3.5

Don Murray

Mathematics - Santa Monica College

3.5
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
52%
Would Retake
141
Reviews
3.5
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
3.5
Helpful
3.6
Clarity

52%

Would Retake

141

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

57

4

28

3

23

2

18

1

15

What Students Say

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS

MATH07 - 2.0 rating

Expect tests to be annoying

MATH20 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 21 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
B (5)
F (3)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(6)C(2)D(3)F(3)A-/B+(1)
Based on 22 reported grades
A: 5
B: 5
F: 3
A+: 2
Common Tags
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (10)
Tough Grader (9)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Gives good feedback (5)
Lots of homework (4)
Test heavy (4)
Caring (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.22 avg change
May
Jul
Nov
May
Feb
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1441

5.0

(1)

MATH220

5.0

(1)

MATH4415

5.0

(1)

MATH2N7

5.0

(1)

MATH2469

5.0

(1)
+12 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ABCD0000

5.0

MATH08

5.0

MATHE7

5.0

MATH

4.0

MATH07

4.0

Reviews (141)
5.0
3.0
MATH220
Nov 21, 2002

awesomme

4.0
3.0
MATH27
Dec 4, 2002

Atten,HW and particip. wont help grade.Can't keep tests for study.

3.0
4.0
MATH2
May 10, 2003

Love his sense of humor, BUT..says that you must ask Q's to learn but doesnt like answering more than 5-6 every class period. No practice exams and doesnt drop a test in the semester, just know your stuff, and pay attention

3.0
4.0
PRECALC
Dec 3, 2003

He is very picky on the tests. I would get all the answers right but he would find small unimportant mistakes. An example is onces I didnt fully erase the first line on a graph and he knew i meant the other line but he still took off points.

5.0
3.0
MATH7
Dec 4, 2003

The best calculus teacher. Very kind, take him if you are afraid of math. very fair with grades, gives partial credit

5.0
2.0
PRECALC
Feb 17, 2004

Most understanding teacher ever. VERY clear and precise. Doesn't make you figure out bs history of every friggin' number

5.0
1.0
MATH2
Mar 31, 2004

he is very clear on what is on the test (usually based on hw) there is a butt load of hw but you don't have to do it. i suggest you attempt to practice. takes time with everything, great and easy.

4.0
3.0
MATH2
Sep 2, 2004

very nice teacher but not so easy

4.0
4.0
MATH2
Oct 31, 2004

very clear lecture, but not easy. most students in math lab were from his class and a many were there for 12 hrs/day and still getting Bs (summer)! tests aren't tricky but takes a lot of pts off for lil errors, no test dropped, no practice exams, demands perfection. take yan instead, he's the best!

5.0
3.0
MATH2
Nov 13, 2004

The best calculus teacher in SMC period....cus i got an "A" from him....hehehe

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Nov 15, 2004

Murray is a good teacher, he explains everything well, knows what examples to explain to the students, and gives good notes. Just study well for the exams, there not hard just could be a little tricky, but don't worry if you study well it will be easy for you.

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Nov 18, 2004

Murray is really a good teacher. He teaches very clearly and his test is almost based on the homework. So if you keep working with homework you can get an A. He also has a good sense of humor.. :) I strongly recommand him~

5.0
2.0
MATH7
Dec 25, 2004

He is very clear. If you do the HWs, you can get an A in his class.

3.0
4.0
MATH
Dec 28, 2004

No Comments

5.0
4.0
MATH7
Jan 2, 2005

I did the homework, but his tests still a little tough. Gives partial credit, no extra credit, and a lot of homework. Now you decide if you can handle it!

4.0
4.0
MATH7
Jan 6, 2005

If you want A do not take this especially, math 7, but he is nice guy. No drop lowest score.

5.0
3.0
MATH20
Jan 14, 2005

great teacher. class isnt very hard, just lots of HW but it i a math class.

4.0
2.0
MATH20
Jan 21, 2005

He's the best!

5.0
2.0
MATH20
Feb 2, 2005

great teacher!

3.0
3.0
MATH2
Feb 11, 2005

Teaches very well. Takes off a lot of points for little mistakes. Study very hard and avoid little mistakes and you will at least get a B. To get an A you need to be PERFECT. Doesn't care about any excuses you may have. Very ANAL about attendance after 6 hours of absences he will drop you.

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Apr 3, 2005

He is very good at explaining concepts and makes sure that everyone understands,hes actually kinda funny too. And if u do the hw ur bound to get a good grade.

2.0
4.0
MATH7
Apr 10, 2005

his explanation is not clear, always do somthing wrong in his own examples in class....no sample test...

5.0
4.0
MATH20
May 6, 2005

My first semester...Excellence teacher

2.0
5.0
MATH7
May 17, 2005

too hard..doesnt prepare explanations so he gets it mixed up and very hard class..no sample tests...tough grader..stutters too much to understand

5.0
1.0
MATH2
May 24, 2005

Mr. Murray is real chill. He assigns homework every class (it's not a lot, but it's a good amount). The next day he'll go over problems that we need help on, then collect it. He'll do tests every few weeks that really aren't that hard. He tries to be funny to keep the class awake so I enjoyed the class.

4.0
3.0
MATH20
Jun 2, 2005

Lazy teacher, but sometimes funny...he is more interested in covering material than ifthe students are really getting it. His class was ok, He is very nice, his tests are easy but he is a tuff grader!!

5.0
1.0
MATH2
Jun 25, 2005

Very easy, final doesnt matter, dont even study for it, yeah man! yeah! woohooo!

4.0
3.0
MATH7
Sep 1, 2005

Good prof for math 2, 20 - explains it the best, but at math 7 he kinda sucks. Gets lost a lot of times. Sometimes he just doesn't care.

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Sep 17, 2005

If you're planning on taking Math 2, Murray is the one. He's is really nice and chill. There's homework given everyday, but it's managable. His tests are not hard. He's not out to trick you on the tests, he just wants to see if you know the basics. I don't know why people say he takes off a lot for little mistakes. He might take off a 1pt out of 10

5.0
1.0
MATH27
Oct 11, 2005

Mr. Murray is the best math teacher i have taken at SMC. He explains everything and does not care if you ask a question. If you do your homework you will do good. i definitely recommend!

5.0
1.0
MATH2
Oct 25, 2005

Murray is a great teacher. His tests are easy. The questions are all fundamentals. He does't throw any curve balls at you on his tests. He really wants you to do well. Do some practice problems from the homework and listen in class, you're bound to get at least a B. He's such a nice guy, it pisses me off when he says something and no one cares.

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Nov 1, 2005

really really really good teacher. explains stuff well, cracks joke here and there, and always stops the class to help one person if they do not get it. also the homework only helps u if u r a percent down from the higher grade..another then that if u knw the stuff no need to do homework. oh yeah the test...EASY!!! max problems 12? the few 5?

1.0
5.0
MATH2
Nov 2, 2005

sometimes even doesn't know the answer to 2x2!!!

3.0
3.0
MATH2
Nov 20, 2005

No Comments

2.0
3.0
MATH7
Dec 8, 2005

That's a lie! He is hard to get hold of him even during his office hours. His examples for homework are picked randomly, and not well (in one exercise only two exercise covered one problem, while there were two question (out of eight) asking to do it). You need to do far more than HW (or already know this subject) to be succesful in his class.

5.0
4.0
MATH20
Jan 3, 2006

I HATE MATH!!.. BUT.. NOW I LOVE IT!! Professor Murray is like water to a tree, essential for growth. Thank you for being a great teacher. If you fear math its because your only afraid of yourself. looked forward to coming to his class @ 7:45am no matter how tired.

1.0
3.0
MATH7
Jan 5, 2006

Not really helpful... It was almost like studying from the book by myself... (I wonder why we weren't asked to rate him, like we rate other teachers...)

3.0
4.0
MATH7
Jan 20, 2006

100x5 exams and 200 pnts final, no extr. credit, no homework count. With this kind of grading system is very hard to get A. He gives a lot of hw in pattern order so you never know if you did it right or not. No clear notes. He is not giving exams back. It makes very hard to prepare for final. Take him, if you like to read book and study yourself.

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Jan 30, 2006

Murray is really nice and very helpful. He explains very well, reading the book is not neccessary or helpful at all. The tests are not tricky at all. As long as you do your homework and pay attention to lecture, the questions should be very manageable as they are very similar to the homework and the lecture questions.

5.0
1.0
MATH2
Feb 14, 2006

Perfect

1.0
5.0
MATH7
Feb 23, 2006

this guy is so bad,I don't know how he manages to make a class I have so much ease in(already passed calculus in 10th grade and got a 3 on the AP test) manages to make things impossible for me. He gives insane amounts of tedious homework and spends the whole class moving so fast trying to cover every topic, instead of explaining the important stuf

4.0
2.0
MATH7
Feb 27, 2006

Great Professor. Makes sure you understand the material. Calculus is hard, but Professor Murray makes it doable. Take him!

4.0
4.0
MATH
Feb 27, 2006

Murray is very nice, but not easy!

1.0
3.0
MATH7
Mar 18, 2006

If your idea of studying math is memorizing formulas, reading book over and over and spending most of your time in math lab, take him! If you really want to UNDERSTAND math take Rodas or Taka instead.

4.0
4.0
MATH2
Mar 21, 2006

Taking this class right now. He doesn't teach half the stuff in the homework, NO review guide for the test, and His lecture plan is all random. E.g. he will do Ch.5.1;5.2;2.3;2.4;3.3;3.4 and he gives us the test. This guy has been teaching since the 1980's and he's probably too tired to teach. I wouldn't blame him though.

3.0
5.0
MATH2
Mar 23, 2006

Don't take Murray unless you want to learn by yourself!!! I took him last semester and most of the stuff in class I already knew so I didn't do so bad. But I could easily see why someone with no knowledge of math would fail. He expects you to know the stuff and his tests are short, meaning a higher % taken for 4 wrong answer! He's a NO NO teacher!!

5.0
1.0
MATH2
Apr 11, 2006

Dr.Murray is a very nice teacher. His tests are fair if you study. His lectures are very good and clear.Take Him.HE IS THE BESTTTTTTTTTTT

5.0
2.0
MATH20
Apr 23, 2006

He's an excellent teacher. I love the way he gives his lect. because he writes everything on the board. He's very helpful n made me have a different aspect in math.

3.0
4.0
MATH7
Apr 27, 2006

DONT TAKE HIM IF U WANT TO LEARN ANYTHING IN CALCULUS. HE DOESNT KNOW THE SUBJECT HIMSELF. HIS TESTS ARE VERY DIFFICULT AND U HAVE TO TEACH THE SUBJECT TO URSELF.

3.0
3.0
MATH7
May 10, 2006

Not a great a teacher.His style takes getting used to. Tests are pretty reflective of the "Semi-Hard" HW problems, not usually the hardest ones. Test's also tend to have the questions that have something quirky about them(ex. abs. values, trig funct, etc.)that he'll usually point out in class. Pay attention(as hard as it may be)and you'll be fine.

5.0
2.0
MATH27
May 13, 2006

No Comments

3.0
4.0
MATH2
May 20, 2006

take off too much points. not recommended.

4.0
4.0
MATH02
Jun 6, 2006

Very Nice teacher. Helps everybody but BE ADVISED __ TESTS ARE HARD ___ no round numbers... all frictions and stuff. For the finals your on your own. no claculators no notes. 5 tests and a final. Passed with A cuz i knew the material already but if you dont know jack... you gotta study the book.

1.0
5.0
MATH7
Jul 14, 2006

Good god this guy is bad.I already took calc in high school and got an A and passed the AP with a 3(never studied for it though).I never had trouble with math but this guy managed to confuse me on so many occasions.Gives lots of homework and is just all around unfair. Somewhat funny and nice, but definitly to be avoided if you need a good grade

5.0
1.0
MATH20
Jul 29, 2006

He is good...just do all homeworks and you are fine...

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Jul 29, 2006

He has been the only math teacher that I have had that is: friendly, open, concerned. I've taken other math teachers @ SMC, he is the best! He puts out a vibe that is welcoming. There is no sense of pre-judgement. NEVER puts anyone down for asking "stupid questions." Tests are fair, not tricky. Do all the homework, especially in summer session.

2.0
4.0
MATH20
Nov 16, 2006

oh my!! some of these ppl fooled me!! this guy is HORRIBLE!! he is so lazy.. he wants u to ask questions (obviously we paid for this) but he avoids answering them. he tests pretty hard also.. he takes off like a GAZILLION points.. the only thing he's got going for him is his OKAY sense of humor but other then that stay AWAY

3.0
3.0
MATH27
Nov 27, 2006

i got A in both math 2 and 7 with him cuz i love math. If u dont do not take his class. poor grading. he took of 8 points just for the wrong answer. way too long final exams. like 40 questions in 3 hours. recomended for math2 but defenitely not for math7. good luck.

3.0
4.0
MATH07
Dec 3, 2006

Its true what they say about Murrays teaching skills. He is great for math 2 and 20, but for Math 7, watch out... He kinda gets confused during lecture and makes the concepts seems harder than they actually are. This class would be okay if it wasn't for the grading. He doesnt drop any tests and the A is 91, and the B is 81.

2.0
5.0
MATH7
Dec 12, 2006

THIS GUY IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE WORST TEACHERS FOR CALCULUS. He goes so fast that if you dont get something, you will fail and you cant ask him many question during class. O ya and also his class is SOOOOO BORINGGG. He gives 5 tests and one final. His tests are fairly hard, but the bad part is that he takes off chunks of pts for a small mistake. No

3.0
3.0
MATH7
Dec 15, 2006

just two sentencestake it for math 2, do not take it for 7.chunks of point for small mistakes.

2.0
3.0
MATH7
Jan 1, 2007

His tests are ok (not too hard), but he is really tough grader, sometimes not fair. He also collects the tests, and doesn't give them away, so you cannot keep them for your records (!). It's hard to find him even during his office hours. Also he doesn't seem to be organized. To me he just seems to be tired of teaching. Bad teacher.

5.0
5.0
MATH20
Apr 4, 2007

For math 20 he was excellent. He truly drives in the fundamentals and his tests are fair. If you can do the HW then you will do well on the tests. He can be tough but it is to be expected. Hard grader but extremely helpful teacher.

5.0
3.0
MATH2
Jun 2, 2007

Great teacher! If you come to class and are serious you will have a great time. He goes fast but if you did your work, you should be fine. He is funny and very entertaining. I loved him. His tests are hard but I believe he is fare in his grading. The down side is that you cannot keep your test but you can see him if you want... He is available.

4.0
3.0
MATH2
Jun 20, 2007

You'll think his easy until you take his finals... it's game over, you'll see.

5.0
2.0
MATH20
Aug 15, 2007

SADLY I FAILED HIS CLASS, BUT ONLY BECAUSE I WAS TAKING TOO MANY CLASSES AT THE SAME TIME, BUT PROFESSOR MURRAY HELPED ME IN EVERY SINGLE WAY THAT HE COULD, GREAT PROFESSOR, I WENT TO HIS OFFICE HOURS AND HE WAS REALLY HELPFUL. BUT NEXT SEMESTER I WILL DEFINITELY TAKE HIM AGAIN! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE PROFESSOR MURRAY!!!

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Aug 29, 2007

what a kind professor i ever met. he cares about every student.he never ignored any question even if it was strange. I don't think this class is easy to get an A BUT if you do homework and show good attendance you will get an "A"

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Feb 8, 2008

GREAT TEACHER! HE FUNNY AND THE CLASS IS INTERESTING. YOU MUST TAKE HIM. Bad things about him: He doesnt let u keep your test. theres no review for the final. BUT THE TEST ARE EASY!!!

2.0
4.0
MATH2
Feb 13, 2008

Very strict. Grades are tough. Funny but teaching straight towards book. no review and no test back. Attendance mandotary and if late 3 times you are absent. Think if you want his class

1.0
5.0
ABCD0000
Feb 27, 2008

Worst 2 weeks of my life I had to drop bc his homework is insane like 70 problems due in less than 48hrs. Does not give enough partial credit jumps from chapter 1 to 5 to 2 I took the time to write this hoping that I can spare someone the trouble that I went through he is an awful teacher, not person, he is a nice guy but makes me hate math which I

5.0
4.0
MATH2
Mar 20, 2008

Professor Murray is one of the coolest math teachers I've had. and I've been blessed to have 2 good math teachers so far. There is nothing wrong with his teaching methods. The way he skips from different section makes understanding the work a whole lot simpler. Prof knows his stuff. do the work, ask for help and youll be fine. HE's GReat!!

1.0
5.0
MATH2
Jun 13, 2008

Here is the thing with this Murray:decent explanations(sometimes he even manages to confuse himself);HORRIBLE tester!!in class he'll give u problems from the textbook but the problems he picks for the tests are of a different difficulty level..plus the final(50+ problems->impossible to finish in 3 hours).I did goog cos i knew this stuff already

1.0
5.0
MATH2
Jun 14, 2008

U're late 3 times and u get an absence(he's was late multiple times,once even in a testing day,for 20 min and we still had to take the test).He'll take off big points for mistakes he makes himself at the board all the time.Unfairness and hypocrisy seem to be his greatest values.Plus that for him math seems to solely mean memorization !!

4.0
5.0
MATH08
Jul 15, 2008

Donald is a funny guy!His "Whaat?" will infect you.He talks to himself, has sometimes funny jokes to keep you awake.The class is bloody hard, got B and still don't know how. FINAL has two parts, one worse than the other. I studied the whole weekend and almost died there!It's nothing like other midterms.People were crying there!Good luck!

4.0
3.0
MATH20
Nov 18, 2008

murray is very funny. he talks about the "math police" a lot. he oviously loves math and is very passionate about the subject. he really wants his students to pass, so he offers extra credit. take him.

5.0
4.0
MATH4415
Jun 5, 2009

WHAAATTTT!!!!He was a great teacher would take him again def!!!

2.0
5.0
MATH7
Jul 7, 2009

Not a good professor. Tests are really hard and even harder for scholar students. He barely gives extra credit and when he does, it only helps the students getting the A in the class. I definitely recommend u to not take him.

4.0
4.0
MATH2
Aug 5, 2009

Professor Murray is a sweet& funny teacher. I took his class during the summer session. He gives alot of homework however the problems are helpful. Especially the ones he goes over in class the next day (you will see very similar ones on the test!) His tests are fair. The final is in two parts, the trig part& algebra part. I would take him again!

3.0
5.0
MATHE7
Jan 4, 2010

I like Math.His class was boring.If u have many classes,don't take him.He assigns so much HW!Tests are VERY hard,he is not very helpful even though I give him credit for trying.He doesn't seem to quite understand it himself.His tests are way to long to do really well,unless ur a math genius. I got an A but I am easy with math. Take Rodas!He's great

3.0
2.0
MATH7
Jan 20, 2010

A good guy and a decent teacher. I wished he went more in depth when explaining the material. He usually spent 5-10 minutes explaining the section and then rest of class was problems on the board. No real notes other than book problems. Test are fair and not too difficult, but the final was brutal - you've been warned. He comes late often.

5.0
4.0
MATH2
Mar 11, 2010

Great prof! I was shocked by other reviews. Yes, he is hard and gives tons of hmwrk, but school should not be easy, we are there to be challenged. Obviously the people who thought he was boring, were looking for an hour of entertainment not an education. Take this teacher if you are serious about learning, he even wrote a math book in Chicago,Ill!

5.0
2.0
MATH20
Apr 25, 2010

Really cares about his students. Good man. Makes sure students understand the material. He gives a fair amount of homework and it's pretty helpful for tests. So approachable and funny! He talks about the math police. I can't wait to take him for Math 2. He's definitely an early bird. Wonderful man!

4.0
3.0
MATH2
May 16, 2010

What a funny guy. great prof. gives homework and collects it the next class period but that's how you learn the material. pretty strict on attendance (3 tardies=1 absence, 3 absences = he will drop you). 5 exams, 1 final, no multiple choice. also no calculator.fun guy though. take him because there is not a lot of easy/good/fair math teachers here.

5.0
3.0
MATH2
Aug 7, 2010

Sweetest, kindest, most helpful man at SMC. Professor Murray truly cares about his students and will go above and beyond to ensure their success. This is my second math class with him and he's simply the best. He does give quite a bit of homework, but it's a great study tool for the exams. Too funny! Math professors don't get any better than him.

5.0
3.0
MATH2
Nov 10, 2010

Fantastic professor! I wasn't sure about him at first, but he genuinely cares about the success of his students. He's funny, genuine, and very willing to help. Homework is required, but it really helps you prepare/practice. Tests are what you'd expect from the homework and he is sure to give examples to show what he's looking for.

2.0
1.0
MATH20
Nov 30, 2010

this guy shouldn't be a math teacher. he isnt organized and doesnt give out a syllubus. he gives hw but it doesnt improve your grade...theres "aleks" but he didnt kno how to use it...he knows his stuff but doenst kno how to explain. but the class is super easy..i wouldnt recomand him tho. oh and his jokes aren't funny people stop laughing!

4.0
3.0
MATH2
Dec 4, 2010

Fairly good teacher. The rating on him is fairly accurate. He a nice guy and like the class to participate. However, if their is any participants he'll pretend some said the answer. The rating on this rate is based on how this professor made the subject felt like. Not on the professor alone.

3.0
3.0
MATH02
Mar 10, 2011

Great math teacher. Semi-hard tests, mandatory homework, which is a good thing because it counts towards your grade. However, when I ask him what's the percent homework counts toward our grade, he told me to guess, I said 5? he tilted his head, I raised it to 10 and he laughed and walk away. I never got answer.

3.0
4.0
MATH07
Apr 8, 2011

He teaches directly from the book. He might go over a bit of explanation, then he goes example problems from the end of the section for the rest of the class. lots of homework for every class (about one to two hours each assignment), and it is mandatory, but not graded. Tests are straightforward and similar to homework problems.

4.0
1.0
MATH2453
May 13, 2011

easy A!!

2.0
4.0
MATH2
Jul 11, 2011

Unclear lectures. It seems like HE doesn't understand the material he's teaching. He makes a lot of mistakes. He's a nice person, but I don't recommend taking him. LOADS of homework and be ready to teach yourself and study on your own.

5.0
1.0
MATH7
Aug 4, 2011

His class is genuine and so great! There is nothing to say. This class is perfect :)

5.0
2.0
MATH2N7
Aug 16, 2011

He is professional and willing to help students. The tests are not hard. Just do your homework. He is my favorite professor. I like like like!

5.0
2.0
MATH2469
Oct 6, 2011

His lessons are easy to understands. He tells you what he expects from you and he is funny. His exams are not hard. Just take notes and understand them. Do the homework as it only benefits you. The final was a bit hard, but if you study, nothing you have to worry about.

1.0
4.0
MATH7
Oct 21, 2011

Do not take him unless u're really good at Calculus(for them it is really easy). Meaningless lecture(He doesnt know what he is doing/Not funny joking). In test, he will deduct a lot of pt from ur minor mistake(-2~-10)which will change ur grade. It is better to study myself. Just Do not take him!! He is eager to deduct ur test points!! Believe me!!

5.0
2.0
MATH20
Dec 2, 2011

He is a funny teacher, he makes math fun. I was delighted to take his class. I totally recommend him.

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Dec 29, 2011

I am not good at math and somehow hate this subject. However, murray totally change my view on math. I love math because of him:)His lecture is fun and clear.He dun give extra credit on hw, so self-discipline is required. Tests are not hard if you have put effort on it. Final is the most difficult one but still is easy.TAKE him, EASY A!

5.0
5.0
MATH2
Jan 3, 2012

A very good teacher, but he takes lots of grades away just with simple and small mistakes. Good teacher, recommended.

5.0
2.0
MATH2
Jan 3, 2012

Took him for math 2. Great professor. Will go over homework. He allows you to ask questions in order to understand the material. Not an easy subject but he explains things well. I got an A in his class. Highly recommend him.

5.0
3.0
MATH20
Jun 18, 2012

Great Professor, very helpful. Answers any questions you have and is always available if you need extra help. Tests aren't easy though! Homework really isn't counted, but is necessary for understanding the subject. Funny guy, highly recommend :)

4.0
4.0
MATH2
Aug 2, 2012

good prof, rly knows his stuff. 6 exams,collects hw but doesnt count for credit. recommmend taking if you are good at math, or have taken precalc before in hs or sumthing, work hard and ez A for 16 week course, howevever felt like his 6wk class was not efficiently designed for students seeing material for the 1st time to get A's, but easy B

4.0
4.0
MATH2
Aug 2, 2012

Good professor, explains things fairly clearly. The homework doesn't prepare you sufficiently for what is wanted on the test. Book takes you to the end of the problem, they prefer to stop if you need to use a calculator. Doesn't count any homework towards your grade. 5 exams, all which count, not including your final. No specific end time on tests.

1.0
5.0
MATH2453
Nov 24, 2012

I had Professor Murray spring of 2011, but I dropped that class like a bad habit, just in the nick of time to save my GPA... has to be the worst teacher at SMC. Other alternative: McGraw.

5.0
3.0
MATH20
Dec 14, 2012

Best professor I've had at SMC! Love his way of teaching! Grade is based on 6 tests. If you are active on lessons the tests won't be a problem since he only put problems similar to his examples from class.

5.0
1.0
1441
Oct 16, 2013

Wonderful!! I like this Prof.I got an A ! I will take his Math 7 next semester!

2.0
4.0
MATH2
Grade: A
Feb 27, 2014

This professor does not treat every student equally. He will ignore some even though you are trying your hardest. If you are lucky he will help you, but if you are not, he will not care about your success in the class, and it will affect your grade.

3.0
3.0
MATH7
Jun 13, 2014

I took his math 7 class as well as his math2. He is just not equipped to teach math 7. he sometimes gets confused and has a hard time conveying what he's trying to teach. I recommend him for lower math classes but not math7 or higher ones.

2.0
4.0
MATH7
Jun 19, 2014

The only reason why I passed his math 7 class with a c was because I had a personal tutor. Test are hard! he does not prepare you well for them

4.0
3.0
MATH20
Jun 20, 2014

Overall a great professor.

1.0
5.0
MATH2
Sep 25, 2014

Not capable of teaching. Professor gets lost in his own thought, confuses class and will give poor examples with no correlation with tests or homework. On the daily you'll be stuck going over yesterdays homework while for the last 15 minutes hell teach a lesson and expect you to do 40 homework problems of no relation or basic relation.

5.0
4.0
MATH20
Grade: A
Oct 24, 2014

I took both Math 20 and Math 2 with him,his tests are not easy,the class is easy for someone who is good at math. He is sooooo nice,I love him

4.0
4.0
MATH20
May 30, 2015

murray is a great teacher he's really helpfull,gives alot of home work and it's essential to understanding material (doesn't count toward your grade). His test are tough. Really prepares you for higher math. Would recommend

3.0
4.0
MATH20
Grade: B
Nov 24, 2015

Boring monotone teacher, expect a lot of homework but its all optional anyways. Expect tests to be annoying. Lectures move quick even though he talks slowly. Does little to explain unless you ask him to.

3.0
4.0
MATH20
Grade: F
Jan 2, 2016

Overall a nice guy. Lectures were boring and hard to understand at times. Assigned A LOT of homework but it was not for credit. Tests were super hard.

4.0
4.0
MATH02
Grade: B-
Feb 16, 2016

He is a nice guy, but his teat is really hard and he grade it tough. He has lots of homework.

5.0
3.0
MATH02
Grade: B
Mar 4, 2016

Professor Murray is awesome. His lectures can be boring, but he is not devoid of humor! He knows the subject very well, is willing to help you when you need him, and he is very thorough. He has his own unique ways of solving some math problems, which made them easier to understand. Hw is optional, tests are slightly hard. Pretty easy grader.

2.0
5.0
MATH02
Grade: F
Jun 7, 2016
Would take again

... GOT AN F would not reccomend I'm good at math but was only able to pass one his tests, never missed a class never not did hw. horrible testing and grading but good teacher at math. but tests have nothing to do with how he teaches

1.0
4.0
MATH02
Jun 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

JUST Don't take his class. -You won't have that much time for his homework. - ridiculous grader. Take your points as much as he can. -In my opinion, He is Not a good teacher who can teach you the good methods to solve complex problems. He's lecture is helpless. You spend most of time to learn by yourself. -Don't ruin your semester in SMC.

5.0
4.0
MATH2
Grade: A+
Sep 4, 2016
Would take again

Isn't it lovely when you feel your professor cares? Prof. Murray wants his students to do well--though he won't make it easy, but will seek to make you good at Math, which is why I hope you're here. It's as straightforward as it gets: four exams, one final; lots of daily non-mandatory homework. Expect a challenge. Study, ask, work and earn an A.

Gives good feedback
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Caring
2.0
3.0
MATH07
Nov 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. Professor Murray does not know how to utilize class time effectively in teaching. He prepares examples for chapters that have not been studied and grades your ability to spontaneously grab the answers out of your. Good luck taking his class if you truly enjoy math.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
MATH02
Grade: C-
Nov 30, 2016
Would take again

Murray can waste a lot of time during class, leaving you to teach yourself more often than not. Prepare for tests, his lectures and homework are exactly what you will be tested on

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
MATH07
Dec 2, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He didn't seem passionate about what he was teaching, and went at a pace that the smarter students in class could keep up with, while the people who didn't understand anything had to take a back seat.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
MATH02
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2016
Would take again

In his class, you have a lots of homework to do. However, practice is what you need to do to get an A. Math is not like other subjects that you can memorize it, but a subject that you need to spare time to be successful. Just keep asking him if you have difficulties with your homework, and the quiz is not as hard as people say.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
4.0
MATH2
Grade: D
Dec 7, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He is a good teacher in terms of his relationship with students, he likes to joke. On the other hand his class is very hard and not easy he is a tough grader he doesn't offer extra credit, and he WILL NEVER help you with your grade at all even if you participated and did your homework. no quizzes your overall grade is the average of your tests.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
MATH07
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I am a 4.0 student. I took Murray's scholar class, spent hours per day on homework, had a tutor 3 times per week. He does not teach CALCULUS. he goes over examples and expects YOU to already know how to do the work. Very little teaching involved. Makes MANY mistakes on tests, costing you a full letter grade. DO NOT TAKE MURRAY FOR PRECAL OR ABOVE!!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
MATH02
Grade: D
Dec 24, 2016
Wouldn't take again

no extra credit, no quizzes, he takes attendance every class, lots of homework and the homework is not counted towards your grade, very very fast lectures, doesn't help at office hours, always showing you his fun personality when truly a very hard grader when it comes to tests, the only grade that matters is your tests and final, that IT.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
MATH20
Grade: A+
Jan 19, 2017
Would take again

Mr. Murray is one of the best professors I've ever had. He's very caring and patient with his students. He might be a monotone speaker but trust me, if you really want to learn, take him. He gives homework everyday but it really does help me a lot! ALWAYS GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS AND WORKSHOPS!

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
1.0
3.0
MATH2
Grade: C
Jan 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor is a really good person; however, I can't say the same think for his teaching skills. The class is pretty easy, but he decreases the grades in every opportunity. (e.g absences, missing or wrong calculators). Also he is explaining the topics based on homework questions. How can we suppose to complete our homework without learning the topic

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
4.0
MATH02
May 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

You can consider his classes to be like AP or advanced classes. I talked to the scholars people because I was bewildered with the difficulty. They said it's done on purpose. Beware.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
4.0
MATH07
Grade: F
Jun 17, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Rushes the lectures & doesn't explain in depth. No homework count so your grade depends on exams but HW is helpful for knowing topics. Extra credit given ONLY on exams. No review before the 5 exams & no study guides/sample exams for the exams. Exams are tricky. Remember his grading system: for example a C is a 71! Not recommended only for math 7.

4.0
4.0
MATH02
Grade: B
Aug 15, 2017
Would take again

Took pre-calculus this summer with him and it was not as bad as I dreaded it to be. There was a lot of work to be done mind you. He does not give out grades. There's a ton of work but in my opinion it helped a lot. Work and study very hard and you will be alright. He helps you and goes over your exams and homework if you go to his office.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
MATH02
Grade: B
Dec 20, 2017
Would take again

Professor Murray honestly made me enjoy math even more. Although he only grades you on exams, if you have an in between grade, he uses the hw to see if it can be bumped to another grade letter. He is caring and wants you to succeed in his class. I would definitely take him again!

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Would take again
5.0
4.0
MATH2
Feb 15, 2018
Would take again

His lectures are never boring. Hes funny and nice to students. The examples he uses make the hardest concepts very clear. A perfect balance between a challenge and an easy A or B. Sometimes he can be behind the schedule, but he always catches up. Do your homework and ask questions in the beginning of new lecture. Visit office hours. Good luck!

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Caring
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
4.0
MATH02
Feb 7, 2019
Would take again

Solid professor just wish he was a bit more organized with lectures. BEWARE he is against calculators (they are allowed for 3 questions in one exam) and you only get just enough time to finish your exams, making it almost impossible double check your answers. Aside from that I am glad I took his class during the winter session and that I used P/NP.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
Caring
4.0
3.0
MATH02
Dec 15, 2018
Would take again

He is by far the best math professor Ive had. He encourages questions. He answers them very throughly. Ive never had a professor who makes a topic seems so easy. He genuinely cares and does everything he can to help his students succeed.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
MATH2
Grade: B
May 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His course is easier to pass than the more popular Math 2 profs. He goes through many examples, but like others said hes not very organized. His tests are similar to HW and he just wants students to pass. Precalc is hard, so dont be surprised if you have to retake, but taking it with Murray will lower the chances of that happening for you.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
MATH02
Grade: A
Jul 11, 2019
Would take again

Math is hard for a lot of people, but Professor Murray makes it easier. His lectures are very informative and the homework WILL help you understand the material. Although the tests are challenging when you don't study, like anything in life effort is required to get an A. Really nice guy and good sense of humor and always willing to help.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
MATH02
Nov 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Make sure to press this professor, otherwise will continue to write problems with back turned. Goes over only the basic problems and assigns homework on problems with high difficulty. Does not prepare students for what is on tests. If you are struggling with his class , will suggest you drop instead of helping you out. Not accessible after class.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
MATH02
Grade: A
May 23, 2020
Would take again

Professor Murray is great at explaining the lesson. I took his class during the winter semester. There is a lot of homework but he gives them so you can practice. He always explains some numbers on the homework before he starts with a new lesson. He says at the start of the semester that all homework is optional.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Amazing lectures
2.0
3.0
MATH02
Feb 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took his course during the pandemic. Prof Murray does not know how to use technology so well, which created a lot of issues throughout the course. Don't bother with reading the syllabus, he doesn't base anything off of it. For example, Proctorio was never mentioned, but we were forced to use it, even when people complained. Grades based on tests.

Test heavy
5.0
4.0
MATH02
Grade: A
Aug 7, 2021
Would take again

Loved Professor Murray! I wish he was teaching Calc 1, I'd take him again in a heartbeat. His lectures were clear and if you listen, take notes and do the work alongside him, you will pass. I took the summer class so it went VERY fast, meaning usually 4-6 hours of homework a day. Although it was a lot of work, homework prepared well for test. 10/10

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Amazing lectures
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 21 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
B (5)
F (3)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(6)C(2)D(3)F(3)A-/B+(1)
Based on 22 reported grades
A: 5
B: 5
F: 3
A+: 2
Common Tags
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (10)
Tough Grader (9)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Gives good feedback (5)
Lots of homework (4)
Test heavy (4)
Caring (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
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