Russell DiFiori - Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA

Professor: Russell DiFiori

Department: Biology

College: Pasadena City College, Pasadena, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: BIO10B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Definitely one of the coolest profs I had at PCC and he gives decent grades for your assignments. No lecture but many field trips and group assignments. 2 big advice would be to make sure to get into a seat with PRODUCTIVE ppl on your first day and PREPARE WELL FOR THE CORE!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BIO14
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Take the field bio class! It's honestly just a peaceful hike every week. He's very approachable and will gladly clarify any confusion you may have on the subject.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BIO10B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Most influential teacher I've had. Very genuine, very helpful. The class is hard, you have to put in the work! Effort will get you far though. Plenty of chances to make up points, just talk to him. Teaching style might seem unorthodox, but it's much more of a realistic learning experience. Your study and research skills should improve exponentially

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PHYSC2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This course requires A LOT of writing. It requires a lot of thinking and a lot of time. Weekly assignments, journals, discussions, and multiple papers. There is a final paper at the end of the course. It's an okay class but you need to be on top of your assignments. He doesn't really give feedback. No textbook required.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: BIO10B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

One of the most unorthodox classes and professors I've ever taken. Very abstract and I feel the thing he looks for most is thinking outside the box and giving unique answers. EXTREMELY nice, kind, and understanding, but expects a lot in terms of originality and effort. Prep for CORE exams EARLY like weeks in advance!! Unclear on grading but helpful

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: BIO14
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Honestly one of my favorite professors I have ever had. I highly recommend taking Field Biology because the great outdoors is your classroom and you get to hike and look for plants and animals. He is super knowledgeable and was able to answer all of my questions.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BIO14
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

A very cheerful and funny professor. Definitely recommend taking his Bio 14 class in the summer. It's fairly easy to do the work and you get to explore Chantry and Eaton Canyon. It fulfills natural science and a lab on your IGETC if you're transferring. Requires you to wake up early and drive to the locations but you will never be in a classroom.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: BIO10B
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

DiFiori is such an awesome professor! There aren't many lectures, but you are expected to read the chapters before class. During class, he assigns problems to students and splits them into groups. These are essential for the exams! DiFiori's exams are challenging, but fair, and prepares you well for the MCAT. You won't regret taking him!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BIOL14
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Take the class - definitely. But take it when you have time. I took this class in summer session, and the workload was insane (if you care). Professor DiFiori will give you as much as you want to get out of the class. He knows the landscape inside out, and you will never have a better opportunity to learn from an expert. Best class at PCC so far.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BIO14
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This class is life-changing. It's true. Super intense work load. I had been dreading BIO cause I hate it. But DiFiori gets you out in nature, inspires you, makes you laugh, creates this weird environment of student comradery and well... I would take this class every semester if I could. Be prepared to sweat, work hard, and fall way hard for nature.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ENVS1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

More teachers should be like DiFiori. He encourages hands-on learning and always has positive things to say. You have group projects, but you can work alone. Alot of quizzes with the textbook, but theyre easy to handle. You will learn more about sustainability and become more aware of how to improve things! Amazing class and professor!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: BIO14
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He's a great, laid back teacher. It's pretty easy to get an A. He's knowledgeable and will gladly answer any of your questions. You do have to put in some time and effort but the class is fun and very interesting. You won't regret taking him. He's one of my favorite teachers.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ENVS1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

he is the second best teacher i have ever had. i would take him again in a minute. i love going to class. i am passing with a descent grade.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BIO14
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Phenomenal prof, one of my favorites ever. Easygoing personality, straightforward grading: you put in the effort, you get the grade! His classroom is the great outdoors. Projects are fun and interesting. A lot of easy-moderate hiking while learning about plants and animals. Take this prof!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BIOLOGY14
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

This class is very interesting and very easy. This class takes place in Eaton Canyon and we spent a couple of weeks at Chantry Flats. Of course, the assignments, quizzes, and discussions are still needed in order to receive a decent grade. Prof. Difiori is awesome! His knowledge and personality make the class fun. Easy A, Take it!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: BIO14
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

An inspiring Professor that really loves what he teaches. Take him for an amazing experience in learning and to learn to love nature more. He's one of PCC's best!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: BIO2989
• 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:

BEST TEACHER FOR BIOLOGY! you will not regret taking him. He has alot of work but its totally do able if you manage your time! Hes funny and his lectures and explanations for anything else is so clear. He's willing to help students earn a good grade. dont think. just take him.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: BIO1A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

You can tell that he loves what he teaches. He is always available for those who want to reach at him after class. He doesn't use a text book, but online articles, and the like. I learned a lot with him. You have a lot of group projects, he grades on the curve, but it still hard to get an A.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: BIO1A
• 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:

This class is very work intensive. It seems laid back but you will have a ton of work to do. To get the most of this professor make sure you read your SCI PAPERS! It helps a lot, stick to a few good papers and you are set. There is no text book, and the multiple choice tests are very difficult!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: BIO11
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He is fun and caring. He tries his best to help student get good grades, but also learn as well. He respects his students A LOT. People who complains probably didn't even try hard enough. He may seem unorganized, but he actually is, that's how he gets all grading done on time. Only hard thing is to study for tests w/o textbooks, but test is easy.