3.0
Quality3.4
Difficulty35%
Would Retake97
Reviews35%
Would Retake
97
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
23
4
15
3
26
2
21
1
12
What Students Say
“Hans ridiculed a student in class who left early stating, "that guy probably left because his father works in the oil field" during a lecture on climate change”
EAS210 - 3.0 rating“Machel is offensive, against women and non-white-races”
EAS105 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.42 avg changeRatings by Course
201
5.0
(1)EAS202
5.0
(1)EAS103
4.8
(6)EAS105
3.8
(5)EAS201
3.1
(68)Difficulty by Course
EAS336
4.5
EAS101
4.0
EAS210
3.9
EAS205
3.5
EAS201
3.4
Reviews (97)
most class time was wasted, but it was really easy.
Poor prof. Unwilling to help students, too proud of his achievements, v. lazy
Good prof that knows his stuff and has a good sense of humor.
No Comments
Hans is a great teacher, very interesting and keeps the class interested
the best prof I've ever had, and probably will ever have!
Best prof ever. Smashed a grapefruit in class to demonstrate pressure effects, provided potato chips when videos watched, many hilarious and memorable moments. This guy deserves a TV show.
he's awesome...I had him 2 years ago and his material is the only stuff I remember-he made class very entertaining and informative
He looks like John Malkovich. He's very funny, and knowledgeable in his subject area. His class is very dynamic, and has a keen liking to the movie, The Wide Crack in the World. I like him.
this man is so damn funny! his lectures are so incredibly good and entertaining, why miss them
one of the best profs. never missed a class, a lot of fun. definetely has some interesting hobbies (roadkill!!) haha. cool stuff
creepy much?
Had this guy 2 years ago, really enjoyed this class. We celebrated Darwin's birthday with cake for the whole class.
ya if this were playschool he would have my number one pick too.
Fantastic prof, knows his stuff and loves to teach it. very entertaining, learned a ton of amazing info. and who can resist chips and movies!
Great
i dont know what these people were smoking when they took machels class..his notes are impossible to follow, he writes all over overheads from the textbook and expects us to be able to remember it all. his exams have material he never mentioned in class, only redeeming trait-he's kinda funny
Misogynistic and pompous, if that's what you're looking for in a prof. His notes were difficult to follow, so go to class! Although I will say he was kinda funny if a little chemically imbalanced. His views on the environment and climate change were awesome though.
You either like him or you don't. For me, this was the happiest class I've ever taken, the guy is unreal! This class made skool worthwile. TOns of movies and treats. His notes are wierd, but u get used to it...and make sure to read the relevant text. If u keep up with notes u'll know wats goin on. Extremely funny guy and serious when he has to be.
Class is entertaining. Prof enthusiastic. To do well: Attend class (a must). Write fast. Read relevant sections (caption under figures, etc.). DO THE PRACTICE EXAMS (obtain through student union website) (he reuses ~50%). Got an A in the course.
i dont know what these people are talking about. this prof is the worst prof i ever had! although he's very enthusiastic in class and has a very definitive point of view on many issues, he can be quite rude and offensive sometimes. his notes make absolutely NO SENSE. read the textbook and do the practice exams, thats how i got my A.
This guy tries to be funny but he is most often offensive. Requires detailed reading of the text (for which he gives no pages so read the whole chapter) and absolutely do all practice exams! These are the key to success.
He is funny, but rather offensive with some of his jokes. He is absolutely unhelpful. This guy totally blows up when someone asks a question about the exam. Moreover, this guy spams your email. I got about 50 messages from this guy over the semester. To students thinking of doing EAS just to fill up credits: YOU'RE BETTER OFF DOING ANOTHER COURSE!!
His classes are intersting and very stimulating. If you enjoy earth sciences in any way, he will make you love it even more. His notes are not that great because he doesnt post them, but if you take notes in class you should be ok. The only problem is that his test are pretty hard.
Doesn't post his notes, doesn't give you the chapters to read, so going to class is an absolute must. His classes are fairly difficult but he's an enjoyable, opinionated teacher. Word to the wise, find some way to block his email.
Hans is the first prof that I've had in my 4 years of university who is not an idiot. He is passionate, honest and realistic. He lectures about current events and what is important in the world, not just about dry material from the text. The material on exams is predictable if you do the practice exams. Hans is fantastic!
Dr.Machel, is very passionate about his subject matter, especially when it comes to global warming. Brings lots of movies and supplementary info into class to make things interesting. He is quite opinionated on many topics, but encourages discussion and comments. His notes aren't the best but you can live with them, be sure to read the textbook.
Ok prof. You don't have to read EVERYTHING in the text - he gives you the figures in class. However, his exams (one midterm at 40% and final at 60%) are a bit brutal (!!). Like the others have said, he DOES like to e-mail his students :p
I took this just to fill up some requirements but Dr Machel has honestly changed the way I think. His classes are really entertaining and I learned a LOT. His passion for climate change really shows through in the lectures. However exams were rather hard, go to EVERY class take good notes and don't bother buying the text.
I loved his section on climate change - there was a lot taught that goes beyond the classroom. He was one of the most entertaining and interesting profs I've had, but his tests are quite hard. He likes to pick a sentence out of the text and test you on it. I also found his notes frustrating to study from - very lacking in any detail or flow.
There is a difference between an entertaining professor and a good professor. Although his blatant political agenda made for an interesting class, he didn't do any teaching. This created a problem with the midterm and final that were based on actual facts from the text and not the completely random and untestable lecture material. STAY AWAY.
Very funny prof. His notes are bad and he doesn't post it online. Attending his lecture is a must. His exams are okie if you do the practice exam. Plays lots of interesting movies in class. Strongly recommend him for Eas.
Extremely intelligent and funny guy. Horrible prof. Emails his students 7 times daily about pointless facts talks about politics more than geology which is really funny but not very helpful. He rips apart religious people and useless consumer products. His tests are shots in the dark if you want a good mark/prof dont take his class.
BRUTAL BRUTAL BRUTAL. If you are looking for a 4.0 steer clear of this class. If you are looking to minimally pass and get some credits... then this is the class for you. Worst prof I have had in 4 years. So many negative things I would like to say about Hans. Do everything in your power not to have him teach you, also impossibly hard exams.
He was an entertaining prof but very brutal when it came to his exams. He explains the smallest detail that seems unimportant and asks a question on that. I have increased my knowledge but I have become too scared to ever take another EAS course.
Im 4th year, worst prof Ive had and Im filing a complaint to the ombudsboard. Why? :Lazy,Rude, and Insulting. Tells you off for enquiring about what your exam avg is, and most other exam Qs. Weak anti conservatist/climate ramblings. (spams ur email with these, ppl who like him are this small minority)Scattered hard exams, no posted nots, low avgs.
Hans Machel, easily the worst prof I've ever had the displeasure of listening to.Is one of those ppl that forces his opinion onto you and does so by only showing certain stats. The full lecture on discussing and showing pictures of Roadkill left me wanting to ask Panoka if a detainee escaped, guy seriously needs a psychological evaluation
Don't listen to the whiners. Come to class, read and understand information relevant to the figures he explicitly mentions in class and you will succeed. Do the practice exams, he reuses the questions because he doesn't post the answers. Exams were incredibly fair and he is perfectly rational. Long final (150 mc q's) but simple; I finished in 60min
People who didn't like this course/prof were either religious, conservative, or just didn't bother showing up or studying. He gives indepth lectures and his excitability made you actually want to learn about the subject. His exams are difficult only if you didn't read the text book like he told you to do in the FIRST WEEK OF CLASS. Great prof.
Not a fan of this guy's tests. Funny lectures and all, but if you just aren't good at science, you probably aren't going to get the mark you hope for no matter how hard you try. He will test on really specific stuff, so you basically have to memorize everything.
Made the exams sound way easier than they actually were. Lectured on general principles, then tested on very specific details. Not a problem if you know it's coming, just don't let him fool you into thinking that the exams will be as simple as the lectures are.
He has great passion for the subject--and his lectures are usually interesting and engaging. But his tests really get you! Be prepared to take extensive notes in class, and comb the text for answers--he doesn't test general knowledge. Do the practice tests. And, if you're religious, super conservative, or close-minded, avoid this prof at all costs.
He knows what he is taking about, but if you don't agree with any of his views then he puts you in his square of irrationality. Insulted the intelligence of most students. Told us after classes had finished that we couldn't ask any more questions to him. Notes aren't great and he doesn't post anything. Most strongly opinionated prof I have had.
This is one of the most arrogant profs I have ever had. I agree that at times he can be quite funny but it is always at the expense of someone else. I did agree with lots of his views but I found myself feeling bad for those who didn't. The exams are so specific that the lecture notes don't help.
Hilarious guy and a very engaging lecturer. But wow, one of the most disorganized courses I've ever taken. Questions come from anywhere and everywhere. And he tests you specific information (ie. specific dates, percentages) from the text, but you'll find yourself reading the textbook in total confusion of what you should and shouldn't know.
Great prof IMO. Worked hard to make students think about being responsible citizens - isn't very open to disagreement, but at least he made the material applicable. Look at his practice test as the questions are very representative, and read the textbook because he doesn't post his notes and tests details.
HGM is a passionate and very opinionated prof. His lectures were awesome, i actually found myself looking forward to class.HOWEVER, he was also rude and arrogant. Following the last lecture he sent an unpleasant email to the class instructing us to stop questions, regardless of the fact that we had a 60% final coming up. Exams were EAS trivia :/
Yes, very opinionated and arrogant.I found him very rude to students and yelled at people via email to grow up.DO THE PRACTIC MT and FINAL!The exam q's are straight from there..Read the textbook,and if you don't tolerate pushy views,don't take this class
Extremely prideful man. States that his door is always open to students, however he isn't at all his office hours, and makes you feel stupid for going to him and asking for clarification. Will not post his notes because of "Copyright." He prides him self of being respecting his students, but this is not the case, he belittles at every opportunity.
I really loved his class, he's crazy and shows you completely irrelevant videos of his vacations and 'work' trips. Despite how amusing his classes were, the %40 midterm was really hard to study for because he expects you to memorize the textbook.The adviser told me 10 other people withdrew from this class the same day that I withdrew.
GO TO CLASS: he doesn't post notes becuse of "Copyright issues". He's arrogant, but the class is interesting.
This guy is hilarious! Exams are hard, then again I gave up on doing the practice questions because I couldn't even find some of the answers on google.. A fairly interesting class but only because of his witty remarks. If he's not in his office he's usually at A&W in hub ;)
I found his lectures very interesting, mostly because I agreed strongly with his point of views on society. He can be very offensive if you don't though. Be sure to attend class and take LOTS of notes because he tests on tiny details that he barely mentioned in his lectures and won't post his lecture notes.
Spends a large deal of class off topic giving sermons on his take of socioeconomic issues that have no relation to class material then tests on insignificant details barely covered in class or text book. comes across as very arrogant. I would not recommend this class
He is funny at times, and keeps class interesting, but he definitely comes off as arrogant. What is common knowledge to him may not be for others and he doesn't seem to understand that. Strictly speaking, comes off very offensive to many when he preaches. Take this class with caution- also, like everyone said, go to class for notes.
Incredibly funny and engaging. Plus the class material is incredibly easy.
An alright teacher. All the information he talks about is in the textbook. But going to class is good to especially if you dont have a note buddy. Know your stuff or he will make fun of you *or what seems like making fun of*
Favorite prof ever. May offend some people but I loved him, he gave whole lecture on how roadkill resembles fossils (all his own pictures)! Test are not that bad as long as you can use common sense as well as the notes, if it seems like he's making fun of you it's because you deserve it.
His lectures are incredibly offensive and taught me absolutely nothing. He tests on the most minute details that aren't even in the textbook. Overall, I would not recommend him to anyone. Don't take his class if you want to learn something.
Absolutely terrible. He spent a ridiculous amount of time telling us to put different activities on our "bucket list" rather than talking about the material. He has a 60% final, and his tests are killer, and he makes you feel stupid during exam review. He won't assign readings, so you have to figure it out on your own. Get out while you can.
Class material is broad and covers too many things for him to even discuss. Reading the textbook will help a lot but exams are worth way too much. Professor insults you when you ask fair questions because he is too lazy to answer emails properly. Put in time during midterm/final and it'll pay off.
Too broad of a topic, tested on much too specifically. His lectures teach you next to nothing with regards to his tests, and he doesn't specify what parts of the textbook are used. He gives 2 very difficult tests that he does not prepare you for at all, and doesn't answer questions students may have. IF GPA IS IMPORTANT TO YOU, STAY AWAY FROM HIM.
Since I am the one paying for the course, I at least deserve some professional treatment from a PhD! I don't blame him though if that is the way he likes to treat student, I do blame the students who do not drop the course and complain directly to the department.... instead of sitting there and crying about it after the final.
One of the best profs I've ever had! He is extremely entertaining! He has opinions, but they are expressed to make you think. If you do the practice tests he puts up, the in-class exams are almost identical. I will miss this class and his amazing lectures.
Hans is a great prof in my opinion, very funny guy, always laughed in every class. But this definitely isn't some throwaway EAS class that you don't have to study for, his tests could be very hard if you don't prepare properly, but the majority of the questions are from his practice tests so if you do those and attend its no big deal.
NOT A GPA BOOSTER. That said, read the textbook thoroughly, do the practice exam problems thoroughly (do both MT and final before the actual final, dont use google) and attend some lectures. Do these, and you'll likely do well. Entertaining lectures are a bonus.
His lectures were entertaining. Mentions trivial facts in class that he will test on. His notes are super general and will not help with exams. Must read the textbook to answer all the practice MCs, which will show up on all the midterms and exams. Word for word. Overall, didn't learn anything. Final exam is about memorizing all the practice MCs.
I loved Hans! So funny and so realistic about today's society. He reflects that university isn't just about grades, it's what you learn. I thought his exam was quite easy if you do the practice finals and go to class to listen to him. :) the best EAS prof in the last 3 years
Lectures are super entertaining, but there is a lot to memorize for exams. Not a GPA booster, if you want a decent mark you will have to work for it. He tests on everything he mentions in class or that is in the textbook, even if it happens to be trivial.
Machel is offensive, against women and non-white-races. He does not answer email questions and is rude in person. Do not bother showing up to the first class, since he tells the keeners to leave the first day after 10 minutes. The whole course depends on the textbook, though he says otherwise. Going to class is not worth it, just read the text.
I found this course extremely interesting despite going in with moderate interest. Hans Machel did a great job and I would recommend him for this course if you want to learn something. If you want to do well ( A or A+) attend class, read the textbook and do his practice exams. Ignore the negative posts as he did a great job!
I am not a science student by any means. However, great lectures! He is funny and has that deadpan German honesty. The only thing to be warned about is how he tells you to prepare for this class. He says just read a little of the textbook and come to lectures. Instead, read the whole of most sections and go to lecture to enjoy his comedy.
This guy is hilarious and to the point. He's only offensive if you believe in creationism and other forms of ridiculous woo. He puts an emphasis on critical thought and evidence, and frequently makes fun of religious ideologies. His tests are tough. When he says something is going to be on the exam, BELIEVE HIM and memorize it!
You have to have the textbook. He tells you it's not necessary but then uses all the diagrams and charts from it. He doesn't give you most of the notes due to "copyright issues" so write fast, he won't wait for you. Practice exams have questions asking about topics not covered.
I felt like he knew that most of the people taking this class were firstsecond year arts students, and so tailored the class to that really well. Added in some lectures about critical thinking and the scientific method, which was really good.
Avoid him at all cost. Notes are brutal and majority are not put on eclass. Most notes are picture slides where he rambles about one of his amazing trips he took during the summer months. Read the textbook to study.... It's your only hope..
Hans ridiculed a student in class who left early stating, "that guy probably left because his father works in the oil field" during a lecture on climate change. Also presented a cartoon of a small male genital, directing it towards truck and Hummer drivers and their tendency to buy larger vehicles to compensate for their small genitalia. Disgusting
Although I found this guy to be a little rude, I wouldn't say that he is a bad professor. He knows his stuff really well and his lectures are very entertaining. He discusses politics in a very funny way and shows pictures of his trip to various places. I kind of want to study Earth Sciences now after I finish my chemical engineering degree :)
I wouldn't say that he is a bad professor because he let me borrow his textbook for the term. He knows his stuff really well and his lectures are very entertaining. He discusses politics in a very funny way and shows pictures of his trip to various places. I kind of want to study Earth Sciences now after I finish my chemical engineering degree :)
He is a great prof. Doesn't suffer nonsense by anyone - media, academics, students, politicians. He genuinely wants students to question everything they hear about the subject he was teaching. He made the lessons connect to how we live, in other words, pertinent. Three MC tests. Read the book. Do the practice q's at the back of each chapter.
Horrible prof, horrible human being
Rediculously hard exams, expects too much for how little and poorly he teaches. His notes are pointless, better to skip class and read textbook.
In class notes are horrible as he goes through slides with minimal information on them and rambles on about insignificant topics. Midterms are very specific and his lectures never covered as specific of information. Definitely needs to realize most of the students in his class are not taking an earth and atmospheric sciences degree.
Better bring a voice recorder to class my dudes
Comes off as arrogant and full of himself. Covers material in lectures you will never use on his exams and questions on exams are often vague, not covered in his lecture and make no sense. Rips through his notes at light speed, don't expect to be able to write anything down.
This course is taken by many people who are not EAS majors and Machel makes his lectures vague and does not give assigned readings yet expects you to look through multiple chapters for a single lecture based off of lecture material. If you enroll in his class expect 10+ minutes of him talking about his vacations/untested materials.
Hans was a terrible prof. His slides were terrible, lots of pictures of articles and stupid comics. When there is an actually useful slide, he will move onto the next very quickly and refuses to go back. He rambled on about his various vacations for half of the entire course and the material that you need to know is very vague because of it. V bad
Just an absolutely horrific final. Expects you to know the most esoteric details down to fine print, including from the papers he posts. It's a multiple choice final but the average is less than 50. Good luck.
Hans is a no patience for science denial, and is not for the easily offended. He keeps his lectures very relaxed and often humorous. He does talk a fair amount of his personal endeavors and opinions. The lecture material was sort of all over the place, and both exams were MC questions on almost random trivial facts. Lots of textbook reading.
Hans Machel's EAS class was the worst class I've ever been to in my entire university career. His lectures are all over the place, he doesn't post the notes online except for the textbook images which you can find by yourself. His midterm and final were extremely hard since he quizzes you on the most insignificant details. Not a GPA booster!
Heard some awful comments about him before taking his class but I have to admit he's not all that bad. Yeah, he's full of himself at times but he really knows his stuff. Explained concepts well.
Hans is entertaining to be in class with! He adds personal anecdotes in every lecture to keep you interested and demonstrate the significance of what you learn. Beware he does NOT write his own exams, questions are random from the textbook data bank. So they can be on anything and everything. Also, midterm and final are the only marks in the class.
Professor Machel's lectures were a bit all over the place but he made going to class enjoyable. You will have to read the textbook as his MC exams go into some detail but overall, he was a great prof, had fun lectures and tried to make sure it wasn't just boring lecture material by talking about his vacations and incorporating videos and pictures.
Definitely one of the best profs. Topic material was interesting to begin with, but professor Machel managed to make them even more interesting through clear, in depth explanations, video recommendations, etc. Would recommend.
He is a really funny guy and that makes his lectures more interesting. He only grades based on two tests though, his exams are quite specific but if you find the material interesting it is not bad at all. Lectures are mandatory as he does not post much of his powerpoint, make sure you listen to everything he says, it is all testable.
He kept his lectures interesting, using current events plus his own travel stories. However, I found that he jumped all over the place, lectures were hard to follow, tests tested on very specific details. Interesting, but would not recommend if you plan on majoring in EAS.
His Class was very entertaining and honestly I can say he was my best university prof at the UofA to date. Alot of students take his confidence as arrogance but in reality its his passion to the subject being taught. To study for his exams take his lecture notes and read up on the topics he mentions in the textbook. Chill prof, had beers later on
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.42 avg changeRatings by Course
201
5.0
(1)EAS202
5.0
(1)EAS103
4.8
(6)EAS105
3.8
(5)EAS201
3.1
(68)Difficulty by Course
EAS336
4.5
EAS101
4.0
EAS210
3.9
EAS205
3.5
EAS201
3.4