3.0

Theodora Pinou

Biology - Western Connecticut State University

3.0
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
72%
Would Retake
93
Reviews
3.0
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
3.0
Clarity

72%

Would Retake

93

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

38

4

7

3

3

2

10

1

35

What Students Say

She's probably one of the worst teachers I've ever had

BIO104 - 1.0 rating

Listen to what everyone is saying and avoid at all costs

BIO104 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

83%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 26 grades
Most common grades:
A- (6)
A+ (6)
B (4)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(7)C(1)D(3)F(2)A-/B+(6)
Based on 31 reported grades
A-: 6
A+: 6
B: 4
A: 3
Common Tags
Caring (12)
Inspirational (10)
Tough grader (9)
Get ready to read (6)
Respected (6)
Participation matters (4)
Hilarious (4)
Test heavy (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.31 avg change
Apr
May
Mar
Apr
Aug
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO202

5.0

(6)

CONCEPTSOFBIO

4.7

(30)

BIO107

2.3

(3)

BIO100

2.1

(38)

BIO104

1.7

(16)
Difficulty by Course

BIO104

4.4

BIO107

4.3

BIO100

4.0

CONCEPTSOFBIO

3.0

BIO202

2.8

Reviews (93)
2.0
3.0
BIO100
Dec 1, 2004

Don't take any class with her, she is a horrible teacher, she does give some extra credit though. I would NOT take a class with her at all!!!!!

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Dec 6, 2004

SHE IS THE WORST! GET OUT OF THAT CLASS

2.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Dec 7, 2004

She makes the class harder than it should be! But, she gives a lot of extra credit, which helps. can be mean

1.0
4.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Dec 14, 2004

terrible teacher, complicates the subject, extremely rude to students, annoying high-pitched voice that will never stop haunting me.

2.0
4.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Dec 15, 2004

i hope her circulatory and respiratory systems cease to function

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Dec 16, 2004

gave us a study guide and nothing i studied was on the exam

2.0
5.0
BIO100
Mar 15, 2005

This woman is a nightmare. She is so rude to students. You never want to go to class because dealing with this woman is pure torture. She's winey, annoying voice. She doesn't reinforce what she teaches and doesn't help you in lecture when u need it. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!!

2.0
3.0
BIO100
May 2, 2005

She is so annoying, all she cares about is embarassing students and making them talk when they do not want to. She needs to focus more on teaching the lessons herself rather then calling on students who do not want to responde!!

1.0
5.0
BIO100
May 2, 2005

shes a miserable woman and should be fired, all she cares about are her stupid snakes, embarrasses students to the point then don't come to class, nothing she teaches makes sense and the study guides are useless. do NOT take this class.

1.0
5.0
BIO100
May 6, 2005

she is soh ard and does not care about her students at all...all she does is complain and she makes students feel stupid...she is pompous and her head gets bigger everyday...for the first assignemnt she even made us look up her latest published article and her credentials..i hate her and saveyoursel

1.0
5.0
BIO100
May 9, 2005

don't take this class, loves to just talk about how she went to yale, not helpful at all, stay away from this class

4.0
3.0
BIO100
May 20, 2005

dora is a good teacher, and you only have to be smart enough to go to the class to do well. there are a lot of idiots who dont go to class and are uninterested in learning that wonder why she desnt like them

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Aug 31, 2005

she's is..well..not my favorite..as an incomming freshmen..i dont recommend that anyone take her class..

4.0
5.0
BIO100
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 12, 2005

She is a good teacher. She shows passion for what she does. She is not very student friendly. She treats us like we are in elementary school. I think she needs to take a second look on who she is teaching.

1.0
4.0
BIO100
Sep 14, 2005

This woman lacks any of the required skills it takes for one human being to pass knowledge to another. I am completely insulted that I've paid money to be in her presence. I wish I could get away with spending half of the time at my job verbally attacking people and still get paid for it, but hey, we're not all as lucky as Theodora.

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Sep 28, 2005

complete and utter ****

1.0
3.0
BIO100
Grade: A-
Dec 8, 2005

Ok. She is a nightmare. She is not helpful and is very unclear. However, the class is not hard and if you can ignore her you will do just fine. The quizes are mostly take home and there are only 2 papers due. Yes, she sucks, but the class isn't that bad if u tune her out.

1.0
4.0
BIO100
Dec 21, 2005

This women is a snake, if you take this course after reading my comment, than you should get your head checked. Pinou is one of the rudest people I have ever met in my life, she is always embaressing students and degrades the class any chance she gets. And, Beware of her assignments, her grading is very unfair.

2.0
2.0
BIO100
Dec 21, 2005

This professor should stick to research, she is in no way an educator, and is very unhelpful and VERY unorganized.

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Apr 7, 2006

No office hours, no phone number, no email. I had to call the info desk to get ahold of her. Very unfair grading. Will not discuss any questions on the Rubricks in class. That's what class is for, for questions and stuff on the class work and lectures. Don't even bother going to class...she doesnt take attendance. Just go to lab.

2.0
4.0
BIO100
Apr 10, 2006

the whiney lady made fun of me in front of 50 kids and made me cry...COMPLETELY rediculous.

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Apr 17, 2006

shes not a nice person at all. she makes you feel stupid even if your question is logical. shes mean to people ALL the time. dont take her class if you can help it...

1.0
5.0
BIO100
May 4, 2006

there are no office hours, no rubics for any grading, and lots of unfair deragatory remarks are made towards students in class. Can't believe WestConn actually think it is ok for students to pay to learn nothing in her class. I don't recommend her at all.

5.0
4.0
BIO100
Aug 21, 2006

She is not the nicest person in the worls, but I had her for lab also. I love her. She was great in Lab. She explained everything well. She is a great teacher

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Nov 25, 2006

this teacher is BEAT. don't take the class you'll want to kill yourself.

2.0
3.0
BIO100
Dec 16, 2006

Not the best teacher... she is rude

4.0
2.0
BIO100
Mar 7, 2007

Everyone is complaining about what a bad teacher she is, but I do not see that at all. A lot of people did bad on a project we just had but that is because people didn't look at the rubric that she gave us which clearly stated what she wanted. Also, the only students that she yells at in class are the ones that are talking and deserve it. GROW UP!

3.0
3.0
BIO100
Apr 25, 2007

She was 'ok.' Attend the lectures just in case there's an "accomplishment pt" which u want alot of so it will add onto your final grade. The worst thing are the crit. thinkin papers! She can be rude in lecture.. i hear in lab she's gr8. she has office hours, rubics, nething to show u how to do something

5.0
2.0
BIO100
Dec 3, 2007

She is a very compassionate teacher. Does care about the students who give an effort. The "rudeness" in class so many on here complain about is due to immature students who haven't adjusted to college. It is an easy class and well worth it. GO SEE HER IN OFFICE HOURS!! It will pay off hugely. Not a bird course but an easy A if you do the work.

2.0
5.0
BIO100
May 29, 2008

I had her for lab. Some of the lab reports are group but she grades them harder then the induivual lab report. I did better myself than the group report. Also pay attention to her lecture in lab. Her gradeing systems is bad. IF ANY try take the lab with some else like WONG. Because OF WONG i got a B. IN the class

4.0
4.0
BIO100
Aug 26, 2008

Not as bad as people make her out to be. I had her for lecture and I thought her grading system was amazing! Everything you did just added points, nothing you did could hurt your grade. She was a tough grader, but just don't talk or fall asleep in class and you'll be fine.

2.0
4.0
BIO100
May 18, 2010

She doesn't care about anyone but herself, her grading doesn't make any sense, and she will insult you at least once during the time you know her. No one likes her or has any respect for her (espically the other professors).She thinks she is professional but in reality she just an unorganized crazy lady who thinks is the best person alive.

3.0
5.0
BIO104
Apr 7, 2011

Extremely difficult. Does not seem to care that the majority of the class is failing. If the class average for a test was lower than 70 then thats a teaching problem ! Not a student problem.

1.0
5.0
BIO104
May 2, 2011

Only have her for lab once a week&it's enough.She's extremely rude, loud,&difficult.She takes pride in insulting students at whatever chances she gets.Be prepared to make a lab notebook that she collects 2x a semester. Each time it took me about 16 hrs,&I was a student that spent less time than others who started wks ahead of time before it was due

1.0
4.0
BIO104
May 4, 2011

Knows what she researches, but not a lot about anything else. If you ask a question she doesn't know the answer to, she panics and gets all flustered. Doesn't know a thing about plants, and will waste time during lectures on things unrelated to the material. Her tests have questions on material not reviewed during lecture. Tests are challenging.

1.0
3.0
BIO104
Mar 4, 2014

Dr. P is great! She always does her utmost to complicate even the most basic concepts. When students ask questions, or need clarification, she is always quick to condescend an answer. One critique: her facial expressions of hatred, contempt and disgust are not thinly veiled at best, which can make for some awkward interactions.

1.0
5.0
BIO104
Mar 7, 2014

I took General BIO II with Dr. Pinou over the Summer, and her's being the only section I really had no choice in whether or not to take her class. She's probably one of the worst teachers I've ever had. Very condescending, rude, and overall, unhelpful. Don't take this class unless you absolutely have to, like I did.

1.0
4.0
BIO104
Aug 12, 2014

Took her last year, but decided now to write a review after reading some of the other posts. What everyone else has said is correct. She is not an educator. I had her for lab and she spent most of the time insulting the class and pretending to know what she was talking about. Listen to what everyone is saying and avoid at all costs.

5.0
3.0
BIO100
Nov 23, 2014

No idea why people are complain about her... She is amazing!! She is so smart and loves biology. She can be funny and has a great personality. If I had to take this class again, I would want her as my professor, no doubt.

3.0
3.0
BIO100
Dec 1, 2014

She does knows a lot but it's hard to bring down to our level. Long and boring lecture if you're not interested in Biology. If you want to take Bio with her, good luck.

4.0
5.0
BIO104
Grade: A
Jan 4, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Pinou really makes you work for your grade. Don't expect this to be an easy class. I read the textbook and took notes in it and it helped a lot. Definitely get a study group for exams. Although a lot of hard work was required, it pays off!

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
BIO104
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Pinou is a very condescending woman who is not afraid to express her opinion. She loves to express her opinion regardless of how it will effect her students emotionally. She is very strict when it comes to following lab instructions and if you are doing something wrong she WILL let you know. I will never take a class with her again. Rude af

Tough Grader
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
3.0
BIO104
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She stresses everyone in class out because if you don't know an answer she will sit there and make you feel dumb. She will also argue with students if they don't agree with her.

4.0
4.0
BIO104
Grade: A-
Jul 28, 2021
Would take again

I took Bio 104 with Professor Pinou over the summer and I have never been more relieved that the reviews on here were completely off. The class is content-heavy and requires both the ability to memorize and the ability to understand material beyond what is explained in lecture. Lab is very hands on and will require you to read the textbooks...

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
BIO104
Jul 28, 2021
Would take again

This will NOT be an easy A but you can learn more in 4 weeks than in some full semester courses. Professor Pinou is very knowledgeable in her field and she is more than willing to answer questions. Do not expect any extra credit, that will be a hard no. Read the textbook and atlas like its the bible, participate, ask questions and you will fine

1.0
5.0
BIO104
Grade: D
Feb 23, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Do not listen to the other reviews on here. Dr. P is extremely condescending, doesnt do her job and is only there to belittle students and play favorites. This Professor puts every student that is a biology major at a disadvantage simply because she is unwilling to do her job and actually help students. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO100
Grade: B-
Dec 21, 2022

Due to her own rules, this class was made needlessly difficult. Additionally, my father passed away halfway through the semester, and when I asked for an extension on an assignment, she refused, stating that my personal circumstances shouldn't affect her classwork.

1.0
5.0
BIO104
Grade: C
Mar 25, 2023

Dr . P discriminates against students. Does not help what so ever and prides herself on failing and belittling her students. I am not sure why this university continues to employ someone that clearly hates her job and students. There will be a lawsuit guaranteed, it is in the best interest of the university to fire this degrading educator.

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO100
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 18, 2023

She told me I wasn't very smart and was un-teachable but the way she boasted about herself I would assume she could teach anyone. Maybe I'm not the issue and Thope she reads these!

1.0
2.0
BIO100
Grade: A+
Aug 27, 2023

Pinou simply does not care. She belittles and degrades her students and is simply unprofessional. She speaks poorly about students to OTHER students. Everyone who has had her all says the same thing and no one can quite understand why she is the bio dept chair, program director, or EVEN A TEACHER AT ALL.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
BIO100
Grade: F
Feb 29, 2024

She called me rude names to my face and really made me re think my life for a 70 year old woman to call a 20 year old girl names like a high schooler

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO100
Grade: F
Feb 29, 2024

Not sure who gave her a department to run when she struggles to hold a class together but her treatment of student is absolutely abhorrent and I expect more from am woman of this age

1.0
5.0
BIO100
Grade: B-
Apr 24, 2024

Im genuinely excited to never see her again

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
BIO104
Grade: A
May 12, 2024

Since the first day of class she was VERY rude, not only to me but everyone in my class. She belittles people and is not professional at all. She spends more than half of class yelling at students for not reason at all. I truly feel sorry for anyone who has to take this class.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Grade: A+
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Pinou is one of the best professors I have has so far, Dr. Pinou truly cares about the students that are interested in the class. She does her best to be fair and is always willing to help. I would definitely recommend taking a class with her 10/10.

Inspirational
Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Grade: A+
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Best professor ever, absolutely love Dr. Pinou

Hilarious
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Grade: A+
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Such an awesome professor!

Caring
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Grade: B
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

10/10 would take her class again!

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Pinou is super knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, which makes the lectures really engaging!

Caring
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

The material can be challenging, but they explain concepts clearly and provide great resources to succeed.

Respected
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Genuinely wants students to succeed in the field and provides great career advice!

Caring
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Challenging course, but the professor is fair and provides all the tools needed to do well.

Respected
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

I wish I had met Dr. Pinou sooner, great teaching style and really cares about students.

5.0
2.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

One of the best professors in the department!

Inspirational
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Fair grading, helpful feedback, and a great sense of humor make this class enjoyable!

Inspirational
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Grade: A+
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

If you put in the effort, you'll learn a lot, definitely one of the best professors I've had!

Caring
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Grade: A-
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Pinou is an amazing professor. She cared about her students and is super knowledgeable. Definitely would take this class again!

Tough grader
Participation matters
Respected
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Grade: A+
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Not an easy A, but you'll walk away actually understanding the material

Caring
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Their passion for the subject really shows, which makes the class more enjoyable

Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Their passion for the subject really shows, which makes the class more enjoyable!!

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

One of my favorite professors!

Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

One of the best professors in the department

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

If you put in the effort, this class is more than worth it!

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

She genuinely care about their students and want them to succeed.

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

She is great!

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

One of the best professors I've had

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Love Dr. Pinou

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Such a great professor

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

She can be tough at times but she is one of my fav professors.

5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Love her, she is awesome

5.0
3.0
BIO107
Grade: B-
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

Dr Pinou is a great professor. Once you get to know her and learn about the things she's passionate about you will love her. She makes her courses clear and ensures everything you need is available. Her passion drives her classes and is very evident when she lectures. I would take this course 100 times if I could

Inspirational
Caring
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
CONCEPTSOFBIO
Mar 26, 2025
Would take again

She is great would definitely take the class again!

5.0
3.0
BIO202
Mar 27, 2025
Would take again

I love dr pinou, she is one of the best professors I have met.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
4.0
BIO202
Mar 27, 2025
Would take again

Dr Pinou can be tough but she's awesome

EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
4.0
BIO202
Mar 27, 2025
Would take again

Awesome lectures and very helpful, would definitely recommend

Inspirational
5.0
3.0
BIO202
Grade: A-
Mar 28, 2025
Would take again

I love Dr. Pinou; the lecture was really interesting. You really need to get to know her more; once you get to know her, you will realize that she is very passionate about what she does, and she cares about her students, and she is a very very smart person.

Hilarious
Caring
Respected
5.0
2.0
BIO202
Grade: A
Mar 31, 2025
Would take again

Takes genuine interest in helping students reach their full potential.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
1.0
BIO100
Grade: A-
Apr 2, 2025
Would take again

If you take the time to put care and effort into the course she will recognize that and give it back tenfold.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
1.0
BIO202
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 3, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Pinou is a passionate, intelligent, and caring professor. Truly an incredible leader and educator in the field who cares for her students and their success. Dr. Pinou expects you to behave as an adult, however gives you the respect that many other professors neglect.. A fantastic educator, I cannot recommend taking Dr. Pinou more.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
BIO104
Grade: A-
Aug 1, 2025

Clearly Dr. Pinou has realized how many bad reviews she has and decided to give herself some good ones LOL. The general consensus of the study body is this individual is an awful human being, everyone is truly appalled that she is still employed as an educator.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO107
Grade: B
Aug 12, 2025

Dr. Pinou has demonstrated academic dishonesty by delibriately manipulating the grade set on Rate My Professor. This professor does not do anything correct, or layed out by her syllabus. It's strange to see a professor; let alone the department head of the Biology department to act in this manner. I am appaled at her mindset. WCSU needs to act.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
BIO104
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2025

All the positive reviews are posted one day apart over the course of a month — with some even appearing twice in the same day. It's pretty clear they're all written by her.

1.0
5.0
BIO107
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2025

She posted over 25 reviews about herself on March 25, all with the same score and the same difficulty rating. Professor, please just be honest. You know 25 students didn't give you the exact same rating on the same day, followed by three weeks of you returning daily to give yourself another 5-star overall and 3-star difficulty.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

83%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 26 grades
Most common grades:
A- (6)
A+ (6)
B (4)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(7)C(1)D(3)F(2)A-/B+(6)
Based on 31 reported grades
A-: 6
A+: 6
B: 4
A: 3
Common Tags
Caring (12)
Inspirational (10)
Tough grader (9)
Get ready to read (6)
Respected (6)
Participation matters (4)
Hilarious (4)
Test heavy (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.31 avg change
Apr
May
Mar
Apr
Aug
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO202

5.0

(6)

CONCEPTSOFBIO

4.7

(30)

BIO107

2.3

(3)

BIO100

2.1

(38)

BIO104

1.7

(16)
Difficulty by Course

BIO104

4.4

BIO107

4.3

BIO100

4.0

CONCEPTSOFBIO

3.0

BIO202

2.8

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