Dr. Givnish's lectures can be fairly disorganized and research-heavy (difficult to know what concepts you will be graded on). Although he does genuinely care about his students he can come off as very intimidating at times. Botany 460 is an interesting class but be prepared for a lot of work coming from studying and a big research project in lab.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
Thomas Givnish
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
I dropped this class due to the confusing and disorganized teaching style. He would rush through complicated topics with wordy definitions and spend the rest of lecture on loosely related examples.The exams were heavily based in the readings (old research papers) that had to be memorized. I didn't learn much at all from my 6 weeks of this class.Rate My Professors ↗
Tom's classes are definitely hard and require a lot of effort, but if you put in as much effort as he does you'll learn a ton. He admittedly seems scary and rude but honestly he does care a lot about students passing his classes and learning, he's just super smart and I think sometimes forgets that we aren't all on his level.Rate My Professors ↗
While Dr. Givnish is very knowledgeable but he isn't a great lecturer. He runs through material very quickly and focuses a lot on his research & interests (Hawaiian flora). I never felt comfortable asking a question in lecture. His tests are very challenging and he takes no accountability for his dysfunctional teaching style. Avoid if you can.Rate My Professors ↗
Lectures are boring and FULL of information, he is way too smart to be teaching an intro ecol. class. Also he's kind of mean when people asked questions in class Things I recommend: - don't waste your time reading the textbook - Do read and understand the discussion texts (they show up on exams) - practice exams are very similar to real examRate My Professors ↗
Very few resources given to succeed on exams that are graded at a high difficulty. Only given a few practice questions (with no answer key) to prepare. Prof is intimidating and will NOT record lectures so don't bother asking. Grading is not consistent. DON'T TAKE unless absolutely necessary.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with Thomas Givnish
Directed Study in Botany
1–3 creditsDirected study in botany that introduces students to research questions and provides guidance and mentorship in a research environment.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Intermediate Directed Research
1–3 creditsIntermediate Directed Research in Botany involves exploring research questions through guidance and mentorship in a research environment.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Honors Thesis
3 creditsSenior Honors Thesis course for Botany majors involving individual research to complete an honors thesis, arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Honors Thesis
3 creditsSenior Honors Thesis course for individual research leading to an honors thesis in the Botany major, arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Thesis
2–3 creditsSenior thesis course involving individual research for students completing theses as arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Thesis
2–3 creditsSenior thesis course in Botany involving individual research for students completing theses as arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Directed Study
1–4 creditsDirected Study: Explore research questions in botany through guidance and mentorship in a research environment.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Research-plant Systematics
1–12 creditsIndependent research in the area of Plant Systematics, designated as RESEARCH-PLANT SYSTEMATICS.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Research-plant Ecology
1–12 creditsResearch-Plant Ecology involves independent research in the area of Plant Ecology.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Distinct courses recorded per term
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 299 | Directed Study in Botany |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 499 | Intermediate Directed Research |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 682 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 691 | Senior Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 692 | Senior Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 699 | Directed Study |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 994 | Research-plant Systematics |
| Spring 2027 | BOTANY 995 | Research-plant Ecology |
| Fall 2026 | BOTANY 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | BOTANY 682 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | BOTANY 994 | Research-plant Systematics |
| Fall 2026 | BOTANY 995 | Research-plant Ecology |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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