Very inspirational and wants his students to succeed . Barely any assignments because he focuses on learning not memorization.

Only a midterm and a final. Along with some of the greatest lectures I've ever had while attending Moorpark. This class changed the way I thought and really shaped how I wanted to continue with my schooling. Brian gives you everything you need to succeed and then some. If you have any interest in the environment take this class.

Only a midterm and a final. I recorded lectures but I never used them so don't waste your time doing that. As long as you review the handouts he gives you and take notes during class, you'll be fine. He is also super chill and really just wants everyone to succeed. Definitely take Brian if you have the chance!

One of the greatest professors I had in Moorpark College. He really cares about students learning material more than anything else. His midterms is a little bit hard but overall it's an easy class.

So far the best class I've taken at Moorpark, engaging lectures, brimming with enthusiasm and information, and an overall great guy! Just a midterm and a final, fairly easy if you take notes in class, which I found far easier to do in this class than in others I've taken.

This gentleman is how a professor should behave and act in the classroom. If there is a class he teaches that is open, enroll immediately. You will not be disappointed. I'm very thankful for the semester I spent under his lecture.

It's been a pleasure taking a class from Brian. Puts a lot of time into his lectures and goes through material with great attention to detail. Loves answering questions students have. If you can, take him!

Interesting guy. Theres something about him that kept you interested. the way he did his lectures were interesting. He also gives you crazy enviro facts. Overall, easy class. Sends you like this outlines of detailed notes every week, so you won't need a book. got out early most of the time. Easy money

I didn't know that science can be so interesting. he made it sound so easy. he is amazing. you HAVE to take his class. he explains very clearly why fish die in murky water down in the lakes and what can be the reason that they run out of oxygen. he talks about global warming, ozone, different levels of UV, food, fossil fuels, industrial revolt.

Byfar the best lectures in all of mc. Brian really makes this class interesting and fun. Highly recommend!

Amazing teacher!! Actually cares about every single student's success. Interactive lectures, slow pace, emails you summaries of each lecture, one midterm, one final. Super easy to talk to and willing to help. Super passionate about the class. No textbook needed.

Brian is an amazing teacher! He is very passionate and very knowledgeable about the environment, I've learned things from his class I'll take with me forever. He emails students interesting scientific papers and opportunities for internships and volunteer work that he finds. ENSC MO2 has a few days with field trips to national parks and trails too.

Brian is one of the smartest people I have ever met. His lectures are awesome and he really cares about all his students. Class consists of only a midterm and a final. Took the lecture and lab and learned so much! Probably my favorite class last semester. Brian is awesome!

Brian is really down to Earth and clearly has a bright fire in his belly (as he would say) for environmental science and the like. He is extremely intelligent and clever but very humble. His excitement for the material, patience, simple explanations, and respect for the students makes his lectures really fun and makes the concepts easy to grasp.

Awesome guy, amazingly passionate about what he's teaching. He insists you call him by his first name. Always dresses casually as if he's on is way to the beach. Lectures are entertaining and not at all boring. Would recommend this professor to anyone!

*unbiased description Brian will likely change your life/lifestyle when he goes off topic. Interesting man, caring professor, scientific and unbiased conclusions to data. The downside is the class moves very slowly due to his interactive teaching, which I did not like, but others loved. He emails the lessons, and straightforward with grades.

No textbook needed, no homework and just 2 exams so showing up counts! He makes his lectures and notes fun and talks about real life situations and things that matter, he cares about the students and is highly educated on all topics, his class was easy to attend, just show up and take notes he writes on the board.

Prof. Swartz's lecture style is easily digestible, he doesn't assign any homework outside class, and grading is very straightforward and fair. He obviously cares a lot about the students and the subject. If you're not a science person (or even/especially if you are) this would be a good class to try out.

Brian is such a great person. He is super intelligent and knows his material. His tests are more conceptual and does not include questions reiterating definitions, etc. His lectures are amazing. He does go off track sometimes, but even when he does, you will still learn something new. Such a down-to-earth gentleman.

Brian was such a cool professor. I liked his teaching style, and there is no textbook! The class was made up of just a midterm and final. Make sure to study hard because there is also no study guide so always study your notes. Overall interesting class, I did learn a lot.

Brian takes a different approach in his teaching style but its very effective. His lectures are very informational and taking notes is necessary in order to pass the class. Overall a great teacher

Brian is Brilliant! Anyone out there thinking that earth science is a bore, trust me, take this class and you'll change your mind. All you have to do is show up, and write on the note handout he provides the class. And all of his lectures are really interesting! Probably one of the best professors at Moorpark.

Teaching style is different. There is only a midterm and a final that isn't cumulative. All of the questions from the exams come up during his lectures, with very similar wording. Pay attention, and read the after lecture notes he sends out. Takes role every class period, as attendance is part of your grade. Very passionate and knowledgeable.

Brian makes a conscious effort to stay on the cutting edge of both education and science. He has incredible experience in his field and explains concepts in a straightforward and simple manner. He is very friendly and open to questions. He genuinely wants his students to understand the material. There are brief readings and two exams.

So Brian is a really educated man and he will make sure you know it. Hes very tech savvy and prints out all his lectures for his students. The problem with this class is that he speaks in a way that is almost boring/too educated. It was really hard to sit in his class do an hour and absorb everything he said. All around though, good teacher

Took this class bc I thought it would bore me least of all the sciences & I was right! Brian is an amazing prof and loves what he does. No textbook, no reading, ALL LECTURE, but hes passionate about it so he easily held my interest. He also posts take home msgs on canvas which provide a study guide. Midterm and final are the only items turned in.

Super cool guy and knows his information very well. He has a very good education background. Super funny science nerd mixed with surfer dude.

Brian was wonderful. Very knowledgeable. Designed curriculum himself so no text was needed. Power point presentations during lecture which he would write and diagram on as he lectured. Made sure we all understood material. No homework. Lecture notes posted on Canvas to print out for review. One midterm, one final. I learned so much. Awesome!

He's the best professor I've ever had. Very knowledgable and is so passionate about what he does. Comes dresses very casual, but wore really fancy suits sometimes for no reason. Lecture is very interesting and gives out handouts where you take notes. I recommend him to anyone 100%

Brian is super cool! The subject matter is some of the most interesting there is! He sends cool articles to read if you want to, but not mandatory. Tests are pretty easy. I enjoyed this class a lot

He is truly inspiring! I want to take more of his class because it got me interested in environmental science when I never was before. One tip though, I wouldnt take him over the summer because you only get to hear his message for 4 weeks.

Brian is an extremely intelligent professor. He has a PhD, but he's young and very relatable. He doesn't grade by traditional standards, he will assign grades based on how you do compared to the rest of the class (in a good way). The tests are pretty tough, but if you study hard A's are doable. No homework.

Inspired me to became an environmental studies major

I'm so glad to have lucked into Brian's class. As an arts student taking the class for a science requirement I can honestly say I enjoyed the lectures and the subject matter thanks to Brian's style and reading materials, he is gifted as a teacher/professor. This should be a mandatory class considering the world we live in.

one of the best professors i've ever had

The class was very interesting and was an easy A. You just have four midterms and they are all very easy. He is an amazing professor and I would definitely recommend him. Attendance is not required, I only showed up the first four weeks, then I taught myself the material for the remainder of the semester and just showed up for the tests.

I took this class for credit and ended up loving it. My parents had to listen about how were affecting the world and everything else i learned in this class. I took mo2 and loved it so much that i am taking his mo1 class next semester.

There is no textbook for this course. Brian creates all of his own notes and slides. He explains things well, and provides lots of notes. For exams, he writes questions that make sense to him, but don't necessarily correlate or make sense. You have to have complete comprehension and not just knowledge of the notes (which is hard w/o textbook).

I have had Brian for ENSC M01 and his lab class, both I highly recommend. Brian is super chill but also incredibly knowledgeable about enviro. I don't like science classes but his enviro class was so interesting. He's the best!

Brian is awesome guys. Probably way, way overqualified. This guy told us on the first day that he's studied at the top of his class at the best universities around the world. Like perfect SAT ACT scores. Take his class, you will want to learn what he has to say. Super nice guy, do the work and he'll make sure you get an A or a B.

Great teacher who actually cares about his students. No homework, attendance is not mandatory, study his online notes because they are basically the tests. I only got a C because I did not go to class that often and I did not study for the first test. Go to class at least once a week, and study for the test you'll get a B/A.

If you ever take a class at Moorpark, let it be one of his ENSC courses. Extremely qualified prof, and inspiring class. Class time flies by with his awesome lectures (even if online in the fall). Take in person if you have the ability! However don't expect a free A, especially by not attending. If you're a visual learner this is the perfect class!

10/10 recommend anyone to take Swartz's class if you need to fill a science req. EnviroSci is very cool, and he teaches it with gusto. An esteemed scientist with research/non profit experience, and stays up to date on the newest data. His teaching style is unique and he is open to letting students answer his q's in ways that make sense to them.

He really cares about what he's doing. Lots of lectures to study, but grading is based on class average of 4 tests, and a few discussions. Very passionate when he speaks and would def take him again.

He is supper organized which made online school easy to follow. He posts two lectures, each about an hour long for you to watch over the course of the week and after about 3 weeks there is a test. The lectures are supper interesting, easy to follow and he does a great job teaching. He is also very kind, encouraging, and easy to reach.

I'm not into science at all & I have a hard time understanding science but the way Swartz teaches this class is amazing! One thing that I find so unique about this professor is that he puts his lectures into different formats like audio only, video, & even just with the completed lecture images. I definitely recommend this teacher!

You can tell Professor Swartz is really passionate about what he teaches. He makes sure to go in depth with whatever we're learning and he always gives us the information we need to do well on the tests. Two lecture vids a week, one discussion a week, and an exam every two weeks. I feel like I've learned a lot with this class!

Professor Swartz really cares about what he is teaching which makes it that much more interesting. He always replies to questions or emails in a prompt manner. Grading is based on four tests and discussion posts but the tests are curved.

Brian was one of the coolest professors I've had! His class was laid back and fun, but I actually learned a lot. Every day was a lecture, and occasionally we'd have a quiz on it, but his quizzes and tests are LITERALLY your notes. He posts his lectures online too, so even if you don't take the best notes, you're fine.

I took his Environmental Science online course through dual enrollment and he was by far one of the best professors I have ever had. I felt really inspired by his mission. Long, in depth and interesting lectures with note transcription. Impressive care and quality of material and he prioritized grasping topics conceptually, NOT regurgitating facts.

Professor Brian is light hearted, caring, and passionate about the environment. Very knowledgeable and provides helpful learning materials. Lectures are long, but interesting (Watch on 2x speed and cut lecture time in half). Grade is 8% homework 92% exams. Used Proctoral which is a program that records you while you take exams, no notes allowed.

Exams make up your grade but all you have to do is watch an hour video once a week and you will pass. I should have gotten an a but I didnt watch the videos on the first exam.

I took his class while it was online, so my experience may be different, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning from Brian! He's super chill, willing to help, funny, but most of all makes all of his lectures extremely interesting! Definitely a doable class that is practical and fun!

Professor Swartz is an amazing teacher. You can feel how passionate he is about what he teaches and being an Environmental Science major, I was inspired by every single lecture. He makes learning easy and interesting. I would recommend anyone and everyone to takes a class from him and I hope to again if I get the chance!

I absolutely adore this Professor. Probably the nicest Professor I have ever and will ever take. I was struggling with mental health, and he was so kind and accommodating. No textbook is necessary. Online labs were fun and easy!

One of the best (& funniest) professors I've ever had! If I wasn't already an env sci major, I'd be one after taking this class. His lectures are interesting & fun to watch, just use 2x speed since they're long. His test questions can be hard to understand but you'll be fine as long as you watch the lectures & take notes off the take-home messages.

Super straightforward and passable class. Swartz was SUPER passionate about the subject and clearly loves teaching. He cares a lot about helping and gets back to you quick. One big final project and otherwise just watching his recorded lectures and writing in the discussion board with the occasional easy lab.

While I have to agree the tests are hard, he grades on a curve so if everyone doesn't do well the mean for a B is not the 80-90%. Also, the labs and lecture work will more than makeup for a "bad" test score. Participation and watching the lectures is a must. He is makes them engaging and enjoyable and is available if you need help.

I disagree with these negative reviews and feel terrible that this prof is getting them. He clearly states from the beginning (a.k.a syllabus) that he designs his class to be difficult, however grades accordingly to class average. Understanding is key! Not memorizing! I found myself actually saying out loud "Holy sh*t that's cool/awesome!"

Professor Swartz really gets you thinking and using your mind in a non-text book way. If you are looking to memorize mindless facts for an easy A this is not the class. It requires a lot of critical thinking and focus. I did horrible on tests but they are graded on a curve. Also the project, discussions and lab account for more of your grade.

Prof. Swartz is awesome! He makes learning science so easy. In his asynchronous online class, there is a lot of lectures that are pretty lengthy but they break down the information so that it is easily understood. The lectures are the only content needed to pass the class. Make sure you UNDERSTAND the information, it's the key to passing his class!

Lectures are entertaining, informative, and long. I would recommend watching at 1.5-2x speed and using an iPad/tablet to fill in the lecture slides (skeleton images) with him using OneNote or an equivalent while watching. The THMs are super useful when studying for tests. He types like he just discovered what emojis are. Would definitely recommend

not sure why prof is getting all these negative reviews he's one of the best i've had so far this semester. this is an extremely time consuming course where it requires you to fully understand the material. if you don't study you won't do well. watch all the lectures, go over take-hime msgs and you WILL ace them, all the answers/concepts are there.

Prof Swartz was awesome. He want's you to succeed, he provides in depth lectures, takeaway notes, and images from lectures; even provides a practice middy to see how the questions are worded for actual exam. He grades on a curve so a 66% can even be considered a B. Literally just study and put the effort in and you'll not only pass but learn lol.

Professor Swartz is honestly an amazing professor! His lectures are incredibly detailed and long but he talks a bit slow so you can speed up the lectures x1.5/2. Most of his class involves discussing lectures and then tests. The tests are hard but he really does help you learn. He is super fun and helps connect the learning topics to real life.

I had Prof Swartz for Enviro and Enviro/Human Interactions and his class was heavily dependent on his long lectures, but they're easy to get the hang of after watching. The tests were monitored with a camera which can be intimidating. Overall I really enjoyed his classes, it's very interesting to learn our impacts on the Earth!

I'm not going to talk a lot but this professor is FANTASTIC, Amazing, passionate and everything nice you could think of! I was literally watching MOVIES as he calls them! I never got bored even though this was a required class and I had to take it but it turned out to be my favorite! his way to deliver the information is just wow! I love his energy

Best professor I had in my entire undergrad. Brian was hugely inspirational, and an amazing teacher. Brian convinced me to major in environmental science and changed my life in the process. It is a gift to have access to such an amazing professor at Moorpark college, blew the professors at my 4 year university out of the water. Thank you Brian!

Incredible professor! He has a great vibe and his class was so easy going. I personally watched all the "movies" on 2x speed and the take-home messages are good resources for study material. Make sure to read the take-home messages thoroughly! It really helped me with the exams.

brian is honestly a super funny instructor! i had him online so i can't speak for in-person classes, but i put in a very minimal amount of time into the class and did well, which was nice. the lectures are long but entertaining, and you can get by without watching all of them if you thoroughly read the take home notes! tests were easy too.

This is by far the best professor I had while getting my AAs. I am an econ major and never had much concern for science courses but his classes changed my personal and career choices. The lectures are so interesting and informative, it doesn't feel like a lecture. If you prepare yourself for exams (most of grade), it will show and you will do well.

Very good at teaching online! His lectures cover almost everything on the exams and for the details he doesn't cover in those, he has Q&As and Take-home messages after each lecture. I've had friends say his use of emojis in so many things is weird, but I love it and I think it definitely adds to the fun atmosphere of the class. Highly recommend.

Prof Swartz is one of the most captivating professors I've taken! His lectures are thorough and focus on teaching you the "why's" and "how's," rather than stating facts for you to memorize. Although the test questions can be difficult, if you put in effort into understanding the content, you'll do great! Excited to take him again this summer!

Doctor. Swartz was the most kind, and most understanding professor I have ever had. He is always willing to talk, and work with you if you ever have an issue. His class is very straightforward, and his take home messages are great when studying for his exams. I have nothing but positive things to say about Doc. Swartz

Brian is passionate and with his teaching style, stimulates my curiosity. With prerecorded lectures, take home notes (or "messages"), sketches and recap videos, the material is accessible and comprehensive. I am really digesting everything I'm learning in a way that allows me to speak about it conversationally. Wish he taught more classes.

AMAZING teacher for being online.Class consists of discussion boards and tests that literally come from notes if you skim them through once or twice.Tests are record face audio & screen which I was scared for but the tests are actually easy if you simply read the 3pg ish notes.Grading based on class averages on tests not the traditional A=90%.

Prof. Swartz's engaging lectures and study materials contribute to your overall grade in this Environmental Science class, with ~6 tests shaping your overall grade. Despite the tests being straightforward, paying attention to lectures is key. Swartz's passion and expertise make him an outstanding educator, one of the best I've ever had.

Probably one of the best teacher I have taken.Super passionate in his teachings through recorded videos. I really learned a lot from this class.The grading system isn't like usual. A= 86% etc.Only downside is Proctorio. At first it's scary and that stress really affected my performance. I was so scared to move my eyes lol.But honestly great teacher

Brian was a great teacher, his lectures were long but engaging. Even though I just took this class for credit, it was my favorite. Great teacher, take his class!

Professor Swartz is an extremely good teacher. Your grade is nearly entirely test based which can be a little daunting especially if you don't test well but it's always based on the take home messages so as long as you can answer those you'll be fine. I took ENSC MO1L also which was a lot less test based.

Super interesting, great lectures. You can tell the professor really cares about how you do in class. Most of the class grade is based off of four proctored exams. Grading is averaged through class. For example, if the average grade was a 75%, than that would be a B, an 85% would be a A, etc. I would definitely take this class again.

Professor Swartz is exceptionally passionate and makes very interesting lectures. I respect him a lot. I'm very glad to have taken this class. I'd highly recommend taking a class with him if you're interested.

Prof. Swartz is hands-down the best online professor I've ever had- his lectures are incredibly interesting and entertaining, and watch like an in-depth explainer video on YouTube. His grading is fair, and the homework isn't too heavy. As long as you pay attention and are ready to learn, his class is fun and easy. Be ready to think critically!

Prof. Swartz is hands-down the best online professor I've ever had. His lectures are fascinating and fun to watch. Homework was light as long as you paid attention to the lectures and prepared to learn; all the assignments were easy to complete. His class focuses a lot on critical thinking, so no need to memorize for tests! A++ teacher!

Hands down one of the best instructors I've taken at Moorpark College! Dr. Swartz provided extensive support and consistently demonstrated that he genuinely cared for his students throughout the entire course. The labs are engaging and enjoyable; the lectures made me want to switch to a biology major. He is very passionate about your success!

Literally fell in love. He's one of the “I do things differently” profs. He will never test you on factoids, dates, etc. but tests your understanding of the concepts he discusses. You get two attempts on most tests, and he's very on top of grading and emails. Grades are all based on curves, lectures are long but interesting. No textbook. 10/10

I considered changing my major after his class. He has so much passion for the subject — and how he teaches sticks. Proctorio is a little scary to use, not going to lie, but it encouraged me to KNOW material rather than memorize it. It's not an /easy/ class — but it's a fun one, imo. If he taught any of the required classes I needed, I'd take em'.

Not a “easy” class but very doable. Every week a discussion is due after watching two, one hour lectures. This discussion could be anything you learned that week, no student response. A quiz is also due weekly. Other than that just a midterm every 5-6 lectures or so. Study for the midterm and you will be fine

Super nice about late work