3.2
Quality4.5
Difficulty52%
Would Retake93
Reviews52%
Would Retake
93
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
26
4
17
3
21
2
17
1
12
What Students Say
“To anyone who says that he is a horrible professor”
PHY202 - 4.0 rating“One of the best professors I have ever had”
PHY260ASTRON - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
76%
Textbook Required
64%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.19 avg changeRatings by Course
NAKEDEYEASTRO
5.0
(1)PSY101
5.0
(1)PHY100
5.0
(1)PHY111
5.0
(2)PHY201LAB
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
ASTONOMY
5.0
PSY101
5.0
PHY100
5.0
PHY101
5.0
PHYSI270
5.0
Reviews (93)
This class was awesome! It's hard as heck but Dr. Davis is such a trip. He'll bring in his top collection and give the most random quotes, such as Life's hard when you're stupid I've never seen anyone who loves his job more
Great professor! He definately loves what he's doing. Sometimes gets a little too excited, class is difficult but fun.
His class is pretty hard, but taking it was worth the effort and grade. He's an AWESOME person who is very excited and passionate about what he teaches, which makes what he says interesting. He is great, I highly reccomend taking one of his classes.
He's extremely passionate about Astronomy, I mean this guy LOVES what he does. Very confusing though because he's always running around the classroom and it's often difficult to keep up! Great guy! EXTREMELY funny quotes
The guy is so awesome. The class will break you if you don't go to it, but the tests are based on the bell curve so it only matters how you do compared to the rest of the class. He's worth taking just the experience.
Wouldn't anyone expect Willie Nelson's twin to be interesting? Dr. Davis is completely sporadic and jumps at the opportunity to teach anyone something new. Don't be afraid to laugh out loud in class. If you're looking for an interesting elective, astronomy is one of the best.
He was very confusing and the first test was very hard but he knows his stuff. The book for this class is pointless so save your money, but if you do this you definently need to show up to class. He never takes attendence, but you're screwed if you don't show up. He's a crazy guy but really nice.
OMG THIS CLASS WAS THE HARDEST THING I EVER TRIED TO DO IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT TAKE FOR BASIC STUDIES...NOT WORTH IT!!!!!!!
If you want to learn how to use a telescope and appreciate the stars, don't take this class. This class is physics with an astronomy theme. He is one of the most enthusiastic profs. I have ever encountered. He makes the learning experience enjoyable but the tests are very difficult.
I like him as a person, but not as a teacher! He gets off topic so much that it's hard to keep up. And I thought the multiple-choice test was a killer. It would definitely help if he was more organized.
I've never met a professor so enthusiastic about what he teaches. He is also very nice, but his tests are very hard and he gets off topic quite a bit.
people beware! Dr. Davis is so hard to follow. he's all over the place and although mildly funny, his course materials are still impossible to understand and differentiate between quasars, 4th quadrantures and jovial planets, much less memorize the formulas. I would not reccommend this course.
Dr. Davis is without a doubt one of the most memorable teachers at UNCW for me. His enthusiasm really helped me learn the tough subject matter and I felt that his projects outside of class were also very informative and overall fun. Great instructor, awesome personality!!
one word...HORRIBLE!
One of the most exciting and enjoyable teachers I've ever had. I never skipped a class (not an easy thing to do so close to the beach)
He is really excited about what he is teaching...He is all over the place in his lecture and in his actually movement...Test are very difficult...class can be pretty fun though.
dr. davis is awesome. if you've ever looked up at the stars in wonder, this class is for you. those whining about how hard it is- half of suceeding in the class is actually showing up. i'm glad i have someone so energetic and passionate for a 9:30 class.
he looks like willy nelson. but he is a really good teacher and he does make the subject interesting. this class is definitely NOT an "easy A," but you WILL learn something during this semester.
Dr. Davis is a very enthusiastic teacher. Very hard tests, but if you understand the concept and how to apply it, its not that bad. He loves what he does and it shows. He is so passionate and funny at 9:30 in the morning. Not an easy "A" class but very interesting. Night Viewings are amazing
This teacher loves what he does...but sometimes forgets that we may not alway understand what he does. He's soo smart but has a hard time sharing that information in a way we understand. His classes are very random...like he just talks about random stuff in no particular order. Test are killer...thank god for the curve!
Very nice guy and enjoys his job! He can become very random and loose his focus.
Definitely loves what he teaches, willing to help you out as long as your willing to go the extra mile and attend extra credit stuff. Tests are very hard but he tests on bell curve so you only have to do better than everyone else
I really enjoyable class, especially if you are interested in Astronomy. He loves what he does. He can be random and crazy, but that's what makes it fun. Strongly recommend going to some viewings, especially those on the beach!
The bulk of his teaching consists of extensive derivations and tedious example problems. Learning would have come easier if problem approach methods were emphasized over the mathematics behind formulae. He tends to begin many lectures with experiments to demonstrate concepts learned. Tests are perfectly fair. He's a believer of the bell curve.
He was soooooooooo inspiring! I loved this guy! Learned a lot, but also loved to see his so passionate.
Oh man.. Davis absolutely loves his subject material but he is all over the place! The viewings are fun to go to and definitely help your grade. His grading scale is ridiculous, so just make sure you are on the top half of the avg and you will get an a or b.
Dr. Davis is the BEST professor you'll ever have. Nobody cares so much about the students or the subject as much as him. He is one of the most interesting people you'll ever meet, too. Saying he has a unique personality is beyond understatement. He is always willing to help students out with their work at any time. He'll make you lust for physics!
I thought this class would be way easy...It's not. Dr. Davis is such an interesting person though! He's the only reason I stayed in the class. He's very very eccentric! Keeps you occupied the entire class period, till the last seconds possible, literaly. He grades on a bell curve, and going to the viewing are very helpful.
I thought this class would be awesome...but it wasn't. Dr. Davis was all over the place w/ his teaching,didn't get everything taught.Ended up being boring.Tests very difficult.GO TO BEACH VIEWINGS!I got a D or F on all tests and he still gave me a C- in the class.He is very passionate about astronomy though, and will help you when you ask.
The worst professor of my 5 year college career. Grades on a bell curve. Test are impossible. Failed them all and made a D overall. Very passonate but very confusing. Class envolved complete dedication to pass.
Horrible teacher, very pointless to go to class, tests are near to impossible.
Do not take this class if you are looking for an easy grade. The information is usually interesting and because Dr. Davis is so incredibly passionate class is always entertaining. I found he was very hard to follow and that the text book was basically useless but you can get help. This class is passable but you must be dedicated. GO TO VIEWINGS!
Please take my advice and do not take Dr. Davis. I am not a physics person, but had to take the class. His knowledge went over my head and I worked really hard. His tests and homework are nearly impossible. Save yourself the struggle.
The hardest class of my five year college carrer. Regardless of anyone's opinion, his test are next to impossible. To maintain a C average in the class, I averaged less than 3 correct questions (out of 17) per exam. Very passonate man and almost too smart for his own good. Extremley fast and hard to follow. In short, prepare for shear dedication
Had Dr. Davis for Astronomy. He's a really nice guy and all, incredibly interesting, but he goes so fast in class, it's overwhelming and hard to keep up with. My main problem was that I never knew what to study, I feel like he goes over literially every detail of every subject in astronomy and its impossible to keep up.
If you do not want to put any effort into a class then DO NOT take this class! If you miss even one class you can get so lost. He's very passionate about Astronomy and he definitely knows his stuff. Sometimes he has a hard time saying what he wants to say but he'll help you if you need it. He's a funny guy and the beach viewings are interesting.
that man is a god, his life IS a fortran program. but his classes have minimal theory, not enough integrals, breaks things down too far. there will be gripes and complaints, but you will learn. the tests are HARD, but they are curved. every man for himself. its not that hard to rise to the top. he is a viable physics father.
I will say that Dr. Davis is a very passionate teacher. He likes to know that everybody is learning and tries to help those that aren't. However, the way he teaches is very hard to follow. He seems scatterbrained when doing proofs on the board and never actually does examples. Tests are quite hard but T-Scored and homework is next to impossible.
Davis is a really passionate teacher, but he's extremely hard to follow. He's very scatterbrained, and never finishes the material. Pay close attention in class - even if he just mentions something it will be on the exam. I found this class to be EXTREMELY difficult and would not recommend it. MUST attend class and viewings to get a decent grade
Avoid this class at all cost!! Dr. Davis is sooo scatterbrained and I could never keep up in class. He gives every little detail for every topic and anything could be on the test..I never knew what to study. He's really passionate about astronomy, but his class is way too hard.
Woah! This class was amazing! Dr. Davis is really wild and fun. You definitely need to study to make an A, but if you like to learn than definitely take this class. "It will blow your mind". He will be the most exquisite professor you ever have for sure!
Dr. Davis is probably one of the most intelligent professors at UNCW, and he's also incredibly interesting. I recommend you know some calculus before taking his class, and be prepared to study A LOT. His class is exciting, but it's also very difficult.
Dr. Davis is very smart, and a very good person, but I would not recommend this class to anyone as a basic study credit.
Very good teacher. Very eager to help students who don't understand the material. You need to put in the time and definitely go to class to comprehend what is on the exams, but he is by far one of my favorite professors.
Dr. Brian Davis is an exceptional professor with a huge passion for what he teaches. He is incredibly nice, and wants everyone to succeed in your class. When he writes things on the board, WRITE THEM IN YOUR NOTES!
He is probably the quirkiest man on earth but he's such a nice guy and he makes you look forward to going to class. The only thing is that his tests are pretty hard, so you really have to go to class, study, and write down whatever he puts on the board. Oh and go to viewings!! If you try, you'll love his class.
I'm rating Dr Davis for a class I took 20 years ago—archeoastronomy. His enthusiasm and passion is unrivaled. And, yes, the exams were tough, but they are supposed to be. I learned a lot about something I never really thought about and have retained a lot over the years. I regard BF Davis as one of 3 professors at UNCW that I hold in high regard.
I took the PYH 260 class maybe 20 years ago and remember him as an amazingly inspired teacher. He is the BEST!
Dr. Davis is seriously passionate about astronomy. This class is really interesting and filled with information. The tests are extremely difficult, and although attendance in class isn't required, you will fail the test if you don't go. Additional night viewings are necessary. be prepared to study.
Bless his heart, he means well and he absolutely loves what he is teaching, but he has poor presentation of the material. There is so much information on each test and you don't even know what will be on there. When he says it could be anything, he means it. Don't take this unless you have to.
Awesome guy, so passionate about physics it's impossible not to enjoy class at least for a few moments each class. I studied enough to get a C. Read the textbook and know the equations and you'll do just fine. To anyone who says that he is a horrible professor... "Life's hard when you're stupid!"-Brian Davis
Dr. Davis is an incredible physicist and a very difficult teacher. It is easy to get a good grade in this course because every test is graded on a T-score, but the material is very tough. Literally, any detail he mentions in class could be on the test. He is an extremely passionate and intelligent man. I'd take this class again!
Man is a god at physics.
Take Moyer.Spent about five hours a day on this class to beat over half class. Class is on T-score and he tries to give the majority of students a C. Covers 16 cprs. 1hr office help time(rate of 1Q per hr)complains about his life problems to you when you ask a question. Not willing to help additionally; bring Q's to other professors. Uses Calc 3.
Dr. Davis is passionate about Physics, but he cannot teach it whatsoever. Do not take this class. Class everyday of the week. He flies through the material. Offers help but expects you to do nothing but physics in your spare time. Changed my major because of this class. Avoid it at all costs. You won't learn much and your GPA will tank
This man is the best professor EVER! Take this amazing class and get to know this brilliant and passionate man! My favorite class!! Two tests and a final. Go to class, never miss. Go to the help sessions and go over your notes before and after class. Start studying at least a week before the exam. You will learn what most people know nothing about!
Dr. Davis is very passionate about his subject and sometimes he wanders off on tangents, but everything he says in class is fair game on the test. He really cares about his students and if you show effort he will help you with anything. The class is not an easy a, but if you show up to class and to the viewings then you will pass.
I took his class five years ago. He is the only professor I still think about regularly. I even teach my kids what he taught me and pull out my notes every now and then. I even bought a telescope. Very hard class, tests are difficult, test material is from lectures. Do not miss his class.
Does not effectively manage time or teach physics material. Often write repetitious information on the blackboard, wasting valuable class time. i.e.: calculus definitions EVERY SINGLE CLASS, once in the class should be sufficient. Chooses quantity over quality of example problems discussed in class. Often rushes and keeps students after class.
Dr. Davis as a very intelligent caring person who really tries to meet the needs of his students. He sets the bar high and challenges people at all levels. However, I never knew what was going on in class and I despise physics now, I wish he designed the class and exams in a way that was stressful and rewarding.
Dr. Davis really cares about his students and present so many opportunities to get additional help. Its not an easy class, but its really interesting and engaging. He does offer some EC, but other than that its three tests. If you go to the review sessions before a test and pay attention in class you will easily pass. No homework or quizzes.
By far the best professor I've ever had in my entire college career. Yes, his classes are extremely difficult, but he will work with you after class, before class, or any time he is available to help you. The stories he will tell you in lecture alone are worth the struggle.
Dr. Davis is a brilliant human being. I took his Astronomy class, which is definitely the most challenging course I've taken. You must be a strong notetaker for this professor, for his lectures consist of speaking and scribbling on a chalkboard, and often change direction quickly. No homework, no quizzes, tests only.
This is the hardest class I have taken so far and do not take it unless you are good at learning physics. His personality is hilarious but understanding the work is not. If you skip you wont know the material. He doesnt do study guides "your notes are your study guides".
One of the best professors I have ever had. The man cares for each individual that passes through his class. His passion for what he teaches is clearly visible which I appreciate and love. However, this is not an easy class. Take it at your own discretion. He does give a lot of extra credit which will help in the end! Great man, with a kind soul.
He is so adorable. He is a fun professor.
Such a caring man that wants to share his passion with all his students. He literally gets goose bumps every time he talks about the recent solar eclipse. HOWEVER, this class is not easy whatsoever so don't expect it to be an easy A for University Studies. Use the viewings to your advantage for extra credit and don't be afraid to go to office hours
Dr. Davis is one of my favorite professors at UNCW. He is very kind and willing to take plenty of time out of his day to help any student that doesn't understand the material. I learned a lot from his astronomy class and would take a second one if UNCW offered it. Anyone can make an A in his class as long as they're willing to work for it.
Dr. Davis is the man! I had him for PHY 201 and it's tough, but he is more than willing to help you anytime he can. Looking forward to having him for PHY 202 next semester! Take him!
Dr. Davis is a professor with a very clear passion for what he's teaching. He genuinely cares for his students and wants them to excel, and gives plenty of opportunities to do so. He understands that this is a very difficult class, so as long as you work hard, he'll do anything he can to ensure you pass!
Dr. Davis is truly one of the best profs on the campus. This class is difficult but Dr. Davis makes it fair especially when he sets up his tests. He will tell you what to expect. After every class there is a 1hr help session where he reviews/helps with hw. He is also a great lab teacher. He makes physics fun. Would take him again. He is the man.
An eccentric yet very pleasant professor that loves what he teaches. Sometimes his explanations are a bit overcomplicated. If you ask him for help, he will go out of his way to make sure you understand the material. If you really want to win him over, ask him about his archaeoastronomy research. This man seems to be powered solely by passion.
Dr. Davis is a great guy. However taking his Astronomy class for University Studies was the worst decision ive made in college. Your grades rely solely on 3 tests, which are not easy. His lectures are frantic and hard to follow. Hes very willing to help if you need it, but overall I would not recommend unless you need his class for your major.
Dr. Davis is a kind man whos deeply knowledgeable and passionate about his subject. His biggest flaw is he assumes you are too. This class is back-breakingly hard, and his solution to that is to assign even more work. Expect long lectures, difficult tests, and sleepless nights memorizing esoteric formulas. Absolutely no notes allowed during tests.
The greatest lecturer I've ever had, a true inspiration. Astronomy with Dr Brian Davis is a privilege to recieve. If you care about understanding and knowing rather than what a piece of paper depicts you as take this and you will do well. If all you care about is a mark youll fail take something easier. Love from England
Dr. Davis is such a sweet man. He really knows his stuff but he cant teach. His tests are extremely difficult. I would not recommend his class if you have zero knowledge about physics. I promise you, you will hate it.
Davis is by far the worst professor I have ever taken. His tests are extremely difficult everyone in the class normally gets about a 25 to 35 on them which he curves with some weird system. I his lecture videos are so boring and are all about 2 hours. His explanations are very confusing would suggest just using Kahn academy.
By far the absolute worst and incompetent professor I have ever had in my 3 years of college. No one in my class of 70 knows what is going on because he cannot teach at all. Great person, but absolutely horrible professor. If you do not have a Ph.D. in physics avoid his class at all costs.
He is an amazing person who really cares about his students and wants you to understand. However he is very unclear and its hard to follow along his class examples. I have had to basically learn the class by myself thanks to YouTube videos and tutoring sessions. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!
If you have to take this class: the lecture and homework are so disjointed. The problems worked in office hours will be on the test, so be there, and he will help you out later for being there. Really great guy. He just expects you to know everything, which isn't realistic. The curve is huge. Lots of people retake this class since they didn't pass
Dr Davis is an excellent Professor and person. If you care about grades however, Dr. Davis is not for you. His goal is to produce quality students who have a deep understanding and/or passion of the subject. I have had the privilege to complete his course and it has made a profound impact on my ability and competence in physics.
Davis is a very hit or miss professor, people either love him or hate him. If you want to learn and you put the effort in you will be fine. The way he grades makes the class fair. rather than curving everyone up the same amount of points, people who do worse get more help from the curve. He is a great professor if you take the time to learn
Take Davis if you enjoy the feeling of academic defeat and crying is one of your more prominent hobbies.
I think that Dr Davis is a very good guy. However his class was the hardest class I have ever taken. His teaching style is very outdated, and can be very defeating. He expects everyone to know calculus the way he knows it, and he gives his lectures off of his notes which can be very hard to follow along from.
I learned more from a Mandarin-speaking man on YouTube than from Dr. Davis. When the material is already as complex as it is, it is important to have a teacher who explains the basics well so students can at least have some basic knowledge moving forward. My point is, don't take this class unless you hate yourself and are prepared to get therapy.
I have never in my life taken a more difficult class. If you are not doing well it is difficult to get help and easy to fall behind. Tests are worth most of you grade yet he tests with T-Score (something he claims to have made up) which only allows for a little less than half the class to pass every time. There is much more wrong but i have run out
Dr. Davis is a really nice guy. He provides help session, even though they are quite confusing sometimes. I wouldn't recommend this class unless this is a requirement for you. If you do have to take this class, make sure you get a basic idea of what physics is before this class. And make sure that you get a physics's tutor!
Davis is someone who deeply cares about physics and teaching but is God awful at teaching. He expects you to have taken his prior classes and he expects you to dedicate your life to this class. To go over notes puts up old handwritten notes that only are understandable to himself.
Dr. Davis is a really nice professor. His class is hard yes, but he really wants all of his students to pass. He gives many chances to end with a good grade as well as personal help if you ask. Though I would love to never take a physics course again, his teaching and personality sparked an interest for electrical engineering. I appreciate Dr. D.
I took Dr. Davis's physics 1 and 2 a year ago and transferred to state. At the time I hated the class but looking back I learned more from his two classes than any other classes I've taken. He truly cares about his students, It's a hard class but he is fair. I would 100% recommend him for student in the 2+2. He will prepare you for state.
drdavis is a really good physicist but he's not great at really teaching it. His lectures tend to be rambles that you don't really understand and rather outdated. He can be snarky and is difficult to deal with if you have DRC accommodations. Really only grades tests. Like i said he's good at physics but expects everyone else to be just as good.
Davis is the smartest person I've ever met but can't understand that his class is people who haven't seen calc physics before. He's quite snarky and not super lenient but the curve he gives is huge (20% grades can end up being a low C). Lectures don't make sense and the lab sessions are frustrating, you end up only getting 20 minutes to finish it.
This course is pretty hard, but not impossible. Dr. Davis is a very kind person; he truly cares for his students. He lays it out pretty clearly in the syllabus that if you show up to class, ask questions in the help session, and do the hw, he will help you out as much as he can. Read the textbook and do as many problems as you can.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
76%
Textbook Required
64%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.19 avg changeRatings by Course
NAKEDEYEASTRO
5.0
(1)PSY101
5.0
(1)PHY100
5.0
(1)PHY111
5.0
(2)PHY201LAB
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
ASTONOMY
5.0
PSY101
5.0
PHY100
5.0
PHY101
5.0
PHYSI270
5.0