Christopher Richardson is a Biology professor at Northeastern University rated 2.5/5 by 35 students, with 4.5/5 difficulty and 13.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Christopher Richardson professor reviews and ratings: 2.5/5 from 35 student reviews at Northeastern (13.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
By far the hardest class I've ever taken; made worse by the fact that 60% (really 85% if you include the final) of our grade was composed of 3 extremely difficult tests that were curved an unknown amount (probably 1 point). Why he wants to torture us with his true/false questions? I don't know. I have pity for anybody who has to take this class.BIO1117 2019-12-20 03:13:23 +0000 UTC
His tests are awful, many of the questions have none of the above as an option. You have to know every single detail of anatomy, don't skip on any of it because his true false are dangerous where 4 out of the 5 things he lists will be true but because 1 is wrong you're done. Do not take him if possible. No extra credit given.BIOL1117 2019-10-29 22:40:25 +0000 UTC
Chris Rich doesn't care about the students. He gives wayyy to much material per test and barely curves at all or tell the mean of the tests (probably because it is a C or lower). He is not responsive at all to emails and no matter how much you study he does not care.BIOL1119 2019-07-03 00:36:15 +0000 UTC
Basically, He does not articulate what he is trying to convey and teach. He will spend the whole class period on a topic but explain it in the most confusing and complicated ways. The tests are so meticulous and if one word is off and you do not catch it, you will get it wrong. The text book is basically pointless, as it does not help you prepare.BIO1119 2019-05-08 04:55:43 +0000 UTC
HE IS THE WORST. I have never had a worse teacher. He relies solely on his Powerpoints and so if you turn to the book he'll say it's not as reliable as him which doesn't help anyone. He has very long, intensive tests about really specific parts of what he finds important from the unit.BIOL2302 2017-09-09 09:44:30 +0000 UTC
Spends the entire class period writing down notes onto the powerpoints. Attendance is dumb and not useful but he uses clicker questions (Top hat) to make sure you're there. I would highly advise against taking this professor.BIOL1107 2014-12-09 21:16:03 +0000 UTC
His tests are difficult and it is A LOT of information, so you really need to make sure that you study regularly and stay on top of the material. He is a pretty good teacher, but if you are having trouble, he is very willing to help, so go to his office hours!BIOL01 2012-04-30 01:18:50 +0000 UTC
Chris Richs class was the hardest class I have taken. I have taken anatomy and physiology before in high school and got a 100, but the way he lectures and explains topics made me question everything I had learned. His tests are impossible. I took all 3 tests thinking I did well, but when I got my grade back I was sadly mistaken.BIO1117 2019-12-03 22:02:57 +0000 UTC
I have never been more unimpressed by a professor. Anatomy is supposed to be a difficult course-however, it's not supposed to be impossible. During class, Chris Rich types on the slides to supplement what he's saying-but he words things in the most confusing way possible. If at all possible, avoid this professor.BIOL1117 2016-04-23 19:59:15 +0000 UTC
I took his class for both anatomy 1 and 2. Classes are very lecture heavy and he strictly uses PPTs. He is a little disorganized but he is nice, and willingly answers your questions after class if you approach him. He organizes review sessions before exams which are helpful. Study HARD for his tests though. His true/false questions are brutal.BIOL1119 2018-04-02 17:02:02 +0000 UTC
He has a very one-dimensional style of instruction that leads to a great deal of misunderstanding. He relies too heavily on powerpoints and writing down exactly what he thinks instead of a simpler solution like a single diagram. I would recommend avoiding this professor if you are given the option.BIO1119 2015-04-29 22:54:35 +0000 UTC
FIRST AND FOREMOST, HE IS A VERY NICE PERSON. However, even though you can tell he's a smart guy, he really doesn't know how to effectively convey his message. You'll need to be able to rewrite his notes in terms that make sense to you in order to understand it. And there is a LOT of material that he has to get through. so give him a little break.BIO1117 2019-02-05 23:28:08 +0000 UTC
He knows what he's talking about, but he's a bad teacher. I feel like he knows so much about what he's saying that he expects you to just follow along - seriously, each class feels like a review (of things you never learned!). You HAVE to study your notes and basically just teach yourself the material. He doesn't explain things in a clear way...BIOL1117 2015-12-03 09:58:42 +0000 UTC
He is the worst! His lectures are extremely boring and will put you to sleep. His powerpoint notes don't make sense and his test are extremely hard. And don't even ask him for help unless it's something very specific because it won't be helpful. You basically have to teach yourself for this class.BIOL1119 2017-10-20 18:45:07 +0000 UTC
I understand that there is a lot of material that he has to get through. However, his PowerPoints make little to no sense, and he often lectures in a way that leaves a lot to be desired. I don't think he understands that teaching this crucial material might be more effective if he simplified it into non-doctoral language.BIO1117 2019-01-19 04:50:04 +0000 UTC
Christopher Richardson has an average rating of 2.5/5 from 35 student reviews. 13.0% of students said they would take them again.
Christopher Richardson's classes have a difficulty rating of 4.5/5 based on student reviews.
Christopher Richardson has taught BIOL1117, BIOL3401, BIOL1119, BIOL2301, BIOL1118 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.