Ronald Benner - University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Professor: Ronald Benner

Department: Science

College: University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: MSCI752
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I think this was one of my favorite classes I've taken. But it was also super hard. He is always willing to help if you ask questions. He knows his stuff really well. I ended up recording his lectures on my ipad so I can listen to them again later. He doesnt write everything on powerpoints, so its hard to catch up if you zone out or miss class.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102HONORS
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Benner is an amazing professor! He spends a lot of time making sure students know the information and answers all questions clearly. He encourages students to ask questions and to come to class prepared. Tests can be a little difficult because he's very picky, but just study hard and you'll do fine. Would definitely take him again!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HMSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Tests do not accurately portray the information on the slides, you have to take notes of every little thing he says. Also puts tests on inconvenient days like the Tuesday following spring break. Avoid this class if at all possible unless you have good prior knowledge of the subject

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Grades test impossibly hard, puts all powerpoints on blackboard. Verbal quizzes in front of the class and lots of class discussions of text. Not too hard, only counts best three tests out of four, final not required.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

do not take him. for anything.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Benner's class isn't very challenging, it's more discussion based which while it's interesting, it requires you to be prepared. The field trip was great too!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Class is demanding but interesting. He's a great professor!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Benner is actually pretty cool, even if he does talk really slowly. There are lots of opportunities for fun discussions as long as it relates to marine science. Take good notes, the tests are specific but not unreasonable. The class is really interesting if you give it a chance.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Class is easy, but Binner is a huge jerk.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102HONORS
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He tested on a lot of random facts even though he said he wouldn't; the tests did not reflect the lectures/discussions or how much time we spent on a subject; he has very low expectations of the discussions as he does not deem undergrads capable of higher level thought; he is easy to get off subject (just mention the microbial loop...)

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This may be a shock, but he seems to think you're there to learn, not just take tests! Unless you're prepared for that really radical idea, stay out of his, take Whining 101 instead

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102HONORS
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is not a good undergraduate teacher. He will not tell you how to study for the tests or what will be on them. He has no respect for you because he thinks that undergrads are not capable of higher level thought. He does not tell you what he expects of you or how your grade will be determined.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102HONORS
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Very weird guy. Not the best undergrad prof, mostly seemed to be talking at us instead of to us. You definitely need to read, because about 5 of 20 test questions come directly from the reading. Easy grader, easy tests but very disorganized method of teaching course material.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He has a tendency to ramble about things other than what he's testing you on. He's a good researcher and a nice guy, but not the best instructor. Take a lot of notes, and definitely read everything he assigns you.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: MSCI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

knows his stuff, interesting guy, but not the best teacher. tests are hard but a good representation of the material covered. does a good job of relating the material to real life. must attend class. if you take honors there is a required field trip, but it isn't bad. not too bad, i would recommend

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MSCI752
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's an academic snob. Do not take this course if you don't already have a masters degree, he'll deem you unworthy of a decent grade regardles of your ability. Gives very few grades and it is difficult to know where you stand. Often confused.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MSCI112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

His class is hard to follow, he is always unprepared, his test questions are extremely unpredictable, and he gives a ton of assignments all at once, just before exams are due.