2.7

Ilijas Farah

Mathematics - York University - Keele Campus

2.7
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
43%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
2.7
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
2.6
Clarity

43%

Would Retake

95

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

25

4

11

3

12

2

12

1

35

What Students Say

Cannot teach analysis

MATH2001 - 2.0 rating

because he is horrible

MATH2022 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

24%

Textbook Required

95%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 18 grades
Most common grades:
A (7)
A+ (4)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(11)B(0)C(1)D(4)F(2)A-/B+(3)
Based on 28 reported grades
A: 7
A+: 4
Not sure yet: 4
B+: 3
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Tough Grader (6)
Lecture heavy (5)
Gives good feedback (4)
Respected (4)
Test heavy (4)
Tough grader (4)
Get ready to read (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.42 avg change
Dec
Jan
Jun
Jan
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1090LOGIC

5.0

(1)

MOD666

5.0

(1)

MATH2090

4.5

(6)

2090

4.3

(3)

3260

4.0

(1)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1025

5.0

MATH4160

5.0

CSE1019

5.0

MATH1025

4.5

MATH

4.5

Reviews (95)
4.0
3.0
2090
Feb 12, 2003

No Comments

1.0
5.0
MATH
Feb 20, 2003

Not Mtah, but Mess

5.0
4.0
MATH2090
Mar 9, 2003

Great Prof.! Great Notes! Hard tests :(

3.0
4.0
MATH2090
Apr 3, 2003

No Comments

5.0
2.0
MATH2090
Apr 17, 2003

Very nice prof. He follows Brettlers method but he's WAY better than Brettler.

4.0
1.0
MATH2090
Jun 2, 2003

easy quizes; hes a good guy, just needs to realize that most of 2090 students arent math majors

4.0
3.0
2090
Aug 21, 2003

Was a good teacher to me because you dont have to write any notes, you just save or loot at the slides. Faire exams, i you are taking 2090 go with him!

4.0
2.0
MATH2221
Dec 12, 2003

Great prof, u just need to listen to him in class, once you write down his notes, u hardly look at them after. Tests are based on homework questions. Make sure u can distinguish "cross" from "plus", don't come and class late and leave

4.0
3.0
3260
Feb 26, 2004

Hes a good guy. I like him! His exams are easy, so future students of his class, don't stress over him!

5.0
3.0
2090
May 6, 2004

Very good teacher, tried to make logics as clear as possible.

5.0
2.0
MATH2090
Jun 3, 2004

Very helpful prof, fair marker. If he gives a hard midterm, expect an easy final exam. Explains hard concepts in great detail, unlike other profs. I would recommend him over most other profs who teach MATH2090.

5.0
4.0
MATH2090
Jun 21, 2004

Very helpful, patient, understanding, clear, organized, and well prepared for the lectures. Expect a great learning environment from this professor. Ask as many relevant questions as you like to get good grades. Encourages and awards class participation.

5.0
2.0
MATH1090
Jun 21, 2004

Encourages and awards class participation. Very reasonable, helpful, and great teaching ethics. Expect a fun and challenging learning experience. Tough assignments, not very tough final tests.

3.0
2.0
MATH1090
Nov 4, 2004

He is good, but as a logic professor, he is confused just like logic.

1.0
5.0
MATH4160
Apr 29, 2005

No Comments

4.0
3.0
MATH1090
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 24, 2005

He's a good prof for Logic Math. Comes well prepared and helpful ! Just one problem tho, he has terrible handwritings. So make sure you put on 2 pairs of glasses before attending his class :P

5.0
3.0
1090LOGIC
Jan 10, 2006

He is a great teacher, very helpful and friendly. Don't come late and you'll be ok. Logic is tough but I enjoyed this class very much

3.0
4.0
MATH1019
Mar 28, 2006

Go to the class befor 5 minuts. He teaches well, but u have to review his notes. He makes test really hard. Study hard... good luck

4.0
3.0
MATH1019
Apr 14, 2006

always tried to help students and tried to answer students' questions. some of the questions in his assignments were reasonable. q's in midterms and an final exam were challening but as long as you study hard you could get a very decent grade.

5.0
3.0
MATH1019
Apr 25, 2006

his class was always interesting and he was very helpful. his tests were challenging but okay if you studied.

3.0
4.0
MATH1090
Apr 16, 2008

Logic is a difficult course. The book, I felt could have been much better. Our class average was failing going into the final exam. We had formed a study group and he actually attended two of them. He is usually available and I always got a response from his emails. Just expect to spend a lot of time with logic.

3.0
2.0
MATH1520
Mar 5, 2009

Had him for Calculus, with Vectors-had the final just this past week. Someone who SUCKS at Math and failed grade 12 Calc 2 and half years ago miserably (me), if I was able to put in the effort and get a B average I'm sure any one else can. Tests aren't crazy hard but you will need to put in the effort for sure.

5.0
3.0
MATH1510
Mar 24, 2011

very understanding & always willing to help. don't chit chat in class or you'll sorta regret it. overall very interesting course, just follow the suggested exercise & remember anyone can pass with practice!

2.0
5.0
MATH1090
May 7, 2011

He teaches a three hour class with no breaks b/c he wants to get out of there ASAP. The lectures are basically him copying the text book onto the black board in his terrible hand writing. Rarely puts things into context, does not like questions being asked in class, and does not bell curve no matter how bad the marks are.

2.0
4.0
MATH1510
Jun 7, 2011

He does not teaches with clarity. His accent is hard to understand. Not really helpful and understanding.

2.0
4.0
MATH1510
Jun 20, 2011

By the end of the term, more than 60% of class dropped his course because of his teaching. I didn't undertand a thing.

2.0
4.0
MATH1510
Nov 27, 2011

Professors writing is small/illegible. Rushes through everything, when asked to explain, it?s mostly done with a condescending demeanor. His tests are substantially harder than the h/w ¾ of the class failed badly. Same course was taken w/ different Prof and tests were way easier, finished w/ A , yet failed his test. Avoid this Prof, not the course.

4.0
3.0
MATH1510
Jun 9, 2012

I found this prof pretty nice and extremely organized. Come to every class, do all your homework and you'll be fine!

2.0
4.0
MATH1019
Apr 7, 2013

Illegible writing, rushed teaching, and unclear notes. I didn't learn much and his tests...don't even get me started... :'(

2.0
4.0
MATH1019
Aug 30, 2013

Worst Proffessor. Learned nothing from lectures, I had to read the textbook to understand the material as his lecture was confusing and his handwritting is terrible. AVOID HIM IF YOU CAN.

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Feb 5, 2014

This guy is the worst prof for math 1025. Not to mention his rude behaviour, but he has NO INTEREST in helping a student. Hes not very approachable either, he'll make you feel like an idiot even though you arent one. Has no passion about teaching, just stands there and says word from word from his garbage ppts. AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS.

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Feb 7, 2014

Prof is a very unapproachable person as he really does not care about the students . In addition, he does have a very roud behaviour to some students. Not recommended for math 1025.

5.0
4.0
MATH
Feb 13, 2014

I love this professor! Great at explaining math!!Learned a lot!

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Mar 7, 2014

This professor is the worst professor I ever had. You'll understand more if you dont listen to him. You want good grades? Study on your own and dont go to his class!!

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Mar 30, 2014

dont take math 1025 with him. You will gain nothing and waste money. no calculators allowed nd only 45 mins allowed on a test tht has negative marking. he shouldn't be teaching any course at york, i hope york looks into his ratings/evaluations nd takes actions, bcuz hes being paid 100k+ to just stand there nd read words off of ppt and fail students

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Mar 30, 2014

this prof should lose his job. hes getting paid for a job that he doesn't even do properly.

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 2, 2014

His test suck, you can get negative marks and it can kill your grade. He seems lost when he's teaching and really is annoying when people talk during class. He stops his class and that's just a waste of time and he's got such a big ego. I would not want to take lin alg ever again.

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 2, 2014

Stir away from him, worst math prof at york

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 2, 2014

Stay away from this guy! What kind of professor deduct marks on multiple choice part! York should considering firing him!

2.0
5.0
1025
Apr 10, 2014

didn't like the way he taught math, plus you have true/false on a math test -.- who puts true/false on a math test. Dont take him unless you ABSOLUTELY have to. Assignments are hard. course breakdown is okay, 2 tests each 20%, 20% assignments, 40% exam.

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 15, 2014

He sucks at teaching

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 16, 2014

The rating explains everything

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 16, 2014

The school is spending our money to this guy! I rather throw my money away then. He cant teach, just read the slides and earn like more the 50K a year. A waste a money in this class

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 16, 2014

Watching youtube videos are way better than listen to this guy!!!!

2.0
5.0
1025
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Apr 18, 2014

I dont get this prof. He never responds on email properly, and will never tell you about the format of tests or anything about the test. If you ask him about it, he'll give you the weirdest answer. DONT take any course with him, better off with another prof. He doesnt want you to do good!!

1.0
5.0
1025
Grade: F
Apr 27, 2014

poor prof!!!!!!!

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Grade: D
Apr 27, 2014

He doesnt know how to teach. Tests are somewhat hard but the final exam was really hard. IMO, stay away from this guy if you want to learn and get good grades. No one enjoyed his lectures or found the lectures interesting. He made me hate math.

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Apr 29, 2014

This guy has a rude attitude towards student. Makes me hate this class so much

3.0
1.0
MATH1025
May 6, 2014

In terms of teaching he is an average Prof ,he teaches by slides so you have what he said word by word , exams exactly like the homework . I don't find him rude and I liked that he start remembering me after a while

3.0
2.0
MATH1025
May 6, 2014

Things I like: Easy test and ridiculously easy exam, its possible to get A+ in this course Things I hate: Textbook- opensource book doesn't explains anything but rather confused me(had to rely on youtube and google)

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
May 6, 2014

Cant say for everyone but i dont find this professor is good at teaching, makes me really confusing in class

1.0
5.0
MATH1025
Jun 4, 2014

he is terrible

1.0
3.0
MATH1025
Grade: B+
Jun 23, 2014

Useless Prof! Thankful the textbook was Lyryx. Weekly labs over and over again until you get the highest mark you can get and that's 20% of the grade. Each test is 20% each and final exam 40%. He doesn't have his own lecture slides it's all from Lyryx. I stopped paying attention in lectures, Lyryx was good enough for me and I got B+ grade!

5.0
3.0
MOD666
Jul 11, 2014

Prof Farah is awesome!

5.0
1.0
MATH1021
Nov 6, 2014

Great Prof! Amazing lectures, and gives proof to the theorems in a clear way. Show up in the class and do the problems, then you'll get a good grade.

2.0
5.0
MATH1021
Nov 27, 2014

Explanations were rushed because it was all "uploaded to the slides" (which some had mistakes in them). Were told not to take notes because it was all online. Very hard to follow and there wasn't an obvious distinction between lessons. Felt like one long lesson. Would not recommend!!

1.0
5.0
MATH1019
Jan 26, 2015

Horrible professor. Very rude attitude. Tests are extremely hard. Avoid at all costs!

5.0
1.0
MATH1019
Apr 22, 2015

He's a nice guy!

3.0
5.0
MATH1021
May 17, 2015

Really good teacher. Will sometimes go quickly past some slides but a real good teacher still. Tests are hard, there always seems to be one question that you mess up on and get a zero lol. The assignments need to be on a better (easier) site though. Webassign would be much easier because you would actually learn parts that you don't know.

5.0
1.0
MATH1021
Grade: A+
Dec 20, 2015

He has cute ears.

5.0
2.0
MATH1021
Dec 20, 2015

For the most part, he taught the course extremely well. The slides were presented and taught beautifully. He is always willing to answer questions big or small, whether it be during the lectures or after class. You can tell how passionate Prof. Farah is when it comes to linear algebra, and he most likely follows suit with his other classes.

5.0
2.0
MATH1021
Dec 20, 2015

great professor, makes very clear exactly what to expect on tests. Accent is very light and doesn't affect teaching quality. very difficult to fail.

5.0
3.0
MATH1021
Dec 20, 2015

He's a great prof who knows what he's talking about when you ask him questions. Answers questions while giving lecture and is very helpful. Would definitely have him again as a prof.

2.0
4.0
MATH1021
Dec 21, 2015

This course would not have been as hard if there was a better prof teaching it. When he talks, it's hard to understand and he talks a bit too fast. When people asked him questions, he sometimes didn't know how to answer and he expects you to know most of the material on your own. He just taught off the slides. If you're in this class, good luck!

4.0
3.0
MATH1021
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2015

Pros: very knowledgable, responds to questions, is available outside of class and explains things very clearly, tests are straight forward Cons: very few examples done in class, the assignments are an incredibly inefficient method of learning. Practice the suggested problems from the text if you want to learn/want a good grade

2.0
5.0
MATH2001
Dec 27, 2015

Cannot teach analysis. Offers no intuition on the subject, assigns hard homework and writes up hard tests. Failed 80% of class in first test, then changed grading scheme mid-semester.... Assumed two first chapters were "covered" in a prereq., whereas they were just touched upon, not covered. Bad, bad teacher. Do yourself a favour. Stay away.

5.0
3.0
MATH1021
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2016

Great Professor. If you attend lectures and review the matter before lectures, do homework, then his explanations will be clear for you, and you will pass the course. He is smart, he is ready to help if you ask, and he is patient with students))) It was pleasure to learn from him. Thanks.

1.0
5.0
CSE1019
Jul 1, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This prof made me hate my life as a university student. His tests were hard assignments were hard and exam was killer. he is very disorganized and his hand writing no comment.

1.0
5.0
MATH2001
Aug 10, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Cant explain anything, hard assignments, writes everything on board unclearly (no slides at all) and only the first two rows can see it. If you are someone used to study by yourself, you are not gonna make it for this course unless you have 150+ IQ. Text book is old, didn't not explain well. If you wanna take 2001 at York, he surely is not the best

3.0
5.0
MATH1021
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2016
Would take again

tests were fair, exam was brutal

1.0
5.0
MATH2022
Grade: C
Mar 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

worst prof for 2022, avoid as much as possible. will not prep you for tests, but prep you to learn "linear algebra" and gets upset when he has to bellcurve for being a terrible instructor.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
MATH2022
Apr 12, 2017
Would take again

Amazing Prof. Gives you review sheets before a test and the final exam. He takes the question for the tests right from the review sheets. He is a very nice and helpful prof.

Gives good feedback
Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
1.0
5.0
MATH2022
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

HORRIBLE. DOES NOT WANT YOU TO PASS. IF HE DID HE WOULD DO A BETTER JOB AT WRITTING HIS TEST. DO NOT TAKE THIS PROF. HORRIBLE.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
MATH2022
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

he clearly does not care about his students succeeding. he does not follow the textbook at all.. you can study the whole textbook and do the exercises and still fail his midterm. because he is horrible.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
MATH1021
Nov 4, 2017
Would take again

An amazing professor. Tough, but if you put in the effort you will learn a lot. I really recommend him and throroughly enjoyed his class! His handwriting isn't too bad either

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
1.0
4.0
MATH1021
Grade: F
Nov 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I found he went too fast. Often stumbled over his own words and part way through a problem would realize he messed up and then mumble the solution to himself. I did not like his class at all and found it to be one of my least favourite at York. This class was one of the main reasons I changed my major.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
5.0
MATH1021
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

For one, he makes alot of mistakes when explaining things and is not very good at explaining either. If you do take his class, make sure to do all the "suggested excercises" in the textbook - thats the only reason why i got a good mark.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
MATH1021
Grade: B+
Dec 18, 2017
Would take again

The professor was quite helpful with class. He was always accessible outside class and at the same time he helps you will any problem you might have during your studies process. I remember emailing him really late a day before our midterm and he reached at me few minutes after. Also always finds a solution if the class isnt doing well

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Would take again
1.0
4.0
MATH1021
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 31, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He was not very clear when explaining concepts, he wouldn't do many examples and he would skip over a lot of material. Tests are hard. Would not recommend this prof.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Tests are tough
1.0
5.0
MATH1021
Jan 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Wasn't helpful at all. During his lectures he would skip steps in examples. If you asked him to show the steps that he skipped he would say, "he doesn't want to embarrass himself" and do them, so he wouldn't even show it. He always made his own mistakes while teaching the lesson too.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
5.0
MATH1019
Mar 2, 2018
Would take again

VERY DIFFICULT. But if you put in the work, he's amazing. Definitely one of the best at York.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
MATH1021
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The most unfit and overrated member of YorkU Math Dep, who makes imprudent and rudely witty remarks in response to students' questions, discredits student's claims in the most disrespectful way and has no regard whatsoever for whether others can follow him or not. Horrible lecturing skills, painfully illegible handwriting. Just AVOID HIM!!!!!!!!!!!

Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
MATH1021
Grade: A
Dec 30, 2020
Would take again

In my experience, Professor Farah was a nice guy who really wanted his students to succeed and went out of his way to respond to emails and answer student's questions as quickly as possible. He is definitely one of the better math profs at York! Exams can be a little tough, but if you pay attention and do the work, you should do well in his class.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Caring
1.0
5.0
MATH2001
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

So here's the thing. He sometimes makes not so nice remarks to some students questions. Not a bad guy though but that's not enough. he can't teach. Sit in his class and you can't understand anything. I knew that I was gonna fail his class by the second lecture. What I'm trying to say bro is RUN THE OTHER WAY!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH2001
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He gave low grade.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
MATH2001
Oct 26, 2021
Would take again

For a very hard course, he has done a pretty solid job of teaching the concepts of this course. The midterm test was based on the textbook questions, so he made the questions pretty fair.

1.0
4.0
MATH2001
Dec 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Course was a borderline disaster. Included conflict of interest peer-review assignments, midterm was avg 30%, first assignment median of 12%, doesn't finish proofs in class, the list goes on... I'll give him the benefit of the doubt maybe he's good in other courses, but not in single variable real analysis, run for your life

5.0
4.0
MATH2001
Grade: A
Jan 7, 2022
Would take again

This professor was very accommodating and he curves your marks. The first assignment and the midterm might have been a struggle for some people, but he go overs what we need to know and he tries his best to shift the average so it is higher for people. For a hard course, he has been a good prof to have.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
MATH2001
Grade: A
Jun 28, 2022
Would take again

Real Analysis was a good course to take with Professor Farah. He goes through the definitions, theorems, and proofs clearly and is available to explain any concepts.

Participation matters
Group projects
Caring
3.0
4.0
MATH1021
Grade: A+
Jan 4, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Farah is kinda snarky. His accent and handwriting may be hard to decipher, but his lectures are crucial. A lot is covered in each, so don't skip. Do the textbook problems listed in the syllabus, they reflect the questions in both midterms and the final. He cares about your understanding of the content more than if you pass.

Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
MATH1021
Grade: B+
Jan 15, 2025
Would take again

some didn't like him, but I found him decent and kind. his midterms (2) were almost identical to the practice tests, w just different numbers and a few hard Lyryx questions. do good on the midterms (from the practice tests) bc thats is what kept my grade up even bc of the exam. bc final exam was tough bc there was no practice test for it.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH1021
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 23, 2025

No. Just no. Run. Go take Michkine.

Tough grader
5.0
2.0
MATH1090
Grade: A+
May 14, 2025
Would take again

Great professor and loved attending his lectures and participating. That is basically all I did (in addition to HW) and got an A+. Straightforward when it comes to exams, so no surprises. You get a lot out of participating and practicing together.

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
MATH1090
Dec 2, 2025

Absolutely horrible teacher.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
MATH1090
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2025

This professor's lectures are very heavy. His midterm was also very hard. He does NOT give partial marks at all. His final exam was actually very easy. As a professor, he's not bad.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

24%

Textbook Required

95%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 18 grades
Most common grades:
A (7)
A+ (4)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(11)B(0)C(1)D(4)F(2)A-/B+(3)
Based on 28 reported grades
A: 7
A+: 4
Not sure yet: 4
B+: 3
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Tough Grader (6)
Lecture heavy (5)
Gives good feedback (4)
Respected (4)
Test heavy (4)
Tough grader (4)
Get ready to read (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.42 avg change
Dec
Jan
Jun
Jan
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1090LOGIC

5.0

(1)

MOD666

5.0

(1)

MATH2090

4.5

(6)

2090

4.3

(3)

3260

4.0

(1)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1025

5.0

MATH4160

5.0

CSE1019

5.0

MATH1025

4.5

MATH

4.5

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