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Coolest teacher ever. Took bio350 Fall of 03. Funny, awesome, NEVER Boring. He's FUN to talk to. Our class laughed so much. A++

One of the best professors I've ever had! He is really funny and makes biology entertaining and interesting. As long as you come to class, take notes, and study, you'll do well. His review sessions are helpful and he's always willing to help students.

Good teacher! He's helpful, entertaining, and informative. He cracks jokes all the time, which keeps things interesting.While yes, you will be copying donw notes in lecture, he's really helping you out for studying for tests. If you actually do the reading and go to lecture you will do well. A+

Best teacher ever. His Class is fun and inovative and I had a great time listening to what he said and found myself transfixed on every word because he is so enthusiastic. Great class only made fun by him. TAKE THE YOSEMITE TRIP!

Very hard class. Over half the students got a D or F on all of his tests. In lab you have a tough quiz EVERY single week, and the lecture tests are brutal. The project is tough too, you have to go to the river twice, identify trees/animals. Very hard class, but teacher is entertaining and helpful.

As person he is a nice guy. However, class is very,very hard. Unless you are real fun of Biology. I believe there are many others good teachers and class is not that hard.

HA Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! This Class is what you make of it. Is it hard? If doing your work is hard then yes. Do you have eyes, ears, and hands? Then it is easy. C'mon people get a grip!!!

Class is amazing. Teacher provides you with the essentials for success, its up to your lazy ass to get it together and complete the work. i found it challenging, peaceful, and adventerous.

I'd had an awesome time in his class. He's very animated and comical and makes it easy to learn. The class isn't hard but it's not a complete breeze either. You actually learn stuff in his class about California. I HIGHLY recommend him!

He is so rad.

I just went on the Yosemite trip with him, and it was great! He's such a real person, very fun, and easy to listen to. If you can, try to get him as your bio teacher. Its always pleasant to walk into his class room and listen to his lectures.

this man is funny, he can make you laugh, never seems a setion...... he is the best this man is really really great, I just dont know how he does this!:)

He likes what he teaches and knows quite a bit about the subject.

I really loved learning all that I did in this class, however it isn't one that you can just show up to and pass. You really need to work hard and use all the techniques and skills that you've acquired in your life to hang with it. Do as Steve specifies and encourages and you will really feel it was one of the most fulfilling classes on campus.

Steve James is a great teacher! He is very helpful, and he is also clear in what he explains. James teaches the importance of attending classes, but at the same time enjoying the class. I highly recommend him.

Steve is a great teacher, easy going, and friendly. He jokes around a lot and will keep you awake through class. His passion and curiosity in biology will rub off on you. I would not say he is the easiest teacher, but he will definitely take time to explain things. Overall, his class is fun and has a good vibe plus field trips are a blast!

I recommend this professor. his tests are from his study guides mostly. i do recommend that you read every chapter of the book, it helpful. his lectures are very good and the yosemite trip is the shyte!!!

The Field Trips Rock and Steve is very aware and sensitive to the needs of the students

Steve is an awesome professor who really cares about the student experience. Yes, the class is challenging but he gives you all the tools you need to get an A. Take his marine bio class and you won't regret it.

Steve James is extremely sensitive to the needs of his students and is remarkably fair as well, you put the time into the class and you come out with a good grade and experience-thoroughly enjoyed his presence

Steve has been my favorite teacher since I've been at city college. He's really a great guy. The class and feild trips are fun. Taking notes and then having a study group before exams really helps. He's a laid back guy who cares about the class and his students.

Steve is a great professor and his field trips are more like vacations. Definitely fun class to be in.

Ok.. These negative comments about this teacher have got to go! This is truly the BEST teacher I have ever had and probably will have in my college career. If you need a bio class, take him! Yes you need to do some work outside of coming to class but this is college! His lecture notes and study guides are like gold-you'll pass without a problem.

Mr. James is enthusiastic and inspiring. If you want to take one of his intro classes, have an OPEN mind and do the reading -- you'll have an incredible experience in his lectures and on his remarkable (!!!) field trips. If you want an easy pass without attending lectures or participating, you'll be disappointed ... but it's your loss!

He is passionate about his subject and makes understanding this broad topic easy for the students. Study the provided study guide well and you can ace the class.

This guy loves teaching, you can tell because he is prepared for class and he hooks us up with awesome field trips with his conjoined twin, Dave Wyatt. He is inspirational. When I want to quit, I remember class with Steve James and I keep going. He doesn't just teach about Biology in class. On trips he shows us what we can if we succeed.

I?ve gotta say I went to the Steve?s office just to look up his last name so I could right how much I enjoyed his class. He was clear and intriguing in his lectures (he didn?t just read you his power point) and he was able to answer questions without loosing track of what he?d been saying. He obviously enjoys what he does and his topics.

James is and will always be the best prof on the earth. I highly recommend any class taught by this man!! His tests are not difficult he tells you exactly what to study for your tests, and gives you the study questions. He is enthusiastic, funny, and kind. Take his blass natural bio was great and im sure marine bio next semester will be too.JLaBass

He loves teaching you about environmental biology. I took marine bio with him in Spring '08 and learned a lot from him. He knows what he's talking about. The study guides help during lecture. He hints at stuff that might be on the test. He's available if you have questions outside of lecture.

Steven James is Simply the BEST. Great Class and lectures. Test are somewhat difficult but the study guides help a little. Love this class. He is very helpful and is available for questions outside of class. He is Awesome!

Nice, easy-going guy. Tests are multiple choice and short-answer. The study guides will help you ace the multiple choice but he grades the short-answer a little tough. Justified considering how easy he makes it for you.

GREAT INSTRUCTOR WHO CAN KEEP YOU UP TO DATE ON BIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS, REGULATIONS AND EVERYDAY USE OF BIOLOGY

MARINE BIOLOGY CLASS IS ONE OF THE BEST CLASSES AVAILABLE! HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF YOURSELF AND ENVIRONMENT.

an entertaining n smart teacher to hav, plus he really does try to help you out. the class for the most part is interesting. the test can be a bit difficult if you don't study, kinda 50/50, but he gives a good study guide out and just reading the book helps a lot - oh, he drops the lowest test score. take advantage of extra credit, its easy to do

One of the best professors at SCC, not matter what your major i'd advise you take Environmental biology from him. He gives great lectures and genuinely cares ab out the subject matter he teachs. His class is not an "easy A" but with extra credit and studying an A is easily obtainable.

Wow, where did I start? James is a phenomenal teacher. I loved this class so much. It is extremely hard, you have to study, and attendance mandatory. But it's so interesting you don't WANT to miss it! James is funny, witty, and the best teacher ever. This class won't be an easy A. You have to study, & he grades a little harshly, but recommend.

Amazing teacher, nice and goofy. Use the study guides as a base for the notes you take in class. Tests require studying, so budget your time wisely!!! Got a B in the class

Marine Biology class was fun! Fun field trips to Monterey and Bodega bay. Tests are a bit hard so make sure you study, ready the book. Drops the 2 lowest test scores and journal score. Lots of hands on activity. Lots of extra credit points offered. Funny and has a lot a of fun stories. MUST TAKE! I plan on taking his 350 Environmental class next!

Very interesting class; instructor makes learning it fun! Lots of work but well worth the effort.

SJ=One of my most favorite teachers ever. Everyone should take this class. We all need to know these things and he's a great/fun/very helpful teacher. Inspires me! I want his job.

How to get an A: Read text before lecture. Take notes at lecture. Answer study guide questions by hand. Go over the answers before tests. You will get an A. This class should be mandatory for everyone. He's a cool ass dude. Makes you happy to be in his class.

he is a really entertaining, well educated, fun professor. i really enjoyed his class. tests are not hard if you read the handouts he gives you. he wants you to learn and is passionate about his field.

Awesome guy! Very funny, very smart. Study hard, and you will do fine. I missed a mandatory field trip, and he worked with me to set up another time I could go. I recommend this guy more than any other teacher at SCC

Out of all the teachers at SCC, he is proably the hardest I have taken, but he has pushed me to excel in his class and other classes. He wants you to succeed and will do what ever it takes to help you. For those that rated him low its becausee you think you are entilted to an A or B without doing any work. Take him if u really want to learn!

Really helpful, second time taking this class due to personal problems last time. Make sure you show up for class, if you don't understand something he's willing to help. Also I never bought the book for this semester and still passed with an A. Field trips are really fun for Marine Bio! Highly recommend him. Can't wait to take Natural History.

Scuba Steve is one of the best professors I've had. Even after sitting through a three hour lab I still wanted to be there because he made the class fun and interesting. Laid back, easy to talk to, hilarious, and wants students to pass as long as they're willing to try. I'm taking him again for another class next semester because he's so awesome.

Great professor, wants to make sure you understand what he's lecturing. Funny, keeps you interested through whole class. Just an awesome professor, definitely recommend!

Really great professor, wants to make sure you understand what he's lecturing. Pretty funny, keeps you interested through the class. His class was so good I am taking him again, definitely recommended!

told us buy book. never used. monotone. but funny ! he cares so much he does all he can. but you gota meet him half way n do work. he doesnt care bout attendence. lecture is online but most info is thru class. if he knows you. he picks on you . but very caring teacher. he recommends ppl meets in office hrs n discuss grades. overall B+

Let's see, James is really funny; kind of a goofy funny, he is very passionate about Biology and takes it's importance very strongly. (In Biol 350), We had an easy computer assigment, easy group project, 3 tests; he drops the lowest test grade, and a multiple choice final (easy). This class is fairly hard, but the experience was worth it. TAKE HIM

James is passionate about biology and it's contagious. He'll do anything to help you and make class expectations very clear. Do all the extra credit, go on 1 field trip and 1 project and you'll be fine. Love this class and would take Professor James again in a heartbeat.

Steve is a helpful teacher who cares about the stuff he teaches and cares about the students he teaches. I'm no good at science so I'm not going to say I loved his class, but he makes it fun and there are some gorgeous field trips, the one to Bodega Bay is specifically breathtaking.

Steve is great. I'm not into this subject but he doesn't shove anything down your throat. Sticks to the facts. Very helpful & available. He's always in a good mood, hilarious, & it's really sweet whenever he mentions his wife because even after 25 years they still seem to be in love. Awww.

I've taken Steve for 3 classes now and he's an awesome teacher. He's slow at grading but he's very up front about everything. The tests are easy if you study. Fieldtrips are required.He cares about biology and gets very excited when he teaches something he loves. If you want a great teacher, a fun class, and learn something new, take Steve.

Professor James is the most enthusiastic teacher I have ever had. He cares about his subject and wants you to learn as much as possible. I loved his class, it was challenging and fascinating-I learned a ton. I would recommend this class to anyone, it's probably the most fun you'll have in a Biology class. Ever.

Very nice, enthusiastic and caring for all students. He does not discriminate. Material is very cut and paste, a lot of material to retain. 4 tests, drops lowest score, mid term, and final and one required field trip! I enjoyed him as an instructor but could not retain so much information for each test was difficult.

Professor James is extremely fun and enthusiastic about his classes. He has a great sense of humor and is able to establish wonderful relationships with his students. HOWEVER, when it comes to tests and assignments, he's super serious about grading and expects you to buckle down and do your work. I learned so much from this class and got an A.

Take this class!Great professor. Made lectures interesting and the field trips were lots of fun especially when you are taking the class with a friend.

Steve James is a very intelligent professor who is undeniably passionate for what he lectures. His classes are not easy, they will keep you on your toes but he will help the whole way. At least one field trip is mandatory and is extremely fun, especially with a friend. I went to both Yosemite and Cal Academy. Glaciers!

Steve is an amazing professor, and totally helpful when you need extra help from his office hours. I recommend getting to know him so you can get a good LOR. I studied for 6-10 hours before each exam and got an A in the class. one test I didn't study for and got a C on the test. just read the book and do the three homework assignments.

He is awesome! Really good and easy. Loves to help out. If you just study class notes and powerpoints you can easily get a good grade in his class. The book is not really that big of a deal but it is very very helpful on the project.

James is a nice guy if you get to know him. His lectures are informative and students should take notes everyday and "live with the study guides" because he barely uses any books. His tests consists of multiple choice, fill in blank, and short answers. The short answers comes directly from the study guide. Overall, good class and good professor!

Had him for lab. Quizzes are near impossible. All questions are open ended with very finite details & lots of trick questions. Labs are pretty dry cut. Talks forever then cuts you loose. With that being said he's a very nice guy and is pretty much always around for help if you need it.

I'm still in high school and took his class. One of the best teachers I've ever had.

Lab: quizzes every lab, large final project, lowest 2 quizzes will be dropped - if you don't go on one of the field trips you will not pass the class

He is HILARIOUS! He makes class really fun, interesting and is very knowledgeable about the issues he discusses. Studying is up to you, as long as you pay attention take notes and read the chapters you will be fine with at least a B.

James is a very funny teacher he makes it easy to pay attention. He does get off subject VERY easily with all his cool stories but he will always get through the material and make sure you understand. It is very small class so its easy to make friends and the mandatory field trips are AMAZING. Love his class wish i could take it again.

This class is my favorite class I have ever taken at SCC so far . Steve is a fun teacher who builds relationships with his students and he takes you on life changing field trips. If you need a science class to fulfill GE units I highly recommend this course. Just keep in mind that you still have to study hard to do well in his class.

Took environmental biology with him a year ago. He was kind of funny and cute but also scary sometimes. Don't skip class and turn in all your work. Overall it wasn't so bad, I made a B.

Best professor at SCC. Just took Marine Biology 370 with him and I didn't want class to end. Steve is funny, kind and really cares about his students being successful. Best class ever!

I took Natural History and it was phenomenal. I am not Biology Major but his lecture really did make me understand terms and things in class. He is hilarious too. Expect test on scantrons.

I'm taking Marine Bio with him right now and it's an AMAZING class. The fieldtrips are life changing. Overall a class where you have to study a lot and really work for your grade, but it totally feels worth it because the material is so interesting and Steve is such a cool guy and is so willing to help. Definitely a must-take class.

Literally love this dude. He's hilarious and runs a really great class. I only had him for lab for 305 and I've never felt so capable of doing my own work because of how well explained everything is. Having him and Wyatt for lecture is a great combo and i do not regret taking this class and very much recommend the course.

Took BIO 370 and BIO 350 with James. Pros- he cares about students and the material. He is very knowledgeable and is willing to help if you put in the effort. Go to office hours. He wants you to succeed, but you have to work. Because of James, I changed my major. Cons- he's a fan of tangents, can be strict on field trips. STILL WORTH IT.

I just have him for Biol 305 Lectures only

Steve James is a pretty great teacher minus the attacks on religion throughout the course which seemed a bit extraneous and overall unnecessary. His classes are interesting and entertaining. Just be respectful, attend class, and make an effort to understand the material. All exams are closed-book multiple choice. A field trip is required, but fun.

Excellent teacher

Steve James was an excellent Professor, and you could tell that he really had a passion for what he taught and was very knowledgeable on the material. His classes were very interesting and engaging. His exams are all multiple choice, and there is a field trip that you must go to in order to receive credit.

Professor Steve James is hilarious! He's entertaining during his lectures and tells interesting stories. There is a lot of reading materials for the class to stay on top of. You might struggle on the tests if you don't read or do the study guides. Other than that, the class is pretty easy going if you're staying on top of your work.

Most favorite professor of all time. I took his class years ago and I still look back on it fondly. I even took 2 more of his classes because his passion was contagious, he got me excited about science. You can tell he cares about his students and wants to help them succeed. Amazing teacher, down to earth guy, wish every teacher was more like Steve

Pretty cool dude.

Awesome. Really funny he drops your worst quiz and exam score which helps a lot take him.

Hes a really good professor. He drops a quiz and an exam so you have leeway on your grade. You definitely should read your textbook has it really helps with the class. If not get ready to struggle a bit.

THE ABSOLUTE BEST PROFESSOR EVER ! Hes truly an amazing and hilarious professor. He cares about his students and will even hold a conversation with you. I do have to warn you on quizzes in the Lab portion of Biology you will have quizzes everyday but theyre easy if you study.

A really amazing professor who cares a lot about his students and their success. His lectures are entertaining and he always makes funny dad jokes. He grades fairly and always tries to make sure that his students are set up for success. He's always available during his office hours and is more than willing to chat about any questions you have.

Amazing professor! Very caring and funny, and he gives good study and test taking tips. Definitely not a class you can slack in, be sure to get in study groups and pay attention to what he says.

Professor James is a great Bio professor! Despite classes being online, the homework and quizzes were easy to comprehend. Make sure you look out for extra credit throughout the course, since there are a lot of opportunities. Take notes and enjoy the course!