3.4

Sheryl Smithson

Biology - Joliet Junior College

3.4
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
58%
Would Retake
91
Reviews
3.4
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
3.4
Helpful
3.3
Clarity

58%

Would Retake

91

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

33

4

19

3

12

2

9

1

18

What Students Say

She is a very good teacher

BIO151 - 4.0 rating

Professor Smithson is a very reasonable instructor

BIO240 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

74%

Textbook Required

11%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 52 grades
Most common grades:
A (14)
B (11)
B+ (7)
Grade Distribution
A(15)B(14)C(8)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(12)
Based on 59 reported grades
A: 14
B: 11
B+: 7
A-: 5
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (16)
Clear grading criteria (15)
Lecture heavy (13)
Tough grader (13)
Hilarious (12)
Lots of homework (11)
Test heavy (10)
So many papers (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.15 avg change
Oct
Dec
Nov
Dec
Jul
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO250AND251

4.6

(5)

251

4.0

(2)

BIO104

4.0

(1)

BIO251

3.9

(15)

BIO250

3.8

(11)
+4 more courses
Difficulty by Course

151

4.0

BIO240

4.0

BIO149

4.0

BIO151

3.7

251

3.5

Reviews (91)
5.0
2.0
BIO240
Oct 12, 2012

She's awesome! She does her best to break things down. She's eager to answer all q's. She does anything in her power to help you succeed. (you still have to put in effort, obviously) Class is kept pretty entertaining. Different media is used to help clarify different topics. She molds her lessons to benefit all types of learning strategies.

4.0
2.0
BIO151
Oct 15, 2012

She knows her material but gets very irritated when asked simple questions. Personally I didn't like the way she teaches. Copying and pasting the textbook onto powerpoint after powerpoint. Maye she's not so good because it's her first year teaching this course.

3.0
3.0
BIO151
Oct 16, 2012

I really did not find her teaching helpful. She expects you to put the pieces together yourself and does not answer your questions when necessary. She grades extremely hard and has terrible time mangement with labs and tests. We were behind all semester. I honestly would not take her class again.

4.0
4.0
BIO151
Apr 17, 2013

She is very knowledgeable about the topic and she is also very helpful when you don't understand, answering questions and further explaining. There are too many tests and I hate doing a pretest when I am trying to understand the previous material..confusing. I spend the majority of my time on this class and have no time for my other work.

5.0
4.0
BIO151
May 9, 2013

She's a very good teacher.She never gives you any surprises & she lays out exactly whats on each test and quiz. you do have to put work into the class but she gives great resources to help you learn and she never turns away a question. she's clearly knowledgeable on the topic and her personal experience made the concepts and class very interesting

5.0
2.0
BIO250
Jun 27, 2013

This I a hard subject with loads of memorization. It builds up s you go. She gave exact notes and even prints thm for you. After taking 251, I realize how lucky I was to have her for 250. There are prequizes, chapter test and exams, but practicals mixed in on tests. She shows you every body part while she lectures. Very helpful. Tough subject

3.0
3.0
BIO151
Grade: C
Jan 23, 2014

She expects students to study 12 hours a week for her class, i studied MAYBE an hour the whole semester and got a C. She is super smart and funny. I enjoyed her class even though it was hard. I am horrible at science and she made the class interesting

5.0
3.0
BIO250AND251
Jun 23, 2014

She is a really great teacher and I've benefited from having her. She explained things in a way that made me remember and understand. She pushed us to memorize and learn for the practical exams and I am reaping the benefits in nursing school right now! Definitely take her if you're preparing to go into a medical field!

2.0
4.0
BIO250
Aug 18, 2014

I took this class alone and I still got a D. She went fast and didn't explain well. You basically have to read the entire chapters prior to the course if you take this professor.

4.0
4.0
BIO250
Oct 21, 2014

Smithson is a great proffesor period. Based on the fact that she grades fairly and offers a plethora of resources on the web. I can access all the power points on my computer in addition to the book. That's really good. However she swears a lot, not in an angry way more just to be humerus (get it?). Also, Attend EVERY lecture and be there.

3.0
4.0
151
Grade: C-
Dec 16, 2014

If you are naturally good at biology, i recommend. I am not, so i struggled. But, she answers emails right away and always answers questions with positive attitude. Lots of homework and long lectures. but she knows when everyone starts to get bored so she'll let us take a 15-30 min break. don't need textbook.

5.0
4.0
151
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2014

posts lots of extra resources online, willing to help and answer any questions students have. The class does feel a little rushed because there's a large amount of stuff to cover, all in all you get what you give with her, if you try and ask for help when needed you should do well. Tests are very difficult and it is necessary to read chapters

5.0
4.0
BIO251
Grade: B-
Dec 21, 2014

Prof. Smithson was a really great professor in my opinion. I found that her lectures were a bit rushed in her teaching style, but it's expected because anatomy is such a complicated subject. Students should be ready for lectures way before hand. Other than her not-so-concise teaching style, I think she did a great job making the class bearable

4.0
3.0
151
Grade: C+
Jan 7, 2015

If you have any questions she will help as best as she can. Anatomy is a tough subject, therefore studying is required! The lab book is extremely helpful with studying the anatomy of the body! She loves to crack jokes and keep the class engaged with the learning material.

4.0
4.0
BIO251
Grade: A-
Jan 13, 2015

I thought she was a good teacher. She made the material interesting. The tests were difficult and I spent a lot of time preparing and studying for weekly quizzes.

3.0
4.0
BIO149
Mar 20, 2015

Make sure you read the material several times, the tests and exams are very hard and some of the questions on her exams are topics that are not in the textbook and some things we never went over in class. The labs do not explain procedures very well. She also makes you write three essays for exams. Lots of homework and lots of tests.

1.0
5.0
151
Mar 31, 2015

She does not explain anything. Gets very upset when you ask questions. You have to do 3 out 6 essays on the test. She gets frustrated so fast over everything and makes you feel dumb. When it comes to the labs she does not explain just wants you to read and do it. One of the worst teachers I ever had!

3.0
4.0
251
Apr 13, 2015

I took her for A&P 2 this spring and had to miss class due to medical reasons and it was impossible to make up everything I felt like she rushed through all the topics I really didnt like her teaching style. I test are pretty hard it has multiple choice, fill in the blank & essay questions all I can say is good luck if you take her for anything!

5.0
4.0
BIO251
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 15, 2015

She gives us note-takers for her lecture that are a lifesaver and she's very funny. She'll be up-front about what you do and do not need to know for her tests and as long as you study, you will get a good grade on them. The essays are NOT hard. It sounds intimidating but it isn't bad! She's the best professor I've ever had. Trust me, take her!

4.0
4.0
BIO251
Apr 25, 2015

Tells it like it is. Grades fair and gives you all the resources you need! Took her 3 semesters in a row.

4.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: C+
May 7, 2015

She is a very good teacher. You can tell she is passionate about what she teaches. She makes you work for your grade, it is not just handed to you. If you actually take the time to study for quizzes and exams it becomes very easy.

4.0
4.0
BIO251
May 13, 2015

She is the absolute best professor to have for Anatomy and Physiology. I only took her for 251 and I sincerely regret not taking her for 250. She prepares you for tests and gives you everything you need to know, no surprises. The essays on the tests allow you to really learn and retain the knowledge you've learned that chapter. She's simply great!

5.0
2.0
BIO250
May 17, 2015

Great professor! Has a lot of real life stories that relate to her lectures which make it interesting. She combines lectures and labs into one class and have powerpoints that are super helpful. She tells you exactly what will be on the exams including the essay questions. Would definitely take her again!

5.0
3.0
BIO151
Grade: A-
Jul 5, 2015

I loved her! Biology is a tough course but she makes it fun and easy. You won't really need the book because she posts the parts you need online. All powerpoints and material are on icampus as well as additional resources that explain things in a different way depending on the type of learner you are. I wish I could have taken her again for 152.

5.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: A
Aug 27, 2015

I absolutely loved her! She grades fair and is willing to give up her free time to help! She shares experiences and adds humor to the lessons. The tests are tough, but she tells you what sections you need to study and possible exam questions. If you put in the effort you can get an A!! I would take her for all my science classes if I could!

3.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2015

She's very helpful, works around and is there for you. If you do all homework, tests are a blow off. Very funny, keeps class entertained! If you don't attend class you will fall behind in lab. Would take one of her classes again.

2.0
5.0
BIO151
Feb 18, 2016

I was too busy worrying about turning in almost 3 assignments per class period to be able to understand the content, which left me terrified the night before exams. I spent hours studying for each one because I realized I didn't understand the content I was just trying to catch up on the homework. This class takes a lot of dedication and free time.

2.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: B-
Apr 13, 2016

I started out the semester with a different teacher for bio 151 and was getting a 92% in the class, when Smithson took over my class after spring break my grade dropped to an 81%. Her lectures are copied straight from the textbook. I feel like I have to teach myself. Completely unfair, would not take her again.

2.0
3.0
BIO251
Apr 16, 2016

I took her for 250 and I liked her so I took her again for 251 and what a mistake. I don't know what happened but she has changed. Pretty much yells at students that ask question, gets frustrated when you don't get material. All the people that had her for 250 noticed the difference too. I still did real good in the class but she was no help.

5.0
3.0
BIO250AND251
Apr 23, 2016

This teacher is amazing. She is always there to help you when you have questions. Yes she does have multiple essay questions on the test but she will give you a heads up as to what they are about. You can give her a rough draft of your essays and you will get feedback as to what you need to add or remove. I would definitely take her again! :)

3.0
3.0
BIO151
Grade: B
May 3, 2016

She was a great teacher. Yes the class was boring, but she managed to throw silly humor in there to make the class better. She does give a lot of homework, but it's totally manageable. She also had all the homework up on canvas, so you can mess around with your grade. I would totally take her again.

2.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: B
Jun 3, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She was something else, teach switch up in the middle of the semester threw me off.

5.0
4.0
BIO250
Grade: B
Jul 4, 2016
Would take again

Dr .Louis is what she goes by, she tells you what you need to study. she has essay questions but gives you choices. she is an excellent teacher but you can not slack off or you fail. I took the summer class and it was intense but she gives you great feedback.

4.0
4.0
BIO250
Grade: A
Aug 19, 2016
Would take again

I took this professor over the summer and I'm glad I did. She focuses on topics she's going to test you on. No extra details, which helps keep you on track. Multiple choice exams with some essay questions. Essays helped boost my grade when I did bad on the m.c. part. Gives study guides and essay questions ahead of time. Weekly quizzes. Read text!!!

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
3.0
3.0
BIO250
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2016
Would take again

She goes through lecture pretty fast but if you read the book as she recommends and take good notes (I like to print out the PowerPoints since she has them online) you'll be able to keep up with the class. She always tries to help students to do well & gives studying suggestions & always cracks jokes. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you miss a lot.

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
BIO250AND251
Grade: A-
May 3, 2017
Would take again

Best teacher I've ever had! no surprises you know what to expect!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
BIO151
Grade: A
May 9, 2017
Would take again

She rocked, wasn't too hard but wasn't too easy. I very much liked the way she taught. Lecture followed by a short break, and then a lab. I was a bit of a challenging student a little obnoxious and loud but she handles it well, she super funny in a sarcastic way. All in all an AMAZING TEACHER that I would recommend to anyone who is not an idiot.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
BIO151
Grade: C
May 9, 2017
Would take again

I love this teacher. I took her Bio 151 class and i loved it. I can tell you that if you do not study you will not pass this class, AND she WILL work with you if you ask her. She expects the best out of you and will put the ball back in your court on whether you pass or not. Do not miss any classes, everything is too important to miss. Enjoy her :)

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
1.0
BIO251
Grade: A
May 10, 2017
Would take again

Great Teacher!! There's plenty of extra credit opportunities. There are essays on exams but you know what they are ahead of time AND she'll look at them if you have any questions. All you gotta do is STUDY, A&P is not easy BUT It's only hard if you don't put the time and effort

Get ready to read
Hilarious
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
BIO250AND251
Grade: B+
Oct 20, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Smithson is the best A&P professor there is at JJC. Her lectures are great. There are essays on the exams and quizzes but she gives you a review guide on icampus on what to expect. She is very understanding and wants her students to do well. I would easily take her again!!

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
BIO151
Nov 2, 2017
Would take again

Amazing teacher, shows attention to students who need extra help and goes the extra mile to be sure you understand such a difficult subject.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
BIO250
Grade: B-
Dec 1, 2017
Would take again

Best bio teacher at JJC!!!! NO SURPRISES ON TESTS OR QIZZES

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Would take again
5.0
4.0
BIO151
Dec 6, 2017
Would take again

One of the best teachers I've had. There is homework and online, at home quizzes for almost every chapter. Also an in class quiz for many chapters. She has everything (powerpoints, study guides, etc) on iCampus. Quick grader as well with few extra credit opportunities. Definitely have to work for an A though. Would take her again.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
BIO250
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2017
Would take again

I honestly do not know why she has this low of a rating. I believe she should be above a 4.8. She helps explain everything that will be on the quizzes and test. Lecture is explained amazing. The detail about what to study for the quizzes and test are online! Ignore taking that Murdoch teacher, Smithson is easy as long as you try!

Respected
Hilarious
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2017
Would take again

Half of the class was lecture from powerpoint, the other half was lab. Lab was easy, she helps if you need it. She can come off tough, but she is there to help you succeed. HW, in class & online quiz after every chapter. Occasional in class assignments. All easy points. Studying for tests is the hard part, if you don't have good study habits.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
BIO151
Grade: B+
Mar 1, 2018
Would take again

10/10 would take a class with her again. although she does give a lot of homework she always tells you exactly what will be on the tests and quizzes so there are never any surprises. for essay questions on tests and in-class quizzes she gives you the exact question that is on the test so you have about 2 days to know the exact answer. very helpful!

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
4.0
3.0
BIO151
Grade: B
Mar 18, 2018
Would take again

Fantastic professor, she always makes class fun and the material easy to understand. Would definitely take her again.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
BIO251
Grade: B+
Apr 25, 2018
Would take again

Smithson was a fantastic teacher. Not only did she have detailed lectured and explained everything great, but the test and quizzes she gives she tells you what is on it online! if you put in the work its an easy class. Study the online quizzes for test. I kind got lazy towards end of semester so that why I got a B but TAKE HER #1!! makes it simple!

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
BIO151
May 7, 2018
Would take again

This isnt an easy class but Dr. Smithson makes it interesting. All of the assignments help for the exams. She tells you what the essay questions are going to be on quizzes and exams ahead of time. There are many opportunities for extra credit. You have to study for this class or you will not pass. I would absolutely take this professor again!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: A
May 8, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Smithson obviously loves biology and enjoys teaching even when faced with zombies who are there to take a prereq. By far the best professor you will take because she wants you to engage and understand the material so you can use it in the future. You'll be surprised how enjoyable it is. I will miss her lectures - not expected rxn to course end

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
BIO240
Grade: C
May 15, 2018
Would take again

I took Mrs. Smithson for microbio, this is a hard class for students like me who struggle with science but she is the best teacher to take for the class. Her tests are exactly whats on the tests, BUT if you are going into nursing, don't just study the answers, well study them so you get an A, but make sure you study the material.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO250
Grade: Incomplete
Aug 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She is so mean. Just late hw 1min, you will get zero. Sometimes I talked to her after class, she always interrupts me while talking, so she misunderstands me as well. When she misunderstand, she thought that I was wrong about that things. When I was wrong, she never gives me a second chance. SO CRUEL!!!!!

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Grade: B
Aug 17, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Do not take her class. What an awful professor that I knew.

Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
TEST HEAVY
3.0
4.0
BIO250AND251
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 9, 2018
Would take again

Tough prof because it's a tough subject. You have to know the material because she does not hold your hand. Looks for intricate and detailed answers so if you register for the class, go into iCanvas and start studying the essay questions for the tests. Know those like the back of your hand!!!

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
3.0
5.0
BIO151
Dec 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Challenging class. During lecture, she chooses students randomly to answer questions. After each lecture, there is an online quiz and an in class quiz the next class. Shes kind of a tough grader. Attendance is not required, but if you miss class you will be behind. As a heads up- only 3 students got an A in the class. Use the textbook & STUDY.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
BIO240
Feb 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Not very compassionate regarding student emotional needs. Moves quickly in lecture and often becomes flustered when students ask questions. On quizzes, a significant quantity of questions are unclear, and concerns brought up about these topics are often dismissed with little/no further explanation from the professor.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 25, 2019
Would take again

Shes very intelligent but makes you feel dumb sometimes so be prepared for that. Make sure you do your work and study because she makes you work for it.

1.0
4.0
BIO240
Feb 27, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She overloads you with information. Very powerpoint heavy and very boring. she is really smart but is not good at being a teacher and actually teaching you the information. is also kind of rude at times

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO151
Grade: A
Mar 31, 2019
Would take again

This is not supposed to be an easy class. Mrs. Smithson is tougher because it is tough material. She will set you up with a foundation for other bio classes. With this class you MUST be prepared. Read ahead and take your own notes to go along with her power points. I studied average 10-13 hours a week for her tests. Hard class, but passable!

4.0
5.0
BIO151
Apr 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This was probably he hardest class I have taken. I slipped by without doing any of the homework, but if you do take this course, I would highly suggest you do the homework and actually take the time to study outside of class. She was a good instructor, and knew what she was talking about, but it was just a really hard class for me. Don't skip.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
BIO250
Jul 12, 2019
Would take again

Professor Smithson is a great professor! I took her for anatomy 1 during summer and she was amazing! Went over what was covered on the exams. Shes also clear on how she grades and not to mention she goes over exactly what will be on the test and what essay questions you will get! If you pay attention and do your part (study everyday) its an easy A!

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
BIO240
Grade: B
Oct 12, 2019
Would take again

Prof Smitson makes you work for your grade. Microbio was a tough class and there was a lot of content, but she does try her hardest to explain everything. If you expect a grade handout; do not take this class, but if you want to actually learn, she is one of the best.

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO151
Grade: D
Nov 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She has the mentality where she thinks that her class is the only commitment you have. She can also be very rude especially when you ask for clarification on something you do not understand. She also told my class that if you're failing in her class that you will fail at life. Workload is so heavy that there was never anytime to study. Lecture FAST

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
BIO251
Grade: A
Dec 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Smithson is intelligent and enjoys the topic and is funny at times. However she can be very rude and condescending. She gets irate in lab and yells frequently and makes even good students feel like idiots if they ask her to clarify something. She isn't good at math, multiple times my grade was added incorrectly. Worst professor I've taken.

1.0
5.0
BIO240
Feb 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

as much as im a nice person, smithson was a total jerk. she has yelled at so many students in my class. she treats you like you dont know what youre talking about if you ask a question. her british accent is ridiculously strong to understand. she doesnt have respect for students and if you take her just beware she is not the best teacher at all

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Jul 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Do not take this clas!! She thinks that this class is the only commitment that you have! Extremely rude. Docs you for every assignment whether you missed a period or a comma at the end of sentence.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Jul 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Questions on the quizzes were unclear at times. She's rude and uncaring.

Test heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO149
Jul 22, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Her class is not meant to be taken online. Shes a very tough grader and she does not allow mistakes to be made.

So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Very rude teacher. Don't bother reaching out for help because she will not work with you. She will take off points for minuscule mistakes and acts like you should already know all the material when we are here to learn.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO251
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 25, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I would not understand some parts of the rubric for assignments and I would send her emails asking for clarification. She would literally tell me to read the rubric. She is not helpful and not willing to help me understand material that I am having trouble understanding. Her replies can be very rude and I dread taking her class...

Test heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
BIO240
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2020
Would take again

Since this class was taken online, I found it to be pretty easy for a microbiology class. If you do the discussion boards, it is very easy to get a good grade on them. Also, for the essays, make sure to write a lot and you should be fine.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Grade: B+
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Took this class online due to Covid. This teacher is very rude when it comes to responding to questions in an email. She is a hard grader when it comes to her essays and she gives A LOT of homework. Her powerpoint quiz questions are rarely ever in her slides. Her final is so short-timed with extremely hard in-depth questions. Know the information.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Grade: D
Feb 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She truly deserves a zero. Too many Essays! 3 250word Essays for every test. Not enough time given to take test or even review your answers. Classmate Discussions turn into mini essays that are also graded. Insulted when you don't refer to her as doctor. She doesn't provide in depth explanations of course material. Horrible and rude Professor.

Lecture heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO240
May 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I am taking this class online during the Summer. This is one of the most demanding courses I have ever taken. This professor over loads you with work, and gives out so many essays. There are too many assignments which include discussion boards, lab work, quizzes, and module assignments. Beware.. worst course set up I have experienced so far...

Lots of homework
Test heavy
So many papers
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Begs her students to reach out & then belittles them for no fn reason. Yall can take what you want from this & waste your money but I would take this course at a more reputable campus with more resources :)

Tough grader
2.0
3.0
BIO240
Grade: B+
May 21, 2022

I took this professor in person & let me tell you this teacher was interesting. The one thing I absolutely hated was how many essays we had to write 3 essays for 6 exams besides the last 2. She will grade students that barley do good in the class the same if not better than students that are trying really hard which is a complete slap in the face.

Tough grader
So many papers
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
BIO240
Grade: A
May 21, 2022
Would take again

Great class if you are willing to put in the work. Instead of multiple choice exams there are 3 essays, so if you are not willing to do that every chapter do not take the class. I do feel like I learned a lot from this class and would recommend it if you put in the work.

2.0
3.0
BIO149
Grade: C+
Dec 8, 2022

She is not the worst but I wouldn't take another class taught by her. Tells students to ask for help and her feedback can come off as rude/harsh. She lectures heavy (reads off P.P and randomly picks on students to answer ?'s). Tests are 50 multiple choice, 2 essays, and lab practical over 2-3 chapters at a time. READ, WATCH VIDEOS & NOTES!

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
BIO240
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2022

Seems as if I never was getting my full credit for any of my assignments and she is very rude.

Tough grader
So many papers
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
BIO149
Grade: A-
Dec 19, 2022
Would take again

The lectures were usually an hour to an hour and a half and were really boring. The labs were kinda fun, though. There was a test pretty much every two weeks, and two essays had to be written and due by test week. I definitely recommend doing the essays a few days in advance rather than waiting until last minute like I did. They help on the test.

Lots of homework
Hilarious
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
BIO240
Grade: B+
Oct 23, 2023
Would take again

Professor Smithson is a very reasonable instructor. For every multiple choice exam you take, you have to also do a paper on the topic tested. Very reasonable and even reviews and gives feedback before turning in . Tests are similar to the online quizzes. Once you understand her grading style and what she looks for, you will succeed in her class.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
BIO251
Grade: A+
Oct 25, 2023
Would take again

Honestly, she gets a bad rep. She is one of my favorite professors ever! For anatomy, her physiology quizzes are online and you can use your notes. Practicals and exams are hard, dedicate time to them It's not her fault students are lazy. Lowest quiz is dropped, lowest exam is dropped, and lowest two homeworks are dropped. Essays are easy points.

Participation matters
Gives good feedback
So many papers
1.0
5.0
BIO240
Grade: F
Dec 12, 2023

Way of teaching is disorganized, does not give good or understanding lectures, too much assignments.

Lots of homework
So many papers
5.0
3.0
BIO240
Grade: B
Nov 18, 2024
Would take again

She is very fair in her grading and is a very hilarious professor, she can be disorganized at times. She extends assignments or gives points back if she feels that she is at fault for poor performance. Very fair instructor and intelligent. Would take her again.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
3.0
2.0
BIO240
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2024

Overall, not a bad teacher. Her attitude and disorganization are very annoying at times. As long as you listen during lab and study the quiz modules, you will be fine.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
BIO251
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2024
Would take again

This was my first time taking professor smithson. At first the negative reviews scared me but after taking her class i realized that the negative reviews must be from students who DID NOT TRY. I found her class very enjoyable and I was always able to ask for help if I needed clarity on something.

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
251
Grade: B
Dec 11, 2024
Would take again

I've never had a professor i enjoyed so much. If you are willing to put in work and listen and accept the help she offers you will excel in this class. If you put in effort she will do her best to make sure you succeed. She 100% deserves a better rating then what people give her on here.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
BIO251
Grade: B
Dec 11, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Smithson will not give you an easy A but she will make it possible to earn As and Bs in this class. Pay attention, ask questions- she will give you helpful feedback. She provides multiple resources for each topic and gives students the short answer exam questions ahead of time. She is hilarious, very real with people, and encouraging. Just try!

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Respected
4.0
3.0
BIO104
Grade: B+
Dec 12, 2024
Would take again

She was a good teacher and for a 3-hour class crammed a lot of info in. But it honestly went by super-fast every day. She is very up front which was nice. homework was a participation grade with weekly online quizzes that were a great use to study with! Make sure you attend class bc it is graded but overall, a good course. I would take again.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
BIO251
Grade: A
Jul 27, 2025
Would take again

I took Dr. Smithson for A&P 2 and Microbiology. The curriculum is straightforward and she is very honest with what to expect on exams. There is a lot of assignments at times but they prepare you for the exam. Class attendance is graded by ICA. She really wants her students to do well but you have to put in the effort.

Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
BIO251
Grade: C+
Dec 13, 2025

Professor was very snappy. She read off slides & flew through chapters. She made exams extremely difficult. Not very organized but overall as a person she was cool

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

74%

Textbook Required

11%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 52 grades
Most common grades:
A (14)
B (11)
B+ (7)
Grade Distribution
A(15)B(14)C(8)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(12)
Based on 59 reported grades
A: 14
B: 11
B+: 7
A-: 5
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (16)
Clear grading criteria (15)
Lecture heavy (13)
Tough grader (13)
Hilarious (12)
Lots of homework (11)
Test heavy (10)
So many papers (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.15 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO250AND251

4.6

(5)

251

4.0

(2)

BIO104

4.0

(1)

BIO251

3.9

(15)

BIO250

3.8

(11)
+4 more courses
Difficulty by Course

151

4.0

BIO240

4.0

BIO149

4.0

BIO151

3.7

251

3.5

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