Michael Renfroe - James Madison University

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Michael Renfroe - James Madison University

Professor: Michael Renfroe

Department: Biology

College: James Madison University

Rating # 1

Overview:

Course: BIO366
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Was an easy A for me (bio major and took his 360 & 364 class prior). Much of the material covered was the same from his other courses. Provided study guides for each exam. There was a semester long project/experiment that took a lot of effort, but it was manageable since he had very clear grading criteria and deadlines for everything.

Rating # 2

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Took this course the same time I took 360 which made it easier because he tends to repeat his material. This was easier than 360 because it was more application of plants rather than the specifics of plant reproduction, structures, etc. and more interesting (imo). He provides study guides which cover everything on the exams.

Rating # 3

Overview:

Course: BIO360
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

It was kind of difficult to understand a lot of the topics at first because I didn't know much about plants, but it wasn't impossible. The study guides he provides before each test were crucial in getting good grades for the exam. He was open to going over them in class, or office hours, if anyone couldn't answer any of the questions.

Rating # 4

Overview:

Course: BIO360
Grade Received: Not sure yet
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Renfroe is an awesome professor with a clear passion for what he does. The tests are straightforward and fair. The only thing is that he does go through lectures a bit too fast sometimes. Though, the textbook, the study guides, and asking him questions later can make up for it. He gives interesting lectures too.

Rating # 5

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Adding on to strategies below vvv: definitely record these lectures to help ensure your study guide has the right info.

Rating # 6

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: Not sure yet
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

HOW TO TACKLE THIS CLASS: Copy his study guide for the upcoming test (EARLY), paste it into a google doc, share it with friends in the class to ensure all/correct info is recorded, type in answers as he covers them, make flashcards after every class of the questions & answers covered that day.

Rating # 7

Overview:

Course: BIO366
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He's the best science professor. His lecture notes are only seen in class, so you do have to take notes to be prepare for his exams. He will slow, if you tell him he is going fast. His exams are fair, a lot of topics for sure(but interesting topics) if you study his study guides there will be no surprises on the exam. he will help you, if you ask

Rating # 8

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

class decent but I didn't really love it. He's nice but wasn't the most approachable to ask questions to. His tests aren't hard if you do the study guides & he has clear guidelines to assignments. He is lecture heavy and doesn't share his notes/go back to slides-so you have to write fast. Take it if you need a random elective.

Rating # 9

Overview:

Course: BIO366
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Renfroe is a great man who respects the teaching profession and is very inspirational. However, he is extremely content-heavy in his lectures, and I learned more about Biology than I needed to know. You have to do a semester-long experiment, which is annoying yet manageable. Take him only if you like plants.

Rating # 10

Overview:

Course: BIO460
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This was my second class w/ Renfroe and I'm glad I took it. The labs were really cool, we did things I'd never seen or done before. He's a smart guy and knows a lot about Plant Biotech, although it was annoying because no one knew how they were doing in the class. He never returned grades and most assignments were in the last month. Great class

Rating # 11

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This was a great class with Dr. Renfroe. Lots of information and details but his study guides are crucial and tell you exactly what to study so the 3 tests aren't bad at all. some questions on exams seemed more about history of plant products rather than biology but overall learned a lot of cool stuff in this class and Renfroe is very engaging

Rating # 12

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

This guy is super passionate about the environment. Classes were not difficult, but no walk in the park either. Labs were definitely enjoyable, I highly recommend to take his lab. He posts study guides for his 3 tests and final exam, but doesn't post power-points online and doesn't take attendance either. Participation is essential, however.

Rating # 13

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: Not sure yet
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Renfroe is great. You don't memorize or have access to PowerPoints. Material is interesting. The lab is amazing, you make chocolate and tie dye! Good study guides and some assignments. Great teacher!

Rating # 14

Overview:

Course: BIO360
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Tests cover a lot of material and are very detail oriented, but Dr. Renfroe makes a study guide for you that has EXACTLY what is on the each test, so there is so reason not to do well in the course. Sweet man, very passionate about his plants.

Rating # 15

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Yes Dr. Renfroe asks for very specific facts and has a lot of information for his tests, but he makes study guides for you hat have EXACTLY what you need to know, so there is really no excuse not to do well. I studied about 3 hours for each test and received an A in the course.

Rating # 16

Overview:

Course: GBIO103
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

His tests are very specific and he moves the material very fast. He has office hours, but doesn't seem too helpful. He has a nice demeanor but she appears to judge students that may not understand the material well.

Rating # 17

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 2.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

His class is way to hard and absolute overkill. He requires you to now way too much for his tests and wants very specific answers. He is also rude and surly when you ask him for help or go to his office hours. Avoid this class for IDLS track courses.

Rating # 18

Overview:

Course: GBIO103
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

DONT BELIEVE HIS EASINESS RATING, his class is not that hard. I am between an A/A- right now just before the Finals. He GIVES you his whole test in handouts and his study guide tells you 95% of whats going to be on it. Don't miss class because you'll miss handouts. He preaches his stuff which gets old but he's super passionate about his subject.

Rating # 19

Overview:

Course: GBIO103
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Don't buy the book; you do not need it whatsoever. Gives handouts for lectures, but you do need to elaborate some with extra notes. Tests get easier as semester progresses, so study hard the first one and you will do well. HW assignments are scarce and easy. Really chill guy. Never, ever cancels class. Makes bio relevant and applicable.

Rating # 20

Overview:

Course: BIO364
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I'm not a bio major, but an IDLS major in his class but he makes the material very accessible. He gives lots of handouts and study guides for the tests and goes over all the material in class so as long as you show up and do the study guides you will be fine in his class.

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