Will have you draw diagrams during your tests and has short answer questions. Has a movie fest one week of the semester. Has a dry sense of humor. My fav. geology prof. at UGA.

Good Class. Railsback isn't the easiest, but he trys, and usually succeeds, in making it interesting. Tests can be hard, but old tests and lots of helpful things on his website. If you go to class, take notes, and read the webpage (I didn't even crack the book) an A is well within reach. He's also incredibly willing to be helpful.

Attended every class, was very helpful, class was interesting. Lots of notes, but easy notes to understand... Highly recommended

A very nice man with a dry sense of humor. He gives three test and they require studying. Pay attention in class because the things that he shows you sometimes end up on the test. I enjoyed the class but the tests were murder.

super super nice guy, always wants you to ask questions in class and will provide you with excellent answers. study his lecture notes and read over the book for his tests. he is will go over your tests and answer questions during his office hours if you need it. and he offers an extra credit assignment on his webpage.

Very smart, nice guy and an excellent teacher but a boring class. Rocks are not my cup of tea. But Railsback does the best he can with it. LOTS of notes! but they're really not that bad and when it comes test time, you'll be glad you have them! Tests are not easy and studying is required. But know the notes and you'll be fine.

I actually liked Railsback as a person; however his class was horrible. There are only three tests and they are really hard. The tests require you to study alot in advance because many of the questions are tricky and application type problems. I was hoping for an easy A, but instead found myself in both a boring and hard class that I couldn't skip.

This class was GREAT - very interesting. His tests are fair - if you study the notes and attend class you will do fine. Only grades come from three tests and one extra credit assignment. He cares about his students and wants to answer questions!

Great Professor with hard tests. I would still retake him if he offered any courses I needed. He tries to make it very clear what he wants on the tests though and as long as you don't let them sneak up on you they aren't impossible. Dry humor, which is always a plus.

Dr. Railsback is extremely knowledgeable about everything pertaining to the course, and is willing to assist students with any questions. Attendance was not mandatory, but he does not post lectures online so you don't want to miss many classes. The exams and exercises were demanding, and require a fair amount of time in order to make a good grade.

I had him for both 3030 and 1122. He is an excellent teacher. He always answers emails and questions and is there for you to learn. His tests can be challenging, but so long as you attended a good grade is possible. He is also very funny, and a great resource. I would take him again.

I took this class for a science requirement during my first semester. Railsback is a great lecturer and the class material is very interesting. Tests are difficult but he's straight forward with what you need to know. I enjoyed this class so much I almost changed my major. Great class if you want to learn a lot and don't mind putting in the work.

Railsback knows a lot, and he is willing to share that information if you ask. The class only has three tests and an extra credit assignment, but if you take notes and study, you'll be prepared. You don't have to go, but he doesn't post most of his notes online. He's pretty funny, and enjoys a good discussion. Great class for non-science majors.

Awesome class. You learn about rocks at the beginning, but quickly move to evolution, the big bang, and tons of interesting stuff. Don't get behind on studying for the three tests and you're set.

Dr. Railsback is a really great professor. I promise you'll never have a professor with power point slides that are as good as his! As long as you take notes and review often the tests are pretty easy. He uploads tests (with the answers) from previous years to his website so you'll know what to expect! Overall he is super helpful!

This class is much more than just geology. There's a little dash of chemistry and astronomy and even a little philosophy thrown in. It was very difficult for me as a non-science major. However he's very willing to help his students. I made several office hour appointments where he sat with me and explained the topics I didn't understand.

Professor Railsback will always be one of my favorite professors. He explains stuff well, and he wants you to do well. Many people found his class difficult, but as long as you don't skip any classes (lectures are long, though very interesting) and read over your notes from his powerpoints you should get with a good grade He's very nice!

Railsback is the cutest old man on the planet. He is insanely passionate about rocks and knows a heck ton about everything related to geology. Tests are tough, but as long as you go over lecture notes and diagrams he used, you'll be fine. Lectures can be boring, but ultimately, this is a pretty good course to take especially if you don't like chem.

Railsback is a very nice professor. His lectures were very well put together. It can be boring if you're not interested in that kind of stuff. He only has 3 tests the entire semester. You really have to study hard for his tests, every little detail matters!

Dr. Railsback is very knowledgeable. The content itself is not difficult, but the exams can be tricky. They ask very specific questions, and sometimes, more than one answer could be applied to a question that only requires one answer. Study very hard for the exams. If I had spent more time studying, I would have made an A. There's only 3 exams.

Gotta go to class to understand the material. He doesn't post his PPs either. 3 tests in the class but he posts the ones from last year on his website. Super smart and nice guy and he really likes having class discussion but no one talked in his class because I don't think we ever fully understand what we were supposed to be learning lol.

Railsback made geology interesting and straightforward. There were only three tests that made up virtually the entire grade, but he publishes old exams so you know what to expect. You don't really need the textbook. You have to come to class. The information for the exams is only in his lectures and he doesn't publish lectures online. Good prof.

Railsback was a really funny, kind professor! As a non-science person, I enjoyed the class and material. His lectures are super well thought out but he doesn't post them anywhere so you have to go to class. No homework except studying and he's always willing to help!

He is very prepared for every class with his well-made lecture slides. You will struggle greatly if you don't attend class but is always open to lend a hand and has many useful sources on his website. Your grades for tests always reflects how much effort you put into studying, so study hard but don't stress. Caring guy with a great teaching method.

One of the funniest and best teachers I've had. As a non science major, I loved his class and his lectures are so organized. You definitely have to go to class if you want to do well on the tests, since he doesn't post his notes. But he gives opportunities for extra credit and is a super nice guy.

He's a sweet old man who's passionate about geology and definitely knows what he's talking about. His lectures/power points are so nice to copy notes from and very helpful in understanding and retention. His tests are straight memorization from your notes so if you put in the time to commit it to memory, it's 100% easy to get a 100% on the test.

Railsback is an AWESOME lecturer, very knowledgable and obviously cares for the material. He's very clear about expectations for the semester. Even though attendance isn't mandatory, it's very hard to pass without showing up to class since tests come straight from the lecture. Don't bother with the textbook. Good prof, great guy, very understanding

Railsback is a very caring professor who made sure that we understood the content and would always explain things until we did. The tests were difficult but he puts past exams online so studying those definitely helps. The class is very lecture heavy and although he puts slides online it's still important to come to class so you don't miss anything

Dr. Railsback is an excellent lecturer. Beware that the course content is heavily focused on climate change. This can make it more interesting but it also means that you have to really take good notes. He posts tests from the previous years but DO NOT JUST MEMORIZE THOSE ANSWERS. I tried that and failed the test. Learn the concepts not questions.

This class was exactly what's expected. No surprises. It's basically 3 tests. Go to class even though it isn't mandatory, take lots of notes and study your butt off for the tests from your notes and his old tests. You do this and it's an easy A. Lots of memorization.

An interesting class when I'm not half-asleep. You can totally get an A on tests if you PUT IN THE WORK and STUDY (seriously, study). If you miss a class, refer to his lecture notes on his website. Gives EC. Railsback is super passionate about his work, and it shows in his lectures. Take him if you have the chance! (:

Railsback is not as bad as ppl are making him out to be. If you show up to class, take good notes, and actually study as much as you should for a college class, youll finish with an A. There is a lot of content, and the lectures are a little boring, but this class is so much better than taking chemistry or biology.

One of the most caring and knowledgable professors in the geology department. Attendance is not taken but need to be there because exams are based on the lectures only. Has his own website with everything(minus the lecture slides) that you might need for the class. Very sweet guy that just wants his students to learn the info and ask questions.

Railsback is such a nice guy and he makes an effort to make sure you understand the material. This class revolves around lectures, but if you take notes the tests are easy enough. The lectures were pretty entertaining and easy to follow, and he points out the information that you need to know.

Dr. Railsback is a great professor and if you actually go into class and interact with him, you will get the most out of his class. He's very helpful and knowledgeable as well as caring for his students. Show up, show you care, and he will make sure you do well.

So amazing!! I took this class as an elective and it was so worth it. He's so passionate about this class and it really shows in the lectures. He's funny and explains things so well. The hw can be a little confusing, but he gives you lots of time on it and it's really helpful. Just study well for the tests and you're golden

Really great dude all around. Cares a lot about geology, and if you watch his lectures you will 100 percent be fine for the tests and quizzes, given you take notes and pay attention. It is a boring subject but Railsback tries his best to keep everyone's attention. He cares about his students, especially those who try in class.

Prof Railsback is definitely very knowledgeable and has a lot of info in his lectures, I just feel that sometimes the questions on quizzes don't relate to our notes. I definitely have to work hard to understand the material. Regardless, quizzes are open note and he is a nice and funny guy so I say take him if you're curious.

Railsback is very passionate about Geology and tries to make the lectures fun. We have weekly Check-ups & Exercise assignments (if you take notes/attend the lectures, you'll do good) and he posts Lecture illustrations/outlines online. He encourages everyone to ask questions, during and after class. I don't care what anyone says, Railsback is great!

Professor Railsback is very passionate about the content that he teaches. He is such a sweet man and cares about his students' success in his class. If you are like me, however, this class can be very difficult. The Check-Ups and Exercises that he assigns are almost impossible to do without a partner, and the final is 45% percent of our grade.

Dr. Railsback is such an amazing person he cares about geology and his students. He is very knowledgeable having wrote many published articles. Contrary to what someone else said he does not mumble lol. The final is 45 percent of grade but its curved. The TA is available to help with the content and she is very nice. Take the lab it's easy and fun.

Railsback is a good dude from the midwest that likes rocks with a passion. This class is interesting, but I agree that the check-ups and exercises are impossible without your notes or a partner. Final is heavy weight but curved. He is funny, a good lecturer, and is nice when you need help. Need science but don't want physics or chem? Take Geo!!!

We have weekly checkups and exercises that are pretty difficult but Dr. Railsback is always willing to schedule a time to meet and go over exercises or questions. He is super caring and passionate about what he teaches. The final is 45% of our grade, but we have no tests other than the final. Take him for GEOL!

Professor Railsback is a great professor. The class content isn't always the most interesting but he tries his best to make the lectures entertaining and engaging. He is very reasonable. The assignments are difficult so you have to be very meticulous and the final is graded heavily but it's very possible to get a good grade.

Railsback is an excellent lecturer, passionate, and highly published researcher. The complaints in other posts were made by individuals who didn't attend class, didn't study outside of class, and resorted to cheating with other people in the class GroupMe. There is a LOT of material covered in the course, but ATTEND CLASS AND YOU'LL BE FINE!

You have to go to lectures & build a geology repertoire throughout the semester to prep for the final (45% of grade). You have to UNDERSTAND all of the material instead of just completing stuff, bc this class builds/lots of critical thinking. Didn't expect that for an intro class. Bc there's no tests it's easy to set this class aside, don't do that

There's SO much material, his lectures are way too detailed. But I learned by the end of the semester that you actually only need to know a little bit from them in order to do well on the weekly exercises/checkups. This class is all about understanding instead of regurgitating, which is especially true for the final exam (worth 45% of your grade!!)

Railsback is a cool guy and he is very knowledgeable and prepared to teach this class. That being said there is so much material to learn it seemed nearly impossible. The final was worth 45% of the grade and it was the first in person exam all year. Nice guy, but extremely hard class.

Railsback was very passionate about the topics, but the class had so much material that it was hard to remember everything. There were online quizzes that were open-notes, and online assignments that were a little difficult. The final was in person with no notes and worth 45% of grade. I thought it was a hard class.

I took him for GEOL 1122, and 3030 is significantly easier in that the material is much more interesting. The homework can be hard, but the answers are all in your notes. That said, participation isn't a grade, but you won't do well if you don't go to class. Use his website for extra help on the exercises and to view past exams. Also, STUDY!!

this class is a hard intro level course and isn't an easy A. wouldn't recommend it for non-stem majors to get their environmental science credit!! You need to study for this class and understand how to apply the material. if you need help, go to Railsback...he is extremely nice. We had Max Deckman as a TA and he is super helpful as well.

Dr. Railsback is an amazing professor! I thought that I would be so bored during a Geology class because I am not a science person, but Dr. Railsback made this topic so interesting and exciting. He is so passionate about what he does, and he is super well-informed. His class is lecture heavy, and there's only one in person test: the final.

Here's the deal! Professor Railsback is a sweet professor who genuinely cares about the climate and our knowledge regarding it. With that said, the content covered in class is hard. You have to really like rocks to naturally understand it. If you only need a science credit, I would suggest thinking about other classes before deciding on this one.

For those that are non geology majors and got stuck in this class. Don't panic. Here is what you do ideally. Go to class take, and study his lecture notes after the class is done, and summarize, then do the homework and go ask him about the ones you got wrong. Study the flashcards as you go. Keep this up for the semester and you will be golden.

If you don't have a solid study plan for the year, study the flashcards extremely well and go through the lectures with a group, don't focus too much on the lectures, more on the flashcards, but still definitely study the whole syllabus. Also know the radiometric flashcards when he gives them to you because they are very helpful.

You will have to put work in to get a good grade but otherwise it is straightforward. Weekly assignments make up 68% of your grade while the final comprises the rest, he was always very willing to help and wanted students to succeed on assignments. His lectures can feel boring most of the time, but he is very passionate and tried to make them fun.

Oh my god I love this guy so much. I didn't expect to be interested in this class, but Prof Railsback managed to make each lecture engaging. He has an INCREDIBLE sense of humor, and he really enjoys what he teaches. Most of the assignments were online and open-note, but still required me to think hard. Nothing ever felt unfair. He's the GOAT

the class is hard work, but i enjoyed it. Hes a good dude and one of the greats. Easier than your other science options for BA majors im sure.