Stephen Vail - William Paterson University

Professor: Stephen Vail

Department: Biology

College: William Paterson University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: BIO3720
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This was my 3rd course with Dr. Vail and by far the most challenging. I had alot going on outside of school and it had been a while since last math. If your thinking of taking it, I'd suggest doing so right after Calculus so it's still fresh. The course was well-structured and Dr. Vail made adjustments for our benefit. Just keep up with the work

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: BIO3450
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

After EEB I saw that Dr. Vail offered Conservation Bio online. It was a well-structured course, with clear assignments and expectations. In only three weeks expect to do a lot of reading and stay up with assignments, I'd say about 2-3 hours a day and up to 6 the days before and of the tests. Just plan ahead and follow the syllabus, no problems.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Vail was my professor for EEB. I remember when he said, "if you have a question, call it out." This was great, I had many and he never minded being interrupted. His multiple choice questions are carefully worded so you have to pay close attention before you answer and obviously keep up with reading and assignments. Great Prof, high standards!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: BIO1300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Took this class as a summer course and it was the worst thing I had ever done. Extremely hard, strict deadlines on assignments, tough grader, requires heavy readings, and quick timed exams all for an intro biology course. Would not recommend this class to anyone.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I love labs, however Vail made my semester a living hell. He is extremely difficult to see as far as office hours, I had to email him several times then speak to him in class and email him again just to sit down and talk to him. If you don't write EXACTLY how he would then he will give you a failing grade for the assignment. DO NOT recommend.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: BIO3450
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Took his online course, it wasn't as hard as everyone says but there is a heavy amount of reading. And if you don't keep up with the discussions it will show in your grade. Overall though, I would say he's a fair grader who expects a little too much sometimes.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: BIO3450
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

As an online class I didnt observe professor Vails lecture style, but he was available via email and always responded to inquiries in a timely manner. He designed the online course to require written summaries of each chapter, for all students to see, which acted as class discussion and counted toward the grade. I enjoyed the format. Fair grader.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: BIO3040
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Talks so fast it's hard to understand because he doesn't stop to see if students understand. He asks for class participation and then cuts students off and answers the question he asked himself. Turned my class into a math models class because he taught that and would rather teach that instead of relevant info for our class. Made me hate Excel work

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: BIO249
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

had him for lab and it requires alot of effort. He's pretty good at communicating information but expects you to write your answers to his assignments in his exact words otherwise its completely wrong. His grading methods are pretty insane and getting one question wrong can kill your whole grade. I would recommend recording his lectures.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

the guy means well, but is not that great professor wise. he talks so much in class about what he has knowledge of 15 years but doesn't condense it down to professor level. he doesn't really help you ,,, you just have to write everything down that he says. if you don't put it in his words than you will fail.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: EEB1
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I failed EEB w/Spagna so I was told by my advisor to try Dr. Vail, So I did. At first I was intimidated He teaches with great knowledge. His test are hard but he gives us a solid study guide and drops the lowest test grade. He also offers Extra credit on black board on the discussion board (which adds 10 pts to the final grade)Take him. He's Great!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: BIO1300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Just don't, he rambles in class, gets off subject, doesn't know how to use time wisely, doesn't know how to connect with students, condescending, just don't.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: BIO1300
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Doing poor in this class all thanks to the set up of this course. This course is extremely unclear, and solely based on online work. Crazy online labs, timed difficult tests. Vail makes it hard for a student to succeed because he makes you do everything on your own and provides very little help. Hardest class I have ever taken.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: BIO1300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

For an online class it was very hard to do especially over the summer. He is a hard grader and barely gives you a chance to do well.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

his the worse prof. in the biology dept. beware stay away from his classes

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He expects a lot out of his students, therefore the class can be quite difficult. He's also extremely intelligent and that's why student's can't seem to understand him, but he does try his best to clarify. Go to class, READ the book, and ASK for help. He'll spend a good chunk of time helping you during office hours so GO if you need help.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He means well but he goes on so many tangents and speaks so quickly that it's hard to follow. When he does this, he also completely avoids answering the question that was asked. It made me dread coming to class to learn about evolution and as a bio major, that's so sad to admit. Oh and get ready for lots of pop quizzes.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is passionate about his work and will talk fast so ask him to slow down. READ BEFORE & AFTER CLASS. ASK QUESTIONS! GO TO OFFICE HOURS! Be prepared for quizzes, they really do help you understand the subject. The test is not straightforward so you have to know the material. Vail is an approachable person that will take time to help you.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Although he is really smart and knows his stuff, he loves to drown his students in information. He throws A LOT at you, and sometimes differing subjects. He is a teacher who will talk about one subject, expect you to read the next 2 chapters on top of the material taught in class, and then quiz you on it. Really tough. Avoid if possible.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: BIO2490
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Terrible professor for an interesting class. His PPT is completely unhelpful (mostly pictures, no info), and gives you the run-around when you ask a straightforward question. The 'practice quizzes' don't resemble the final exam at all. Sadly he's kinda unavoidable in EEB, but if you're thinking of taking him for something else, DON'T DO IT!