3.5
Quality3.9
Difficulty55%
Would Retake269
Reviews55%
Would Retake
269
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
269 total ratings5
121
4
40
3
31
2
19
1
58
What Students Say
“Quizzes cater to him not students”
ASTR100 - 1.0 rating“I am trying to save you, avoid at all costs”
PHY274 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
90%
Textbook Required
68%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.20 avg changeRatings by Course
PHYAST
5.0
(1)ASTR101
5.0
(1)ASTRONOMY
5.0
(3)PHYS
5.0
(2)PHS100
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHYAST
5.0
PHYS170
5.0
PHIS270
5.0
PHSY101
5.0
PHYSI270
5.0
Reviews (268)
Extremly sexy, Incredibly smart... Genius! Loves to teach. Awesome professor.
great professor. can relate to students. awesome guy.
Lectures are easy to take notes from. Everything written on board are on tests.
Great teacher! Not only brilliant in class, but an awesome wrestler too!
great teach, very fun.
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Awesome teacher, I'm going to steal his job.
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Gorgeous & Brilliant. Obvious he loves what he teaches.
very hard!!!
He makes me sleepy and talks to students like if we have a clue
Hardest class I have ever taken, im going to finish the sequence @ sdsu...
He's a great teacher who is very organized. He answers questions and you learn a lot. His tests are hard, but if you take good notes you should get a good grade.
"He makes a great VOODOO DOLL with needles jabbed all over it!!"... nah, he's OK [i think] .. but if you're planning to take his class i recommend you to study your variables than your numbers!! bring a hanky you'll be crying once the sem is ove
Here is a list of things I have learned from his class: _______, ________, & ___________. Don't take him for astronomy, but I believe he does not teach that course anymore. His class is the worse class to take, especially my first semester of college.
Hard as hell. talks to us as if we are alread supposed to know what he is teaching before he even teaches it. don't take him at all!!!
His teaching style is that of a mechanic. All do it yourself and teach yourself. I need someone to teach me first then apply it. Oh yah, if you ask him a question, he will not directly answer your question and leave you confused off your rocker. Hard to.
Difficult class to pass the first time. Even with the grading scale dropped. A=100-80% and etc.. Class started out with 50 students and only about 4 passed. To get every point on the homework problems he grades,u need to write like 2 pages per problem
This class is very difficult and he is not clear on what exactly he wants. It seems to me like he does not care much about his students. Well I may be wrong, but he is really really strict when it comes to grading.
Tenured, so he gives a rats ass if you pass or not. Very pompous, an educational elitist, looks down upon student’s who don't display anything but genius. Knows the material just has no idea on how to teach it. Avoid him, take at SDSU, not worth the troub
He is cocky, arrogant, and everthything stated above. It was a 50 minute class and he spent 40 minutes talking about his trip to Paris. A real waste of time. He ignores your questions about the hw and everything else,making him useless as a teacher.
Notes are easy,but tests are hard.
Such a dumbass......expects you to know everything. Not helpful at all. He looks nerdy, so he was probably picked on a lot in school.....thats probably why he's such an **** to his students.
Veal was a horrible professor. He was unwilling to help students and very demeaning. Might as well have been an online/independent class for the ammount of teaching recieved. Got an A in lecture w/ another professor & recieved a D in Veals lab...
All of the reviews below must be from people who are bitter about not being able to pass a class where the curve is easy and the exams are duplicate homework problems. The class is fair and Veal does a reasonable job.
good class. interesting topics.
The guy knows what he's talking about but can't transmit it to his students.
This is one of those classes that requires hard work. If you study for the exams and do the homework, then you'll do okay in the class. Veal won't give you the solution to a problem, but his hints can help you see the problem in a new way.
This class was really hard, but I learned a lot. The homework is tough. The exams are too, but there's nothing on any exam that wasn't done in class or assigned for homework. Just do the homework and then memorize it for the exam.
This is an awesome class with a lot of really cool ideas. Veal's explanations are thorough and he likes to give deep answers to deep questions. Tests aren't so bad if you study a bit.
I had to study to pass this class. But the tests were straight from the lecture, so it wasn't too bad. His curve makes it a lot easier.
Very difficult class. At least the grading scale is generous.
doesn't take too much effort to pass the class
The class may be hard but he is the hottest professor on campus.
Took the lab, a once a week class. DONT miss the class because a test is every day. Missed one day and my grade dropped a letter grade. Difficult tests. He makes you think. Looks like a student the way he dresses.
Can't get the material accross to students. I've heard he's cool for Astro but almost impossible for phys. I've seen really smart people drop out.
Its Physics boot camp, but it's doable, it's been done by others before you. It's pushes you to do well. Take good notes and go in with a friend (you'll need the support, really!). Just don't quit! Don't quit!
Very good with astronomy. Highly recommended
I just love when he reaches over to fix the movie projector cause' I get to see his tight abs....seriously.
He doesnt lecture. Just dont take him! unless you want to fail.
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NEVER TAKE HIS CLASS! his goal is to fail students. i worked harder than i ever had before, and barely squeaked by. his lectures are understandable but his tests are ludicrous. if you hunt him down during his office hours he helps, but he doesn't try to meet students half-way. he thinks he's better than community college. nice outside of class.
Dr. Veal is a really smart guy. He knows his stuff very well and could communicate it to his students, although I suppose most students could not easily grasp what he is trying to convey. Physics is a really hard course that demands much studying. It could take over your entire life if you're really dedicated. But hard work does reap good rewards..
The worse instructor of physics. He'll crush your dreams and recomend you to become a musics major seriously. Many have changed their major because of him. He is unworthy of calling himself a proffesor. He is rather astronomer without a purpose but torment students. If you don't have a choice be prepared to get aboard on a one way trip to hell!
Veal's class is straightforward and fair. The exams are verbatim from the homework and the lecture. Some students work hard and do well. Some students fail because they don't try -- and then they blame someone else out of bitterness.
He's not a teacher, he's just a good student. On exams he puts the hardest problems he can find in the book which are impossible to solve in 1:15 hours. It seems that he likes Jazz, most of his classes are improvised. It also seems that he gets offended when a student gets an A (no one gets an A in his class).Take his class only if you want to fail
I don't see what the big deal is, I got an A, and so did other classmates. This is college, teachers are'nt here to whipe youre behinds kiddies, you're supposed to open books, read, pay attention and study. If Dr. Veal crushes your dreams and brings you down so easily, then you obviously didnt have much to live for to begin with. Sucks for you! ^_^
People are making such a fuss. Yes, Jeff's classes are hard, BUT he knows that and grades on a curve. People want to be fed the answers on a plate. The point is to learn HOW to solve problems yourself. Jeff teaches you that if you simply ask. I love astronomy and he's HOT so this was a great class.
Best person you will encounter at SWC, just take the time to get to know him. He will prepare you for more than just physics. I have not received any grade lower than an A since his class. Hands down - the best thing that has happened to me on an educational standpoint has been taking his classes. Take him. Take this class, and him seriously!
THIS IS A BLEEDING NIGHTMARE.
The truth is I wasn't ready for a guy like this. If you'll take Physics with him you'll have to realize that you will have to make an outstanding effort if you're to get an A in his class. Go to his office often and do the HW, do a genuine effort and you'll be just fine.
He is funny (turns red everytime he tells a joke =P) He states what he expects of you from the beg of class. If you give your GREATEST EFFORT to solve HW probs and understand derivations he does in class you'll do excellently. (seriously, I want to point out GREATEST EFFORT! Use any mean you can to do HW!!)
Mr. Veal is a SMART SMART MAN. His class is HARD AS HELL but he grades in a curve. You only need 40% to get a C but its not easy. TESTS ARE RIDICULOUS but passable. STUDY STUDY STUDY. Always think before you ask him anything....or else he'll MAKE YOU FEEL STUPID.
This professor is hard as hell!!! Whatever everybody elses say FOR YOUR OWN GOOD DO NOT TAKE CLASSES WITH HIM!!!!
I had over a 90% going into the final so I didn't have to take it. All this class caled for is memorization of your notes and an understanding of the homework. I read all the chapters which helped me do so well. He is difficult for most people but you actually learn the information...The A's are not handed out like most of SWC A's are.
Awesome teacher, highly recomend him. Intelligence, excellence in explaining...Plus, He is really, really, really hot.
Cool prof. and very attractive. He explains very very well and clearly. Grading is fair. Need only 80% to have an A. 100% recommend him.
I agree with 2 people who graded him below. He is fabuluos. He cares about us. I took phys 270 with him and I think 272 too. He is great.
This is a hard class, but Dr. Veal make it much easier to get through.
I don't find the comments below accurate. I p****ed Dr. Veal's cl**** with a B, but it was very hard and it did it with the help of an old physics teacher of mine. That teacher doesn't have a PHD and he'll explain physics better than Veal. Or at least, he will provide you with enough material to solve those problems. Veal DOES NOT.
WTF IS WRONG WITH THE PEOPLE BELLOW? THOSE ARE ALL LIES! He is probably the worst Physics teacher I have ever met in my life. He is even worst than Briceno. At least Briceno admits he sucks and he'll curve. But Veal...oh no he'll provide a bad quiality improvised lesson, and he doesn't give the necessary basis for his problems. And he wont curve.
TEACHERS ARE SUPPOSSED TO TEACH A SUBJECT, NOT MAKE IT SOMETHING THAT ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE CLASS UNDERSTAND IT. INSIGHT IS NOT SOMETHING YOU ADQUIRED IT IS GAINED THROUGH YOUR PROFESSOR'S TEACHING AND HOMEWORK. DR. VEAL DOESNT TEACH HE ONLY SUPERFICIALLY LECTURE. IN OTHER WORDS HE SUCKS
Very good teacher. He makes you think other than you just seat there. and Hey! we are in college!
Really nice guy and interesting class. He based his tests purely off the lectures he gave so you can't miss class and still do good on the tests but he doesn't take roll so u can run late if u have to. It's a hard class, he doesn't hand out good grades, but I really enjoyed the experience it actually made me WANT to go to school.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You only use the textbook for homework problems which are only the odd problems, which are not a lot. He does the exams based on the notes in class. Majority of the studying for the exams is just to memorize the lectures on class and notes. Be prepare to study more than what the class requires.
Very, very good prof. Highly recommend. having him is a luckiness of yours.
This is a hard class, but this Prof. is really helpful. Trying hard, you will do just fine.
Professor Veal is a tough teacher. He doesn't feed you the answers from the palm of his hands & students who aren't broken by this method--LEARN. So if you want to take in information only to regurgitate it later~you would absolutely, positively HATE this class. The answers have to be sought and knowledge is received in exchange of true effort.
Honestly, I failed his class the first time and got a B the second time. I learned how to listen and study better. Veals lectures are outstanding. Any knowledge heard the first time is hard to grab, especially Physics. Trust the experienced instructors, even if they go out of the book/box! I learned the hard way!
Yeah, all the most terrible rumors you've heard about him are true,he IS a crazily difficult professor.Trusted source said:Even UC Berkeley profs are much easier than him)But there is a good side, he is focused on developing all your inner abilities and talents to the max.After taking him, as prev rater said, you will get A's in any class u take.
First B I have ever gotten to date, after 63 units worth of classes. He is as hard as people say, however, he is a great instructor. Tests are directly from lectures and he always answers questions. You will learn if you work hard. Unfortunately I had to lose my 4.0 to his class...
EXTREMELY HARD and very arrogant. His lectures are good but teaches at a much higher level. PHsy 101 is a basic course to learn and build. He expects you to know all conversions from day one and understand what he is talking about. Then only stares when you ask for him to "break it down"
To start with this is not an easy class, you have to spend a good amount of hrs on it. Come on, this is a Physics class you have to!! If you take his class, you are SOO LUCKY to have him as your professor. Btw he's NOT ARROGANT he knows a lot, so everyone should STOP COMPLAINING about it and STUDY. The exams are verbatim from the HW, work on them!!
you either hate this guy or love him! and he either hates you or likes you... i was one of the few that actually liked him and luckily he didnt hate me... he is extremely hard but he explains pretty good its just kinda hard to grasp at first i got but hopefully next sem i get a B ! =D
TOO HARD. NOT A GOOD CLASS TO TAKE UNLESS YOU REALLY LIKE ASTRONOMY. TEACHES/LECTURES WELL BUT HIS TEST FORMAT IS REALLY REALLY BAD. WASTE PRECIOUS TIME LOOKING FOR THE POSSIBLE ANSWERS. HE MAKES IT EASIER FOR HIM, NOT YOU. LOVES HIS JOB, NOT STUDENTS. HATES THE SCHOOL HE WORKS FOR, IT SHOWS.
I actually found his astronomy class quite interesting. Sure some may criticize his test format but if you write everything he puts on the board and actually listen to him the tests are really easy. What I found hard in his class was the homework problems but if you actually take time and visit him during his office ours he is really helpful.
I have written here some pretty bad comments about Dr. Veal. But now that I'm transfered to UCSD I want to say that I withdraw all my previous comments about this man. He is a real professor and he prepared me well for the hell that was to come afterwards. If you are talking his class, stop complaining and get to work. You'll thank him later.
Arrogant, narcissistic man who professes not to care about the average student and teaches only to the exceptional. His class consists mostly of presenting derivations and provides limited help on homework. DO NOT TAKE A COURSE WITH THIS MAN!
Great professor, his homeworks make you think. Its not about just plugging into formulas. His test are copy-pasted from the homework. Its a hard class (PHYS) so dont expect anything easy
I BEG of you to not take this class. This class seriously made me depressed until I dropped & now taking PHYS at SDSU which is EASIER. HW ARE the tests. Lectures, examples, book having nothing to do w/ HW. Studied for 4 hours/day and 0 progress. Office hours were there so he could tell you you're doing it wrong AND does not tell you WHAT to study.
Although tests can be somewhat difficult and questions are extremely specific, it forces you to learn the material well. I'd say that Dr. Veal is a wonderful teacher: lectures are fascinating, answers questions in detail, HW is on the test. And he's extremely HOT. I recommend him. Just know that you have to really work hard for an A.
very arrogant, which only talks about his "Foreign trips and experiences" his not a good professor. Dont take his unless you want to fail!!
He is a genius! He is extremely amazingly intelligent. He knows that much that he gets confused when it comes to teaching. He is NOT a good teacher. He supposes that you know what he is talking about. Physics is a hard class, and he doesn't make it any easier. His homeworks are super hard, and the tests are copypaste of them. Don't take him!
Dr. Veal is an extremely intelligent, well rounded man. His class is thought-provoking and engaging, and he constantly amazes me with his ability to bring meaning to lectures with real-world applications. Not at all hard on the eyes either! If you're looking for someone to help open your eyes to the way the world *really* is, take this course.
I liked Jeff Veal...I HATE his class. Veal seems like a nice guy all around, and would probably be helpful at office hours, but he makes himself too intimidating to visit. Subject matter is also way too difficult for someone not interested in the field. He teaches so fast, I got lost. Do not take if you do not have to!
Mr. Veal is a great professor. His tests are based on the most difficult HW problems. Make sure you do all the even problems--twice. THat way you will ensure yourself at least a passing grade. Like I said, Exams are based on the most difficult HW problems. What a Deal! Too bad I didn't realize that early on. I passed,however. Got a C.An A is doable
He is awesome.
What's with all the complaining here. The exams are based on duplicate HW problems. The professor clearly wants you to pass, considering that you only need an 80% for an A. What a deal, provided that you put in the effort.
The man is amazing.
Hiss class may be tough, but an A is possible. His exams are taken verbatim from the HW. As you can tell, this man wants you do well.
The man knows his subject like the back of his head. Take him.
Not hard at all. The man knows a boat load of physics.
Take him. You will regret it if you don't.
easy as pie.
when you first get to his class you can feel that he actually enjoys his class being hard, he takes pride on that. right of the back he tells you he can't teach you physic so he doesnt even try, all he does is gives you equations, solve a few problems. on fridays he rather talk about physics subjects not related to the class.
he doesnt even try to teach you. on fridays he tries not to teach anything, he just tells you stories about physics not related to the class. I thought i was stupid when i took his class because i didnt understand any of it, but when i took Dr Lee I found out that I actually understood a lot of it, i even went back and was able to solve his HW.
dont take him! doesnt teach and assumes you are already repeating the class. he know the material very well for himself only. pretends to care. but he doesnt care if you didnt understand. dont waste another semester with him.
Piece of cake. Everybody wants an easy A, but you're not going to get it if you are too lazy to earn it. If you can do the HW, which his possible if you consider the abundance of resources available online, you will do well. An 80% is all you need for an A. The man isn't even a physicist, but knows way more than you.
Easy class. It doesn't matter what class you take with him. The classes are tailored such that you can be better prepared for the real world.
The answers to the HW problems can be found online if you look hard enough. Stop complaining. He's babying you. easy A.
very straight-forward, syllabus & online notes match lectures to a T. offers to answer questions inbetween concepts. charismatic and passionate about astronomy&science. very organized presentations/examples. fun stories along the way, never moody, but he does appreciate if you wait til he's done speaking to pack leave. bookless learning!
Great for Physics and Math, but Mr Veal is absolutely amazing for any astronomy class.
I have an A. Easy as pie.
DON'T TAKE HIM FOR PHYSICS. But for math and astr, take him.
He rocks.
I have an A, so I don't get to take the final.
Take him. He is easy.
I took him a long time ago, and got an A. He prepared me well for the hell I had experienced at UCD.
I got a C, but looking back, I really think this is an easy class. Dr. Veal prepares you for life. He deducts points for every little thing. Very picky grader indeed, so you better not screw up. Getting the correct answer is not good enough. He wants to see conceptual explanations and logical mathematical steps.
This class is so easy. If you know how to every problem (evens included), you'll be fine.
Man I love this class. This is my third time with him. So easy.
This class ia amazing.
TAKE HIM.
Great Professor! Highly Recommended. Test are extremly difficult , class average for first Exam was around 20% tops. You must have some interest on the subject or else class will be horrible.Overall great!
Great professor. I recommend any class with Dr. Veal.
I'm a shy student, and feel a bit intimidated; I have taken him for Math 253 and Phy 272 previously, and am currently taking him for phy 274. He is a great professor. I highly recommend him for any student who wants to be challenged.
I had him for 270, and he's tough. His HW problems are tough.
My name is Dan. Dr. Veal's Physics classes prepare you for the hell you are going to endure in your upper-division courses.
If you take his classes make sure not to load yourself with calc 3 and some engineer class like statics. It was hard to keep up with everything. Awesome teacher! Dr. Veal is one of the best. It makes you prove everything and the tests are the same as hw. HARD, CHALLENGING. And he s hot lol
Do not take calc 3 with rasky and statics while taking this class. Is a hard class, he is really helpful if you go to office ours and bug him. He is really hot lol
he expects a lot out of you.
I had him for diffy Q's last year. You should definitely follow his advice. Do all the odd numbered problems..twice. Do the evens next..most of his exam questions come from even numbered problems. As for the professor himself, he does a decent enough job teaching the math for someone whose background consists of astronomy and physics.
Dr. Veal is an extremely intelligent, well-rounded man. Take him if you want to learn about wonders of the universe. You won't regret taking him. You will learn how to think.
I have an A, so I don't get to take the final. You need to have a 90% to be exempt from taking the final. YEs.....
His problems are insanely difficult. Your critical thinking skills will be tested. It's intense, but it has been done before you.
I'm going to miss this class so much. Dr. Veal knows his stuff, and wants you succeed. He thinks very highly of his students. So do the try to solve the insanely hard HW problems. I took his advice, and maintained a 90% average. I didnt have to take the final.
Very brilliant. Also had him for 272. It's a fairly easy class. Exams r direct from HW. Only need a 40% for a C. I took him with chem/math/engr classes. I got a B in 272 and a C in 274. Try not to pack the hard classes in a semester w/ him and u can get a better grade. Or challenge yourself. 1UP ME! He will make u smarter. If I can do it so can u!
I miss this class so much. Dr Veal's lectures are so interesting and engaging. Never missed a single lecture in 3 semesters taking him.
its a tough class
Well, very intelligent professor, but you are on your own. He does not give the answers to the Homeworks and you have to study a lot.
Okay so he he extremely smart. I wondered why he was single for a minute then he started talking and i know why. He is too smart for regular people. He is funny. If you dedicate yourself you can pass. His grade scale is fair you only need 40% to pass. Use the notes. Show up. Study. Everything will come easily. Test are extremely hard. Take time.
He is highly intelligent and has a great love of Astronomy, which leads to a very tough course. If you're not at swc to mess around then I strongly suggest taking this class because it is as interesting as it is difficult.
Dr.Veal is going to make you wonder about everything in the universe! Take this course if you want to learn, but not for an easy grade because his class is hard. He is so passionate about his course you simply get absorbed in it and want to know more. Very helpful during his office hours. If you are curious about the universe this is your class! A!
Was not a easy class
Wow. The easiest physics class I've ever taken. Don't take Lee. I got an F with Lee. Veal gave me an A and I learned how to physics.
Easier than 270 with Lee. He uses the same questions on the homework as the test AND gives you the solutions. Wow couldn't ask for a better professor.
Very fair teacher. A lot of office hours. Great course if you really want to learn physics. If you don't, go to Ramirez.
Awesome class, cool teacher. Do the hwk.
Although the class discusses many intricate subjects, he is very helpfull and explains everything well.
Tests are really really tough, the class is really entertaining. 35 percent of the student pass the class. Good luck..
Veal's class was the hardest class I've taken to date. You really only have to do the homework and study it repetitively, but the homework itself requires a lot of reading to understand and solve. He doesn't give a lot of time for exams. However, I left his class feeling much smarter and respected the challenge.
SUPER HARD TESTS UNDER 50 MINUTES!!! You have less than a minute per question. You have to MEMORIZE notes and lecture in order to pass. I was really into it until the tests came along. Grade is based on TESTS ONLY (barely passed). The content in this class is really cool, if you are going to be an Astronomer. DON'T RECOMMEND!
donr take Veal this guy makes intro to astronomy the hardest class to take, INTRO TO ASTRONOMY. This dudes ridiculous bases his grading off test and makes his test nearly impossible to pass, don't recommend taking him at all.
Intelligent guy who is passionate about the subject he teaches. Take his class if you're looking for a challenge. Homework is difficult, but he doesn't collect it and it appears on the exam. Exams are timed. Take this class if you want to learn astronomy from a genius. 40% for a C, 65% for a B, 80% for an A.
One of the few teachers in southwestern that actually push you and your knowledge. incredibly inspirational, never has dry lectures. He'll be the hardest teacher you ever have but the experience will change your perspective in college for the better. He's the only real TEACHER in southwestern
I did my other physics classes at UCSD before taking 274 with Veal, and this class was definitely much harder than any of my classes at UCSD in terms of course material. His lectures are great, really engaging and insightful. If you have a passion for the STEM fields take this class.
Veal is one of the hardest classes I've ever taken, but I got an A. Just memorize verbatim and understand your notes and homework questions before the test. Great challenge and a great professor. He is strict about class behavior but is respected and funny. Don't even think about taking this class if you're lazy.
He went to a university where he took the hardest astronomy classes ever and expects students in community college to be at his level of intelligence. There's difficult "optional" homework that's supposed to take 9 hours to complete that no student could possibly have time for, but it contains test material when your entire grade is based on tests.
This is a great class if you're ready to study and learn.
This will be the hardest class you've taken thus far. I have no idea what the other comments calling Professor Veal's class "easy" are talking about. But he truly is a brilliant man with a deep appreciation for science. You must read and outline everything in the textbook and do the homework, over and over and over again. You can pass the class.
Hardest class I've ever taken, but the most rewarding. This class will challenge the way you approach problem solving. He might make you feel dumb sometimes. His curve is unreal, but that's because Physics is difficult. Rework ALL your lecture notes at least twice and go to office hours as much as possible. He gives partial credit as well.
Incredibly difficult coursework, so don't expect to pass if you miss class. Missed 1 day and I was light years behind. You are only graded on test scores. Honestly do not recommend b/c he even claims that he aims to make the class as hard as possible (This is GE requirement not a Ph.D program, Jeffrey). Only way to pass is to memorize the notes
Seriously hard class. You're given all of the lecture notes to start the semester and you, essentially, have to memorize the entire thing word for word. Homework is optional if you're ok with losing at least 15 points on the test. Tests are timed at 50 minutes. As a person, he's a great guy and makes this interesting subject fun. Be ready to WORK!
The two classes I've taken with Prof. Veal were both so awesome and knowledge packed! Intro to Physical Science and Life in the Universe were both amazing, challenging, and awe inspiring. Prof. Veal helps you understand the world in a new, scientific way. Effort and attendance are required, and you will leave with the fruits of knowledge!
Probably one the most challenging classes that you'll ever take. Currently I am a transfer student, and I can say that, if you can do it until the end of this class, then you have what it takes to attend a 4-year University.
This is probably one of the hardest classes I've ever taken, but you have to work for an A or B. He has a website where he puts his notes and the tests are fill in the blanks from his notes. There are really challenging free response problems but if you go to his office hours you'll be fine. Overall he's such a smart guy and I would take him again
Any of his courses are extremely difficult and work must be put if you want an A or B. Grading is done through exams which consist of memorizing the notes and answering the homework questions. He is a very fun professor, extremely smart, and definitely one of the best.
Tests consists of derivations and similar homework questions. Derivations are given in class (so it is totally free points, just memorize them). His lectures are actually interesting. He is open to any questions and is answers clearly. If you want to learn Physics then he is the Professor to take. His class is hard but worth taking.
BY FAR WORST PROFESSOR I'VE EVER TAKEN. DIDN'T DO ANY ACTUAL PROBLEMS IN CLASS ONLY DERIVATIONS. do not take him if you're not THE SMARTEST in math or work at a regular pace. HE GOES SUPER FAST!!!!
If you literally want to teach yourself everything from this class, take this professor. All you do in this class is hw problems and thats okay but he doesnt teach anything. He expects you to get new concepts the first time and never goes back to help you understand the material.
The Hardest class I have taken in college so far! Although professor veal is brilliant and passionate about his field, he comes across as very demeaning and can really be rude sometimes. He has lots of homework and if you go for help to his office hours he is not very much help at all. LOTS of studying and memorization of big quantities of info
If you want to teach yourself everything from this class, take this professor. All you do in this class is homework problems and he doesnt teach anything. He will give you a 5 minute lecture of things you have never heard about and expects you to get new concepts the first time and never goes back to help you understand. He does not grade any hw.
He expects us to understand literally concepts some of us have never heard of in a matter of 10 minutes. He gives no lecture about the deeper understanding of how concepts work. He is rude and will take no constructive criticism. He has no enthusiasm when he talks and all you do in this class is hw problems which he doesnt explain the process.
HARDEST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN! only about 10% of my class passed. He rushes through the lecture and doesn't care if students understand the subjects and makes you feel dumb for asking questions. He doesn't do reviews, extra credit or credit for homework. Your entire grade is based on exams. Office hours aren't helpful. He is very rude.
I'm laughing at the PHYS 101 students. I'm sorry you could not pass a 101 class where you literally just memorize formulas and plug and chug. I hope the rest of your college experience is as humbling as this class. I took Veal and got a C for 270 a few years ago. I've never been more proud of a grade in my life.
Some subjects are harder than others and physics is the toughest of all. Know this and be ready before you take Dr. Veal's class. A child might say the game is unfair if he loses or a third grader might blame the teacher for a bad grade. But college students blaming their professors for not passing? Dr. Veal's class is super tough, but he's fair.
Dr. Veals class was the most rewarding class Ive had up to date. Never had I had a class challenge me the way this class did. It is evident that Dr. Veal has a tremendous passion about physics and he shares this passion with his students. The class is not easy, but the critical thinking skills one develops in this class is unlike other classes.
Your teaching, what a Professor/Teacher is paid to do, consist of a post in the Assignment section of the SWC app. A simple 2-3 bullet points of what section to read and page #. One question quiz, arbitrary 12 min time limit, ONE sec beyond 120 sec and no credit. He puts in minimal effort at best and expect your life to revolve around physics.
After taking this course again at a UC, I can confirm that Veal is making this class much more difficult than he needs to. Veal's approach is to have you memorize a set of derivations rather than build problem solving skills and intuitive understanding of the material. Exams will be based on lecture material not mastering physics or your textbook.
Teaches well, but hard time transferring that to test. Expect 2/6 questions to be copy and paste from notes and the rest to be a problem solving challenges that are to be done with the 40 minutes time you have left. DONT TAKE if online b/c quarantine, only gave chapters to read and Pass/Fail 1 question quizzes. Try physics at City College instead
Professor Veal is literally the worst professor I've ever had. He was bad enough when classes were in person but once the class moved online? He did absolutely NOTHING to help us learn the material. All he did was assign us homework and give 1 question quizzes based on the entire chapter we read that week. THAT'S IT. Avoid him if you can.
Limited space, His words verbatim, you be the judge: The potential may be there, yes, but you havent yet taken your final quiz so you dont really know yet if youre close or not. Thus, some of what youre saying is premature: for example, implying that Im cruel, as if you know me or are even capable of psychoanalyzing someone like me.
If we are continuing classes online DO NOT take him. He refused to lecture on zoom, gave no office hours, and answers to emailed questions are very short. Basically you are paying for a professor who makes little to no efforts in helping or teaching you.
I took this in-person. While it is a bit unfair, since I did well in AP Phys C, Professor Veal knows his stuff. His lectures are very insightful from someone with previous knowledge, but for basic Mechanics and a first physics class, the dry derivation-heavy style at CC may not be right. Tests are also fairly difficult without full understanding.
he was already a tough teacher as your hw score is a multiplier to your test score to give you, your exam score. But when the class was in person you could receive partial credit on test questions. But if you're taking him online DON'T. He kept the same grading scale and gave P/NP quizzes so even if u got 100% on long hw but didnt pass quiz,u fail
This professor made it so students at SWC could no longer take Physics 270 with the Physics 271 Lab concurrently. He personally pushed for the change and it results in students having to pass P270 first, before they can take the lab for the class. It makes zero sense and no other departments run this way. Dude has a grudge or something
I can't imagine how it is for people who are taking the class for the first time. I believe we did two chapters in two days once. You will be spending multiple hours memorizing derivations, and doing the homework. I took Howell before, I recommend sticking with Howell even though he sucks too. Maybe just go to a different college. Good luck!
Take away the Title of Physic's Chair, take away the level of Degree and you have an individual who is getting 100% of his pay for minimal effort. Based upon the handwriting on Previously graded material and in class lecture, he is not the one grading work. He is not performing his job responsibilities so much that it's worth reporting to the Dean.
Everyone who says this Professor is great is lying and probably got a good grade by bribing him. Im speaking for myself and my classmates that both online and on campus, his class is hard period. He only answers some questions but wont help you with office hours. Youre on your own. WORST PROFESSOR AT SOUTHWESTERN!!!
Hes not exactly good at doing his job when it comes to grading or helping students. The grading is automatic since we use Pearson Mastering for the class. Dont bother enrolling unless you want to graduate late and waste money a horrible instructor and horrible person
He isnt accommodative at all. Especially during COVID shutdown when everything is online and its harder for us. He rarely speaks to us, refused to discuss the class on zoom, and does everything through email which is difficult. I would not take him pre or post pandemic.
Nope, just dont do it.
Hw is one of the hardest teachers that I have taken in college. Due to the shutdown it's much harder for students. He rarely speaks to us, refuses to do any lectures, and does everything through email which is difficult. I would not take him pre or post pandemic. You have to teach yourself and don't bother even asking for help. He won't help you.
HE IS THE WORST SWC PHYSICS PROFESSOR! I took this class remotely due to COVID and he does not teach at all. You are basically left on your own to study from the book and when you go to his office hours for help, he's very condescending. I have never seen a Professor throw a whole class under the bus like this. SAVE YOURSELF, DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!
Took Veal for physics 1, 2 & 3. Hardest class I've ever taken. It's more about memorization than understanding. All he shows are proofs and expects you to memorize and write them on the tests, forget about numbers, everything is symbols. When pandemic hit, he refused to lecture online and made us learn on our own through textbook.
Worst physics professor I have taken at this school. Most of your grade depends on your ability to be able to memorize derivations of formulas. If you want to learn and understand the material take Professor Lee. Don't make the same mistake I did and save yourself from constant headaches.
There was 0 contact with the professor. Everything was on Pearson. No exams or final, just 12 min. quizzes. They were worth so much just for 1 question. Definitely find a different professor because this class isn't worth the time and money. The HW was the only thing saving me.
Most difficult professor I have ever taken. His classes are very inspirational and entertaining, he explains very well. Professor Veal is challenging but fair, he only asks for 40% to pass his class with a C, but achieving this feat is difficult. Physics is a difficult subject and professor Veal is demanding, get ready to work hard.
Physics is already hard enough without Prof. Veal's ABSURD grading policies (your hw score is only used to calculate exam scores, and if you don't have a perfect 100% on your hw, you lose points on the exam). There's also the fact that he made it so you can't take physics lectures with the lab anymore. Do me and yourself a favor and stay away.
This is a tough class, but the professor is fair and he loves to teach.
Took Veal's 270 before covid, was a GREAT CLASS.
This might be the hardest course you ever have and he'll push you to expand your knowledge, but you'll be glad you took his class if you work hard. The experience will give you a better perspective in college.
This is a very hard class, but a good professor, who wants students to truly understand the ideas. Make sure you do all the homework. then do it again
Get ready to work hard, but you will be rewarded. His lectures are great and you will learn a lot.
His classes are really interesting. Grade is based on quizzes that are fill in the blank. Study the notes a lot and you'll do fine.
Hardest class ever, but rewarding. This class is very challenging, but he wants you to do well and you will learn a lot. 80% for an A, 60% for a B, 40% for a C.
All the exam problems are straight from the book. Before the exam, you do the odd problems for homework and he does the even problems in class. So make sure you understand the homework. That's pretty much all there is.
He's good at teaching. The class is hard, but if you learn the homework the exams aren't bad.
The quizzes and the class were hard but fair.
This was a hard class but I learned a lot!
His class was so enjoyable and extremely interesting. It will give you a better perspective!
Great class!
I really enjoyed this class!
While Dr. Veal shows interest in his field of work, he fails to truly show he does in his teaching. For starts, he comes off as unprofessional whether its an incomplete answer to a student's question, or expecting students to memorize unreal amounts of information in a couple of weeks for an INTRO class mind you. Quizzes cater to him not students.
This is my favorite class this semester, and one of the best I've ever had. Dr. Veal's lectures are awesome and it's obvious he loves to teach. The quizzes are hard, but doable. You just have to study a lot.
I want to start my review by stating the following: Veal clearly does care about this topic and very clearly knows what he speaks about. I love his enthusiasm when he lectures. That said, I didn't feel like this class was fair. Not everyone is good at test taking and I'm one of those people that isn't good at test taking, even after hours of study
This is a tough class, but the professor helps the students to understand the ideas. The students ask a lot of questions and he makes sure we understand when he answers. The lecture notes on canvas are very helpful for the quizzes. I learned a lot in this class and definitely enjoyed it.
One question quizzes which are not graded by him based on the handwriting, homework is graded by a program, and no lecture pdf? He doesn't do his job, it's that simple. The reviews praising the class are bizarre.
I took this class last semester. There were five quizzes and each had four questions, and you get to drop your lowest quiz. The professor wasn't difficult, it's just the course material that's difficult. For the level of the class, the quiz questions were very fair. He's a good professor and you will learn a lot, but you'll have to work hard.
The class itself is hard as your grade is based on 5 exams (get to drop your lowest )and there's no homework quizzes or extra credit. His exams are HARD but he teaches with so much passion and makes his lectures so interesting, so much so that because of his class I decide to change my major to Astrophysics.
All of his lectures are theoretical and simply dumps equations into your hands, relying on the textbook and homework to make up for solving problems and knowing how to use the equations he's given you. While the homework isn't required to be done, you need to do it or else you're left in the dust. I recommend a different professor altogether.
Every physics class is difficult, and this one is no exception. There are a lot of equations and the professor shows where they come from. He also does problems in the textbook, showing us how they can be used. It's not possible to learn everything you need to learn in three hours per week, so you will have to do a lot of homework.
Tough but fair; if you are looking for a challenge he is the way to go. I had him for ASTR100 PHYS270-272. He won't let a questions unanswered and really motivates you, that being said, there's no hw or extra credit, your grade comes solely from 5 tests, although you get to drop your lowest. You really got to put the work outside the classroom
Took him for Physics 3. I'd say I am a pretty good student, A in both Physics 1 and 2. For veal, you have to choose your own homework problems, roughly 100 per chapter, any can be on the tests, or none at all. There is no way to know what will be on the tests. The lectures are unclear. He writes things down and doesn't explain what is going on.
Even though the class was often difficult, I enjoyed the class because the professor was very passionate in his teaching.
Like any physics class, 270 is tough but the professor is fair and his lectures are very good. You'll have to spend a lot of time figuring out the homework, but it will pay off. Just make sure and do all the homework, and then some. He's helpful in office hours.
This is one of the best classes I've ever taken.
Dr. Veal is a great professor. He does even problems in class and odd problems for homework (free textbook). Your grade is based on 5 exams but he is generous with grading (85% or higher = A/B, drops lowest exam). He will answer any questions you have. No calculators. Study, review, be present, & you'll be fine. One of my favorite courses so far =)
In my first two weeks of attending his class, the instructor didn't solve a single problem, and his explanations about the upcoming tests were vague at best. Additionally, he seemed to be frequently corrected by students. If possible. Be ready to self taught every equations and how to use it because he doesn't do it.
Wished professor Lee was an option for when I needed to take physics 3. He only derives equations during class. No examples, nothing. Sometimes he doesn't know how to answer questions from the textbook. This is basically a self-study class, his lectures don't really help much to understand the topic.
As an engineering major you will be prepared for transfer. He is the best professor, and helps you understand what physics is actually about. The homework is not graded, but it is your responsibility as a stem student. The exams are intuitive and require you to use your common sense. I believe Veal to be fair and a pleasure to learn from.
Prof. Veal teaches from a theoretical standpoint where he works on proofs during lectures primarily, this is not the class to take if you want an A, but a B or C is very obtainable. In Phys 270, 272 & 274 he heavily "curves" (complete new grading scale) and it's all based on 5 quizzes, the lowest dropped. This class is mostly self-taught.
I had a 4.0 for 3 yrs until I met Jeffrey. He's THE WORST TEACHER I'VE HAD @ SWC. He only derives eqns in class; NO EXAMPLES. He's corrected by students multiple times a class, and doesn't know the answer to their qs. He curves his class heavy to make up for his incompetence. The wording on the exams is overly complex. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
Take Physics 3 with Dr. Lee, or at another school altogether. This summarizes him perfectly, "Sorry I was late guys, I did not have time to prepare for today's lecture so if I can't answer your questions, sorry in advance."... as if he shouldn't know the material after teaching physics for 25 years... I am trying to save you, avoid at all costs.
Multiple 3.9something or 4.0 students were struggling just to maintain a passing grade in his class. Some reviews say you just have to read and you'll pass, but that is not the issue. If you are serious about engineering and want to work on personal side projects, do not take him. Everything I know about Physics 3 was self-taught, AVOID!
Overall, this is a good class. It seems like the previous negative ratings must have been from a student who didn't get the grade hoped for and is blaming the instructor. Veal definitely is a good professor.
Physics is tough at any level, and there's too much to learn to have it all happen in class. You should expect to spend a lot of time doing homework and learning from it. Veal taught a good class.
I enjoyed this class, even though it was very challenging. Professor Veal gives good lectures and he's passionate about teaching. Be ready to do a lot of homework to prepare for the quizzes. The curve is generous and some of the quiz problems are pretty easy.
Overall, this class was tough but fair. Five quizzes, drop the lowest, and the grading scale is 80% for A, 60% for B, and 40% for C.
This was a hard class, but it's my favorite class of all I've taken. The ideas are so interesting and the professor is so passionate about teaching. Take his class!
I like to take risks that's why I registered for this class. 5 exams through all period and you get to drop the lowest score. What I noticed is that the prof likes to make the class harder than it is. You have 1 m/per Q in the test and he gives you a whole sheet of diff. possible answers, so, if you know, you know, otherwise, good luck. He knows
Easily the most ridiculous course in college I took even after getting a BS in math. He tests almost purely proofs based on lecture proof regurgitation or the necessity of so many lemmas from them. After transferring and retaking this class at UCSD it was a much more straightforward approach to an intro course with focus on understanding material.
I took this class last fall. There are 5 quizzes, 4 problems each, and the problems are the same style as the homework. Drop your lowest quiz. 80%=A, 60%=B, 40%=C, 25%=D. In class, Veal shows where the equations come from and then shows examples how to use them. Very hard class, but his passion for teaching helps.
I took the Radical Universe course many years ago (2015 I think?), and I still talk about it to this day. In my opinion, Dr. Veal is an amazing professor. The material was tough, but if you have a genuine interest in astronomy, it's absolutely doable. Ask questions! Get curious! You rock, Dr. Veal!!!
Idek how to feel abt this class. He proves most of the equations we use. Exams are symbolic and very fair imo. Lectures are chalk-and-talk which I love. But always in a time crunch. Feels like we skip the most important (but subtler) points like motivation, technique, scope, etc, just so we can get through everything. Tbh I wish it was 4 units
Prof. Veal is AMAZING^10!!!! Why so much whining? Just by reading some of the low rating / boring reviews I start to get aches, oh mai gosh!!!! His classes are excellent and you will learn, that does not mean they won't be hard.
Veal say things like "switch to accounting if this is too hard" in class while pretending he isn't skipping straight to the 400/500 level version of this material. He should switch to accounting if being an encouraging professor if too hard. Find a way around him if you need to and don't fall for his antics.
He goes off on so many tangents and teaches like we already know everything he knows. He talks quiet and scribbles on the white board and we're supposed to take notes of what's on there but you can't even read it with his handwriting. He writes little symbols that only make sense to him so when you refer back to your notes, none of it makes sense.
Everything you need to know for the quizzes is in his printed lecture notes on Canvas. His lectures are interesting and he leaves a lot of time for questions in class, meaning questions about the lecture topics as well as questions about astronomy in general. If you want to learn about the universe, take this class.
Like any physics course, you'll need to spend a lot of time outside class studying and doing homework. His lectures are based on the book, so that's the level he teaches. You only need 40% to pass, and the quizzes have some easy problems and some medium hard problems.
Very challenging class. Need a lot of time to do the homework. Lectures are good.
This class is amazing. I love it. Take Veal's class.
This class is very challenging, but do all the homework and it will help. The office hours are helpful. The quiz questions are either moderate or easy, about half of each. Understanding the lecture notes helps too.
There are so many fascinating ideas presented in Dr. Veal's lectures. If you want to learn some deep things about the universe, take this class!
Everyone's grade starts at 0%. The only thing you do that affect your grade are quizzes. If you do poorly, then there is nothing else you can do to fix your grade. No homework, no assignments, nothing. He says he treats his class like university when university isn't like this. Tough material to understand even with the textbook.
Everyone starts at 0%. The only thing you do that affects your grade are quizzes. They are not enough. If you do bad on them, there is nothing else you could do to improve your grade; no assignments or homework. Sketches relating to the content drawn during lecture cannot be received from his textbook. He complicates the material he teaches.
The material isn't easy, but it's been a great class. There are five quizzes, all based on his online lecture notes. He tells you exactly which sections in the notes to study for each quiz, and the quiz questions follow the order in the notes. If you study seriously, you'll do fine. He drops your lowest quiz score so it won't count against you.
There are five quizzes, and that's all for the semester. Your lowest score is dropped. The professor's grading scale helps a lot, you only need 50% to pass with a C. The material covered is very interesting and he teaches it well. When he lectures, you only need to copy his sketches. All the other info you need is in the online lecture notes.
Does not accommodate special needs.
5 quizzes, drop your lowest. Need 40% to pass the class. The quizzes are tough but fair.
You'll need to spend a lot of time on homework to do well in the course, like any physics class. His lectures are good and he wants students to ask a lot of questions. Some of the exam questions are meant to be easy. Overall, the class is difficult but fair.
The professor is knowledgeable and gives great lectures full of fascinating ideas.
Not the best physics professor, lectures are boring, and all he does is derive formulas and doesn't tell us how to use them in problems. Good curve. 5 quizzes, one is dropped. I would recommend going with someone else if you want to learn. Gives LOTS of homework and is very discouraging towards students, causing many to drop his class.
His lectures are deriving formulas and does not do sample problems.Grade comes from 5 quizzes, 1 is dropped,and the class is curved 80% for an A,60% for a B.Homework is assigned but not graded (if you want to do good on the quizzes you have to do homework).Only reason I would take his class again is for the curve.First quiz almost everyone failed.
worst professor ever
Great lectures, great professor. Quizzes aren't easy, but you only need 50% for a C.
Most days his lectures are deriving new equations, showing when they can be used and when they can't. The derivations use older equations, showing how equations can be used. Maybe one fourth of the days he'll do problems from the book. As others have said, the curve is generous. But you will still need to do a lot of homework to do well.
One of the best professors at SWC.
No homework, only lectures and 5 exams. You will only be graded on exams. The textbook he provides in the canvas does not match the notes. Nothing posted on canvas, no notes, no modules, no grades posted. Hard to pass if you do not pay attention 100% of the time.
Strict grader, attendance mandatory. Heavy, fast-paced lectures with no photos allowed. Nothing posted on Canvas. No homework with only 5 tough exams with one minute per question. He says 18 hrs of study a week should help you pass, but the textbook doesn't match the lectures. This is not an easy A.
Incredible professor who's clearly passionate about the topic and is happy to be teaching it. That alone makes his lectures interesting. If you are looking for an easy A, then this isn't the class for you, though. There's no HW. The entire grade is from 5 exams that you HAVE to study for to pass. If you actually pay attention, you'll be fine.
HE only evaluates with the 4 best exams out of 5 attempts
You need to practice with homework by yourself (he does not evaluate homework).
Best teacher in the universe hands down.
A very passionate professor who knows what he's talking about. While I enjoy his lectures, he has a very monotone voice that's on the quieter side which might make it hard for some people to stay awake. His class is very clearly difficult from the start, but he's transparent about it. Graded on only 5 exams. 1 exam is dropped.
The exams are based on, and in the same order as, the lecture notes that are posted on canvas. Each exam is on about three pages of notes. If you really study the notes, you'll do well.
This is the coolest class I've taken.
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Attendance Mandatory
90%
Textbook Required
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