4.4
Quality2.9
Difficulty71%
Would Retake162
Reviews71%
Would Retake
162
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
124
4
15
3
8
2
7
1
8
What Students Say
“Honestly the best professor I have had hands down”
PHY1610 - 5.0 rating“Stoddard is an awesome teacher”
PSC1560 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
79%
Textbook Required
54%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.67 avg changeRatings by Course
FSN110
5.0
(1)PHY1612
5.0
(1)FSN
5.0
(1)GSC158
5.0
(2)PSC156
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHYS2500
5.0
PHYS2400
5.0
16101620
4.0
PHYS1620
4.0
PHYS1610
4.0
Reviews (162)
He's one of the most laid-back guys I've ever met and he has a great sense of humor. He loves to assign group work and doesn't give many quizes or tests. He has the unique ability to make physics and astronomy fun for anyone.
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Mr. Stoddard is a very intelligent physics teacher. He makes the course info very clear and is very easy to work with. I highly recommend him although I would recommend you not miss any classes as it is hard to catch up.
Mr. Stoddard is an awful instructor, the examples he goes over in class are level 5, the homework is level 4, but he evaluates you with level 10 problem sets! The only test you take is his final so you don't even know what to expect. I managed only a C+
No Comments
Excellent Prof. Took his class when still in HS. He really inspired me to go to college. Great teacher, knows his stuff!! Would very highly recommend! Lecture is interesting and easy to follow. Group projects are fun!
great teacher, makes learning fun and has a great personality. There is no way you can fail his class...
AWESOME TEACHER. He makes everything interesting and explains it in a concise manner. He made science my favorite class.
HE KNOWS HIS STUFF...MAKES ASTRONOMY A VERY INTERESTING AS WELL AS INFORMATIVE CLASS...U CANNOT LEAVE HIS CLASS WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO RECOGNIZE PATTERNS IN THE SKY...HE'LL LEAVE U ADDICTED TO THE UNIVERSE AND IT'S MARVELS...
I took FSN 150 and his astronomy class b/c he is so amazing. By far, one of the best teachers you will ever have at OCC. He gives a great lecture, he gives open book tests/finals, and he makes sure that you walk away understanding the course.
Absolutely wonderful teacher, makes physics fun and interesting. If you show up regularly to class, turn in all assignments and put forth a reasonable amount of effort, you will get a good grade. Really fun class overall!
Prof Stoddard was at least 10 minutes late for every session, totalling about 6+ wasted hours per semester. His lectures were good, but examples were not as hard as the homework or assignments. Be prepared to work.
Tough, but fair. Expect to do work in his class. Expect to write up the labs. Expect tough projects req'ing tought. Overall I walked out with a lot more knowledge than I expected. I can still apply what I learned which is a sign of good teaching.
Amazing professor. Work hard and you will be rewarded...take advantage of the tutors!
Very good professor! He appreciates hard work. He does have a lot of projects, make sure you have good group, because I didn't.:) Otherwise he is very, very interesting and fun!
I took Professor Stoddard for Engineering Physics 1,2 & 3. He is the best teacher I've ever had in my life. If you're willing to learn he's willing to teach. Great projects, Great fun....and he's a hell of a musician.
I loved this class. He made it very fun and interesting. Fun projects in groups. I left this class knowing a great deal and was not that difficult. I would recommend this teacher!
HE MADE THIS CLASS VERY INTERESTING. A FUN TEACHER VERY HOT.
He is a horrible teacher.All he teaches students is the material required to get them through his homework,also known as "problem sets".For all you pre-med students if you want to learn physics for the mcat dont take this professor.He wastes time in class with multiple demonstrations,where he can get the point across with one simple demonstration
No Comments
He's a really nice guy. He's helpful and if you study hard and take good notes, you'll do fine.
AWESOME! OCC's Best! Go Stoddard!
Awesome experience!! He is very clear with his instructions and offers any help that you may need. FI also appreciaited the fact that he suggested a TA and class tutor.
good demonstrations, good sense of humor, verry help full.
This professor is one of the best profs. I've ever had. He not only is a genius to the material, but his clarity is so great. Very miticulous with solving problems in class. I suck at math and got A's in his class. Highly recommended!
He's really passionate about the material and his interest in the subject made me excited to learn. The work isn't so bad, and the exams are easy if you take good notes.
STODDARD IS AMAZING!!! DON'T HESITATE TO TAKE HIS CLASS. HE MAKES THE MATERIAL SIMPLE AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND. HAS A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR AND MAKES CLASS INTERSTING...I ACTUALLY LOOKED FORWARD TO COMING TO CLASS AND MISS IT NOW THAT ITS OVER.
extremely fair grader, fun to listen to, gives many examples, homework and final are 100% based on lectures, I found the textbook totally useless, DON'T buy it, attend all lectures and you'll do fine
This man is more into physics than anyone. He really cares about his students and how far they'll take the information given to them. As much as I hate math, he's really inspired me to learn what I can about it.
Great prof. I was afraid of physics, but he made it very do-able. Got A's in 1610 & 1620 - something I thought would be impossible. Lots of work though; use TA's that he recommends! He is very fun, interesting, & cares about his students. Gave extra pts for being creative. Problem sets take TIME; don't wait til last minute or you'll regret it!!
Great teacher. Funny, enjoyable class - BUT NOT A BLOW OFF. It is not a 'hard' class but a lot of projects (group work and work outside of class). I took this a blow off fun class, I got a 'fun' science class. I would avoid if looking for an easy A.
This was an amazing class. Had to work a little for the grades, but I learned so much in this class. Great teacher!
Great professor. Very full of knowledge. Class was very fun, very educational. If you do all your homework and projects, you will get an A. "sky jornal" is a bit tedious. Does 2 teamwork projects and group midterm. take home final is hairy but he gives you all the information you need for an A. Lots of extra credit opportunities. Labs were fun.
I am an engineer -- taking his physics class, i got my concepts clearer then what were before! You will have to work a bit, but he's fun & you'll learn a lot.
Stoddard is a really good teacher, just make sure u complete all assignments and you'll do good.
I took 1610 &1620. Great Professor. Many opportunities for extra credit, problem sets are a big challenge, class project can be difficult but Stoddard is always there to help. He enjoys teaching and it shows. Attend all the classes and go to a study session once a week and you'll get an A. Makes you really think about world, life, and the universe!
AMAZING. Stoddard rocks and his lectures are never boring. I highly recommend him!
Amzing teacher. The best that OCC has to offer.
Mr Stoddard is great! This is my first Science course! This is a science lecture demonstration course with accompanying lab experiences and field trips (e.g Cranbrook,Science Center). This course involves the study of the earth, the moon, the planets, the solar system, the sun, the stars, the galaxy, galaxies, the universe, and related topics of sp
GREAT PROFESSOR!!!!! class was always intresting and he is full of jokes. Had him for astronomy and it was definatly the best class I have taken in my life. Recommend him for sure
he inspires u to learn problem is i was not to smart for this course but at least he made me want to try
Professor did a nice job making a somewhat difficult subject interesting and achievable. You put in the work you will do fine. Many opportunities to gain points. Went over some topics quickly. If you don't understand make sure you ask him or his assistants. They are all very helpful.
Amazing prof. Inspires his students and makes physics fun. The class isn't easy but he will walk you through the material. Even a 3 hour lecture seemed to fly by. Would take him for every subject if I could!
One of the most intelligent men I have had the pleasure of meeting in my life. Does everything in his head. Nice laid back great sense of humor. Final is redonkulously hard, but doable. class based almost entirely on group work. BOOK IS USELESS. Not for those looking for easy A. if you want to challenge yourself learn, Stoddard is the Prof for you.
I cannot say enough about this man! Ask him a question and he will try his absolute hardest to anwser until you understand. Very funny, very welcoming, very helpful! He is an extremely intelligent man. This class wasn't boring for one minute, I love astronomy now, I love the night sky. Most importantly, I learned so much...TAKE HIM!!
Best Teacher iver ever had... very very helpful.. very smart, and make the class very fun.. he jokes a lot, and u will not be bored in his class.. problem sessions are a lil challanging but you can work as a group so you would be fine.. 2 projects were pretty easy if you put your time to them.. Over all. i give this teacher a A+ .
Best Professor I've EVER had! See what everyone is saying. It's all true!
Awesome teacher I ever had. Make things clear and understanding. I recommend you to take him. He is willing to help you.
He actually enjoys it when a student learns, which is about the best thing you can say about a teacher. Great class with lots of demonstrations and problems to help a student think for themselves. Excellent class.
BEST PHYSICS PROF EVER!! He makes you think about things in a way you never have before and makes everything very interesting! He keeps your attention the entire class and gives awesome notes, In fact, I didn't even buy a textbook and still got an A-. He grades EXTREMELY fair and somewhat easy. If you need help ASK, more than willing to help!!
Concepts in physics is a wonderful class for anyone who doesn't think they can do math or science. Stoddard makes it interesting while making sure you understand physics!
This is the most amazing man ever! He does calculations better than a calculator. He has a great sense of humor and makes every class fun to be in. Joyous! He explains everything in an understable manner. I super strongly recommend this teacher for any class if at all available!! Prof. Stoddard, dont forget it and sign up asap!
OOOOOOOOMG AMAZING!i am obsessed with him. if i could, i would pick him as my teacher for every single class i have to take.LITERALLY THE BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEST TEACHER. goood class you learn a lot from. hes the smartest guy you will EVER meet. 1 midterm which is a grouup test and final is take home. projects is what the class is based off off.
I was about to drop this class the first day... the new few class periods assured me that I didn't want to. This man is funny, very well educated, makes a decently hard subject awesome and fun. He adds his own sense of humor to things and it's great! He likes it when you work hard and he'll take care of you if you show this. His assistant is hot
Great Prof-knows his stuff, class was always interesting, never a dull moment, held your attention entire class,learned so much in this class do not need II for degree, but taking it for me because class was so interesting, made you want to try your best! All Profs should take lessons from him to make any subject interesting for all students.Great
Awesome professor who keeps your attention and makes you want to learn the material. If you're taking physics as a summer course, make sure you do all of you're homework and its correct. He lets you use your homework notebook for tests and quizzes... which pretty much solidifies your chances of an A.
Incredible...
Pushes hard to achieve success
Good teacher but had problems with group and not getting team work. It affects my grade drop down.
This guy LOVES to teach, and is incredibly knowledgeable. He speaks good english, and is able to talk at different levels depending on the student's knowledge level.
He is the most amazing teacher ever! He loves physics and makes it enjoyable and understandable. He is humorous and extremely smart. NICE GUY! I Highly recommend him.
Without a doubt, Professor Stoddard is one of my favorite professors!He's absolutely wonderful! He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor. The class was tough,but it's fascinating. Make sure you stay on top of things and see the tutors as much as possible.
I haven't had a class at OCC in about 5 years but I will always remember Mr. Stoddard! He is the best teacher I have ever had and made Astronomy SO interesting. He makes learning fun and there is never a dull moment in his class! I learned so much from him and will be forever grateful. The world need more professors like Mr. Stoddard!!!
Mr. Stoddard is a great teacher! What you need to know: Yes, there are two group projects. They are not too bad, but not the greatest if you dislike working in groups. No assigned homework, one mid-term, and one take home final. Most labs are spent outside if it is a clear night. I highly recommend this course!
AWESOME TEACHER. One of the best I've ever had.
Professor Stoddard is a top notch teacher. His teaching style is the best of any teacher I've had in my life, and he uses humor in it too. If you like working in groups, take this class. But if you take this class, make sure you do your sky journal!!!!! It can be tedious, but you need to do it!
By far the best professor I have ever had. I actually miss his class now that it's over. He cares deeply about Astronomy and even deeper about his students. TAKE HIM! You will never regret it!
Very nice and understanding instructor! Such a great course. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
He's awesome.
A+ teacher. He is wonderful. Basically you'd only have to show up to presentation days and the field trip day to pass but he is such an interesting teacher he makes me want to go to class. There are no tests but you have 3 projects and random in-class assignments that make up your grade. I would take him for every science class I needed if I could.
I loved this class! I loved my planetary grouped! I loved Mr. Stoddard! Best class ever! If your looking for an A in a science class, take Mr. Stoddard. If you put a little effort in, you will succeed. This has been my favorite class so far! :)
I also had him last semester for Astronomy, and he's hands down the best professor I've ever had. I already have a deep interest in astronomy and physics, so the classes were really fun! Believe what everyone says, he is amazing.
Great teacher.. really understanding. Section I wanted was full so he let me register for another one but attend the one that fit my schedule!
This teacher is extremely good and helpful. Always in a joking manner so a student's interest level is higher. Has 2 quizzes, a project, and a bunch of labs. H/W count's as well. Let's you fill out a paper to help you with the final. Wish all science teachers were the same.
Excellent teacher. I had him for two classes and both of them went very well. He makes difficult topics easy to learn and fun. Take him for physics you will not regret it.
The subject is hard, not the professor. I enjoy every second of his class. He is a genius. Take Stoddard or Lowery before a professor at OCC AH. Group projects help out alot.
Awesome teacher! Very helpful and always open for questions. He does a lot of group work during the semester. Gives extra credit opportunities.
Prof is knowledgeable, smart (perhaps genius) and charismatic. If you want an A be prepared to do a lot of work. There are two group projects that require a lot of research and information. There is a lot of in class note taking which you need for the midterm. No tests and the final is a take home final and the homework is used as extra credit.
Nice,funny teacher.Two group projects that require a lot of time and research.extra credit is given by answering questions from the end of each chapter in the text book.Text book is not used for class just the extra credit.It's an easy class to get a really good grade but lots of time consuming work out of class (sky journal, research,extra credit)
This guy is a genius. Very sarcastic but is a nice guy and will help.
He is an AMAZING teacher! He knows EVERYTHING (Ken his SI is rather annoying)... TAKE HIM! His class was challenging at times but very easy overall. He tells you everything you need to know for exams. Some labs are boring but none of them are hard. He is a very fair teacher. Don't hesitate to ask questions or try to get what you want :) -kc
Great professor! Be prepared for lots of work to get the grade you want. Prof Stoddard could not make it any easier to get a decent grade.
Took him for a few classes and will continue to take him for science classes while I attend OCC. The program is great and he makes it really easy to do well!
Awesome instructor who really cares about his students and their success, it is easy to do well as long as you put the time in. The Astronomy course is a lot of work, but it is totally rewarding and you will leave this class a different person. I highly suggest taking stoddard, and I plan to continue to take as many courses as I can take with him.
Best professor I've ever had. I hate science and was dreading having to fill this credit. There was never a boring class. Tests are literally based off the notes, no BS involved. So if you don't show up you will do bad on tests. Offers corrections, take homes and a sheet on the final. also offers alot of extra credit. TAKE TAKE TAKE
Stoddard is an awesome teacher. The guy is truly a genius. He's not one of those awkward unsocial genius's he's the cool kind. You're going to have to work for your grade but he gives you all the necessary information to do so. I'd defiantly take another class with him.
Probably one of the best OCC has to offer, if not THE best! Ask him anything & he probably knows the answer. Very knowledgeable & likeable guy. Totally a nerd but a cool nerd. You can tell he enjoys teaching and is very good at it. Enjoyed every one of his classes that I took. Take as many classes with him as you can, you won't regret it!
It's been a long time since I took a class with Mr. Stoddard but to this day he is still, by far, the best teacher I ever had. I took a class JUST because he was teaching it. He's super nice, funny and I think he gives notes straight from his memory. The guy is BRILLIANT. Highly highly recommend taking whatever class you can with him.
He's probably the smartest person I have ever met- an absolute genius. Probably knows the answers to anything you could think of. Anyway- great professor. It's a hard class but he couldn't make it any easier to succeed. You'll still have to work but you won't find a better teacher than Stoddard
This teacher is passionate about the universe and conveys it very well.You will work hard for your A but if you go to class,take notes and participate you will do well. I am now looking up -learned from this class-and really love skywatching. Hated for class to end! He is very smart and very comfortable in his own skin. Cool guy-GREAT teacher!
Very hard. 90% of the work is in groups which is good because there is a lot. Group helped utilize different strengths & schedules. Class requires time-5 hrs of lecture- 2.5 hrs of lab (if u can finish in that time) 2-4 hours of SI (optional) & 5-20 hours outside of class per week. Extra credit helped. Stoddard is nice and doesn't require text.
WOW!! I don't know how else to describe this class or Professor Stoddard. He is an AMAZING Professor. Other than all the group projects, this class is AWESOME!! You have your choice of 2 Student Instructors to help you on too. Seriously take this class with Stoddard. He is definitely one of those people that will influence you for years to come.
Knows his stuff! His passion for the subject overflows into his teaching and truely captures the student! He puts you into groups which I find a great way of getting to know other people you otherwise would never speak to. His courses have changed me for the better. Highly recommended!!
Great professor & an amazing person as well. One of the fewest good professors who truly care about his students learning the subject. very passionate about the material. explains thoroughly , provide great examples to demonstrate the covered topics. his class has (SI) which is an excellent tool in order to pass this class. highly recommended.
For the second time,I must say Stoddard is a great professor & an amazing person at the same time. He is very helpful when it comes to the class projects. topics explained clearly. questions on tests are from the homework. BEWARE OF THE FINAL EVENT;REALLY NEED TO PUT LOTS OF EFFORTS TO EARN A GOOD GRADE. highly recommended for all physics courses.
Stoddard is an extremely smart individual and truly has a passion for physics and teaching. He will answer any questions you have and helps you along the way. Final exam is difficult but if you've done well on all previous labsprojects your grade will be just fine (even if you do bad on the final). SI instructor very helpful too.
He is a great professor
Possibly the best teacher I've had. Very helpful and keeps lectures interesting and amusing. Willing to answer questions in depth, even some that aren't directly related to class (though still to physics) No textbook for class but there are two workbooks to buy which cost about $7 each and can be used for the other physics classes.
THE BEST TEACHERPROFESSOR IN THE STATE!!! You will not find a better more motivational, real, professor anywhere!! Students line up for his classes and I would take his classes just for fun if I didn't need the credits. I plan on never losing touch with him. I can't put into words how much he has changed my life forever and for the best.
outstanding, great professor!!! He makes it hard to not succeed.
He is just absolutely no help with anything.
I took Mr. Stoddard for Engineering Physics I and II this past year. He is hands down one of the best professors I have ever had. Mr. Stoddard's lecture are interesting and thorough. There are no tests in this class (except for the final). There are two major group projects during each semester. These are a big chunk of your grade.
Had prof Stoddard for physics, then this course. Excellent teacher, with a clear passion and knowledge of the topic at hand. No matter your grade, you will leave this class having learned something new. Can't recommend more.
Had Professor Stoddard for physics, then this course. Excellent teacher, with a clear passion and knowledge of the topic at hand. No matter your grade, you will leave this class having learned something new. Can't recommend more.
He is very nice , smart and knows the material very well but for sure its not an easy A, his tests can be tricky sometimes and its not easy as everyone think, u need to work hard specially in labs and the project !!
I am so bad at science but Stoddard made this class enjoyable. He is hands down one of the best professors I have had. He helps you the best is able and offers tons of extra credit to offset potentially bad test scores, this saved my grade. Highly recommend taking Stoddard for any science class you are able.
Tests are essay format, everything on them is from lecture, there is virtually no book work. He's a very tough, but forgiving grader, likes to see students do well if the effort is put in. There were 3 or 4 projects total. Homework is optional, there is extra credit offered. He's helpful and caring, let me take my final early cuz schedule conflict.
Give extra credit, very helpful towards hardworking students. As a student yo need to show him that you are serious in learning. I loved his class and learned more than I expected :)
Overrall, a good teacher who knows a lot about science. He makes the subject seem easy. His teaching methods seem different than what I am used to, but I don't mind it. One group presentation and one individual presentation, other than that doesn't seem like a tough class. For cosmology, no textbook required.
If you want a Bill Nye/Neil DeGrasse Tyson/Carl Sagan in-classroom experience then take this course with Stoddard. The guy is absolutely fantastic, smart as a whip and hilarious. I'm so fortunate to have taken this course!
Take him. Don't even think about it. He is absolutely amazing and Astronomy with him was such a great experience. He makes everything so fun and he is extremely intelligent. Take him.
Great, caring, teacher!
I got recommended to take Mr. Stoddard for engineering physics I and II and I am so glad I did. I drove 50 min to Orchard Ridge 2 times a week and it was so worth it. He is hilarious, very intelligent and makes the lectures fun and interesting. Lots of group work so choose your group wisely! Don't need a book. I love Mr. Stoddard! TAKE HIM!!!!!!!!!
This was by far the best class i have taken at my time at oakland community college orchard ridge. he is an awesome professor. would highly recommend everyone take him if u can for a science class. this class i met some new ppl i still keep in touch with. the work is moderate and its worth the money and the time.
He cares about his students. the class is great. just be prepare to take notes cause he writes and speaks fast. extra credit is provided. you will learn so much
He talks a loooot and mostly just does power points but he is very intellectual and interesting. Sky journal, 1 group project, 1 individual project, in class assignments, and no final exam/ homework. Always show up for class because the in class assignments are random. Easy A if you put the work in.
He is a really good professor, his lectures are nice to go to, but you dont really have to go to get an A. No in class exams. Take him.
Stoddard was okay. Since this was a summer class, it went by quick and material was shoved down our throats as quick as possible. He took a while to do one problem (I think the longest he dragged out a problem was an hour), i feel if i had him for 16 weeks instead of 8, i would learn better. he was very sarcastic and funny too. quizzes are tough.
my class thought by Stoddard; and Lowry. professor lowry was teaching the lap. he is nice and helpful. there will be no solutions on chegg or anywhere else. the key to pass this class is to record the class and attending SI classes. so prepare your scheduled to put time to attending SI session
He's the best professor I've had at OCC! He makes his lectures fun, but you could pass without attending his lectures (and getting notes from someone else). The labs are mostly busy-work but if you have friends or find a good group, they can be fun. He grades fairly and gives a lot of good feedback. I would take him for every class if I could!
I had him for astronomy and he was an amazing teacher. If you need a science with a lab take this class. You learn a lot from it because he has such a passion for astronomy. His lectures are long and kind of boring but he cracks a lot of jokes to make it better.
David Stoddard is thebest teacher i ever had. The lectures were mind blowing and very interesting. Exams were done with group and the class was very fun!
OCC doesn't deserve this guy, he makes difficult concepts understandable. Take him before the class fills up
Stoddard is a phenomenal and very knowledgeable physics prof. He spends a lot of time on class examples and gives you all the materials you need to be successful in his class. Exams are basically open note, or you can use formula sheets. This is definitely easier than physics at a university, but there is a good amount of homework.
Honestly the best professor I have had hands down. Physics is hard enough as it is. Prof. Stoddard makes the subject very interesting and enjoyable. He makes hilarious jokes in class and will turn a class that you come in anxious too into a class that you will leave missing. OCC needs to make him a Dean.
Overall he's a great instructor. Him and his S.I Dan are on point. I would definitely take his class again. He is specific on what he's looking for and you will be working in groups. He gives plenty of opportunities for extra credit so that's a plus. Funny guy!
Honestly the best professor I've had so far in college. He teaches astronomy with a humor-centric attitude and makes the class very interesting along with it being very thought provoking. I enjoyed all of the projects and assignments we had, and it gave me a whole new view on the subject of astronomy.
THE BEST TEACHER I EVER HAD!!!! I had him for his Astronomy class and i'm glad i took him again. no lab if you need a class with no lab. you learn so much about the basic science. he is a great teacher., and very inspirational as well. he offers a lot of extra credit too.
get ready for group projects and staying 30 mins late to class almost every class period. he is overrated because he's easy. the group projects will ruin your grade if you get unlucky and there's nothing you can do about it.
I gained valuable skills from this class that I still use today. I was also inspired by him to attend graduate school in the future to explore the Sciences. There is a fair amount of work in this class, but he will work with you to succeed. I highly recommend him.
Stoddard is unbelievably amazing. He's kind of a legend at Orchard Ridge. I've had him twice and loved both classes. I'm transferring soon and honestly feel sad that I can't take him again. He does things in wonderfully strange ways; some people get put off by it, most people love it. Seriously one of the best, if not the best.
Best professor I have ever had. Miss his classes dearly. At times his childish enthusiasm for the subjects he teaches infects you and causes you to do and learn more than you might have intended.
The lectures in this class were absolutely amazing. The grading criteria was a little confusing from time to time, but not horrible. The main complaint I have is that he is not always the most timely. Class could start anywhere from on time, to fifteen minutes late, and could end anywhere from thirty minutes early to an hour late.
Prof Stoddard teaches so students will UNDERSTAND CONCEPTS. His classes are NOT about memorization. Group projects are a big part of the grade; be prepared to commit extra time outside of class hours for projects, stargazing journals and study sessions. Textbook is used for semester-long extra credit. The more you put in, the more you get TAKE HIM
Take Astro(GSC1580) first and you will get much more from this class. Major group project + end of semester open-ended project are the main grading criteria. Study groups covered critical thinking, project help, current events in space. Class was enjoyable and if you are creative and have a passion for the Big Picture, this class will help your GPA
I just had Stoddard for Concepts in Physics and this was by far my favorite class. At first I was going to drop the class because of the workload I had but in the end it was totally worth it! He is such a passionate professor and I can't wait for College Physics 1 and 2 with him.
I took 2 classes with Stoddard during my time at OCC & he was hands-down the best professor I've ever had- including the professors I have currently at U of M. If you give his class a whole-hearted shot, you will fall in love; the effort required is worth it. You'll leave his class with a sense of wonder that reminds you of why you go to school.
He isn't terrible but he doesn't explain enough about the labs we do so they're pretty tough. I would say hes overrated but I understand physics is a hard class and requires a lot of work. Hes a little easier than some other physics teachers I've had so I would take him again for that reason.
Hes a very smart guy no doubt. But I found that if you dont closely pay attention and do the notes exactly as he writes them then he is not for you. Pretty unclear and confusing lectures. Other than that, hes an average professor.
Great teacher, petty grader but an overall great experience in the class.
I took him for Concepts in Physics, and it was my favorite class all semester. He jokes around in class and takes extra time to make sure everyone understands. He was more about understanding than memorization. One of my favorite professors I've ever had, although sometimes he's a bit odd, I wholeheartedly recommend him to all!
Honestly, Stoddard is a terrific guy, but sincerely, after sitting through a whole semester with him, I regret taking his class. He did not give any tests or quizzes, but he did give a final which we were all not prepared for because there were no guidelines for what was going to be on it or even what it was going to look like.
Most boring person ever. AWFUL grader!
Took Stoddard for astronomy and it honestly was one of the best classes I've ever took. Lots of group projects but I got blessed with a great group. He has other assignment options if your group isn't working out. Dan (the SI) was super helpful and fun. Also take notes exactly like his. His rubrics can be unclear sometimes. Sky journal was rough.
THE BEST PROFESSOR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!The smartest guy.......
Super fun class! Take him and you will have a great time.
I highly recommend this teacher! He is exceptionally skilled at teaching, and is very fun to learn from. He is smart and really cares about his students.
I took him for Astronomy. He is genuinely the best professor I have ever had. He cares about his students, he makes the lectures entertaining, and he is very clear on what he expects from you. His SI is also great! I would very highly recommend him and his classes to anyone.
This engineering physics class is only about projects and Only a final exam. If you bomb the final he will reduce by one letter grade down which is totally unfair. Take a diff professor.
if you want to have an easier life in Engineering Physics 1 and 2, take prof Robert E Donelson at Auburn Hills. Stoddard only gives projects and a final exam that he did not prep us for. I totally regret taking his class. Donelson however does gives us exams and he will tell you what it will be exactly on the exams, also he gives out a lot of EC.
This guy wants us to work our butts off for this class which he is like an arse please take a different professor
Stoddard is a very interesting dude. He is as primitive as they come in terms of his use of technology and the way he functions. By that I mean he doesn't even have Wi-Fi access at his own home. But do not let this suede you into thinking he's a bad professor. He is a funny and entertaining dude and I was happy with my choice to take him for FSN.
His directions on assignments were vague and unclear, reaching him for online material was impossible since he has no wifi at home, and he gave us assignments that he never taught the material for and essentially said teach yourself. I get that the virus screwed a lot of things up, but it's no excuse for how he handled the remainder of this class
What a shame. No WiFi at his home is unacceptable. Its like he's living in an amish paradise or something.
If you don't attend the lectures you will fail the class. Took winter 2020 and when switched online, he didn't have wifi at his house and never responded to email. He is an amazing lecturer and if you pay attention and TAKE NOTES, you will do good. So good I'm taking again in fall but scared about online piece. TAKE NOTES and BE ACCURATE!
Not accessible outside of class. Does not answer email. Unbelievably poor technology usage. Mispronounces star names willingly and forces others to as well. My son listens to his lectures and feels he gets better instruction in high school. Has an unbelievable obsession with colorful notes and making up astronomical myths.
DO NOT TAKE HIM ONLINE! he is probably a great professor in a face-to-face setting, but online it's the worst learning experience. He's not reachable outside of class and doesn't always post video lectures. Sometimes he'd scan pages of his handwritten notebook and tell us to study them on our own without explaining the material!
Prof's lectures could be confusing at times bc of his word choices, but they were pre-recorded which was nice. There was not a ton of homework and there were no tests. There was a group project of which accounted for a lot of our grade, but there was plenty of time given in class to work on the project. Also, attending SI was chances for ec.
zoom is mandatory but the biggest waste of time. He talks in circles, doesn't respond to emails, doesn't even answer your questions while in zoom. He preposts the lectures to discuss them in zoom but he talk about random things that don't matter. Just two projects and a few assignments plus lab. He doesn't explain anything at all, take another prof
Would release lectures on Monday and take them down on Sunday. Would make jokes with the SI student the whole time in class. Week before project was due gave us all new stuff we needed to add. SI student gave us material we needed for the final. But last day suprise no final SI student and professor played us Notes in color + tuned in.
Awful professor he takes down lectures at the end of each week very critical about stupid color never answers your questions and talks in circles or about irrelevant stuff and the last day of class says we have an exam and then is lazy and legit did not make one. Adds material to the project a week before its due. Bad proffesor take anyone but him.
So let me clear up any confusion in the comment section- keep in mind my perspective is pertaining to my experience w/him in a classroom setting. If you can follow directions & do what it is he asks (as for the color coated notes, thankful it was that easy- at least thats the way I look at it). Also super nice human being. Truly a doable class.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
79%
Textbook Required
54%
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