Western Kentucky University / B / Kenneth Balak

Dr. Balak was not the best teacher I ever had, but he adequatly got the job done. I have to admit that I did not find his lectures to be particularly helpful. Frankly, I don't think that Dr. Balak is particualry comfortable lecturing in front of large groups. However, as attendence was not mandatory, and the notes on the internet provided all the info needed to do well on the tests, I did not find his discomfort with public speaking to be a problem. Moreover, it was very considerate of him to take the time to post the notes on the internet. The tests come strait from these notes, so if you study the notes well you should have no problem with the tests. In addition, Dr. Balak is very generous in grading, as he uses a 15 point grading scale as opposed to the standard 10 point scale e.g. 85% and above is an A.

Especially if you are genuinely interested in learning biology, I would not recommend Dr. Balak. It is pointless to go to class because he tends to ramble during his lecture. All his notes and quizzes are on the internet, so it is easier to just read the notes and quizzes yourself instead of going to class. He doesn't seem to be very organized or interested in teaching the class.

While Dr. Balak's class is not CAKE, it is fairly easy. He doesn't require attendance, but you get 50 points for attending and performing labs. He allows you to make up labs if you can't make them. He works with you if you need help and gives plenty of optional homework to help you out. His tests and quizzes are pretty straight forward. He double's your highest quiz grade, and you can receive up to 20 extra credit points by doing the prelabs on the computer (which are VERY EASY) In this class you can make a total of 300 points, and with all of these ways of extra credit, and attendance points, it is very easy to succeed in his class.

This man is an idiot. He should have his teaching degree revoked. His class makes absolutely no sense, and he doesn't teach a thing. The only positive thing about the course is that a textbook isn't required, but the notes that he gives you make no sense at all. Do not take this man for anything. RUN AWAY FROM HIM!!

This class is easy if you had biology in high school, and you don't have to buy a book b/c all his notes are online. I don't recommend Dr. Balak if you haven't had biology before b/c he is a little spacy and can be confusing at times. He is nice though and willing to help you outside of class.

Excellent teacher! Explains topics very thoroughly. Highly recommended.

This man is crazy. You don't have to go to class which, is what I did because he always ended up confusing everyone. He would say something and then take 20 minutes to look it up in his notes. He also had some sort of problem with students asking questions. He actually beat the black board when one of the students in my class asked a question. He really needs some mental help and I wouldn't reccomend him as a teacher for any course.

You can not miss class at all or you will be totally lost. He tells you alot of information and later decides after you have studied it that it won't be on the test. He loses his train of thought very easily. I do not recommend him at all.

Dr. Balak is totally confusing. He does a poor job of explaining material to students.

Despite the nature of this course being difficult, Dr Balak knows nothing about genetics, or else he doesn't know how to convey the information. We didn't use the book he made us purchase, he gave us handouts that he pasted together, sometimes upside down/sideways to fit more on a page, and whatever we learned, we did it on our own. I re-taught myself over X-Mas so I could survive RGT-450. He's pretty heavily sedated on medication also :)