3.2

Verne Mills

Biology - Kalamazoo Valley Community College

3.2
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
53%
Would Retake
89
Reviews
3.2
Quality
4.2
Difficulty
3.1
Helpful
3.4
Clarity

53%

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

32

4

13

3

18

2

10

1

16

What Students Say

also the tests are terrible he makes them almost impossible to pass them

BIO101 - 1.0 rating

He has a strong understanding on the material in this class

BIO201 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 26 grades
Most common grades:
A (7)
A+ (6)
Drop/Withdrawal (5)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(6)C(0)D(5)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 38 reported grades
A: 7
A+: 6
Drop/Withdrawal: 5
B: 5
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (12)
Tough Grader (10)
Get ready to read (8)
Tough grader (8)
Respected (6)
Lots of homework (6)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.38 avg change
Jul
Jan
Mar
Apr
Oct
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

BIO201104

5.0

(1)

BIOSMANY

5.0

(1)

BIO104

5.0

(1)

BIO210

5.0

(1)

BIO201BIO101

5.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

101

5.0

210

5.0

BIO1100

5.0

BIO210

5.0

BIO100

5.0

Reviews (89)
5.0
3.0
BIO101
Dec 16, 2004

Mr. Mills is a very good biology teacher. Although you will do a lot of work, you will also learn a lot... He can be strict, but he is unequivocably fair. His labs were by far the best organized I have ever seen. If you really want to learn biology, I highly recommend his class.

3.0
4.0
BIO101104
May 6, 2005

AVOID AT ALL COSTS! I had Mills two semesters in a row, and trust me, not by choice. he is not a very approachable person, and isnt very willing to work with you when emergency circumstances arise. everything he talked about in class, i had to reteach myself at home just to achieve a 3.0. Dont take!

3.0
5.0
CELLBIOLOGY
Sep 21, 2005

so hard, but all the info is there in front of you. I never opened the book and i still passed but i really should have read it because i barely passed.

5.0
4.0
BIO201104
Mar 13, 2006

Verne is a tough but fair teacher. He expects a lot, but I have found him very willing to help when you have questions.

5.0
3.0
BIO101
Apr 3, 2006

No Comments

1.0
5.0
BIO1100
Aug 29, 2006

He tries to make the course extremly hard

4.0
4.0
BIO101
Feb 1, 2007

knows his material for sure! I loved the labs. However he seemed to try to trick you with the wording in his tests, and was verry condescending when you asked a question/didn't know the answer. also, he is an athiest if that effects your decision to take his class

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Mar 2, 2007

This man is a JERK! He writes his tests in a very weird way, they are very difficult to understand!

5.0
4.0
BIOSMANY
May 15, 2007

Go to class, take good notes, read the book, review the notes, understand the notes, ask questions. Do this and you will 4.0 with ease. Oh, you will have to think critically for his tests...like you will have to do on a job!!!!!

3.0
4.0
BIO101
Dec 29, 2007

Verne is a very difficult professor. The only thing that saved me in his class were the labs. But lecture was nearly impossible, you either do well or not. Also, if he asks you a question and you give the wrong answer-be prepared to feel like an idiot!

5.0
4.0
BIO201
Mar 12, 2008

He is a wonderful teacher. Yes, he does make you work very hard. But if you put in the time you will do well. His tests are hard, you just have to slow down and take your time. He does NOT make you feel stupid about asking questions or answering them wrong. He is a hard yet great teacher.

5.0
4.0
BIO101
Apr 13, 2008

No Comments

3.0
4.0
BIO101
Apr 26, 2008

Inflexible. Don't ever ask this guy for anything besides an explanation of material. Look elsewhere for a more human experience.

3.0
4.0
BIO101
Apr 26, 2008

This guy sucks. Sure, he's smart and knows his class inside and out... but this guy does not have to ability to go off script.. he's very impersonal, inflexible, and uncaring about extenuating circumstances. Also, if you ask a question in class, or answer a question incorrectly.. be prepared to feel like an idiot... this guy is a jerk. Avoid!

5.0
4.0
BIO104
May 14, 2008

Exellent teacher who puts his heart into his job. Many think he's just plain mean, but I think those people fail to realize he just has high expectations. Best teacher on KVCC's staff, no doubt about it.

5.0
3.0
BIO101
Dec 11, 2008

Verne is without doubt the best instructor at KVCC. I suspect anyone who disagrees did not put any effort into the course

2.0
5.0
BIO110
Jan 9, 2009

He never makes it clear what is going to be on the exam. He teaches one thing then on the exam brings up something else (yes, it's in the book, but where? and if you ask him he almost seems annoyed)He brags that his exams are hard, which is fine, I am all for getting my money's worth, but his exams are ridiculous. The questions are just impossible.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Apr 27, 2009

Mills is really old fashioned and if you aren't smart he will de-grade you in front of the whole class. His tests are super hard and go way beyond the material needed to know.

3.0
5.0
BIO101
Jun 14, 2009

Verne Mills is very intelligent; but he definitely tries to scare students away from the subject. His test are ridicoulous and he even tells you that he want to make sure you actually undersatnd the information and are not just memorizing stuff. Therefor he tries and tricks you on the exams. You litteraly must study 22 hrs a week to succeed!

3.0
5.0
210
Jul 11, 2009

OMG! I was so glad when the class was over. His tests are horrible. He give you a study guide to work with, then when i took the exams I felt clueless. I would NEVER take him again.

2.0
5.0
BIO101
Oct 7, 2009

This Class is HARD! He does not teach what he test over....

3.0
4.0
BIO101
Oct 23, 2009

He is rediculously hard, quite smart but tends to think that he's something special, for a smaller non-university school. He teaches his BIO 101 course like a 200 course for those who are specializing in the field. I find it not-so-comical that he takes pleasure in the fact that 1/2 of his students have received below a 69 percent on the exams.

5.0
1.0
BIO101
Nov 4, 2009

Great professor! The people complaining about him being too hard probably weren't trying very hard. He DOES test over what he teaches, but you have to actually apply what is taught to pass the tests, you can't just memorize and regurgitate. Most organized labs I've ever seen and his teaching style made the material easy to learn.

3.0
5.0
BIO101
Nov 14, 2009

I wish I could actually say he was a good teacher but he was far from it. If you think that a 72 percent average for tests and 69 is a good average for your tests, then you have another thing coming. A lot of people dropped because of his testing. You shouldn't need lab work to override his horrid tests.

4.0
2.0
BIO101
Jan 4, 2010

I had Verne 1 year ago for BIO 101- and I miss him. He is by far one of the best bio teachers out there. I am at a big university & the bio profs. suck! Appreciate what you have. He practically spoon feeds the material to you. Go to class & review exactly what he presents. It is an easy A. Verne sets the bar very high and that is a good thing.

3.0
4.0
BIO110
Apr 20, 2010

I THINK VERNE IS PISSED HE WORKS AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE. HE MAKES IT EXTREMELY HARD TO DO WELL ON HIS TEST AND TRIES TO TRICK YOU SO YOU CAN'T MEMORIZE ANYTHING. MUST KNOW IT INSIDE AND OUT. HE ALWAYS WOULD MAKE SMART REMARKS THAT MAKE PEOPLE FEEL STUPID.ALTHOUGH HE REALLY KNOWS BIOLOGY,HE KNOWS IT TO WELL TO TEACH IT.YOU MUST HAVE 20 HRS 4 HW A WK

5.0
5.0
BIO210
Aug 12, 2010

Cares about students who want to learn. Organized and excellent teacher, I've since graduated from Harvard and have learned more from Verne than in any other class taken since.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Dec 29, 2010

I have always been interested in biology, but mills changed that. He is the worst teacher I have ever had. He made a girl in my class cry, he yelled at her because she carried a microscope with one hand. the class average for the first test was like 67%. he doesnt teach you in a way that helps you succeed on his tests. Terrible!

5.0
4.0
BIO101
Jan 12, 2011

At first, I absolutely hated this class. I didn't put the study time in and I was used to just memorizing terms and going from there. In his class, you have to study a lot and actually UNDERSTAND what is going on and why. Once I actually sat my butt down and TRIED and worked hard, everything clicked. He was not a jerk whenever I asked questions.

2.0
5.0
BIO101
Feb 9, 2011

DO NOT TAKE HIM. Short exams, with detailed fill in the blank questions. No extra credit, He brags about his tests being hard. He has an attitude about other classes being to easy.

5.0
4.0
BIO101
Nov 8, 2011

I can see why some people would cry about this class, it is hard if you are not willing to put the effort into it or simply blow it off as a typical pre-req. I am a pathology major and I loved this class, his labs are precise and organized as were his lectures. If you ask a dumb question you should expect to feel idiotic, it's your own fault though

5.0
3.0
BIO101
Nov 18, 2011

If you don't put in the time, you don't get the grade. This is not an easy skate-by class. In the beginning, I did not study or put any time into the class at all, and I got grades that reflected it. Don't think you can just walk into this class and not put any time into outside of class. Mills is a nice guy that is trying to teach science.

5.0
5.0
BIO101
Feb 18, 2012

I am currently in this class, and I find Mr. Mills to be a very good lecturer! He doesn't go to fast and will repeat when asked. His labs are a lot of fun! If you show up to class, study, and follow directions you will do fine! You have to do the work! The tutors are very helpful as well!

5.0
5.0
BIO201
Aug 30, 2012

Great teacher, I had him for genetics and learned so much! The class is a lot of work but you gain a lot of knowledge. I wish more instructors were as organized as him. I miss him already!

3.0
5.0
BIO201
Nov 19, 2012

Its a very hard class if your not willing to put in the effort. This class isnt just know the terms, you really must know the material in order to do good on the test. He really care about his students and wants everyone to do good but i think he needs to be at a University.

5.0
5.0
BIO201
Jan 23, 2013

Fantastic teacher, he is passionate about the genetics topic. If you show up to class, interact with his lecture, study, take good notes, and seek his guidance when you need help you will do well in the class.

5.0
3.0
BIO101
Oct 8, 2013

I've had a few college level biology classes before and out of all of them Verne has been the best! He does thorough explanations during lecture, he doesn't get super in depth into the book content (which makes it easier), and he constantly encourages questions. Some might say he is hard but biology is a tough area of study so if you're not willing to put the time in you won't do well. Just prepare and go to class and you should be fine!

2.0
5.0
BIO101
Apr 6, 2014

Verne is incredibly intelligent, but he is also obsessive and expects more out of his students than is reasonable. Expect to do a lot of work on your own!

3.0
5.0
BIO101
Oct 2, 2014

Super picky on every single assignment and test

2.0
5.0
101
Oct 25, 2014

I am a bio major and I can say he is very passionate and smart about what he is teaching. BUT, I have got nothing higher than a 50% on his exams, even after I studied for days and days. His exams have absolutely nothing to do with what he teaches. Also, he is very condescending and will make you feel like a complete idiot if you ask anything.

4.0
4.0
BIO101
Nov 27, 2014

Verne is a wonderful teacher. He's clear and thorough, answers all questions, and is very helpful. This is not a typical KVCC course & he makes that obvious in the first class by being up front about his expectations. You have to work hard for your grades, but it's completely possible to get a 4.0. I've learned so much & I highly recommend him.

4.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2014

This is not an easy class; you have to work to get a good grade. He can sometimes be condescending, but he teaches everything very thoroughly. I came out of the class really understanding everything taught. The tests also require you to really understand the subject. They're not just memorizing terms. But they're not overly complicated either.

2.0
4.0
BIO201
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 1, 2015

He has a strong understanding on the material in this class. He also goes into quite some detail during lecture. It's extremely uncomfortable asking a question, or trying to find a better understanding of the material. He is condescending! The test material does not match lecture or the practice problems given as "homework". Class exam avg. is 50%

3.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: Rather not say
Mar 10, 2015

Very tough. Labs were not well structured. Instructor is very detailed and will mark you down for very small mistakes even if it didn't make your answer entirely wrong. He is willing to help. I do not recommend taking this class while taking too many other classes or mixing it with another science class in the same semester.

5.0
4.0
BIO101
Mar 25, 2015

I was terrified to take Mills' class after reading the reviews, but honestly it wasn't that bad! A lot of people whined and complained, but then they wouldn't put in the work to learn the material. You're given the course objectives on day 1 - all test questions come from here. Just be prepared to work hard!! Don't skip class either.

5.0
4.0
BIO101
Mar 25, 2015

I was terrified to take Mills ' class after reading the reviews, but honestly it wasn't that bad! A lot of people whined and complained, but they wouldn't put in the work to learn the material. Objectives are given on day 1 - all test questions come from here. Just be prepared to work hard and you'll be fine. Don't skip class either!

4.0
4.0
BIO101
Apr 30, 2015

Bio 101 was a very tough class, especially with Verne Mills. Although it was super hard and I always complained, I would have to say that I have learned more in this class than any other Biology class! He forces you to learn the material which means studying is a must! Participation will help at the end of the semester! Show up and study hard!

3.0
5.0
101
May 3, 2015

Condescending. Makes you feel like fecal matter. On the first day he starts you off by telling you to drop the class if you arent planning to do bio as your major because he doesnt plan to waste his time on credit seekers. Avoid this class if you can!!!

2.0
5.0
BIO100
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 18, 2015

I took Mills for principles of Bio. and he is tough! Expect homework and beware he grades labs harshly!! If you even have a line outta place your grade suffers. Hes a nice man but he gets intense with a red pen in his hand. I had to drop so It didn't ruin my GPA.

4.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Oct 15, 2015

Once you learn his expectations and how he grades, it isn't bad. I did the worst on his tests but made up for it in lab. If you follow his lab manual and his directions to a T then it's not difficult. He is all about seeing if you can follow directions. If you talk to him one on one, he is extremely nice and is willing to help. Don't skip class!

5.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Dec 31, 2015

I am a bio student at western, and I learned more from Mills than I have from any bio prof at western yet. His grading criteria is very clear, just make sure you follow ALL the directions. He is a tough, "nitty-gritty" grader: be aware of that. Rent the book!! Don't buy it. Go to class and work hard in lab, and you'll be fine

4.0
4.0
BIO201
Grade: A+
Jan 14, 2016

Mr. Mills is very knowledgeable in the field of genetics, especially biology. BIO201 was difficult but not in any way unfair. Mills gives the students very detailed assignment instructions and the work load is not unbearable. He expects you to work and its a difficult topic. I learned very much from Mills and I definitely recommend the class.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 22, 2016

Unless you have 3 hours to study for every hour of class your in you wont do well in this class. Plan to live eat and breath biology otherwise don't even bother take him.

2.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B+
May 9, 2016

I learned more from YouTube videos than I did from him. He is very knowledgable about biology, but it is almost like he expects his students to come to class with all of his knowledge. If you have a question about any of the material I suggest asking anyone else but him. He is very picky. You MUST follow his directions to a T.

4.0
4.0
BIO201
Grade: B+
May 9, 2016

I've taken bio101 and bio201 with Mr. Mills and I would take it again if i could. His lectures were never boring and it is very important that you go to all of them and the labs. I didn't do so well on the exams but the labs saved my grade. I learned a lot in his courses and it helped me choose my major. If you want to learn biology, take him.

1.0
4.0
BIO110
Jul 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Makes it very clear that if your major is not related to Biology, he has no time for you. You can do bad on most tests and make up the grades with the labs. Labs are fun if you follow his directions exactly how they are written. Makes you feel extremely stupid whenever you confront him and ask him questions. Rely on the book to get you through.

1.0
5.0
BIO101
Aug 17, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Very rude, makes no time for you, when you try to ask a question he gets mean about it and doesnt want to help. grades way to harshly. even on minor spelling he will mark you down for it. if you are someone that needs help in class such as answers to questions dont take him. also the tests are terrible he makes them almost impossible to pass them

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
BIO101
Dec 22, 2016
Would take again

I was afraid to take this class because of the awful things that I had heard about this professor. However, my fears were mostly unfounded. He's strict, but he tells you what he expects you to do, and as long as you stick to that, you'll be good. I also found his lectures interesting and the time usually passed quickly.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
BIO101
Mar 12, 2017
Would take again

Mr. Mills is a solid choice for someone who wants to put towards the effort to learn the material. He is very clear from the beginning that the criteria for the class has to meet the expectations of the public universities in Michigan. So if you are able to put in the required effort for the class, you should have no trouble getting at least a 3.0

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: B+
Apr 26, 2017
Would take again

People see him as a sarcastic kind of guy, if you can get past that he is a great prof and pretty easy to get along with. What he wants is what he gets, so do not try to take short cuts. He made me realize how much i love Bio.

1.0
2.0
BIO101
Grade: B+
Jul 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Missed the first lab because of a doctors appointment, showed him the doctors note, was told I was not allowed to make up the lab and was given a 0/25 for the lab. At the end of the semester I was 4 points away from a 4.0, when I addressed him denying me a lab make up, he said I deserved the grade I received and would not review or bump me up.

1.0
3.0
BIO201
Grade: A+
Aug 25, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Starts the Genetics course by threatening that students will fail, claiming that a good BIO AP score won't prepare you. If you miss class for even medical reasons he treats you poorly for the rest of the semester and will call you out in an attempt to embarrass you in class even if you are doing well. Would not recommend if you have anxiety issues

Tough Grader
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
5.0
BIO201
Grade: A
Dec 31, 2017
Would take again

First person to encourage me to have higher standards and expectations for myself; very reliable.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Would take again
5.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 24, 2018
Would take again

Verne is a very smart and kind instructor if you get the chance to know him. He is very thorough on what his expectations are, and reasonably difficult with the work he gives you. He is here to help you learn about Bio, not just show up and receive a good grade. Make sure you come to each class and Lab and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Respected
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 24, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I don't recommend him for biology. His class was way harder than a 101 class should have been. He wants you to remember every little detail about biology and if you're just taking this class because your major requires you to take a bio class, I suggest taking a different one. He is nice, but he thinks everyone in the class is a bio major.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIO101
May 3, 2018
Would take again

Verne is a very knowledgeable professor. At the start of the semester you get an outline complete with everything you will be graded on, and a complete study guide for the entire semester with main points you need to thouroughly understand. Take notes, come to class, and engage in lectures and lab and you will pass. Highly recommend him.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A+
May 10, 2018
Would take again

Verne is a caring professor despite what some people may think. Just study a lot and make sure you understand the material as you go along. ASK QUESTIONS. He is more than happy to help you if you ask. I really enjoyed his class and I learned a lot from him. He is tough on writing portions of tests but he tells you what he expects in the beginning

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Oct 9, 2018
Would take again

I took classes from Verne about 20 years ago and they set me up for acceptance to Michigan and later Harvard. He was hands down the best teacher Ive had. You get out of it what you put into it! Glad hes still teaching!

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Respected
3.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: B-
Nov 29, 2018
Would take again

This professor loves what he does, and that's apparent, but the tests are super specific and tough, no matter how much time you put into it.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
BIO201
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Never in my 4 years of college have I had a worse professor. He expects you to know things & will not reteach them. If you ask a question in class, he will laugh at you. His review ?'s for exams do not get asked in any exams. There are projects/lab reports/outside lab work that all overlap. I withdrawaled 3 weeks before finals... save yourself.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I dreaded this class every day. Spent the whole first day listing every reason why we shouldn't be there and that the course required 12 hrs/week outside of class studying or you'd fail. Very rigid, made exceptions for lazy students that missed deadlines, but refused to make proper testing accommodations for students with documented test anxiety.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2018
Would take again

I loved his class! If you're willing to put in some serious study time for the exams, it's an easy A. There are tons of points to be earned so your grade doesn't ride too heavily on any one exam. I started off getting low scores but quickly figured out his testing style and got 100s on the last 4 lecture exams.

Gives good feedback
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A-
Jan 7, 2019
Would take again

Cellular Biology is a class you have to make yourself interested in to do well in this class. I used to be able to rely on my attention in lectures for me to excel in the class; however, I struggled throughout the whole semester. It is important to study right after lectures to retain info. Main plus is I have still retained a bunch of knowledge

Tough Grader
Participation matters
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: Rather not say
Mar 28, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Very smart guy, but this is the hardest 101 class Ive ever taken. Very detailed oriented and will mark you down for just about anything he doesnt like. Made me do all my labs alone after my lab partner dropped out, instead of working in a group of three. If you dont have to take this class, then I highly recommend you dont.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
BIO201
Grade: B
Apr 16, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Very smart guy who wants you to learn but does not consider the fact that students have other classes to pay attention to. If you're going to take this class make sure you have A LOT of time to spend studying/writing papers/doing homework and lab reports. A lot of lab reports/homework/papers overlap with tests, ESPECIALLY AT THE END OF THE COURSE.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIO201BIO101
Grade: B
Oct 9, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Mills is my favorite professor at kvcc because he is enthusiastic and inspirational. He may get frustrated if you keeping repeating low scores on the same topic. Those that give him bad ratings did not put in the effort to go back and fix their mistakes. He wants you to succeed and is genuinely sad if you don't- but will work to ensure you do.

Lots of homework
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 12, 2019
Would take again

Verne knows his stuff when it comes to biology and wants to make sure his students do too. Hes very helpful and willing to answer any questions. However, hes very specific when it comes to tests and quizzes, but once you get an idea of what hes looking for it becomes easier. Make sure to read the textbook and study hard!

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: A+
Nov 18, 2019
Would take again

Mr. Mills is an awesome BIO 101 teacher! Some people don't want to put in the work, but when you do, the class is actually pretty fun. I just went through the learning objectives before every test and aced it (and got over 100% many times). Labs are super interesting and we get to do genetic transplants, sickle cell testings, and see chromosomes.

Respected
Accessible outside class
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
BIO101
Grade: A+
Nov 18, 2019
Would take again

Mr. Mills is one of my favorite teachers. His lectures are packed with important information, so take good notes and you'll do great. The class isn't difficult and we do lots of cool stuff with the labs.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
BIO201
Grade: A+
Apr 29, 2020
Would take again

Genetics was an awesome class with Mr. Mills, despite COVID-19. The labs we did were amazing and overall, the course was very fascinating. I learned a ton from his lectures and labs. Take good notes and focus on the learning objectives, as tests are learning objective based, and you'll do well in his class!

Respected
Inspirational
Caring
1.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Verne Mills is a very smart and caring man. He is not friendly but is willing to answer questions. The tests are HARD and definitely not something you can study the night of. Do not take any of his classes unless you must.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A
Jul 20, 2020
Would take again

Professor Mills is the best teacher I've had at KVCC. He's so knowledgeable in his field and truly cares about his students. The tests are not too bad if you study well, and there is quite a bit of room to score higher on them with the short answer questions at the end. Study hard and know the material and you will really benefit from his class.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: B
Jan 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I will never take Professor Mills again and advise anyone to go anywhere else for cellular biology and genetics. He is rude, condescending, unprofessional, and makes students feel less than. Save yourself a lot of stress and dont take anything he teaches. I am currently writing the college with a formal complaint.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
BIO101
Grade: A-
Mar 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He is very knowledgeable. A great guy but he grades hard. His tests are very difficult to pass. He uses learning objectives so make sure you read them carefully and know them inside and out before attempting a test. His lectures are fine but you need to read the chapter as well as he pulls from both. TESTS ARE HARD!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
BIO201
Grade: B
Mar 31, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This professor is the absolute worst teacher Ive ever had. He has gotten very clearly upset with me for asking questions several times this semester . He makes you feel stupid for not knowing the answers to his questions in class. Also, his tests are ridiculously hard. Not a fan of this class AT ALL. If you can take it with anyone else, please do

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor was very condescending even after following his advice for a better assignment grade and makes you feel as if not doing the assignment is almost worth taking the hit to your grade. WILL NOT make any exceptions whatsoever, so best not get sick or have a family emergency as he will give you a 0% on any assignments, quizzes or exams you miss

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Apr 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Mills does not make himself available for his students through online learning. He is rude when you ask questions. He is not helpful. His tests do not reflect the test prep. Would not take him again if I could go back. I still got a B in the class (3.5) but it was not a class I would recommend.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
BIO101
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 12, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Verne Mills was the worst professor I have ever had. Although Professor Mills is a very smart man (you can tell), he is not a good teacher. I felt anxious going into his class each week and felt no amount of studying would result in a good grade. I ended up dropping his class once the COVID 19 pandemic hit and we switched to online.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
CELLBIOLOGY
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2024
Would take again

Out of all the classes I've taken at MSU and KVCC, the cellular biology course with Professor Mills 2 years ago stands out as my favorite. His teaching style made tough concepts easy to understand, and he kept lectures interesting. He was super smart, approachable, and one of the best professors I've had.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 26 grades
Most common grades:
A (7)
A+ (6)
Drop/Withdrawal (5)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(6)C(0)D(5)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 38 reported grades
A: 7
A+: 6
Drop/Withdrawal: 5
B: 5
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (12)
Tough Grader (10)
Get ready to read (8)
Tough grader (8)
Respected (6)
Lots of homework (6)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.38 avg change
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Ratings by Course

BIO201104

5.0

(1)

BIOSMANY

5.0

(1)

BIO104

5.0

(1)

BIO210

5.0

(1)

BIO201BIO101

5.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

101

5.0

210

5.0

BIO1100

5.0

BIO210

5.0

BIO100

5.0

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