Steven Vollmer is a Biology professor at Northeastern University rated 3.85/5 by 255 students, with 3.71/5 difficulty and 69.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Steven Vollmer professor reviews and ratings: 3.85/5 from 255 student reviews at Northeastern (69.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Best genetics professor at Northeastern! Unlimited attempts on homework so you'll always do well, and exam questions are really similar to the homework as well. He records all his lectures and gives hints to exam answers in class. Also does a lot of practice problems in class. Overall he's super chill and really wants his students to do well!BIOL2301 2025-01-13 20:41:28 +0000 UTC
Really nice guy, doesn't mess with you. It's a hard subject so it is a hard class but it's totally manageable if you read the textbook and just do your work. He's a nice grader, and when I took it he dropped the lowest exam grade (there were four) and the final was taken DIRECTLY (as in VERBATIM) from the first exams.BIO301 2008-10-18 13:48:51 +0000 UTC
Good guy. Makes the class very accommodating for all students, yet throughout the semester averages were low. Basically if you slack off, you will not do well. If you do the assigned problems and read the book, you will do great. Pick this guy's brain about genetic alteration, and other modern issues, he is a great resource.BIOU301 2008-04-29 18:10:05 +0000 UTC
I would highly, highly recommend taking genetics and molecular biology with Dr. Vollmer! His expectations are very clear and he is super organized. If you pay attention in class and do the homework (unlimited attempts) you will do great! He does not try to trick you on exams and even drops some hints in the lectures. He is very kind and funny.BIOL2301 2025-01-13 20:41:14 +0000 UTC
I've had two other professors in the bio department and he's the best so far. I have him for Genetics (BIO301). He doesn't bust your chops. He uses slides so everything is pretty straight foward but you still have to read the book for clarity. It seems like he's a new professor. His tests are pretty thorough but he's always available after class and during office hours (twice a week). Plus he's pretty young and cute for a professor ;)BIO301 2008-04-05 01:29:33 +0000 UTC
Prof. V moves very fast and his lectures can be confusing, but his section is much easier than other genetics sections. No final paper, 90% is an A, quizzes with unlimited attempts are worth 1/4 of your grade, and exams are straightforward. All lectures are on Zoom and recorded, but you can get by with just reading the slides.BIOL2301 2024-11-29 02:49:14 +0000 UTC
awefulBIOL2301 2024-05-10 01:17:19 +0000 UTC
My favorite class at NU! Learned a lot, but the class felt difficult due to the amount of in-depth material. There were four 50-60 MC question exams (lockdown browser) and hw quizzes on each chapter. Lectures were recorded, but don't miss out because he will point out exam questions. Great class, great professor, just don't fall behind on material!BIOL2301 2024-01-17 07:04:26 +0000 UTC
His class is very much lecture-based. He also has problemsets which can be frustrating but relate almost directly to the exam. It can be dull at times if you don't find the topic interesting. But, he lectures understandably and gives opportunities to discuss confusion or Qs with him or his TAs outside of class. 90%+ is an A which is very attainableBIOL2301 2024-01-10 14:43:25 +0000 UTC
He's an okay professor. Goes through 60 slides way too quickly and barely explains. Tests are pretty similar to problem sets and he's pretty clear about what is on the test during lecture, but do not miss lectures or it's pretty easy to fall behind. TA's were most helpful, but he was horrible at explaining things and would not clarify or slow downBIOL2301 2023-12-18 14:51:30 +0000 UTC
I liked Professor Vollmer! He was really nice - just go to class and do the problem sets and you'll do well on the exams. Lectures are important to go to because he makes it obvious what he's most interested in and what he'll test you on the most. Sometimes it can feel dull like he's just reading off slides, but overall I liked the class.BIOL2301 2023-12-11 22:08:07 +0000 UTC
Professor Vollmer definitely listened to the feedback of this previous semesters. The class is now graded on in class mc 4 exams and problems for each lecture. Each 20%. The exams were quite literally questions stolen from the problem sets. It was pretty lecture heavy though and he talks really fast. Not the best, but prob best genetics prof at neuBIOL2301 2023-12-06 19:29:34 +0000 UTC
Graded on only 4 tests and cannot go back on Q's. Have to study for days in advance for these tests. However, a 90 is an A and one of the tests gets counted twice. You have to know everything on the slideshows so I would recommend quizlets. He, from what I've heard, the best genetics prof at NEU so even if he isn't the best, I would still take.BIOL2301 2022-12-07 21:13:04 +0000 UTC
oy vey. prepare to study hours outside of class. grade made up of 4 ~60 MC, online, lockdown browser, timed tests where you cant go back to previous Qs. vollmer is loyal to his teaching strategies... he provides a lot of materials online. lectures are dense (40-60 slides) and you are expected to know evrythng. talks fast, uses advanced terminologyBIOL2301 2022-12-04 22:18:13 +0000 UTC
He is the worst professor I've had here. He just reads off the slides and goes through 50 in one class period and will still let us out 10 minutes early because he doesn't explain anything. He is so condescending and doesn't tell you the correct things to study for the exams. Only graded on 4 lockdown browser exams and can't go back on questions.BIOL2301 2022-11-01 19:26:09 +0000 UTC
Steven Vollmer has an average rating of 3.85/5 from 255 student reviews. 69.0% of students said they would take them again.
Steven Vollmer's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.71/5 based on student reviews.
Steven Vollmer has taught BIOL2301, EEMB5504, EEMB3001, BINF7385, BIOL7385 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.