Historical instructor

MARK BERRES

Adjusted rating
RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 4.47/5 from 17 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

What students say

Original student reviews · all captured dates

ZOO520 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 4/5
Mark Berres, is a tremendous professor. This is not an easy class. However, if you are passionate about ornithology then you will do well naturally. Mark may have been the best professor I have had a Madison yet.
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ZOO521 · course not matched
Quality 4/5Difficulty 5/5
The class was too hard. The average on the first midterm was a 65 and he didn't curve it at all. Wouldn't take it again.
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ZOO520 · course not matched
Quality 3/5Difficulty 4/5
He's tough, but pushes you to do well and in the end it's worth it. Most people improved with each exam;physics unit was challenging and boring. He makes you think. 3 exams each with a take-home portion. He's very passionate which is inspiring. Go to lecture to do well. Exam#3 was very interesting. Lots of material to understand. Not a lot of work
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ANSCI520 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 3/5
Captivating material, extreme enthusiasm and three opportunities for grading. Berres keeps it real.He encourages critical thinking and expects it on exams. While preparing for these three essay tests, make your own questions relating to the material, it will help! Study in groups as well! Enjoy being in the presence of this passionate instructor.
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ZOO520 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 3/5
Pay attention to the course level. This truly is a 500 level course. Not your average sparrow here. Go to lecture unless you want to stare at a blank exam. Be warned. Otherwise, this man is a godsend! Berres shows the application of physics and math to the biology of birds. Who knew??? Also, whistle "Mockingjay" theme in class and see what happens.
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ZOO520 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 4/5
Great, enthusiastic lecturer! Expect to study and think, not just regurgitate from lecture or the textbook. He is tough but helpful and friendly, especially if you go to office hours. He obviously loves birds and teaching. You really have to go to class to do well.
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Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.

Classes with MARK BERRES

No teaching recorded in Fall 2026.

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Recorded teaching history

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Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.

Instructor identity & provenance 
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