
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 17, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Flynn is awesome! Though this is not an easy A or B. When I started this class, an initial emphasized written exam rubric would have been most helpful. Certain lowest grades are dropped. Pay attention to terminology. Multi choice tests have very short time limits and are tricky, watch out for taking them twice. Tough, but engaging!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: B-
Dec 13, 2023

Super useless lectures, multiple choice exams with 7-8 choices and doesn't answer the scientifically even though it's science class. Very poorly communicates plans, materials, and labs. Did care to help when I approached about receiving a lower grade than a student who has the same answer as me.

1.0
4.0
BIO
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2023

Very Disapointed, I wish I could use stronger words to express my feelings about Shannon and the way he teachers his class. In short, find a better BIO teacher and don't waste your time. He doesn't grade scientifically even though it's a science class... also grades based off of how he likes your response, not neccisarly if it's correct.

Tough grader
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Feb 1, 2024

He is a nice person overall, however, the man does not know how to teach. He will often contradict himself and is a hard grader on written exams. Labs are easy although they often don't match what you are learning in the lectures.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1530
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2023

Dr. Flynn is very smart and kind of funny but he does NOT teach. He speaks as though you should already know the material and the course is very unorganized. I would never take a class with him again.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1530
Grade: C
Feb 3, 2024

I would never take a class with him again. Always unorganized, labs didn't help with tests, felt unprepared every single time I walk in the class, and doesn't give extra help when needed. Usually not one to blame the prof, and make sure I do everything I can before i go to him for help, but truly something needs to change with his teaching style.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: C+
Feb 6, 2024

I made a whole account just to warn others about this professor. Prepare for: labs to have nothing to do with exams. Lectures of him reading off the board for half the time, and spending the other half going over one question of a paper that should only take a minute. If you wanna go through hell, this is the closest thing to it

Tough grader
Lots of homework
So many papers
4.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 20, 2024

He give good example in his lecture, and I thought I learned; but his test tells me otherwise. Some answer in the multiple choice test doesn't match up with what I have learned. But his test is only 25% of the whole grade. So even if you get F for the whole written test, as long as you do assignment you should be fine.

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
2.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: C
Sep 9, 2024

If you wanna test to see if you really cut out for college. This professor right here. Get ready to highlight and write papers every 2 weeks, quizzes every week, and oh let me not forget they DOUBLE each test. 20 the first test next test will have 40 a minute per question too. His teaching technique traumatized me into doing better. Good luck!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO1530
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2024

Pop quizzes with trick questions. Trick questions on tests. Tips on what will be tested were snuck into lectures, sometimes in code, so you need to listen diligently to the whole lecture. You will also need to read the textbook, find podcasts & youtube videos from other professors to fully understand. This class will suck up all your time.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: D-
Dec 17, 2024

He's the worst professor I've ever taken in my life. He doesn't teach all he does is talk all day long to himself. You will fail this class even if you study his tests don't even make sense to what he teaches. Save yourself and don't take this class!

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 19, 2024

Takes 3 was to grade exams. lots of trick questions on quizzes/exams claiming he doesn't do so. Reads slides for hours but no actual teaching takes place. class was failing his exams and dropping his class …he blamed us: “poor study habits”.No matter how much I studied it didn't make a difference. I should have believed the reviews.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: F
Dec 19, 2024

Don't take this class with him! Online class with exams on campus. Waste of time!

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2024

He talks a lot and tricks you on his tests. Says to study certain things but then words things super difficult so you go into the exams "blinded". Very frustrating of a professor.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO2710
Jan 4, 2025

Nice guy, but terrible Professor. He talks too much which makes him have to rush to explain the labs; which then results in the students being confused. Tests and the lectures objectives do not align. Barely even used the lab manual. Never gave clear directions on what to write in lab notebook. Written portion of tests are graded oddly. DO ONLINE

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
B2710
Jan 8, 2025

Do not take with Dr. Flynn. He talks too much, rushes lab making it hard to comprehend anything. If you ask questions he gives condescending answers. Taking this class with him was a huge mistake. Look for Dr. D. West at Southfield. He is a great teacher, lab has high tech supplies, and he is dedicated to ACTUALLY helping his students succeed!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 15, 2025

Gives lengthy lectures in person that are available online. Test objectives do not match what is on the tests.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Feb 4, 2025

He made things confusing. He doesn't help students when confused, and appears frustrated when students are confused when he doesn't explain things well or rushes through labs. He messes up grades often and grades rough when it comes to tests. It's a looot of things to take in and he's very unserious. I would not suggest him if it's a beginner class

So many papers
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 4, 2025

I'm currently enrolled in this course and I hate it. He is unserious and does not help, he confuses things for a lot of students. He messes up grades often AND grades strict. His lectures are long and combining that with the online portion there is so much information to take in but we're to blame for not understanding despite him not helping well.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Feb 23, 2025

Professor Flynn has a unique teaching style, but it's best to stay engaged and use resources like Unstuck ai to supplement the course. Lectures can be hit-or-miss, but put in the effort and you'll do well.

2.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Apr 15, 2025

Isn't thorough when discussing lab instructions, questions on multiple choice tests aren't relevant to the class, makes you feel dumb when asking questions. Overall I absolutely do not recommend him as a professor.

Group projects
2.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Apr 15, 2025

Professor Flynn isn't thorough when giving instructions regarding labs, expects you to just figure it out. Multiple choice tests contain questions about topics that weren't covered in class, he also is very unhelpful when asked questions.

Group projects
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: Rather not say
May 11, 2025

Do not take this class I repeat I'm first day in and thinking about dropping he doesn't teach , he reads off the board and this is a online course I am taking very fast passed a cram of work . TEST is very hard .

Tough grader
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
BIO1570
Grade: Not sure yet
May 20, 2025

The professor is very vague when answering your questions, especially if you need to make sure you're doing something right. You will be told you are teaching yourself the class, too. Tests are a nightmare, as there may be many multiple-choice answers for one question. DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. There are much better micro classes out there

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Jun 27, 2025

The profession lecture about the subject is easy to follow. but his instructions are confusing and vague. Due to his vague explanation, I ended up scoring less than my normal score.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lots of homework
3.0
4.0
BIO1570
Grade: C
Jun 29, 2025
Would take again

He is very vague about what to study in exams. Learning objectives were broad and can't depend on. Did the summer version, which meant I had to complete my learning in 8 weeks. He provides extra credit opportunities which was nice, but exams were brutal. Final exam was 9 chapters total. If you can handle fast pace, go ahead, but good luck.

Participation matters
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: C+
Jul 3, 2025

I had a 98% in the course overall until the final exam, which I received an F on and took me down to a C+. Multiple choice questions down to I or J and no partial credit for wrong answers. Extremely punishing. Very political and uses his class as a soap box to preach about non course related issues and divides the classroom. Do not recommend.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
BIO1500
Grade: A+
Jul 8, 2025

It's been months since i finished this class and I still get mad about it. It was one of my last before I got my degree, and I wish I dropped it. He was constantly on a political soapbox, and extremely vague about any direction, while talking down to us. It was ridiculous.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: B
Jul 30, 2025

horrible grading scale. made me lost 40 points because i missed ONE class bc i was sick and we went to a field trip to the park which was 30 points. no sympathy at all when i talked to him and simply will not respond to any emails outside of class. I'm a straight A student at my regular uni this class was the worst thing i put myself through

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Grade: B-
Jul 30, 2025

the exams were so weird. will make you write full essays in thirty minutes for exams and this is a bio??? class??? final was absolutely atrocious, everybody failed even people who did exactly what was expected of them the entire semester. whole class just sets you up to fail honestly. at that point you know it's the professor and not the class

Participation matters
1.0
5.0
BIO1500
Jul 30, 2025

this class still makes me mad to think about bc of how utterly unfair it was. you can literally get As on all the exams and STILL end up with a C if you miss a stupid field trip to look at waste water or don't do well on the final exam which made no sense. every single student in the class was in a state of constant confusion by this prof

1.0
4.0
BIO1570
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 13, 2025

I don't recommend taking this course. Honestly he is not a good professor very tuff lecture, just talks and rambles for 3 hours and more. Exams extremely hard for no reason. Doesn't make any sense how hard this course was… i stopped going to lecture because i wasn't learning anything. Have to teach myself how every chapter. Don't recommend him!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO2710
Grade: B
Nov 17, 2025

Don't take. There is no rubric for assignments, no structure for lab, there is no breaks, he encourages students to make up for his lack of time management by staying after class ends. His tests are “Prep for board exams,” which to him means 8 multiple-choice questions with 6 of them being correct. He makes you pick his “most correct answer”.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
BIO1530
Grade: C-
Dec 13, 2025

Dr. Flynn's lectures are very hard to follow and his learning objectives do not match his exams. Exam questions are extremely hard, even when you excessively study the material. You are basically graded on 100 point exams and a couple 10 point assignments that do absolutely nothing for your grade. A few 10 pointextra credit assignments at the end.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO2710
Dec 17, 2025

Grade was based on 5 exams. Doesn't matter if you do terribly on all of them tho. He gives learning objectives for the exams, then doesn't ask questions based on the learning objectives. multiple choice has 9 options and answer is based on his opinion. Given zero instructions for labs and are expected to finish in 2 hour labs in 15-20 min. Bullshit

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: C+
Dec 17, 2025

DO NOT take any class he teaches! I have never had a professor as awful as him. he is condescending and doesnt care to help when you ask him questions. His exams are difficult and unfair. He gives 8 or more options for m/c and expects you to pick the most correct.Learning objectives dont align with the exams...they INSANELY difficult for no reason

Tough grader
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: C-
Dec 17, 2025

His lectures are unrelated to what he tests you on, including his learning objectives.He is a tough unfair grader. And dont expect to get grades back,some things he just doesnt mark.Exams are intense be ready for that. i strongly advice you to take the class with any other professor before considering him. He wants to see you struggle and fail 0/10

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO1570
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2025

lectures with 0 direction. doesnt tell you what to study because his learning objectives are so inconsistent with exams. Had the worst experience talking to him because he just doesnt care/respond to emails. By far the worst professor and grader. Everyone in the class nearly failed every exam and left feeling so discouraged. He blames the students

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
5.0
BIO2710
Grade: B-
Dec 24, 2025

If you have to take a class with Flynn, wait to take it with someone else. There's no rubrics, and he won't tell you what he's looking for in terms of grading. If you have a question, he will tell you to google it and encourages you to use ai. He argues with students who are curious about the grading. This is the worst professor I've EVER taken.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

72%

Textbook Required

30%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 54 grades
Most common grades:
B (14)
Not sure yet (12)
Drop/Withdrawal (7)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(20)C(13)D(13)F(2)A-/B+(5)
Based on 77 reported grades
B: 14
Not sure yet: 12
Drop/Withdrawal: 7
B-: 6
Common Tags
Tough grader (45)
Test heavy (32)
Lecture heavy (22)
Graded by few things (11)
Tough Grader (10)
LECTURE HEAVY (9)
Lots of homework (9)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.76 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MICRO1570

3.0

(5)

BIO1520

2.7

(3)

BIO1500

2.1

(54)

BIO1510

2.0

(3)

BIO1530

2.0

(22)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

BIOLO1530

5.0

BIOLOESCI

5.0

BIO1520

5.0

B2710

5.0

BIO2710

4.8

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