Joe Ayers is a Biology professor at Northeastern University rated 3.2/5 by 12 students, with 4.8/5 difficulty and 50.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Joe Ayers professor reviews and ratings: 3.2/5 from 12 student reviews at Northeastern (50.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Professor Ayers is an outstanding educator; however, this course poses significant challenges. The exams demand hours of reading and studying the material. Particularly, the Neurocreation paper is quite formidable and needs to be worked on ahead of time. Many students opt for an Incomplete grade (I) and submit the paper later in the year.BIOL5587 2023-06-20 19:36:54 +0000 UTC
You know those professors who are VERY knowledgeable in their field - yet, they just do not know how to convey the information to others? Yea, that's Dr. Ayers. He's a really nice person, but his lectures are all over the place. His exams are incredibly detailed and the Neurocreation paper was the death of us all. I learned a lot in the end though.BIO587 2009-12-17 14:29:38 +0000 UTC
Wow! This class is crazy hard. Only take it unless you are honestly interested in going into comparative neuroscience. He asks ridiculous detail on tests, refuses to answer e-mails or meet with you, and when you ask questions, he says, I think it is very clear. I learned a lot, but REALLY hard classBIOU587 2007-12-07 18:17:48 +0000 UTC
Definitely the best teacher I've had in college. The subject matter is quite complex and can be overwhelming at times. BUT if you are interested in neuroscience this class is definitely worth taking. The tests are mul. choice, t/f, short answer and essays. You have to write a paper that composes a nervous system. Highly recommended teacher & class.COMPNUEROBIO 2005-12-07 16:36:04 +0000 UTC
Joe is awesome, but be sure to pay attention, cause he tests you on EVERYTHING you never thought you'd need to know.NEUROETHOLOGY 2005-09-08 09:44:44 +0000 UTC
Ayers is the man. Awesome professor and he's got some great stories and does interesting research. Who couldn't love a prof. who makes robotic lobsters?! Seriously, if you want to know how nervous systems give rise to behaving organisms, he is the man to talk to. Never saw anyone bored in class.COMPNEUROBIO 2005-05-09 18:53:28 +0000 UTC
No longer using flipped classroom as he did in Fall 2020. 3 exams, 1 paper. Take this class if: - You are extremely interested in comparative neurobiology - All the other classes you are taking this semester are easy - You are being legally forced to take this class - Your mental health is stable enough for you to have weekly mental breakdownsBIOL5587 2021-04-27 01:23:46 +0000 UTC
This is class is extremely difficult, it requires a massive amount of work, especially the paper. While i learned alot in this class, i would not recommend taking it in less you are looking to go into neuroscience. If you take this class make sure the rest of your course load is light because this is a very time consuming class.BIO587 2007-12-30 23:22:45 +0000 UTC
He is an extremely smart guy and the class is interesting. But it was amoung the hardest I have ever taken. You have to read ever thing because he test on the smallest details The test are difficult TF and MC but if he gives you the option to give short essays I would take it. The paper is difficult but he grades it really easy.You will learn alotBIOU587 2007-05-06 13:24:42 +0000 UTC
Professor Ayers teaches via a flipped classroom, which is just his way of being able to include as much information as possible into at home work and class lectures. They are extremely dense lectures that take about 2 hours to get through (minimum) and class time is spent reviewing the lectures.BIOL5587 2020-11-09 17:44:45 +0000 UTC
This was the most difficult class I've ever taken. His tests are very difficult, and the averages were always around 70. The paper is a beast and will consume your life. Don't procrastinate on it. You'll learn a lot, but sometimes he contradicts himself. The book is useful only about 1/2 the time. Read the PDF's. I wish I had had more time.BIOU587 2007-04-23 13:08:03 +0000 UTC
By far the hardest class I've taken in the BNS program. He's an absolutely brilliant professor who will teach you an insane amount of cool info about nervous systems, but his presentation skills are lacking. His slides are incredibly dense, and he gives no hints on what we're supposed to know. Take it if you're brave.BIOL5587 2017-04-24 10:20:07 +0000 UTC
Joe Ayers has an average rating of 3.2/5 from 12 student reviews. 50.0% of students said they would take them again.
Joe Ayers's classes have a difficulty rating of 4.8/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.