Awesome professor, no homework 3 tests and a final where the questions on the final are from the first three tests. I really suggest taking him if you need a science credit or need An elective!

Mr. James is one of my favorite professor that I have taken at Santa Fe. He makes the class really interesting and you will learn a lot. The class is a few quizzes, and 4 tests. Just go everyday and enjoy the class.

I was bound to flunk, had a lot going on at the time, and was barely paying attention in class. He pulled me aside and asked me how I was doing, let me know what I should do to pass, and was soooo incredibly understanding. This is guy is amazing. Definitely one of Santa Fe's most underrated professors.

I took this class a few semesters ago with Prof. Weichold and he was awesome! I enjoyed the topics so much, I actually changed my major to geology and got into UF to study it! Thanks, Jim!

At first he did come off as tough but soon after I found out he isn't he just try to scare you a little. Good teacher; fair grader; easy class to pass if you show up. 3 tests and a final which was writing about what you learned in the class and 1 paper. Gives you 5 minutes after every test to compare with other people. Interesting subject; no book.

Hands down one of my favorite professors so far at Santa Fe. He's extremely passionate about what he teaches. He got me so interested in astronomy that I'm greatly considering switching my major. Show up to class, take notes, and you'll have no problems passing the class.

if you even had the smallest, tiniest interest in anything related to astronomy, this is where you need to be. not taking this class will be a mistake. It's one of those classes where it's incredibly interesting, you learn so much, and you don't ever have to stress over it. A very easy A, but you will also leave the class inspired & mindblown

Jim is hands down the greatest teacher I have had at Santa Fe. He is Hilarious, and his lectures are super interesting. He gives you EXACTLY what you need to study for the 3 tests and 1 final exam. And if you pay attention in class studying isn't even really necessary. It's almost impossible to get less than a B. Barely studied and got an A. 1010

James Weichold was a great professor. The class has a lot of material to cover but he made it interesting. He is always willing to help, but has troubles working with his email. Class was only out of 300 points, and it consists of three 100 point tests. If you study and listen in class, you should be able to pass easily.

I would definitely recommend him as a professor. I have never learned so much in one course. I had class everyday at 9, Monday through Friday and I never missed a class because I enjoyed it so much. His tests are challenging but if you take good notes and follow what hes saying its easy. Remember processes, not definitions!

I needed an extra science credit and so I took mr. Weichold's astronomy class. It was actually very interesting and that was mostly due to mr. Weichold's teaching style. He loves what he does and it shows.

He's mean, cruel, viscious and unreasonable. Or that's what he claims. In reality he is very nice, very funny, passionate about his lessons, cares about his students doing well, and is all around an amazing professor. I wish this wasn't my last semester so I could take more of his classes. TAKE PROFESSOR JIM YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT :)

Jim, Jim, Jim.... The best professor I have had... in my life. I have never met someone more caring about my grade than Jim. He plays tough guy the first week, but he is honestly the nicest man I have ever met. It felt great leaving that class learning so much and making an awesome friend. Test are easy, but you'll miss 3 questions if you miss 1day

Jim was such a great professor I learned so much from him and left his class with an interest in astronomy. If you are looking for a great teacher then he is the best route to take. Class pretty much consists on three 100 points tests that literally all comes from notes, know the main processes, pay attention to what he talks about the most.

Jim was awesome, by the best teacher I've ever had. He claims to be mean, vicious and cruel, however it is very far from truth, he truly cares for the subject and is very accommodating, his lectures are very interesting, he tells you how it is and gives every opportunity to pass the course, just be prepared to pay attention and take notes.

Jim is amazing. He teaches the course material in very clear ways and makes sure that you understand what's going on. He always talks about how students assume he's cruel, mean, and unreasonable but those are farces. He's extremely nice and helpful. He makes his tests out to be hard but if you focus and take notes, you won't get less than an A.

Professor Jim expects his students understand the theory behind what he is teaching and not just memorize the material. He really cares about the students and is willing to go the extra mile to help. The only thing you need to do is ask. Take the class and be prepared to leave with a wealth of knowledge and a few good laughs.

Jim is the best teacher I had at Santa fe. He is really passionate about the subject and get excited when you show interest. His tests are easy if you pay attention because he always says what will be in the test. Take him!

I love this class!

Jim is one of the best teachers I've had at Santa Fe. He comes off as tough, but after the first class you see he's actually a very fair and kind teacher. He expects you to learn something and doesn't just give you a bunch of facts to memorize. Great guy and extremely knowledgable in his field. DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOK!!!

Very clear, will be there for you when you have questions. Gives very clear instruction on what is expected on the tests. Just need to make sure you are taking good notes and reading them and you will pass.

Professor Jim was great! He may have a rep for being tough, but he was a great help if you put in the effort to ask. Loved his astronomy class and the lab. You gotta work, but he is great with support. Really enjoyed it!

The tests are hard because they are all short answer, but the final takes questions straight from previous tests. He doesn't take attendance but you'll miss the lectures, even though his powerpoints are online. He's funny and if you don't understand something in class, he will help you in his office hours.

He may be intimidating at first, but then you come to realize that he's passionate about what he loves, which is Astronomy. He doesn't assign a bunch of busy work, your grade will be entirely decided upon tests and extra credit. He is very clear about what he expects out of his students and I'd recommend the course.

Best teacher I have ever had. Really knows his stuff and will help you learn easily since astronomy is very confusing sometimes. He yells a lot during his lectures because he's passionate about what he does. He's funny and respects all of his students. Only 4 exams and then the final which comes from the previous exams. Will take again! No homework

Easily the best teacher I've ever had. He actually makes you want to come to class and the tests are not hard at all if you study the exact notes he provides. Passionate about his work and makes all the subjects interesting. This is hands down the BEST class/teacher combo for people looking for a 4 credit science requirement.

Professor Weichold was an amazing professor. There are 4 tests which are only 10 free response questions each and the final is 10 questions taken from the previous tests. There's no homework other than the extra credit but coming to lectures is almost mandatory if you want to pass with an A.

He's a great prof who is willing to help and converse with students on the subject matter. I recommend his course to all of my friends.

Hands down the best professor I have ever had. Lectures are amazing and never boring. Take good notes on his lectures and you will do well on the tests, you don't need to use the textbook.

Best teacher I have ever taken. Claims he's unreasonable and cruel but is ironically the most reasonable and kind teacher I have ever had.

Professor Weichold makes class interesting and exciting. He is a real human not a robot like some of the other professors. I never fall asleep in his class which is an up side because college classes are so expensive but when you get a boring one you tend to doze off. Seriously take his class he is an inspiration! I

Didn't use textbook much. However, you do need access code to get to homework and quizzes. Doesn't count points for attendance, but if you don't go to class you miss information that could be on exams. Funny, and wants to see students succeed. Cares about you and your grade, will help you out if needed.

He acts like he's this mean old grouch but he's very, very nice. Really interesting lectures, very much cares about his students. All of his tests come from the Study Area of MasteringAstronomy, so tests are pretty easy. Just pay attention and you'll do fine!

Mr. Jim is an amazing professor. He genuinely cares about his students and his lectures are so interesting it made me consider changing my major! He doesn't take attendance but if you don't come to class you won't learn. The tests are pretty hard but the super easy homework and extra credit make up for it- just study! 10/10! TAKE HIS CLASS!

Jim is by far one of the best professors I've ever had. His teaching style is more lax, but he really knows and cares about everything he teaches. You can really tell. He's gotten me to become very interested in Astronomy, I would switch majors if I wasn't so far into mine already. TAKE HIS CLASSES!!!

I wasn't sure I would like this teacher on the first day of class. Jim said that he wasn't PC and that his reputation is that he's "mean" but this isn't true at all. He's a really great, knowledgeable teacher who is passionate about astronomy. He turned out to be one of my favorite teachers this semester. Take this class!!!

I was a bit apprehensive on the first day, because he started class by telling us that he had a reputation for being tough but that wasn't my experience at all! One of the best teachers I've had at Santa Fe, and definitely in my top 5 favorite teachers ever. So knowledgeable and helpful. Would take again!

He is no nonsense and very clear. I like that in a professor. He gives great lectures, but his tests are HARD! He is very, very knowledgeable in this field. I enjoyed his class very much.

Jim is a nice guy. The course consists of lectures with powerpoint presentations as well as a few visits to the planetarium (which was interesting). There are four tests and a final, and the tests are not easy. He is willing to help and has a great sense of humor. Book was pricey with online code, something like $120.

Very informative class; he makes you think and apply concepts, not memorize them.

Jim is super fun to have as a professor. His lectures are very informative and can be humorous. He has every Powerpoint online. His tests, though, have a low passing rate- that's because most students underestimate how much to study. On your first day, he will give tons of guidelines and tips for passing well. FOLLOW THEM. Theyll save you

Jim is phenomenal! Listen to what he tells you, carefully. He makes you think and apply concepts, but it's not unattainable. Print his powerpoints and take GOOD notes in class. The study area in Pearson was a nice tool. Your grade is composed of homework and tests, so it's crucial to study, but he is available for your needs. Very nice man.

One of the best teachers I have ever had, period. Tests can be pretty hard, but if you put in the time to study, they're manageable. I would take this class every semester if I could.

Jim was seriously my favorite out of my four years at SFC! So sad that I didn't have a class with him until my very last semester! You can tell that this subject and teaching are his passions. He is fair and I Aced his class with no problems.

Best teacher I've ever taken. He makes his lectures inspirational and makes you want to learn the context. He gives lectures in the planetarium (Which is awesome) and makes good dad jokes. Respect for Jim.

Great Proffesor. He makes his lectures exciting and interesting. Even the first three chapters that he said would be boring, were very interesting because of the way he taught. I highly recommend him. He is funny and wants everyone to pass. Listen to what he says.

Jim is a great professor, he is loud and enthusiastic. You don't have to go to class BUT there is no way you'll pass if you don't. Test are hard and cover things in lecture not the book . Also get the book online it's the only way to take quizzes. Don't get discouraged the class is hard but passable. He seems tough but is very understanding.

At first you may think Man, what have I got myself into? But stuck around for this professor. His class was the highlight of my semester and its really the only thing I enjoyed during that semester. HIGHLY recommend him, hes one of a kind.

This class is great, if you actually work for your grade and study. Test are challenging, so listen to the tips he gives on note taking and studying. You can tell he is passionate about what he teaches, not to mention that Jim is hilarious. I spent a lot of time in this class laughing. The material is interesting and he makes it entertaining.

Jim is a great professor and he's very passionate about astronomy. I looked forward to his class every day. Skipping lectures is not an option unless for whatever reason you absolutely have to, which shouldn't be a problem because you won't want to miss a lecture. Tests are difficult unless you study consistently, but it's definitely worth it.

Wow. I've never had such a passionate professor. He truly loves what he does and wants every student to pass. I highly suggest going to every class & thorough note taking. Don't let him scare you the first day!! You will see his soft side within a week. Loved planetarium days - learned lots. Tests are HARD. Study PP but especially notes from class

Take this professor. He is super passionate about what he teaches. The class never had a dull moment. I looked forward to this class everyday. Not much homework at all, just a quiz per chapter online and then study for tests. Make sure to take good notes and you will be fine.

Jim's class is my favorite that I've taken at SF so far. He's so passionate about astronomy and it makes the class so much more interesting. Try not to miss class because his tests are based off his lectures, but honestly, I never even WANTED to miss class. He's so helpful one-on-one and he really cares about making sure you understand the material

Prof Jim is a truly amazing professor, he really cares about the students and helps you with whatever you need. But beware: this class is HARD. The tests are really hard and you need to study a lot to get a good grade. I would 100% take this class again, but it took me a couple of errors to understand how he tests students.

By far my favorite class Ive taken at Santa Fe! Professor Jim is amazing, he comes off tough in the first class or two but don't let him fool you, he cares for his students and he goes out of the way to help you if you need it! Theres a few lectures in the planetarium which is exciting as well. He's super smart and the class/lectures are awesome!

Really entertaining and a joy to sit in class with, especially early in the morning. The tests require studying to pass, but that's no problem. I wish the class could be more hands on, but I am sure the summer semester has a huge impact on that. Would recommend. :)

Best Professor I've ever had!! He gives great lectures and never gets boring! He's extremely helpful durning office hours and is much more personable there. Great experience!

This is the best professor I have ever had. He is so in love with the material that he teaches and truly wants his students to succeed. Tests are HARD and require studying from the day you learn the material. Overall great experience!

I loved this class, even though I was normally half asleep walking in it was a class I always looked forward too. James is so funny and is unlike most college professors these days that it was so refreshing. Homework is easy and all the exam material comes from the lectures. So go to class and you'll pass easily. TAKE HIM!

Jim is a very funny professor and pretends to be tough but you can tell he really cares about his students. He specifies his office hours at the beginning of the semester but is willing to meet with you if you email him about meeting at a specific time. His tests are extremely hard but take his advice about studying daily and try on the homework.

Jim is an amazing professor. He makes Astronomy interesting to say the least. His tests are hard but he really cares alot about his students. If you take astronomy take him, it's an absolute must! Put it this way, I wasn't even interested in astronomy just needed another science credit and now I'm interested in keeping up with astronomy.

Jim is an amazing professor. It obvious he cares about his students and really enjoys what he is teaching. However, it's very lecture heavy and if you don't attend class, you won't pass. I struggle a lot in science and I felt as though this class is pretty hard. If you don't have a knack for it, you might struggle. The tests are pretty hard.

Funniest man I have ever met. This course is extremely difficult if you don't stay on top of it though.

Grade is based off a few online quizzes and 3 tests and a final exam. HAVE TO COME TO CLASS AND PAY ATTENTION TO LECTURES!!! He posts power points but they are broad and he leaves out info that you need, so attendance is a must. Tests require a lot of studying and they're based off lectures. Funny and blunt professor though.

The class was super interesting, especially if you're into conspiracy theories and stuff like that. We spent about half the time there talking about mars and aliens and alternate realities. Homework was super easy, and if you do all the homework you can essentially fail 2 of the first 3 tests. Have to go to class and take notes in order to pass.

I took this class for fun, I like Astronomy. Jim is a straight-up, cool guy. He presents his lectures well and really engages the class. You gotta show up to get the notes from the lectures to pass. Class was always packed and always interesting. Follow his advice and pass easy. No textbook use. May seem overbearing at first. Highly recommend Jim.

Go to class or fail. The material is difficult but if you put in the work to study you will be fine. He is a great teacher and very passionate about this class. Don't be spooked if you do poorly on the first exam. I did and ended with an A. The final is very easy so it bumps up your grade! I now want a career working for NASA after taking this!

Jim is the best Professor Ive had at Santa Fe so far. All of the homework equals a test grade, so you essentially get a 100% on a test if you do the homework. The tests are pretty straight forward. And the final was really easy too.

He is a great proffesor who understand students , Is not PC in the slightest and I see that as an appealing trait that he will tell it like it is. If you respect him he will return it. Cares very much for the subject and it shows in his lectures. also dont get scared on sylabus day as he comes across comically agressive and a self proclaimed A**

Straight up changed my life

Hes hilarious, and emphasizes on the fact that he wants you calling him Jim (he wont respond to anything else). His lectures are good but seriously information loaded. He does help out if you ask.

Jim was an amazing professor! He comes off really strict at first but after a few classes he becomes really cool. His class was very interesting and I would take it again! All of his tests are REALLY hard and based off his lectures so go to class. He does not give extra credit and very little homework. Get your work done on time and you will pass.

I never thought I was going to be interested in astronomy, but I learned so much in this class. He is an amazing teacher, he is passionate about space, and makes you want to learn more. I really enjoyed this class. He is one of the best teachers I've ever had. TAKE IT. YOU WON'T REGRET IT.

I started this class in Spring B and only attended about 4 lectures before everything got moved to online. He's kind of lecture heavy and you actually have to participate in class or he will give you a 0. Once everything moved online it became a walk in the park. 8 very easy quizzes (open book) The final was literally a yes or no question.

I have the pleasure of having Jim twice. First in-person and second online. Watching his video lectures were just as pure as in person. He's very enthusiastic and is dedicating to teaching. Take notes, and listen. He asks questions so if, you participate you're more likely to get feedback right away. Also, ask questions, he's so open-minded.

There has been a lot of issues with the online program he was using so we have literally done 3 assignments the whole semester so far. He takes a bit to respond to emails but he is super nice, and i loved talking to him on zoom calls. EASY CLASS

Jim is the coolest professor I've ever had. He is incredibly intense, which may be a turn off for some people who want to idly sit by and get a grade. You MUST participate; yelling out questions and answers is required. It creates a fun, engaging class. Two tips: when he asks the class a question, respond loudly; and DON'T CALL HIM MR. WEICHOLD

I took Jim's class in Fall 2021. He has a strong personality and the course is very interesting. Jim's passion for space shows in his lectures. The first exam is difficult (avg 50/60) but the other exams are easier (study!). Participation is mandatory and he encourages everyone to ask questions. Webography is the final.

Professor Jim is the best professor you can take to learn astronomy. Very good lectures, and very helpful.

Jim has dry humor and makes his lectures very interesting and fun. He really cares for his students and you can tell. Grades are based on 3-4 tests and one (easy) final project. As long as you study everyday, you'll be fine. He adored our class because we always participated and asked lots of questions. So if you want him to like you, do that lol.

Attendance isn’t mandatory but everything that is on the test is taught in his lectures. he is very passionate about teaching and astronomy which makes the lectures really engaging and easy to understand. he’s a really good professor prob one of the best i’ve had, i 100% recommend taking his class even if it’s just for fun

STUDY!!! Class will be easy if you study. He pretty much tells you what he expects from you. Dont call him Professor Weichold call him Jim or else he wont acknowledge you

i LOVED having jim! he was so passionate about every topic we went over in class and it SHOWED! he can come off as a little cut-throat but he's hilarious and made class so intriguing. he's amazing at keeping your attention and makes extremely complicated topics super simple.

This the best class I've ever taken. It was engaging and the professor was amazing. You can tell that he wants you to succeed in his class, and he has a great passion for astronomy which made the course material all the more interesting. Participation is key. For the lab, follow the rules, participate to the fullest, and you'll get a good grade.

Grades are based on 4 tests. He is my all-time favorite professor at Santa Fe. His lectures are very interesting and he is really passionate about what he teaches. I recommend him to anyone who needs the science credit! Just study and take notes on his lectures and you will do fine.

Jim is an awesome professor. Enjoyed his lectures, there informative and class participation was expected. If wrong never made you feel stupid and encourages so he knows class is absorbing the information or try it a different way until understood. It was fun in class and if you record lectures and view the slides to study you will do fine.....

Jim's awesome. Lectures are great and he keeps you engaged from start to finish. He adds great insight and information for every subject he covers. Really cool to learn about the topics he had experience working on in the past. Was excited to go to his every class.

Jim was a great professor! He always kept things interesting and lectures were great. He tended to include some questionable personal beliefs in lectures, but other than that it was okay. Your final grade depends on three tests and a super simple final, but make sure to study both power points and notes, as anything he says can be on the tests.

Jim is my favorite professor thus far in college! He really knows how to keep a class engaged throughout lecture with his intense personality and background in the field. His tests are lecture based as what he says will be questions and answers so you'll need to go to class! It's been a while since I could say I looked forward to attending a class!

His class is extremely easy my only issue is the final exam was an 8 page "webography" after 17 weeks of doing nothing...he does not post anything on canvas so don't miss the GELO assignment or the final exam instructions as those can only be obtained through a one time lecture and are never posted online.

Jim was by far my favorite professor I have taken so far. Very nice and friendly. Jim is very knowledgeable about earth science and space science. His 4 tests are from the lectures and just study the notes, you will be fine. Very good class, and very interesting content. Easy A and B.

Jim is genuinely one of the best professors I've ever had. His lectures are fantastic, and he always keeps the class engaged. There are only 3 exams and the final project, so there aren't many opportunities to improve your grade. Overall, pretty easy class; just study the material for the tests and pay attention during lectures.

Jim was great. Total grade consists of tests, but they are straightforward. If you attend class and review the powerpoints then you will do well. There was a textbook, however, I didn't really use it much.The final project was a webography on any topic that was mentioned in class. He seems a little intimidating but don't be afraid to ask questions.

Don't mind his day-1 chest puffing. He's a pretty solid professor. Entire grade was based off of four tests that were all multiple choice. Just pay attention and take good notes, and you'll do fine. He can definitely be a bit much sometimes. He's VERY high strung and likes to rant about politics. I'd take him again for sure though.

Jim is the best, do yourself a favor and take him. He is very straightforward and he tells you what to do to succeed in the class and on the tests. Can record lectures too, and his office hours are accessible too if you need help with the material. But if you study and listen to lectures you will be all good for the course

He's a very cool guy, he's loud so the students will listen and understand so that he won't have to repeat himself. he only teaches what will be on the test. He is an accomplished man and he knows his stuff.

Being totally honest, Jim is one of the best professors I've ever taken. He makes everything perfectly clear; Literally all you have to do is show up and take good notes. He will also let you record each lecture if that's something that helps you. He won't dock you points for missing class, but make sure that you get the notes you missed.

Jim is one of the loudest, yet best and most informative professors I've had during my time at Santa Fe. There are only 3 tests and a take-home final. Lectures only what you need to know, no boring stuff, and no homework, just the tests. Great guy, not for the faint of heart or people who need multiple attempts/credit to achieve. Easy A!

Jim was a great teacher, while only being graded on tests showing up for class was important but if you missed something and got the notes it wasn't impossible to pass. studying lecture notes and power points is key to passing his class so long as you do the final to his specifications.

Want an easy A? Take this Professor. His lectures are amazing and so informative. He is SO kind and helps out so much. Take this Professor.

Jim was an amazing professor to take, he's so passionate about what he's teaching and it makes the class so interesting to take. I retained everything he taught because he made me excited to learn. He very loud and straightforward, but his expectations are clear and he knows what he's talking about.

Very enthusiastic and funny professor, comes off as intimidating at first but he really cares. Great and interesting lectures, though there is no homework or in class assignments so your grade solely relies on the tests. Great professor!

Amazing astronomer, very passionate about what he teaches. Pretty interesting lectures. Only negative was we were ONLY graded by tests. That made it so difficult to pass

Great professor! Clearly knowledgeable and cares about what he's teaching. My only complaint is that we were told there would be assignments but were never given any. Your grade is composed solely of exams and a final. SHOW UP FOR CLASS. Tests are straight from the lecture.

Professor Jim is knowledgeable about the subject that he teaches! He may seem intimidating but he is actually really nice. The class is graded on 4 tests and one final essay. To get a good score on the tests, you NEED to take notes during lectures and READ the textbook because some of the test questions are based on the textbook. Easy final though.

Extremely knowledgeable about what he teaches, and genuinely a great guy. He is honest & blunt, occasionally in a loud manner, but only for emphasis. 4 tests, simple final, that's it. Will learn a ton, but only if you DO NOT MISS CLASS, take notes, and study. That simple. Thoroughly enjoyed this class!

Amazingly passionate and scientific with everything. He is very non-biased when talking of controversial topics that come up, clear expectations and easy to ask for help. One of the best professors I've ever had!

Jim is the best professor I've ever had. So knowledgable yet so good at actually teaching. He has so much experience in his field and his class is so engaging. I cannot recommend him enough. He seems tough the first day of class but he softens up afterwards.

Jim is one of the funniest, hands-on professors I have EVER taken in two years at Santa Fe college. He is so well versed in his subjects and has a way of explaining things that makes it so easy to grasp difficult concepts. That being said, you HAVE to go to ALL his lectures to understand the material and the only grades are from tests.

Amazing! He comes off strong in the beginning but Jim is really super nice and will treat you like an adult. 4 tests and 1easy final that really moves your grade up. All based off of his lectures in class. As long as you record the lectures, take notes, and study every once in a while you'll do just fine.

Jim is an awesome professor! Just warning you now, you will probably be scared of him for the first few classes. He is very clear and gives you step by step instructions on how to pass his class. I followed his instructions and I ended with a 102% in the class. You must take notes, rewrite them, and read them everyday. Do NOT miss class.

Jim is an intense professor but he is honestly pretty nice. You just have to consistently go to class and study!!! Only 4 tests and 1 easy final.

Professor Weichold is a knowledgeable and passionate astronomer. His lectures are engaging, but the class relies heavily on exams, so staying on top of the material and using tools like Unstuck AI for study prep is key.

Amazing and knowledgeable astronomer with a personality that will inspire you. He has a military background and it shows, but he is very caring, respectable, and funny at times. Lecture recordings are allowed so I suggest getting contact info of peers if you happen to miss a class; all 4 tests are based on what comes out of his mouth.

He was great! A little scary at first, but he's very passionate:) make sure to answer his questions, take good notes and you'll all set!