Reviews of professor Matteo Avella

Rating: 1.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
Failed my last exam because he switched to a harder testing format during a global pandemic. Graded based on arbitrary things that have nothing to do with genetics. I felt great about how I did on my test, but my grade doesn't reflect that. He's now refusing to adjust anyone's grades.

Rating: 2.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
Your only grade is from tests. These tests are the hardest thing I've ever done. He purposely words questions to be unnecessarily convoluted. Even his T/F questions have five options. His lectures are light but his tests cover every possible material from the chapter, almost all of which he skips in lectures.

Rating: 1.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
His grading scale is arbitrary. How in the world do you expect students to write a well-written clear 3-5 sent. with extremely clear and accurate description of complex biological processes. Funny how he lets you use notes on the exam; when you copy it exactly down, it is still incorrect. It should say a lot about his idea towards student success.

Rating: 2.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
This class was SO hard and it wasn't the content. Content was understandable, just the way he formatted tests and asked questions was confusing. Make sure to read every chapter he assigns and understand everything thoroughly because his tests are unforgiving. Clearly a very intelligent man but lacks in conveying knowledge to students.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
All of your grades will come from your tests, and the final is worth 60%. I thought he would not be this good because of the past reviews, but I very much enjoyed having him! He was always extremely happy to answer any question and tried to get us involved in class. Make sure to read the textbook though!! I had an ebook copy and it helped so much!

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
He was not as bad as I thought based on the rmp. However, the exams are the only grades. I am just not a fan of exam only grading as it doesn't show a person's true potential and work ethics. It is a bit harsh on people who are bad test takers but work hard. Despite being online, he made sure he explained the subject and helped to understand it.

Rating: 1.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
While Dr. Avella is a very knowledgeable teacher, I can only attribute my A in the class to the textbook and previously acquired test taking skills. The way he formatted his tests in response to COVID made them extremely challenging, and he graded them to an almost impossible level. This class is possible, just do not expect him to be understanding

Rating: 3.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Professor Avella is a qualified instructor. He has a passion for what he teaches and I can tell that he genuinely wants his students to learn and develop an interest in Genetics. However, the class is pretty difficult and you will have to work hard to get an A or B. I do think that the class is unnecessarily difficult for a 2000 level course.