Very energetic and out going! She helps you learn at your own speed and explains things perfectly!

Tests are somewhat hard but half the grade or less is based on tests. Strays from the subject material to give her own opinions.Lots of passion for her teaching.I learned so much important health and information about scams and stuff that companies are doing that are kiling us.Excellent prof

She's the best bio teacher in my opinion, she helps you prepare for the tests and explains things anytime you ask.

Kind of a crazy teacher, but she made the class alot of fun. The tests in the class are fairly difficult but nothing too bad if you do a decent job of taking notes and then make sure to study them. The labs in her class are a lot of fun too. The best bio teacher at the falls (look at some of the other bio teachers' ratings, yikes!!)

She's a cool instructor, I seem to only recognize the names of my favorites on here and this is one of them. She likes little critters.

Took summer session Bio, so there was a time crunch. Lots of info to try to remember for exams. If I could do it over, I'd take the same class from her during one of the regular quarters. Velma's a hoot!

I took it in summer also so she cut some stuff out, but covered a lot. Much easier than some bio horror stories I've heard. Always available during extra lab time, tells you what you need to know for the test and what is a waste of time to study. Very personable, very smart, best bio teacher for sure

She is very funny and very hyperactive, which she will tell you many times. From the sounds of it she is the best biology teacher on campus. I took her class and enjoyed it while a lot of my friends took the class with other teachers and disliked it. Her class isn't necessarily easy unless you are good in science classes, but she is very helpful and lays everything out in front of you.

Crazy one--on her good day, which is most of them, be prepared for lots of energy during her lectures. She loves her field--there has always been a debate about bias activism seeping into academic objectivity, she does a great job over stepping those limitations. Let's not lie to ourselves, how boring would we be if we were truly objective.

Loved this teacher, she was so much fun!! I highly recomend her. She's very helpful and actually wants you to pass unlike some Biology teachers (Wilson).

This woman is amazing! I began taking biology with a different instructor last quarter, I couldn't do it, the instructor was so monotone and unhelpful. Velma is everything but that! She is passionate about her field, and enjoys teaching, she is a never ending ball of energy who is easy to understand, and always willing to help. Highly recommend!

Fantastic instructor.

What a great teacher! She made biology interesting- no easy feat- and found ways to really help us understand what she was teaching. She is also one of the only instructors I have ever had that was willing to stay as long as necessary or answer any questions a student had. Her unique personality and opinions on things kept the class lively.

Velma is a very good teacher. She is full of energy and keeps things interesting. I wish i could take her for all of my classes.

Keeps you awake during lectures. Challenging tests. Go to ALL labs, have good attendance and study & you'll be fine. Graded on 4 or 5 exams, lab quizzes and lab points.

Two words: LOVED HER! Velma was one of the best professors I've ever had. She made biology interesting and managable. She let you know what you needed to know and what you neede to study. I would take her class again if I could.

Excellent teacher

Velma made this class so easy. As long as you showed up every day you had no problem passing the class.

Velma is a spunky, eccentric teacher. She makes lectures "stick" with her animated nature and anecdotes. Her tests are easy if you study -- she wants you to pass. She hates cell phones, so don't forget to turn it off. She loves what she does and will stick around after class for questions. Take her for everything you can!

Great teacher with lots of energy and a dry, sarcastic wit that is loads of fun. You could probably pass the tests without ever cracking your book because she tells you EXACTLY what she wants you to know but I still enjoyed reading the text. Do plan to study and don't be afraid to ask questions; she is a great help!

AMAZING TEACHER!! I had failed my first time thru bio b/c the teacher they hired was new. I took her class and ended up with an A! She is hilarious and has a great way of teaching. I understood everything so well. Her tests were straight forward and what was on the review. Such a sweet lady! Def take her for biology!!

Velma is great. I had to drop her class because I was taking too many credits and couldn't keep up. But I hope to retake this Bio class from her. Her tests are directly from her lectures and she provides study guides to let you know what will be on the test.

Velma keeps class interesting. She's sarcastic, funny, witty, and a great teacher. I enjoyed going into class, because I would not get bored. She relates the complex ideas in simple common day humor.

Take her she is absolutly amazing

Matthews was a great teacher. just use your notes on the test because that's all it is don't worry about the book at all. fun lectures and interesting personality. not a class you'd fall asleep in. i'd highly recommend her

Velma is an awesome teacher! Her lectures are hilarious and the class is pretty simple as long as you pay attention during lecture. The book isn't really used so just make sure you take notes during lecture and print the study guides online.

Great teacher! One of the best on campus. I was nervous going in to this class since I haven't taken biology in years, however, this class was amazing. Matthews is hilarious, makes class interesting, and is very helpful.

Has been teaching for over 20 yrs..so she seems a little burnt out. Very frank and straight forward. Very little need for the textbook, says so herself. Has test study guides posted online-all you need to know to pass. Labs are very easy. Willing to help if you are confused. Lectures often digress into humorous topics i.e.. zany bird dances...

I don't really like her, although i don't like biology at all, its really hard to stay concentrated during the class, at least there are study guides, however they are long and have a ton of stuff on them :/ there is a quiz on every lab the day after, no homework, 5 tests, and 10 questions to be answered for each lab turned in at the end of class.

She teaches in a way so that it is easy to pay attention during lectures. She's been doing this for 20+ years so she knows how to teach the material. She is extremely opinionated and tends to hate men- but it's hilarious if you don't take it too seriously.

She was great. She breaks it down barney style for people that dont get it. Not much use of the text, everything is from the overhead slides.. miss a class and (unless you have a friend) you'll be lost. She is very funny(wierd sense of humor)

Great teacher! very helpful and clear with her lectures. Take Matthews instead of Wilson if at all possible.

I loved this class. Velma knows her Bio. By far the best teacher I had at the falls. She is insane in the best way possible. Goes on tangents, but they relate to the topic. Don't buy a book (she will say this).Tests are 100% from lecture. Her grading is very fair. I worked for my A, but reasonably so. Take good notes and study and you'll do well.

Best and nicest teacher I have ever had! She not only kept lectures interesting and was funny, but was also extremely helpful. She teaches her class study tools that aren't only applicable in her biology class but also in other college classes. She explained concepts very well and made such a challenging course worthwhile!

FABULOUS instructor. She knows her stuff and makes lectures entertaining. If you are a responsible adult, you will be more than okay.

If you show up to class and take notes, you should do well. Half of the lab points are gimme points as long as you take the time to get them right (and show up). There was no actual homework, but I advise filling out the Exam study guides and asking on any ?'s that you are unsure of before the exam. 0 interest before taking, ended up LOVING it!

Velma is amazing. She knows her stuff and she trys to explain it to you in a way that makes sense. If something isn't clear, she will break it down for you..all you need to do is ASK. I was in her office everyday before class clarifying what didn't make sense. She is very straight forward; show up, do the work, take notes, and study. 4.0!

Don't expect to breeze through this class, but if you're willing to put in the work, you'll be rewarded! Matthews is funny, clear, and concise. Do the study guides, complete the review questions at the back of each book chapter, show up to lab—ask her to check your work before turning it in! I learned a ton, and wish she taught Micro at SFCC!

She is awesome and is very helpful. If you don't understand something just ask her! Also, use the study guides and you will be sure to Ace the tests!

Amazing teacher...very helpful and informative she doesn't just give you answers she makes you think and that makes learning the material easier

I took this class instead of Chemistry because I know that is my weakness. There is one chemistry chapter in the very first week of class, which I bombed. Since then I had to work to pass the class. Make sure you study hard and use the study guides. Take thorough notes. Hard class, but great teacher.

she is awesome! i love the way she explains things... even though biology is hard for me she explains with examples that i can relate too. Even though this was my hardest class this quarter it was also my favorite because she is rlly rlly interesting, hilarious, and is willing to anwser and explain the things you dont get:) one of the best teachers

Awesome Teacher. Wish I could have her as a teacher for further biology classes.

She is Sheldon Cooper of biology. She is quirky and loves to rant. Advice: show up, take good notes and use the study guides. She answers all questions and is very nice as long as you are respectful of her time in class (no distractions!). This class isn't bad as long as you study (use the tutors). Wish she taught other bio classes. My fav. teacher

Velma's awesome! She's very opinionated but in a funny way. Her tests consist of the questions on the study quide, lecture notes, and review questions at the end of each chapter in the book. DO COME TO CLASS and ask lots of questions & get Mike for tutoring. She writes questions multiple ways so know the content well. Hardest part is the matching.

Velma is passionate about Biology. She's quirky and funny, and a little brash, but makes note of it at the start of class. Her class and what she expects of you is crystal clear. I didn't use the book much as she tests you on her lecture (though you need to understand the material too, for tests).

She can be easy or hard depending on you. If you don't listen to her specific statements and write them down, you might have trouble. Take notes, and use her study guides. Don't argue! She has a lot of very strong opinions and is loud. Shut your mouth and wait for her to be done ranting. ASK QUESTIONS if you need help! She doesn't mind helping you.

IF you do not attend you will not pass. Very funny teacher, but she really makes you work hard for your grade.

Overall pretty easy class while still learning a lot. Just know everything that is on the study guide and tests will be a breeze. Offers extra credit on all tests; and labs are very easy. Best Biology teacher on campus

Very clear professor, best that I've taken for any science based class so far at SFCC. Everything she lectures on will be on the test so the textbook is optional. The biggest must for taking her class is to be there every day taking notes. She is incredibly helpful on lab days, so if you're not getting 100% on every lab work its your own fault.

Shes really weird but in a good way. Makes biology fun due to her quirky personality. Every test is 75 points but there is 80 questions so you have the opportunity for 5 extra credit questions per test and they aren't harder than any other question on the test. The only thing that sucks is that you have to get 99% for a 4.0. Very hard but possible.

She was strict but fair very informal instructor, besides being a sexist she was an all around good teacher.

Show up for EVERY lecture, its not mandatory but beneficial! Test are 80 questions but only out of 75 so theres a chance for extra credit. If you know everything on the study guide tests are a breeze. Lab points are easy as long as you read the lab. Not a cumulative final. She is helpful if you ask for help. Don't expect her to know your struggling

Best professor I have had at SFCC so far. Her lecture is interesting and keeps you engaged. I feel I have learned the course material by the end of the quarter. You take many lab quizzes and 5 Unit tests, no homework. Class participation is a must.

She is a great teacher! I personally enjoy sciences so this class was pretty clear. If you miss a lecture or lab your test score will be greatly impacted. Make sure you know the material and study study study.

Professor Matthew is great. She's so funny and made a 2 hour lecture so much fun. She is a really tough grader though and it feels like she doesn't really properly prepare her students for test. That being said, she's still an amazing teacher who's very passionate about her field.

Awesome teacher

She's a good teacher. I would say her tests are not quite parallel to the study guides- you actually need to understand the information, not just memorize it. But she is a tough grader. She expects you to give 100% on everything, so get ready to study and try. She is good at making biology fun and interesting by relating it practically in class.

By far, the best teacher for Bio 160 if you really want to learn the material. Be prepared to study for the tests. DO NOT miss any of the lectures or you will miss out a huge portion of the notes. Tests are mainly based on lectures(follows the unit outline) and study guide. If you are looking for an easy class, this is not it. Highly recommend.

Lots of tests based on the lecture. She posts study guides, use them. Attend the "review days" before the tests. She's very outspoken and has a tendency to go on runaway tangents. Its funny when she realizes she's been on one and gets back to the material. I liked her style, she wasn't boring. Great teacher, she knows her stuff and you will too.

At first, I did not like Velma but I have come to realize how good of a teacher she is. Her lectures go right with the tests and her tests go right with her study guides. If she doesn't talk about it in lecture it will not be on the test. There is 5 extra credit on each test, and KNOW your vocab (first 20 points on the test) You must study to pass.

Velma will give you ways to study to make it easier on yourself you just have to ask. She wont just give you help unless you ask for it. Stay after if you don't understand she will take time to explain anything you do not get and you. She sets you up for future classes very well. Highly recommend!

Velma was an amazing instructor! She is very fun, energetic, and uses real world examples to make learning easier. She is never in a bad mood, and loves what she teaches. She has a warm heart, and never ceases to make her students laugh and smile. Show up to class, take detailed notes, and be respectful and you will succeed.

JUST ASK QUESTIONS. Seriously, she gives a TON of information, but she wants you to learn. She gives you a pretty decent study guide, and will take time in class and go over every question you might have. She likes to word things on her tests a lot differently than she gave in lecture to be sure you really understand the concepts. Hard, but fun.

Velma Matthew is a great professor. One of her biggest sayings about her class is that she « prepares you for human A&P » and thats very true. She is a great lecturer. A piece of advice is to make sure to talk to her and joke around with her. She loves a good talk. To all my onliners in spring 2020, trust me she hates online.

This was a great introduction to biology. The lectures were engaging and well done, labs were really helpful for understanding course material. Would recommend using Quizlet to study for tests. Overall enjoyed the class, prof was caring and available to her students even in covid times. 10/10 would take again and 10/10 would recommend to you

A good teacher but if you need help you need to go ask for it she wont track you down if youre doing bad in the class. Attendance isnt required but is practically necessary.

I took Velmas course in person and had a very good experience. She very good at lecturing in ways that stick and make sense. She has a strong personality, and you have to look past some of her comments/behaviors. As long as you engage during lecture and genuinely try you will learn a lot.

Velma is an amazing professor. I hadn't taken a science class in 6 years and Velma's style of lecturing made things easy to understand. She is outspoken, but she does not try to you feel dumb. She wants you to succeed and if you study hard you will. She will simply meet you where you are at so study study study and if you have questions, ask her!

Great prof. Lectures are not mandatory but uploaded online, do one or the other (or both) as lecture is needed. Pay attention in lecture, lab is easy but time-consuming. Quizzes for most labs, so study! I didn't read the textbook and managed, but I should have.

Lectures are needed, online or in person. She was more than willing to help with labs and even answered questions before exams. There is no homework, but a quiz for almost every lab and 5 exams.Take the time to study (I didn't) and you'll do fine. She provides outlines and study guides for the class. Her lectures are entertaining.

I've learned to love this class and the professor, She is so passionate about what she does and you can learn so much from her. Yes, she is very blunt but also extremely funny and you learn to get along with her. Overall take good notes, and ask a lot of questions. I definitely would take this class again.

This class requires serious dedication. The professor is direct, but you can learn a lot if you engage with the material. Unstuckstudy helped me prepare for exams along with the textbook. Overall a challenging but rewarding course.

Her lectures were really good. The class is hard so you have to be ready to study from day one. She does a questions and answers the day before the exam which was really nice. Her exams also have 5-10 extra credit questions at the end. She doesn't give any homework except studying. There is a 10 question quiz twice a week every week off of labs.

This was the best college class I ever took. I love her sense of humor and passion for bio. Take this clas

Professor Matthew is an excellent instructor. Her lectures are thorough and entertaining. Her labs are engaging. She is a fair grader. She wants you to succeed and be engaged. She will demand the best from you. You must read your textbook. It will be hard, but there is no one else who can teach biology as well as Velma Matthew.