Western Kentucky University / D / Kinchel Doerner
Averages:
Overall Rating
Poorv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
True/False: 21
Multiple Choice: 26
Matching: 6
Fill in the Blank: 7
Essays: 8
Problem Solving: 4
Mandatory Final: 3
Cumulative Final: 19
Textbook Required: 9
Attendance Required: 2
30 Total Evaluations
BIOL-319 : Cellular And Molecular - Posted 12/6/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Of all of the Biology classes I have taken so far, I really thought I would enjoy this class. WRONG. Take this as a warning: don't take Doerner. Tests are poorly constructed and contain a lot of material that was never mentioned in class. I have never received less than an A in a BIO class thus far, and right now (before the last exam and final in this class) I have a B, but I have worked super hard for it. Many people in the class with me agree that it doesn't matter how many hours you invest in studying, it doesn't reflect upon your grade. Lectures rarely correspond with test material. If you have a question, Google it; don't raise your hand or he will make you feel like an idiot. I'm sure he's a very nice man outside of the classroom, but I would not recommend anyone to take his class. Take Sahi, if available. I had him for a lab and he was really nice and helpful.
BIOL-227 : Lab For Microbial Biology And Diversity - Posted 6/8/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This is the most interesting lab that I have ever taken. Dr. Doerner structured the lab such that the first few weeks were utilized to learn basic techniques in microbiology. After learning the basics you were then assigned an unknown culture and asked to identify it using the techniques you had just learned. You will have to do work outside of the specified lab time as you are working with bacterial cultures and several procedures will require overnight incubation. The lab classroom was always available when I needed it and Dr. Doerner was always available to help interpret results. The final assignment was the isolation of a bacterial culture from an outside source (i.e. from soil) and the isolation of a bacteriophage that would infect that culture. Also, a lab manual was not required for this class as it was posted on Blackboard.
BIOL-226 : Microbial Biology And Diversity - Posted 6/8/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class has been one of my favorite biology courses at WKU. Dr. Doerner, while a bit unorthodox, is an interesting lecturer and great professor. His tests consist of ten questions which you must answer with one punctuated, grammatically-correct sentence and a series of essay questions from which you select four. You are required to take one oral exam where you go to his office and answer questions. He allows you to pick up a copy of the written exam before your oral exam and you get to select the topics (i.e. microbial energetics) over which you will be tested. Overall he is a very effective professor and I thoroughly enjoyed the class.
BIOL-226 : Microbial Diversity - Posted 3/26/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Doerner is a really great professor. I have never learned as much in any other biology course at Western. Don't buy the book because he tells you everything you need to know and he has some notes on blackboard. It is a lot of notes, but if you take them well and study those, you will be okay on the tests. He gives 4 tests including the final so do well on the first three because you will get to drop your lowest grade. One unusual aspect is that you have to take one oral exam. It sounds difficult but I did better on that exam than any of the other ones. He's super helpful and very intelligent when it comes to course material.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 5/2/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is horrible!! No matter how much you study for the test or think you understand, the test are hard. The questions are long and tricky. There are 50 questions on each test and by the time you get to 25 you are drained and confused. You are better off taking someone else.
BIOL- : Gen Microbiology - Posted 4/10/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
hes awful. wont tell you what to study. I always knew my notes front to back and the highest grade i ever got on the tests was a 70.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology Lecture - Posted 4/9/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I absolutely hated this class and this teacher. FAIR WARNING... DO NOT TAKE HIM.
He gives you pages and pages of power point slides and even if you memorize them word for word you will still have trouble on the tests. There are 50 multiple choice questions, and each question is at least 2-3 sentences long.There is no tutor or pass leader available for this class.
He usually goes off on tangents during class that have nothing to do with test material and therefore confuse you more.
We never once got out of class early... he holds you until the very last minute.
I typically studied at least 8 hours for a test, never missed a class and haven't gotten a better grade than an 80%
Don't go to his office, it is no help. The only thing he tells you is to study about 12 hours a week minmum for this class.
Terrible teacher... don't waste your time. Go to Glasgow!!
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 4/4/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I have taken classes with MANY biology teachers, and I would have to say he is by far the worst teacher I have taken. Not only does he talk about irrelevant things in class to totally confuse everyone, he gets defensive and cocky when you ask questions in class.
The tests are typically 50 MC questions, and the majority of the class cannot finish it in an hour and 20 minutes. There's a problem there!
I would not take him ever again, but had to due to my schedule. And if you are thinking about Sharma for a teacher, don't take him either. I have heard that he is no help either. The only positive feedback that I have heard from these classes is to take it in Glasgow, where the teachers actually want you to succed.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 3/26/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This guy sucks!. I have a 4.0 GPA and I am warning you. Don't take him.. Apparently he is smarter than the textbook he is suppose to teach from, because he tends to contradict a lot of the stuff the book says. I have been through a lot of extremely hard courses, Organic Chemistry, etc. and I have NEVER had ANY problem with any of my teachers. However, I had problems with him every week. I don't know who gave this guy his degree, but they should definately loss their accreditation. The answers to his test are not what is fact, but what he fills the answer should be; which is retarded. Drive to glasgow, and take it there... Also, just to demonstrate how much he loves to teach, he labels this class HELL 207 on his computer... But anyway, that is my vent, take him if you want, but never say that you were not warned. Finally, I think the only happy face he received on here was written my him, so don't mind that one.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology Lecture - Posted 3/17/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I have had some really bad teachers in the past, but he is overall the worst EVER! The amount of notes is excessive and he doesn't even seem like he knows what he's talking about when he's going over the notes. Unless you are a biology major and want to be challenged, DON'T TAKE THIS GUY! He speaks with terms that are WAY over your head and he's really confusing.
Test material is HORRIBLE! I studied lecture notes, his powerpoint slides, AND read the book. Still, I have failed his first 2 test due to confusion when trying to read the questions.
His office hours are rarely correct. Even if you request help, you are directed to just study more OR you're given the same highly advanced explination that was given in the classroom.
I don't know how to explain to survive this class because I'm drowning...! Just hope you're a good guesser on tests!
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 3/9/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I actually repeated this class after taking it years ago and making a C in hopes of improving my GPA. I studied my butt off and made a D! He was no help to students at all. If you asked him a question, he talked like he was speaking to another Microbiologist-not a student. You rarely use the book. He has Powerpoint slides on Blackboard, but adds a ton of information to them in class lectures. If you can possibly take any else for this class, do so. You are at jeopardy of making your GPA worse like I did!
BIOL-207 : Micro - Posted 1/11/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
The only positive note I could say for this ass is that he has power points and he posts them on BB. The worst class I ever took! The info isn't that hard but he makes it that way. This 200 level class was like a 500 level class. He hates his students and doesn't know much about the subject. Take Sharma he's a cool guy!
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 1/3/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Simply Put, a guaranteed F! If this is a required course, do not take it with Doerner. It will be a waste of your time. Take it during the Winter or Summer term. Also, no extra credit, no help what so ever, and probably the biggest jackass you could ever ask for in a teacher. Don't make the mistake of endangering your GPA, he will not help. The worst teacher someone could ever ask for, save yourself! He helps make your semester the worst ever, no joke!
BIOL-226 : - Posted 8/2/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Doerner is an excellent prof. He makes you know what he wants you to know,nothing more or less. You have study for the tests and know everything imaginable. There are 3 regular exams and a final. You can drop any of the 4, so do well on his first 3, because his final from what I heard was outrageous. Also, he will not curve any test grades or anything. If you get an 89.9%, you got a B, not an A rounded up. Don't bother buying the book, b/c all the notes are power point and he doesn't really use it.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology Lecture - Posted 12/14/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Doerner is not as bad as I thought he would be. Everything is pretty straight foward. He teaches off of Powerpoint and the tests come directly from that. I bought the book and never even opened it. Although he is pretty boring he makes sure everyone understands everything before he moves on to another topic. Basically if you just memorize the notes off of Powerpoint you will do fine on the tests.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 12/13/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Do not take this guy...seriously. The test qestions are worded so difficultly that you cannot understand. I have always made A's, but I got a B in this class by working extremely hard. Do not buy the book either, it is just a waste of time because he constantly talks about how the book is wrong and he is right. Please spare yourself and take someone else!
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 1/13/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This is a very difficult class to begin with, and if the professor you take isn't a very good one, you're basically doomed. I'm still very bitter about this microbiology experience I had. First of all, don't take Doerner at 8 am because he will put you to sleep. Second of all, he couldn't care less about his students. He puts all his notes on slides and simply reads them off, and he gives all multiple choice tests which are impossible to pass. I studied more for each successive test and my grades just got worse. His test questions are tricky and if you don't memorize the notes and textbook word for word, you're not going to do well. I've never gotten a D in a class, or even a C, but I did in this one. Good luck if you have to take him, but if you have any choice, don't!
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 12/29/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Professor Doerner is a real jerk!!! He does not care about his students at all. His lectures are extremely boring, he seems more concerned with using the same large words over and over than teaching the material, and the way in which he presents the material is not helpful at all. If you don't have to take this class, don't - and if you do, try not to take him. I got an A in the class, but I'm really not sure how, because his tests are confusing and very tricky. This is my third semester at WKU and he was, by far, the worst professor I have had.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology Lecture - Posted 12/17/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was the worst class I have ever taken at WKU! He is not a mean guy, but really tries to trick you on his tests. I am an A student, and studied my butt off for the tests and could explain my notes and understood the material. But when the test scores came back you would never have known it! I only got 1 B (80) on any of the tests. Everything else was a D or even worse. I would tell anyone NOT to take Doerner!! It will ruin your GPA
BIOL-207 : General Microbiology - Posted 12/14/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was by far the worst class and worst professor I have had at WKU. If you do not have to take this course, do not even think of taking it. If you do, good luck and start praying now. This is not taught as an introductory course at all. I had a 4.0 GPA coming into this class (after having some other very hard science courses) and ended up with a C in this course, if that says anything. The test questions are tricky and you better know what you are expected to know (plus some). If you do have to take this course, try to take a different teacher. If there is no way around Doerner, then start studying the day you get in the class. Believe me you won't stop until it's over. Good luck!!!! (you'll need it)
(After reading this evaluation to my roommate who was also in this course she said I was too kind)
BIOL- : Microbiology - Posted 12/6/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Kinchel Doerner is the saddest excuse for a teacher.....he is horrible and doesnt give two shits about his students.....the class itself, had it been taught by someone else would've been easy, he makes it seem like his material is hard maybe to look smart but it's not....the problem i had is that he used a different book from the one my class was required to have, so needless to say it was almost pointless to read and hard to study because he was using materials that were not available to us....he makes his notes seem hard but really it's not, i've had actual harder classes than his class that seems more easier to understand than doerner's teaching....his teaching is ineffective, he is a smart ass when he opens up the floor for questions, he is such a damn bastard!!!!! if you have other choices please dont take him, because even if you are a great student he makes it almost impossible for you to be able to apply your self well.
BIOL-309 : Bacteriology - Posted 5/17/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Doerner is the biggest a#@hole you will ever meet. For starters,he treats you like you are stupid when you ask a question in class. Not only are there pages and pages of notes, they are poorly organized. He expects you to memorize EVERYTHING (down to the smallest detail). He is not consistent with grading, he may take 4 points off your grade and 2 points off someone elses. It depends on "what mood" he's in (I quote). He does drop the lowest test grade but DO NOT expect anything more from him. There is no sqeaking by in this class. I wouldn't recommend taking him for this course! I can say that it was interesting however.
BIOL-309 : Bacteriology - Posted 11/27/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Doerner, subjectively, looks like Harry Potter at 40. That said, he is a pretty good professor. GOBS of notes....study them as much as you can. It's virtually impossible to earn an A on the exams, BUT the second highest grade is ALWAYS rounded to 100%, no matter what the grade....we had curves of up to 37 points on a 200 point test. This is how I got an A. He's not your friend, he's your teacher. Make sure you get that straight, or you will be offended. Dr. Doerner's Bacti class is doable and interesting.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology Lecture - Posted 5/25/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Everyone told me that Dr. Doerner was horrible and that I would have to drop his class. Whatever. Dr. Doerner is very orgranized and does a good job explaining everything, which is the #1 important thing. He isn't extremely friendly, but he loves microbiology and his tests are reasonable. To get an A, you have to know your notes forwards and backwards, but I thought it was a really useful and interesting class.
BIOL- : - Posted 4/4/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
This guy sucks! He is clueless as to how to test a student's knowledge.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 5/17/2001
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class isn't all that bad, you just have to study, and not the night before. I found that if you really study you can get A's on his tests, he's not that bad, i promise!
BIOL-207 : microbiology - Posted 12/12/2000
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was really hard. It was a bunch of notes, and he went to fast giving them. The tests were very hard, and difficult to study for.
BIOL-207 : Microbiology - Posted 10/19/2000
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Doerner is the worst teacher I have ever had in my life. He does not care about his students and there are very few students that get higher then a B in his class. His tests are extremely hard and the amount of information each tests covers is ridiculous. I had a different teacher for the lab and I made a B in the lab, if that tells you anything. DON'T TAKE HIM!
BIOL-220 : Intro Mol/Cell Bio 220 - Posted 4/13/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Doerner is one of the best teachers at this University! He challenges you, but at the same time, is fair. If you're serious about Biology, I would recommend any course he teaches.
BIOL-220 : Intro. to Molecular and Cell - Posted 4/12/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
You will learn a great deal in this class, but be prepared to work for your grade!