3.0
Quality2.9
Difficulty36%
Would Retake166
Reviews36%
Would Retake
166
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
32
4
35
3
44
2
24
1
31
What Students Say
“It's tempting to skip because he's so god awful and boring but if you do, you'll miss test questions/answers (a real catch 22)”
ASTR103 - 1.0 rating“The tests are very easy”
ASTR103 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
47%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.51 avg changeRatings by Course
HONORS227
5.0
(1)ASTRO113
5.0
(2)111
4.5
(2)ASTR302
4.5
(2)AST101
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
ASTRO111
5.0
ATSR113
5.0
AST113
5.0
PHYS243
4.2
ASTRONOMY111
4.0
Reviews (166)
Absolute waste of time.
Prepare yourself for a lot of unnecessary busywork.
The content is very straight forward, and he is very straight forward in explaining the content; though there is SOO much content in the class. If you go to class, and do the exam study guides, you'll be fine. Very fair professor.
No Comments
I thought he was a great teacher. He was relatively clear with the material, although at times rambled on. However, he presented material to prepare you well for exams and I learned quite a bit in a class outside of my major.
He definitely rambles on about his work with the Mars Rover and his lectures are boring. He does give out homework almost everyweek and classwork everyday but he also plays a video for 20 minutes every class and the labs were made for sixth-graders!
he is so boring. but his tests are all the questions that he has on his practice tests which are on line. his notes are also all on his website.
great teacher doing to class is optional, just study the review he gives before any exam and yuo will be in a good shape
Not an optional class, but I thought Geller was interesting. I recommend him for those who have an interest in Physical Sciences. Unfortunately, though there's no attendance, there are many quizzes, and if you miss them you're in trouble. His exams are fairly easy but he grades tough.
Geller doesn't hand back any of his exams nor does he go over them and his final is cummulative. I am only taking him again next semester because his tests aren't that difficult. I went to him for office hours once and he was extremely unfriendly
He's a jerk. He wont answer questions, he isnt clear about what he expects, he only teaches half of the same material as the text (he should choose a different one) and is extremely condescending to people who arent naturally adept at science. sorry this class is required. its a waste of time.
Condescending towards students, but a hell of a lot better than TAYLOR, boooo TAYLOR!!! This class sucked, ask any honors kid, we all hate it
Very cool guy. Lectures may be boring but he explains everything thoroughly. Study guides help a lot.
His lectures are boring, BUT his test can be passed if you just show up and listen to his lecture. He has helpful notes and reviews on the net... If you want to sleep in and skip class, don't take his, showing up helps ten fold!
Regress to sixth grade. The labs are a waste of time and group activities are given every class so you have to show up. Homework assignments are trite and the textbook is weak. He answers questions like everyone's an idiot.
Eh, overall an average professor. His stories can be fun. His true weakness comes from his seething disdain for many of the students who are not naturally adept at the sciences.
Dr. Geller is a real nice guy. He will help you if you ask and he is very familiar with the subject. He is fair and full of great things to say. I recomend him if you have to take ASTR and its a requirement! Even for fun take it, its a rewarding experience
An okay class. If you take it in the mornings, bring a pillow or drink coffee because sometimes lectures can be monotonous. Be on time for tests, because he will not let you take them if you're late and he doesn't do make ups. Puts all Powerpoints on his websites, but attendence is still recommended.
The class is fairly simple - just know what is on the notes, which are posted online previous to each class and study up before each test. The lessons are extremely dry and so is the prof. You will need caffeine to maintain consciousness if it is in the morning, that is if you choose to attend.
prof geller, is pretty fair, he drops a test, gives u extra credit, and all around he is a pretty nice guy, hes so funny, i love his sense of humor.
it's not like u have another choice besides geller for Ast-hes the only one who teaches at 9 am-its a really boring, dry class, the final exam is cummulative, there's stuff on every exam he never mentioned, and even though ill probably end up with a B+ in his class and im an A student, its one of the hardest B+'s ive ever had to work for.Good luck:
hate this class he puts me 2 sleep and i hate his test even though he gives a study guide i am struguling with a C....don't take him hated his lectures
He's not so bad. He definitely teaches better than the other guy that teaches this class with him. He explains things well and his test questions are usually pretty easy. The class isn't much fun though...it's about every science that you could possibly think of.
Lectures are extremely boring, hardly any help, he'll put you right to sleep. I stopped going to his lectures because they were no help. Don't take this teacher.
geller is not THAT BAD, i mean i admit he def. has his moments when he can be rude to people, but generally once u get 2 know him, hes pretty nice and cool-hes pretty funny in his own wierd way
He's ok. Tests are a little difficult, but you can do well if you really memorize the reviews AND the notes..... usually each test has at least a few questions that you'd only know if you memorized the class notes and/or read the book. Geller himself is ok, but I don't think he does a ton to help really explain the material.
EASY B. HARD A. he is kermit the frog. he is not hard but his tests always had some weird unprepareable questions on it. i got a B pretty easily. i never did any reading.. i wouldn't even buy the book if i knew that i wouldn't need it.
No Comments
Love the old school, 1970's videos. Lectures are boring; test require lots of memoriziation. Otherwise - not bad being a required class. Agree with the Easy B Hard A comment. Geller does try to make his students *apply* the stuff they learned.
He seems pompous, but he's very passionate about astronomy, he just shares his wealth of knowledge in a cold manner. His monotoned voice makes it difficult to stay awake in the stadium seats. Might've taken another professor had I known that I would sleep through the whole thing. Not difficult, just try to stay awake(it's harder than it sounds).
He knows what he is talking about. He always has extra information for every topic. Answers your questions to his best(I think)! His test are only hard if you never show up for class or sleep in it. His review sessions will easily get u a B if u pay attention. All in all, a good and fair "teacher"!
Dare you not to laugh when you first hear his voice. Its not only Kermit the Frog, but a New York one. Reviews are helpful, some questions on tests come directly from the review. Def. easy B. Very helpful responds quickly to e-mails with questions.
Geller is boring. His lectures are all online and are mostly theones provided by the publisher. If you are a visual learner, study the notes and you will do fine. If you are a listening learner, go to class. In either case if you go to the exam review with the review sheet, he gives you the answers to the sheet and you basically have the exam. Easy
haha lol at the ny kermit frog comment, so true! hes a cool prof..take him...if u are an early bird
he's a great guy. always wears the same albert einstein tie! haha he reads everything off of the slides and the exams are whatever was on the slides. you don't have to go to class, but is recommended, really review/study the slides and you'll do good.
Easy, scantron tests. Boring, bring coffee.
= = such a boring class...think about it first before you take it!
This class waas really interesting for me and he obviously knows his stuff. He always gives the notes and will answer any questions you have.
Geller is a little cooky and creepy, but that's what all physics/astronomy ppl are like. but he's definitely underrated.notes are excellent and the study sessions really do help. he’s on your side so go to him before or after tests for help and he’ll give it to you. Him over Taylor anyday. class was a little less boring thnx to his stories n such.
BOOOORRRRIIINNNNGGGG! he joint teaches the class with Taylor. He's the more straightfwd one, hist tests arent tricky. miss the quizes and ur in trouble... Labs are a terrible waste of time, and so is the class. but its a requirement and ur stuck! worse honors class in the program :(
When you take this course, it is guaranteed to be the worst part of your fall semester. He's the most condescending professor I have ever had. He expects way too much out of non-M.A. students who are only there to fulfill HNRS requirements and he makes it known that he holds a lot of people & things in contempt. Prepare to be bored & frustrated.
Talks down to you, then gives you things on tests he never taught or that are way past the level he tried to teach. Not helpful at all, there was no way any of us could have passed this class if he hadn't curved the grade
His lectures are so boring. only about 5% of class show up to lectures, and the lecture hall is packed with people on the day of the exam. He should wear different pants and shoes from time to time.
Clear teaching, not fascinating but informative.
Great teacher if you like going to class. It can get boring at times. Get an iclicker for extra credit points and if you write those questions down and study the book you will be okay :)
Excellent Professor one of the only ones who will help a student balance class and work. Will bend over backwards to help as long as you are helping yourself. Class is not for "sleepers" you must go and study
I truly liked his teaching style. If you listen in class and participate in the iclicker questions and write them down, then you will do good in this class. I did not find him boring at all, and I thought the class was interesting. I liked his films.I disagree with most of these evaluations. He made the class interesting and fun for me, and I le
His lectures are not too bad, but sometimes they get dull since he kinda reads off the powerpoint. He'll engage in discussion if you start it. Make sure to get an iclicker, it is how he grades class participation. Also, write down all of the iclicker questions, as every question on the tests was based on them. The book's not necessary.
I have never had a problem passing a class. But he does not cover the material he puts on the test, and he doesn't explain anything. He mainly talks about how smart he is.
DO NOT TAKE HIM i don't know if it's only me but his review is totally off also it's not well organized and if you send him an email asking him about the review he'll think that you didn't attend his class which it didn't help me b.c he was 2 boring i swear good luck if you guys already took him
Geller does sound like Kermit the Frog. Go to class, write down the extra credit questions (guaranteed to be on exams), read of the slides before the exam, and get a C+ at the worst. Labs are very lengthy and very "busy work" Drops lowest exam, Final Exam is the Hardest. Gives extra credit for people to come to class with iclicker
He is HARD! His exams are tricky. Study the iClicker questions presented in class (which helped a GREAT deal) and make sure to READ THE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY on each exam.
buy an i clicker, write down i clicker questions and do the exam review. that is all you have to do to get an A. dont even buy the book i never opened it.
Geller is pretty good. It might seem like he's trying to trick you with his iclicker questions, but they show up verbatim on his exams. On top of that, he doesn't assign homework! He's a good choice for a natural science professor.
I wouldn't buy the book. He has iclicker questions during class. During class, take notes on what is the correct answer for the questions. For the test, download the powerpoints off his website and look at your notes: you'll get an A. He's a really nice guy who likes his subject. He treats his students with respect and he's friendly.
Nice guy
The class before each exam he goes over a study guide with the same material that will be on the test. Copying down the iclicker questions and writing the answers in his study guie will definitely help on tests. He's not the easiest, but with some studying put in it's not a difficult class at all.
Take advantage of iclicker questions,write them down. Go over his study reviews and sample questions. If you do that, plus understand his powerpoint slides, then you will do absolutely fine! I regret not doing that in the beginning, if I could start over I would. Oh and do not procrastinate!
Great professor, I loved having him! Really passionate about astronomy, and will help if you dont understand a concept. Studying his iclicker questions is the easiest way to get a good grade. Highly recommended!
Dr. Geller really does love astronomy. You can tell. He really knows his stuff though sometimes his lectures could drag on but at least it was interesting material. Study iClicker questions because he gets lots of test questions off those or something similar to what you saw in class. I'd recommend him if you have any interest in astronomy.
I have to say that out of all my professors, he def. is not easy, but truly one of the most passionate teachers out there, he knows sooo much about Astr. & he helps u out if u need help, he is one of my fav professors, and hes a really sweet guy, he is the best for astronomy. :)
he's a nice guy and knows his stuff hard class
Dr. Geller had substituted for my Astr 113 class during an exam last semester, and I freaked out because he sounded so strict. He's actually a pretty laid back guy. He does iClickers for this class and doesn't care if you get them right or wrong. To be honest, I thought the clicker questions were helpful, because they ended up being on the final.
Great professor just focus on writing down and paying attention to the notes in his powerpoint and you'll do fine in his class.
He was fun to listen to, sometimes, and it is obvious that he loves and knows so much about astronomy but this was probably one of the hardest classes I've ever taken. Study guides don't help, they never have anything to do with the actual test. Don't skip cause you will fail.
SO much unnecessary work for a 100 level class. Tests were RIDICULOUSLY hard and your only grades in that class are your 3 tests, a final and your iclicker (which you only get points for if you go to class). AVOID IF YOU CAN.
This is for Energy and the Environment. There are two exams and the questions were taken verbatim from his i-clicker questions so you copy them you are guaranteed too ace the exams. The labs were a joke and the homework assignments were straightforward. If you do not get an A in this class you are a dumb ass.
Great professor. You go to class, take notes, study slides before tests, and you will get an A. Ignore the bad ratings, they were probably slackers. Do not buy the textbook, but you do need an i-clicker. Try not to laugh when he talks though. He sounds like Kermit the Frog.
You MUST go to class. iClicker questions are a large part of your grade, and you need to know them. Good professor, willing to help you outside of class. Be respectful to him, and he'll be respectful to you. Otherwise, all bets are off. No outside work - don't bother getting the textbook unless you want it just because.
Easy class. I don't get why that dude said there was a lot of work... there's absolutely no work to do. No HW, no labs, no projects, no papers, no class work, no nothing. Just go to class for the iClicker questions (it's basically free points), copy those questions and study question, there's 75% of the exam right there. Geller is a beast of a man.
Lectures are dull, but the class isn't too bad. Go to class and write down the iClicker questions. Download Anki (free computer program) and enter the questions after every class. Practice the questions on the program every day. It takes like 5 minutes and will pay off a lot; I thought that the tests were similar to the iClicker questions.
Very easy class and nice professor. Just go to class for the clicker questions because it counts as participation points. Write down every question because most will be on the tests. I took it as an elective and was happy with it. Very smart professor too. Don't buy the textbook because you will not need it.
Very nice professor. Go to class for iclicker because it is a LARGE portion of your grade. No other outside work, just 3 exams. Posts all notes online.
Easy class. DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOK. It will be a waste of your money. Just use notes off lectures.
Professor Geller is very enthusiastic about his subject, and though his lectures can get a bit boring, his tests are really easy. He goes through a practice exam before the real thing, and takes his questions straight from that. Iclicker questions are a big part of your grade, so make sure to do them.
Dr. Geller is awesome! Very passionate about his subjects, and that comes across. HNRT 227 itself was fairly easy, but the tests could be tricky.
Ok so basically this class is super easy. Somehow I got an A+ and the highest grade I got on any test was a 90%, I have to believe it was because of the iClicker. Go to class for the iClicker questions, they are a big part of the grade. Use the software Anki, this honestly helped me SO much. Lectures are kind of boring in my opinion though. EASY!!!
Geller is a tough grader, which SUCKS. doesn't matter if you try; if you're not thinking the way he is, you won't do well. he gets irritated easily too, which is annoying. he rushes through slides. hate that class.
I really really wanted to like this class. It was just so hard to keep up with all the material. I don't know why everyone said it was an easy class. I copied all the iclicker questions down and everything and yet still failed. It's a hard class even if you do all your work...But he's a great professor!
This class was one of my favorite! He's such a smart guy and so passionate about astrobiology. The tests are all iclicker questions and he gives you old midterm/final exams, which was always SO similar to the real ones! In-class grades are confusing and he never gives perfect scores on group work.. but I recommend him!! (Textbook not needed)
If you are not interested in Astrobiology, do NOT take this class. You will be miserable. He is a harsh grader. If you ask for help, he will not give you the time of day.
Good professor, very knowledgeable on the subject. He does grade the papers a little harsh, but they are not worth much. The lab that goes with this course is very easy and even fun sometimes.
Go to every class, copy every i-Clicker answers because you will see them on the exam. Sample exams are similar to the real ones but not close enough to help you get an A or even B+. Harsh grader on assignments... try to sound as analytic as possible and try to approach things from every possible angle in your papers. Good luck getting an A
This class is a little tough, If you study the study guides from his website, you should do well on the tests and everything you learn is in the textbook as well. He is very helpful when you talk to him, he doesn't want anybody to do terrible. He's very smart and passionate about astronomy. Also, the iclickers help your grade a lot.
I really like Astronomy prior to this class. And honestly, Geller kind of killed my passion for it. He just bogs down class with his stories from his research days. Granted they can be interesting, he just doesn't cover the information. Lectures are very boring, but he gives you a copy of the midterm and the final to study from.
Prof. Geller loves Astronomy. Which can be overwhelming at times, but is also very helpful because he ends up repeating all the theories and concepts several times. I-clicker questions are basically the test. ALL OF THOSE QUESTIONS APPEAR ON THE EXAMS. Take the class, very easy, and the professor is VERY helpful!!
Dr. Geller is fantastic! The questions he uses on his exams come directly from the iclicker questions in class (so write them down!) He clearly loves Astronomy, and readily gave me career advice when I spoke with him after class. Great guy, and an absolutely wonderful teacher. I learned so much from his class!
His tests are full of trick questions, the study guide is useless, and his lectures are impossible to follow.
(For Honors Energy and the Environment course). Well, to be honest, the class was a little dry, but Professor Geller seemed really into the material he was lecturing about, so that helped. You really only need the textbook for group work. Midterm and final largely based on PPT presentations. A few short write-ups here and there. Overall, easy A.
He goes on and on. Go to class and do the iclicker questions and take note of them. They make up the tests. That and the sample exam. Just actually read through the clicker questions and studyguides and you'll make it.
Took his Astrobiology Class. Not bad, boring lectures, a few homework assignments that he grades tough on, but there was only a midterm and final, and the "lab" was a 5 page paper. Yes, it's boring, but it gets your science req completed. Would recommend Geller for HNRT 228.
Only grades on tests, tests are not like study guides, and the final is impossible.
This guy is probably the most boring professor to walk the face of the earth. His lectures are painful to sit through, but you have to because he does iclicker questions. His tests aren't the worst thing ever but a little difficult and sometimes the practice exam questions are really far off from the actual exam material. Take a different elective.
His lectures are unclear at times. Attendance is mandatory to passing. Write the iClicker questions down. I can't tell you how many times I wished I'd written them down when I recognized an iClicker question on the test. His tests were quite difficult even after studying the practice exams and iClicker Qs. Don't buy/rent the textbook. Won't be used
Unfortunate that I paid $150 for a textbook which was not opened once. The only assignments are also tests which you must do well on, as they are what make up your grade.
Poor long lectures never went bcuz it was all on powerpoints, if you have someone to do your iclicker then your good but otherwise get ready for a boring class
He's smart, but he is horribly disrespectful to his students. He says textbooks are mandatory but aren't used, iClickers are. The tests are very easy. Classes are very boring. If you take this class and want an easy study session, go to Quizlet and look up quizlette340808, look at exam 3, theres a weebly link with help for all exams.
Definitely buy the iclicker because he uses that for attendance and all of the questions used will be on the test. I recommend taking pictures so you have all the choices. The big grades are the 4 tests, and it covers a lot of material. There is no discussion and he's really boring when he speaks. I took a 7:20-10pm class with him & it was awful.
Geller seems very passionate about what he does, but is not a good fit for teaching any sort of lower level class. He knows his stuff, but that makes it very difficult for you to learn. He is pretty condescending if a person does ask a question in class, so that also makes it very hard to understand such intricate topics you have to know.
This is an intro course that has uses an iClicker thing. 10% of the grade is based on that and the rest on tests. Textbook is optional as long as you know basic astronomy, I'm not sure if a beginner.
I got an A+. Do not buy the book. Use google and memorize all iclicker questions. (I took pictures) You must go to class and do the questions. He has old questions on his website under different class names reuses all the questions. Never got below a 92 on any of his exams. Joke of a class didn't learn anything. Minimal effort required to get an A.
Dr. Geller makes a point of giving you the necessary information to pass the exams and he is very enthusiastic about the subject matter! He reinforces knowledge with iclicker questions and he does not push new textbooks or iclickers! I bought an inexpensive iclicker which was completely acceptable. Listen, learn and enjoy. Wonderful prof!
Lectures were some of the most boring I've had. He told us to prepare for the exams by using in-class quizzes, but the midterm had things I'd never seen before. I'm a 4.0 student and prepared like I do for other classes, got a C on it. Pulled off a good grade in the end via the research paper. Not mean guy, just unreliable. Wouldn't take again.
This class was incredibly boring. Your final grade comes only from 3 exams and your final. The lectures go up online before hand but if you go to class and answer the iClicker questions you can get extra credit. I recommend going to class and copying the iClicker questions and answer, the exams are the questions word for word.
Professor Geller has a monotone voice so his lectures are boring. Class is also long so it is hard to stay focused when all of the information is jumbled in one lecture. You have to do a lot of outside work and studying in order to do well in this class. Must go to class to get iclicker points. Overall, very hard 100 level class.
All exams require heavy studying in order to pass - especially the iclicker questions. Make sure to write down all questions and answers and study those as much as possible. Lectures are incredibly boring and long, with no breaks. Being distracted is bad, because you will likely miss something important. Most answers aren't easy, usually unclear.
Lectures are long and fairly boring; a lot of info in his lectures, but most of it you don't need to know. The only grades are exams and iClicker participation. To do well, you need to go to class and copy down the questions/answers as that is what the tests are comprised of. If you study them, the tests aren't that hard. Don't buy the textbook.
Wish he had more graded assignments. Lectures were long and not the helpful. Most of the iClicker questions are things that will be on the test.
Geller is not the most interesting professor (long lectures) but he truly does give you everything you need to be prepared for the tests. Do the study guides and look at the old tests and you're golden. Also, come to class to get participation points w. the iClicker questions! Study, come to class, and you're destined for an A!
Prof. Gellar speaks in a very monotonous voice so the lectures can seem like a drag at times. He covers a lot in his lectures but just focus on the iClicker questions because those will be on the exam. An easy way to keep up with his lectures and the questions is to print of the lectures slides from his website and just write down the questions.
If you are an introvert, take Prof Geller for HNRS353. Honors classes usually require a lot of presentations but Geller makes it very informal. Lectures are okay and it's important to do iClicker Questions even though these were not on the midterm. Final is take home but the essay was very tedious to write- 6000 words min! Would take again
take pics of the iClicker questions because he puts those on the test, word for word! It also counts for extra credit if you participate with that. It's tempting to skip because he's so god awful and boring but if you do, you'll miss test questions/answers (a real catch 22).
Professor Geller is a sad, monotone, and probably depressed man. His class is boring, he is an uninspired astronomer, NOTHING like Carl Sagan to say the least. No real extra credit, full of bull iclicker questions that are on the exam, you cannot see them unless in class. 3 tests, 1 final (cumulative). Hes not worth taking.
I'm sure Professor Geller is a really nice guy outside of class but in class he's extremely boring. If you want an A, don't buy the book, go to class, write down the iclicker questions and answers (answer them in class using the quizlets posted online!), and study those for the exams. Your grade consists of iclickers, three exams, and a final exam.
Boring class. You need to come to class and answer questions using iclicker. He puts all of his notes online and puts up review sheets. I know I could've done better if I tried harder, but the class always put me to sleep.
Prof. Gellar is a kind and genuine person but his lectures are not very intriguing. The textbook is not necessary; answer the iClickers, take photos of them and record the answer (iClickers are both mandatory and extra credit). He uses his own website and doesn't send out emails so remember test days. Study his past tests, iClickers, and Quizlet.
The only things graded are three tests and a final, as well as iClicker questions which are for a grade and can be extra credit. Sitting through the class is pretty boring but worth it for the extra credit points.
Don't miss iclicker questions and seriously study the old exams he puts on his website. Get used to checking his website for grades not blackboard. Unapproachable, but seemingly flexible if extenuating circumstances call for retakes.
If you're interested in astrobiology, definitely take this class. Dr. Geller is very knowledgeable about almost everything related to astrobiology - I learned so much. The final is take home, but there is a 6000+ word term paper. Easy class, would recommend
Almost the entire grade is made up of exams with 10% being iclicker participation in class. You have to study a lot for each exam or you will not pass.
Professor Gellers class is pretty straightforward. Come to class, do the iClicker questions to get participation grade, study them for the exam, and youre good.
A class you can sort of nod off in as long as you're keeping track of the iClicker questions in class - they appear on the test. If you want to pay attention, great! If you don't, great!
It is just a very lecture heavy class. Come to class every time because you get a participation grade for Iclicker Questions. Graded on 3 tests (50 multiple choice), iclicker participation, and a final (100 multiple choice)! If you complete the study guides/ practice questions you will do well on the tests!
No homework, class attendance is pretty much mandatory for your own good as you need to answer questions on your iClicker that count for a grade and a lot of those same exact iClicker questions are on the exam (even though he says they r not at the beginning of the semester, memorizing them is helpful). Boring class and he is unapproachable.
For being a 100 level class, this was a tough one. Geller is an extremely intelligent guy, but he almost expects you to know about astronomy, even if you don't. There are 3 tests that are 50 questions each, and a final that is 100 questions. Uses iClicker to ask questions as well as a way to take attendance.
A sweetheart, hes super smart and pretty much the only professor who is able to dumb it down for gen ed students taking a science class who arent necessarily STEM skilled. Attendance is key (though all PowerPoints are online) because of the iClicker questions being the only grades you can earn aside from the 3 tests and final.
I did not like taking this professor. I attended almost every class and participated in the iclickers, but it really was not interesting for me. People interested in astronomy or science might like it more. You dont really need the textbook. If you do the work youll be fine.
Easy Class. Show up to class to do the Iclicker questions since that is 10% of your grade. You can find all the answers on the various quizlets posted online. Study those same quizlets for the 4 exams he has. Cake class; he curves a ton at the end!
All lectures with iclicker questions for 10% of grade and some extra credit points. Most of grade comes from 3 tests and final, he provides study guides with questions that are on the test verbatim so just fill those out and you'll do fine. Never even opened the textbook so don't bother. Showing up helps but PPTs are online too.
Show up to class and half-pay attention and you'll do great. He's an interesting professor and usually opened up class with 15 minutes of his twitter feed (sounds lame, but was actually kinda fun and it killed time). Cares about the students and science. Pretty easy A.
Dr. Geller is an extremely experienced astronomy and physics professor. He has authored and co-authored several books, and is definitely an expert in the fields he teaches. The exam questions are the iClicker questions, so come to class, copy down or take pictures of the iClicker questions, study them before exams, and you'll do fine.
Geller will you teach facts about everything around you. This class isn't just about the stars are planets its also about realizing your place in an ever expanding universe filled with many mysteries. He is not like your traditional blackboard BS teacher just collecting a check. Geller has a passion and he is giving it out through knowledge. 5/5
There are 4 tests each worth 22.5% and participation worth 10% based on Iclicker questions during lectures. He is extremely boring and horribly rude. Beware of test days as he is extremely moody. His only redeeming factor is that his tests have a study guide that he goes over the class before. Study the study guide and you'll do decently.
Dr. Geller is very passionate about ASTR. This is an easy A class. His lectures are boring but be sure to attend them because he gives iclicker questions and the tests are literally made of iclicker questions. Dont waste your time studying the ppt slides. Just study the iclicker. Watch out for tests dates cause he does not send reminders.
Dr. Geller is very knowledgeable about Astronomy. His lectures are long & boring but it will prepare you for his tests. Go to class, participate(10% of the grade) & write his iclicker questions. His exams are made of iclicker questions. There are 4 multiple choice exam(90% of the grade). He curves the final grade. Easiest choice for non lab science
You will pass this class if you try to pay attention to what he says.
His class is an easy A class. His tests are actually made up with iClicker questions. Some questions on the tests are from the study guide or either from his sample tests. So just study those things instead of your notes. You'll do fine on them if you do that. There's a required textbook for the class but I never used it. So don't buy it.
Geller uses his own website for updates in place of blackboard, which can be annoying. outside of that, bog-standard lecture class.
You can see immediately how knowledgeable he is and he tries to explain everything in a fun way. Sometimes the class feels long and boring. You need an iClicker (worth 10% of the grade & 3% extra credit) 2 quizzes and a final. (30% each). 75% of the test questions are the same as the iClicker ones so thats kind of like extra credit.
Professor Geller is very well respected and good when it comes to teaching. The lectures can get heavy from time to time, but the iClicker questions are your best friends. Take pictures/notes of all questions and their answers; most will for sure appear on any exam (4). Overall, pretty easy class as long as you study the iClicker questions! :)
Prof. Geller is a chill dude. The class itself was really easy. You need an iClicker for class participation which makes up 10% of your grade + 3% of extra credit. All the iClicker questions are on quizlet and the majority of questions on exams are directly from the iClicker questions. Literally study quizlet and youll be fine.
I was hesitant to take this class because of the reviews but the class wasn't that bad. There are 2 exams and iClicker questions that make up your grade. The textbook isn't required and the iClicker questions are on quizlet so you should write down the iClicker questions and answers as he goes through them because you'll see them again on exams.
Professor only relies on powerpoints for teaching of method. You have to buy the iClicker course, Exam 1 was alright, but for Exam 2 he used Mcat questions, like what?? I can say no one was prepared for that, truthfully. It is really "a man for himself" situaition for this, can only rely on yourself for learning all the course. Mastering phys req.
(Adjunct at AU) Very lecture and test heavy but I didn't mind it to be honest - exams were mostly iclicker questions so review those and you'll be fine. Otherwise, he is a bit eccentric but cares about the subject matter and he grew on me, not gonna lie.
Textbook not required. Available free online. Mastering physics ($130) required for HW. Iclicker required ($15). Attendance not mandatory. Exam 1 and 2 are hard. Exam 2 had MCAT(fluids) questions. Final exam had many repeated questions from exam 1, exam 2, and iclicker questions.
He's likable BUT doesn't teach. He races through ppts that rarely cover test material. Exam 1 was ok, exam 2 class avg was 40! Exams have a big math component, but he doesn't actually teach how to apply equations. Use the tutor, study iclicker and be prepared to teach yourself. Get a head start learning the book chapters thru khan or youtube.
A paradox. Likable guy who could teach but clearly chooses not to. You'll have to teach yourself, he won't be helping you any. The class isn't that hard once you figure out how it works. If you just need to check the box for this class but don't want to actually learn anything, you can definitely do that in his section.
Does not teach. Physics is hard, and to succeed you need to study and have clear guidance. Instead of teaching, he shows random videos to fill time. It's clear that he does not care, then doesn't understand why the class avg is 40%. So frustrating. I do not feel prepared for the second physics class. If you take this class, you're on your own.
This class was SO HARD. Didn't really teach much during class and would just show examples. He also assigned a lot of homework and it would pile up a lot because the deadlines would just be one after the other. He also didn't even use blackboard to show grades or feedback!!!!
He's a nice guy but his class is not engaging at all. All I remember is that the class was on energy consumption (I think). If you are not completely interested in the topic do not take him for additional honors credit.
A quirky guy, no doubt. He'll tell stories that are related to astronomy but not the class. Grading was 90% exams (3 exams + 1 cumulative final, all scantron) and 10% iClickers for attendance. Best part is that exam questions are literally the same as the iClicker q's, so study those. Lectures are all slideshow, so it gets dry. But he's a nice man.
YOU ARE TEACHING YOURSELF IN THIS COURSE. Professor Geller assigns back-to-back homework that takes hours to complete. The homework questions do not represent what you will see on the test. The second test had random MCAT questions thrown in. I did not retain any information. If you have to take PHYS 244, please do NOT take this professor.
I'm not sure why he has two identical pages for ratings, but let me tell you. Every 2-3 days, he'd assign homework on Pearson that was ridiculously long and had no correlation to any of the exams and that's over 80 dollars! You'd have to teach yourself b/c he reads off the slides and can't give any of his own examples. Go to a new teacher, please.
Dr. Geller is a great professor, but be ready for some boring lectures. Also, for homeowork he uses a website called Pearsons, and it needs an access code. Some of us were having trouble logging into that website which prevented us from doing our homework. He did not offer any partial credit for the homeworks we missed due to this issue
DON'T TAKE HIM. He teaches something, ask something else on homework and ask something else on exam. The lectures are bad and the homework is impossible to understand. He is really not helping and the exams are always hard to pass. The textbook is are like for mastering student in physics. If you want a C or D then take him.
He makes you pay for the homework website (80 dollars) and the textbook (100 dollars). He is rude when he emails. He is boring in the lectures. He refuses to give you your grades and he told me to calculate it myself using the syllabus. Don't take his physics classes.
DON'T TAKE HIM. You need to pay to get access to the HW/iClicker. Neither of these are helpful for the exams. The HW takes way too long and it is over complicated/doesn't make any sense. All he does is read off really long power points and there is never enough time to finish it, so he rushes through. You will end up teaching yourself everything.
This class was awful. The study guides don't help prepare for tests and neither do the lectures. The average on the second test was a 42%. He goes off topic a lot, which makes it so we can't get through the lecture slides due to the short class period. He doesn't grade anything until the end of the semester, so you have no idea what your grade is.
Honestly, I didn't learn anything in this class but the recitation saved my grade. I had to pay $80 to do the hw, paid $169 for the textbook, and I had to pay for the iClicker subscription. The homework's were long and complicated which was a waste of MY money. Take a different professor.
He refuses to grade anything until the end of the semester so you have no idea if you are passing. He makes his own tests but not his own study guides so you can't properly study for his exams. There is a lot of homework and they don't make any sense. And forget about trying to ask him a question in lecture, he is rude and he won't answer it.
It is a miracle I passed. He does not care at all and it is painfully obvious. If you want to learn nothing and spend an absurd amount of time doing homework that does not help you on the midterms/final, take this class! Save yourself the stress and take literally any other professor.
I got a 72 on the first exam and 30 on the second exam. Not sure how I did on the final but it was good enough for me to get a B. HW is graded on completion, so that's a free 10%. Recitation and iclickers should also add free 10% each to your grade.
I really do not know what is going on right now and I am failing. Averages for both exams so far were about 50 and 58...
Dr. Geller's teaching method is rather unremarkable at best, reading off of slides and occasionally elaborating on a few things if you're lucky. More or less you'll be dependent on the base knowledge taught by said slides to do your 2 exams + final. If you want to actually learn and not memorize off of slideshows, choose a different professor.
Geller does not care if you live or d**, much less if you pass his class. Your entire grade depends on 2 exams and a final. He is condescending and unapproachable. And aggressive. I would never take him again. The only reason I was in his class is because he was the only professor available. This man needs to retire asap.
He's really boring and wasn't very helpful when I asked questions or during office hours. If you're good at self studying it's not a horrible class because the exams weren't outrageous. I strongly suggest doing the recommended homework and paying attention during recitation. He stopped making people buy the homework software so that's a plus.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
47%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.51 avg changeRatings by Course
HONORS227
5.0
(1)ASTRO113
5.0
(2)111
4.5
(2)ASTR302
4.5
(2)AST101
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
ASTRO111
5.0
ATSR113
5.0
AST113
5.0
PHYS243
4.2
ASTRONOMY111
4.0