Even though I never did well in physics, the frequent videos and demos in lecture were nice. I went to his office often for help and even though he did not give me the answers, he would help me to understand what was going on, so i could figure them out all by myself.

I hate physics, but Darin makes it passable, and that makes all the difference in the world.

He makes a somewhat boring topic interesting and fun... this class goes by quickly and there is virtually no homework

He's a good guy who does his best to make the class interesting- You get points for attendence and the projects are ridiculously easy. You still have to study a little for tests but overall I liked him.

Probably the best physics teacher in UMD

Good- Johnson is a very good teacher. He does a lot of cool example and experiments in front of the class. Lecture are very well organized. Bad- Tests are unreasonably hard. He can be very rude when students ask questions. Takes questions as a shot at his teaching. Bottom line- If your GPA matters, take it at LSC or wait for Soovs to teach it.

Mr Johnson was a very good teacher, he did a really fine job at explaining all of the concepts for the class. Attendance wasn't exactly required but it could potentially help out your grade at the end of the semester. Going to the review sessions he has really helps. Do the practice problems because they may be on the the tests

He is a good teacher and tries to keep lectures interesting but his tests are somewhat difficult, they require a lot of studying. Homework assignments aren't difficult but are unreasonably graded. He doesn't field questions outside of class well

Darrin is AWESOME. He's hilarious and keeps class interesting for the non-physics types by doing demonstrations. Quizzes are pretty hard and I STRONGLY suggest using the textbook and the workbook because it always improved my grade. Attendance isn't exactly required but he uses clickers for attendance points.

He is the best. Knows exactly what he's talking about, structures lectures/notes very well, very clear and easy to follow. Tests are tough, but if you study you'll be fine. Good curve. He's funny and provides 3 extra credit opportunities. I really wish I could take him for 1002 next semester. Definitely one of my favorite professors.

over all one of the only decent physics teachers you'll find at UMD, tests arn't easy, but his examples concerning a subject gradually build in complexity and help build a better overall understanding of the content, also posts worked solutions of sugg. problems online which is very helpful especially in a concept/problem based course like physic

offers lots of ec, if you do the assignments he offers and you don't get an A drop out of school. very interesting lectures

Very good professor. You should be present for lectures because the tests are practically all on notes. Very easy tests and gives out a lot of extra credit.

He's one of the best professors I've had. He makes the class very interesting and easy to pay attention. The tests are hard, but its a physics class, what do you expect? He gives several extra credit opportunities. He has his lectures set up in a very organized way so its really easy to take notes. Easy hw, but don't forget the online quizzes.

Best physics prof at UMD. He's really funny and offers a lot of extra credit to boost your assignment score. You have to put in the effort and attend lecture, but it's not a ridiculous amount of work. He's super helpful in office hours, too.

He was a great teacher, very clear of expectations and very funny in class! He made physics enjoyable.

I took him for Physics 1 in the summer and he was awesome. He was very straight forward with what you needed to know and the simplest and best way to get there. He is a very nice guy and cracks jokes during lecture. I would HIGHLY recommend this guy.

Prof. Johnson is the greatest teacher I've had. The tests are difficult, yes, but it's physics. He is the best phys teacher at UMD. Super funny and keeps class really interesting. Class is pretty mandatory (clicker points for participation). and labs suck (boring/take forever). But he's an awesome teacher! Lots of E.C. opportunity too!!

Good physics prof. Go to class, do the homework, and you'll be fine.

He is a good teacher, keeps class fairly enjoyable. His tests are usually tough, so you are want to make sure that you can do the problems very well. If you aren't very confident in your abilities to do the problems quickly and easily, you should do the practice problems.

He is a really great professor. The tests aren't that bad if you really study. Make sure you do all of the suggested problems because he sometimes puts them on the homework and tests because he knows no one does them.

Really informative. Learn everything you need in class and very entertaining lecture. Note taking is easy and he gives useful notes. Recommend textbook so you can do extra credit, but you can just use a friends for the reports.

Makes a boring tough class, fun. Great teacher, by far the best at UMD.

Darin is awesome! Super helpful and makes a hard class fun. Without a doubt one of the best professors I've had so far at UMD. I would highly recommend taking classes with him!

General Physics I was a great class with Mr. Johnson. He made each class go by very quickly, did a lot of good examples, suggested specific optional practice problems from the book, and kept his tests very similar to the work done in class. No surprises. He also has a great sense of humor, which lightens up the lecture hall.

Great professor! Shows lots of fun demonstrations. No math involved in this course which is a plus. Takes attendance with clicker points. Gives TONS of extra credit. Highly recommend.

Mr. Johnson was a great professor who created a fun learning environment for a tough course. Definitely cares about his student, and i would recommend him to anyone taking this course

GREAT!

Very good teacher! So many good examples that make you think and give you a better understanding of the material! Highly recommend taking physics with him. Also, he is super helpful and wants to see you succeed!

Very organized, very clear in terms of expectations, and delivers lectures with a wonderfully dry sense of humor. Pay attention to how he sets up and executes class examples -- if you learn his technique and utilize it on the homework and exams, you'll get an A. And by all means do the suggested problems in addition to the graded homework

Darrin is one of the best teachers that I've had. It's a tough class so you're going to have to put the work in, but Darrin does his part perfectly. He is always willing to help during an office hour and he attacks a topic in many ways with a lecture, a demonstration, a video, and some participation via a clicker question.

Exams are tough, no way around it. He's makes things very clear though. Show up to the review session before the test.

Mr. Johnson is a wonderful professor that believes that tons of physics demos and extra credit will help you understand and actually WANT to learn the concepts- which is totally true! 45 point quizzes every other week. Take this course if you don't have a great physics background, but want to learn more. TONS of extra credit! (10 points a week).

Everyone loves DJ. He is extremely clear and organized. Easy to listen to, keeps things interesting. Clickers are a must. Tons of extra credit opportunities. His exams are tough, but that's physics, just beat the curve.

Great professor who keeps you interested the whole lecture. I highly recommend you do the assigned readings as they will make the quizzes a breeze to pass.

A 1000 lvl course shouldn't be as hard as my 4000 lvl courses. Grades tests as if your work is being submitted to NASA for the Apollo mission. He will tell you in class to work the problems out as you see fit, but DO NOT believe that for a second. I had 710 wrong on a test question where I had the correct answer. Be prepared for a lot of that.

Love this class! Mr. Johnson makes class fun! Every week I look forward to going to class. He makes lectures interesting and the material relatable by giving examples and showing plenty of demonstrations. Tests are pretty simple if you go to class. Also he gives out a good amount of extra credit. Favorite professor!!!

He is so nice and genuine. He gave us 44 points in extra credit and he gives neat notes. There are a lot of homework. Homework due Tue. and Thurs. Mastering physics on Wed. Even on test weeks. All of that made me understand the material though.

Absolutely loved his class. Physics is hard, but he makes it interesting. He does demonstrations and gives examples that help you understand the material. Lectures can be difficult but he keeps you interested. He is very organized and makes the notes very clear. Physics is not an easy A, but he gives you all the tools to be successful

Good teacher good guy.

Physics is hard no matter what, but taking an algebra based is a huge bonus when compared to calc based. He certainly covers material in class that's on exams and is pretty clear about what is important. Very available for office hours and is willing to help you if you seek it. Overall one of the best in UMDs awful physics department

Great teacher and very fair grader. Tests are multiple choice and long answer for math problems. I felt very comfortable going and asking for help in his office. Very helpful when I went in and saw him. Gives out some Extra credit.

Good funny professor. Can be a bit stuck in his ways. Not very willing to adjust. I asked him to post his powerpoints online so I could study as we go, he said no. Also wouldn't give us our quiz back till like the days before the final. I had personal qualms with him but he is a good guy and good teacher, my personal feelings don't change that.

I had this teacher 8am, but he always ran classes with enthusiasm. I highly recommend asking him questions, just make sure you have specific questions (ex. don't ask: how do you do this?, ask: Once I get to this step I do not understand how to integrate this) He is almost always available for questions, and a generally fun guy. I highly recommend.

The material was tough but his exams were straightforward with pretty simple problems. You learn all the material from lecture, which can be boring at times, but he is very good at explaining and showing examples. He works through examples the whole class period that help a lot when doing homework and studying. Overall he is very helpful.

Typical class is a lecture followed by work time on problems covered in lecture. His lectures are very clear. Often challenged in class with the material he covers. You learn a lot in class. Hefty assignments due every Monday. Test questions are very similar to assignments. Gives a lot of partial credit on tests. Study for test and you will do well

EXTRA CREDIT!! This professor gives so much extra credit it's amazing! You take 7 quizzes through out the semester and then one final test. For all of the quizzes I usually got Bs and Cs, but I ended the class with a 95%. The only thing you need your book for is to use the study questions and for the extra credit. He's also a very funny professor!

Legend

Lectures are thoughtful and organized. Provides physical demonstrations as well as mathematical examples for each topic. Super available outside of class. Not too much homework, and the homework relates well to the test. If you go into his office you will likely do very well.

Conceptual Physics is an excellent class to take if you don't like math! Even if you don't get everything he gives enough extra credit to float you through. The projects are fun and he makes lectures really fun!! Would definitely recommend.

The extra credit in this class was a lifesaver! Do any extra credit opportunity you are given. Darrin is a great professor and understands that we aren't all math or science majors. This class was much easier and much more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Participation points add up, so does extra credit, and the quizzes are doable.

Lectures were always interesting and went by fast. He gave lots of examples and demonstrations. Do not skip class though-tests are very hard but are all based off of notes and in class examples. If you are confused go to office hours-he was always very helpful and happy to see us there. Overall really challenging but interesting and a great prof.

It's very easy to do well in this class because there is a lot of extra credit given. I really enjoyed it because of the way the information was presented - he always made it interesting with demonstrations and examples!

Darrin is awesome! I was struggling in Mr. Sundberg's CE2017 class and asked Darrin if I could sit in on his class and he said no problem. Darrin is really funny and does a great job at explaining the material. He is always available and willing to help. His tests do seem a bit hard but if you do the HW and understand the material you will be fine.

Darrin is one of the best professors I've had at UMD. He explains things really well in lecture, he grades very fairly, and he is always accessible outside of class. The content itself is difficult, but if you go to class and use all the resources he provides, you will do well. Also, he occasionally gives extra credit points, which is a huge plus

Physics is always a tough subject. Professor Johnson is so well organized and friendly that it makes the subject more digestible. He provides all the resources you need to be successful in the class but you have to take the time, ask questions, and work hard in order to get where you want to be. You get what you put in.

Lectures aren't boring, even though if it was any other professor it might be. He is very "to the point" and doesn't waste anyone's time. Also, he is very organized. His site is well put together and you have access to every assignment or test that will be due for the entire semester, right from the first day, no chance of missing anything.

Really great professor, you are given some tough assignments and the criteria are strict however if you are struggling this professor will do everything he can to have you understand. Unlike most profs, he will give strong hints at the answer because he understands a student and knows that working back from an answer can be helpful. TAKE HIM!

I had Professor Johnson for an online section of General Physics I and overall he was a good teacher, very nice person, did a decent job considering the circumstances. His teaching itself wasn't the problem, the format of the class was (2 hour lecture 2x week), but that's out of his control and he mentioned it several times so you can't blame him.

One of the best professors I have had as a senior. Even though I struggle with physics he explains everything really well and organized. Lots of examples for conceptual and problems given during lecture so attending class is important for doing well. 10/10 recommend.

A great physics professor. He's very clearly passionate about the subject and provides a lot of demonstrations. Definitely cheesy but that is part of the fun. Physics is a nasty topic but his methods make it a little better. He writes down the notes as he teaches which is extremely helpful for knowing what you need. Recommend for phys1001 and 1002!

Really enjoyed having Darrin as a Prof. Also had him for PHYS2013. He writes out his notes as he lectures which is great. You definitely learn the material. Tests are a lot easier than the homework assignments. Does not post his notes on canvas, so you need to show up to class. As long as you do that and pay attention you will do fine in his class.

The lectures are very clear and concise, and he does plenty of examples in class. There are 6 tests, with 6 homework. Be careful, although attendance isn't mandatory if you miss a class you will be sorry, even if you get the notes from other people, just because of the way he lectures. Overall very good course.

My brain doesn't like physics very much, but if I had to take phys2 I would definitely ask for Darrin! Although there is a ton of worksheets (not graded) and assignments, he provides you enough material to understand a concept and do well on the exam. He wants you to do well in the class just as much as you want to. HIGHLY SUGGEST HIM FOR PHYS 1.

Darrin Johnson makes physics bearable! He is such a good professor and always makes the class laugh. He is also incredibly smart and teaches the class super well. Although physics is a really difficult subject, I believe I have done well because of Dr. Johnson. Defiantly take him if you have to take physics!

Although this is a hard course, I believe that in most cases, time and effort put into the course reflects your letter grade fairly. Darrin is a very kind person and is intentional about allowing extra time for students to meet with him! He responds fast and spends a lot more time helping students outside of lecture than most professors do!

Professor Johnson is a great guy. Although the class rigorous, if you pay attention and put the time in you will be fine. The exams are difficult, but the lectures and notes are well organized. Overall a good experience.

hes a nice dude ans gives you all the recourses you need to do well. If you put in the work youll be aight

The class content was a lot more difficult than I anticipated for an introductory course, but it was not impossible. Professor Johnson held regular Zoom meetings to review questions and was quick to respond to emails. Grading expectations were always clear. Exams weren't as bad as I was expecting, but I heard he made the course a little easier.

Couldn't have asked for a better professor. Attendance is taken, but he gives extra credit. Tests are long, but they don't impact your grade too much and he gives 90 minutes. He's entertaining and always available outside of class. He gives you the materials to do well on tests as long as you try. Loved him and he helped me understand it all.

Professor Johnson makes a tough course bearable with his engaging lectures. Though exams are challenging, the free textbook and unstuckstudy tools help with prep. Overall, a worthwhile class if you put in the work.

While Physics in tough course, Darrin Johnson (DJ) is great professor. He cares and he gives all the tools necessary to succeed. My bigest tip is to do all of the "optional" practice problems. I didn't read the book but made sure I understood the practice problems got an A on every exam. He gets a bad rap, but if you apply yourself you'll be fine!

Good lectures and teaches very well. Some of the homework is difficult but it's helpful.

Professor Johnson is a nice man who can come off as a little intimidating, but he just wants his students to fully understand the material. Lots of concepts for exams, so make sure you keep up with all of the lectures.

Darrin made a seemingly challenging course super interesting and engaging with in class experiments. Attendance is taken based off of clicker questions, but the questions are helpful as they are content related. There are some group projects but the criteria is very easy to manage. Each quiz has the opportunity for extra credit.

Darrin Johnson was an excellent instructor, he made a challenging class feel easy. Keep in mind, it is physics, so if you are not practicing like he tells you to, you are not going to do well. Attendance is mandatory with daily clicker points, but the lectures are enjoyable and he drops a few missed days. He cares about the success of students.