3.2

Joel Block

Science - Sacred Heart University

3.2
Quality
4.0
Difficulty
22%
Would Retake
89
Reviews
3.2
Quality
4.0
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.2
Clarity

22%

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
89 total ratings

5

36

4

7

3

13

2

16

1

17

What Students Say

Will totally torpedo your GPA

AST101 - 3.0 rating

i agree with the other people here

PY090 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

94%

Textbook Required

81%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (2)
B+ (2)
A (2)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(2)C(2)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 12 reported grades
A+: 2
B+: 2
A: 2
C-: 1
Common Tags
Tough Grader (8)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (5)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Inspirational (1)
Tough grader (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.33 avg change
Nov
Dec
Apr
May
Dec
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ASTRO

5.0

(1)

SCIAST

5.0

(1)

PY299

5.0

(3)

ASTRO99

5.0

(1)

GEOL100

5.0

(1)
+25 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PY040

5.0

PY035

5.0

GEOLOGLY

5.0

BASICASTRONOMY

5.0

GEOL100

5.0

Reviews (88)
5.0
3.0
PY090
Sep 12, 2002

Class seems hard at first, but the tests are just a regurgitation of the notes.

2.0
5.0
PY090
Dec 9, 2002

horrible. HORRIBLE

4.0
5.0
PY090
Dec 9, 2002

No Comments

1.0
5.0
PY090
Dec 11, 2002

No Comments

2.0
4.0
PY090
Dec 11, 2002

No Comments

1.0
5.0
PY090
Dec 13, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
PY090
Dec 13, 2002

No Comments

1.0
5.0
PY090
Dec 13, 2002

Study for 10 hours, and completely memorize 30 or so pages of notes and its easy

3.0
5.0
PY040
Mar 17, 2003

No Comments

1.0
5.0
PY090
Apr 17, 2003

No Comments

3.0
5.0
PY090
Nov 11, 2003

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. HARDEST INTRO CLASS I'VE EVER TAKEN

5.0
5.0
PY090
Apr 2, 2004

The hardest class I have taken at SHU and its an entry level class. However he is probably the best teacher I have ever had. I could tell you everything about astronomy, but is it worth it for an intro class?

2.0
5.0
PY090
May 9, 2004

If you like to study for a month before taking the exams then go for it, if not don't even think about taking him. Hardest class I've ever taken, but if you like to learn, you'll learn absolutely everything about astronomy.

1.0
5.0
PY90
Mar 1, 2005

For an astronomy class...wow...he is out of it completely. You have to do a ton of studying and his exams even with that are difficult!This is like Boot Camp Astronomy!He is also weird, thinks he's funny but he's not.He compeltely ruins the subject of Astronomy and this class isnt what it should be!

2.0
5.0
PY090
Apr 4, 2005

don't do it.

2.0
5.0
PY090
Apr 5, 2005

STAY AWAY! Especially if you're not a science major, this guy's class is absurd. 97 short answer question final! So much memorization involved, it's a total waste of time you could use on your other, more important courses. With one quiz, one mid-term, one final there's no room for mess-ups.

1.0
5.0
PY090
Apr 7, 2005

i agree with the other people here... if you have even the slightest trouble memorizing tons of information, don't even consider taking Professor Block for astronomy!

3.0
5.0
PY035
Apr 22, 2005

Very tough, the guy knows what he's talking about, but his tests are almost impossible. Wouldn't recommend him unless you really know your stuff.

3.0
5.0
ASTRONOMY090
May 10, 2005

His intro course requires an incredible amount of work but if you work EXTREMELY hard you can get an A (like me). Cramming for his tests will not work, since they're meant to test how well you truly understand the material. However if you take his course you WILL learn astronomy.

5.0
1.0
PY090
Jun 20, 2005

Had him in high school, is a very hard teacher but you actually learn. I know its college and you want easy electives. However, if you are really interested in this class take him because you will know everything you ever wanted to know

1.0
5.0
GEOLOGLY
Grade: A+
Sep 18, 2005

No Comments

4.0
4.0
ASTRONOMY
Sep 23, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ASTRONOMY
Sep 27, 2005

This guy rules if you are into astronomy and UFO type stuff.

4.0
3.0
ASTRONOMY
Oct 24, 2005

I loved his class. You learn a lot. He is very enthusiastic about the material he is teaching. I hated his exams. It is all memorization. On his final we had like 60 questions and you have to go into detail with your answers, for example, explain the birth and death of a star. So if you ready to memories take this class. (just to say I did not do well in the class)

2.0
5.0
BASICASTRONOMY
Nov 9, 2005

you do learn a LOT about astronomy in his class. I studied and studied when i had him, and then studied again and memorized more constellations and facts about stars and stuff again. I was taking 5 classes and 1/2 of my work was in this class- and i only got a C-. He means well, but this class really can be very bad for your GPA. Very hard!

1.0
5.0
PY090
Nov 28, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
PY090
Dec 21, 2005

Knows what he's talking about. His tests are straight from the notes, but very tedious, all short answer. Alot of information to take in but he gives you a study guide for both the midterm and final. Reading the textbook is optional. He's a really nice guy and the class was very interesting but if you dont like studying dont take him.

5.0
1.0
ASTRONOMY
Mar 31, 2006

Awesome man.... great class, you will realize that you learned a lot when you study and pass his tests.

5.0
2.0
PY090
Apr 6, 2006

He is one of the best teachers I've EVER had. As a matter of fact I'm taking him again because of how well he teaches!! The people who rate him so poorly are those who never go to class or just day dream during class. He is extremely interested in his topics and if you ask him he will explain something more clearly. If you need a science take him

5.0
3.0
ASTRO
Apr 11, 2006

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ASTRONOMY
May 1, 2006

Awesome class.... funny guy

5.0
1.0
PY090
Sep 7, 2006

D-Block is the man!

5.0
2.0
SCIAST
Nov 6, 2006

he is an awesome teacher there is a lot to remember but he makes it easy and keeps everything pretty interesting

5.0
2.0
PY299
Nov 13, 2006

best. professor. ever. nuff said.

5.0
1.0
ASTRO99
Dec 9, 2006

this guy a ----ing legend.

5.0
4.0
PY299
Dec 15, 2006

Dr. Block is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He is far better than any other I have had yet at SHU. I took his Science and the Bible class and loved it! I learned so much in his class. He is a tough teacher but he is GREAT at what he does.

1.0
4.0
AST101
Feb 1, 2007

Whomever wrote hes the man was absolutely wrong!! He is very passionate about his teaching and the material isnt even THAT boring but he is the WORST teacher ever. He hates to repeat anything and when he does he goes through it 200 mph. He is a hard grader, and has repetitive jokes that get annoying.

2.0
5.0
PY90
May 9, 2007

Seriously, its a hard class. If I could do it over I wouldn't have taken it. Way too much memorization, I studied for 3 days straight, and only got a C for my final grade. I do not recommend.

5.0
3.0
PY90
Sep 9, 2007

The people that don't do well in his class are the people that have no desire to do any work at all. Not a big surprise though, hardly any students at this school like to be challenged. He's actually a really easy professor. He tells you EXACTLY what you need to know for the tests; there are no surprises. He's also an easy grader. A+++

5.0
4.0
ASTRO101
Oct 31, 2007

He's a good teacher (helpful and exiting), yet this class is not "easy" (especially if your bad at time management-each exam, though straitfoward, requires alot of preparation). Overall, I was happy i took this class, but it was made a little too difficult and involved for a 101 level class.

3.0
5.0
ASTRO101
Nov 12, 2007

This guy is a great teacher... he knows wut he is talking about..He will halp u if u need help... He is very complicated.. The work is hard... i do agree it is too much for astro 101... I would not recommend... he is a little crazy!

2.0
5.0
PY090
Nov 13, 2007

THIS DUDE IS OFF HIS ROCKER STAY AWAY. TAKE ANOTHER SCIENCE!

4.0
3.0
ASTRO101
Apr 14, 2008

He is overall a very good professor. He tells you exactly what you need to know for the tests and as long as you study you will do fine. He usually only uses the text books for examples and things and the only homework he ever gives is to study. I thouroughly enjoyed his class

5.0
5.0
GEOL100
May 12, 2008

nicest professor you can get, BUT if you are just looking for an easy science class stay away. you will work for your money! :) it will also be one of the most enjoyable classes you have ever taken. great guy but a lot of work!

3.0
5.0
ASTRO101
May 14, 2008

class is fun to sit through, but definitely not an easy science credit. there are 3 tests.. a constellation test which is not too hard but the midterm is very difficult and the final was one of the hardest tests i've ever taken in my life.. stay away if you are looking for an easy science requirement

3.0
5.0
ASTROPY09
Aug 21, 2008

He was a very nice guy, but the course was extremely difficult. It was easy to take notes, although became burdensome as you were uncertain where he was in his lecture. The first exam was fairly easy, however, the following were literally impossible. I am an A student and received a B for this course.I know People who cheated and had B's & lower.

4.0
3.0
PY090
Nov 10, 2008

He is a cool guy. This is my favorite class and i never liked astronomy before this. I love the way he teaches. He makes everything interesting and fun. I'm even thinking about taking another one of his courses just for fun. Cool guy, great class, but must study. Take for science credit.

2.0
5.0
ASTRO09
Dec 3, 2008

OYE!!!! Stay away... far far far away. Okay hes funny, but his final i tell u is impossbile. I am an A study and i failed his class the first time around and the second time is no easier... Way 2 much info cramed in to even memorized. If u cheat you will prolly get a C.. do no take. I swaer u will regret it, tremendously!

1.0
5.0
PY090
Dec 12, 2008

STAY FAR AWAY!!! This guy thinks he is some sort of GOD in the "Astrology World"... Gives so much information, it is unfathomable for any human being to remember it all. Don't say I didn't warn you. SHU should drop this dude.

5.0
1.0
PY090
Jan 16, 2009

People that don't do well in Dr. Block's class are just lazy. Yes, he gives a lot of information, but HE TELLS YOU EXACTLY WHAT IS ON EVERY TEST! WORD FOR WORD! I took two of his classes and they were SO EASY. In all honesty, people that fail Dr. Block's class should not be in college. Love it or hate it, you all know that I'm right.

5.0
1.0
PY299
Jan 16, 2009

What is this garbage that some of you have been saying about Dr. Block? His class is pretty easy. It's not a class where you can not study and pass.. but we're in college, what do you expect? Not only does he give you everything you need for each test, he reviews all the time. There are no surprises on his tests. No papers or presentations. Easy A

4.0
3.0
PY101
Jan 30, 2009

I took his science vs. the bible class and it was very difficult for me. I was the only frosh in the class and I worked my butt off to get a good grade. he said i could do an extra credit paper and i never got it back or received a grade...i just got a c for my final grade. he was very diffcult to understand in his lectures about what was important

5.0
3.0
PY090
Sep 10, 2009

Block is awesome. I learned so much. He dumbs down science. Non-science people should definitely take Astronomy with him. Also goes over everything in the reading, so reading the book is redundant. He repeats all of his jokes, but he's a cool guy. I loved going to class. Basic Astronomy was incredibly interesting, and I'd recommend it to anyone.

5.0
4.0
PY90
Sep 14, 2009

Professor Block made this class so interesting. Astronomy is my new favorite thing because of this guy. I learned something knew that i thought i understood everyday. He gives a lot of notes so pay attention but its not jus him talking he gets everyone involved. His stories are interesting and he loves aliens so its awesome. Take the class!

5.0
4.0
PY134
Jan 30, 2010

This guy is the greatest. Makes astronomy very interesting. Every lecture is like a pregame pep talk from a coach. VERY EXCITING!

1.0
5.0
ASY101
Mar 3, 2010

DO NOT TAKE ASTRONOMY WITH BLOCK if you want to work your butt of and fail the class then go for it otherwise DONT TAKE HIM anyone who gives him a good rating is out of their mind

5.0
4.0
PY090
Mar 29, 2010

I had Dr. Block for 3 different classes at SHU and he really knows his stuff. just make sure that you study for the midterms and finals and you will do fine. there is not homework so your grade really depends on your tests. He was fantastic and I would take his class again if i could.

5.0
2.0
PY090
Mar 29, 2010

All you have to do in this class is sit and listen. I found the course material really interesting, people interested in science will feel the same. Just sit, take some notes, and review before the tests and you'll be fine. I plan on taking this professor again next semester.

5.0
4.0
AS101
Apr 3, 2010

I won't lie: Astronomy with Block was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken between undergrad and graduate school. I worked hard for the B-, but the study skills I had to develop to pass his class have helped me ever since. He gives you a lot to memorize, and the final is cumulative, so beware if you hate big tests and memorizing things.

5.0
4.0
PY090
Apr 21, 2010

Professor Block taught me some of the most interesting things in astronomy class. This class is not easy. I'm about the take the final for astronomy and there is a lot of information on it. Not to say this class is impossible, if you study hard you should be able to pull out with at least a B or higher.

2.0
5.0
AST090
Dec 23, 2010

This was the hardest class i have ever been through. the first test was easy. the midterm was so hard. and the final, i studied for 2 days straight and still found it impossible. i passed with a c (i have no idea how). he knows his stuff and is nice, but it's so hard to get a good grade in this class!

2.0
5.0
RS101
Jan 20, 2011

science and the bible was probably the hardest class i've ever taken. block's tests are ridiculous - he gives you a list of what's on the test but once you get the test, nothing you studied is on there. this class was brutal.

5.0
4.0
PY090
Jan 20, 2011

The class is not easy. Cannot skip class because you take a lot of notes but it is definitely worth it. His exams are difficult but not impossible pay attention, study what he tells you, and you will pass. Lot of enthusiasm for the course-he clearly knows his stuff! Overall, if you don't mind the work and actually want to learn take him.

5.0
4.0
PY090
Jan 20, 2011

The class is not easy. Cannot skip class because you take a lot of notes but it is definitely worth it. His exams are difficult but not impossible pay attention, study what he tells you, and you will pass. Lot of enthusiasm for the course-he clearly knows his stuff! Overall, if you don't mind the work and actually want to learn take him.

3.0
5.0
SC110
Feb 2, 2011

The hardest D+ i have ever worked for. Hardest teacher i have ever had, but i learned the most i have ever learned in any class. Really a great teacher, just VERY hard.

5.0
3.0
PY090
May 5, 2011

Dr. Block is the best teacher I've had in 16+ years of schooling. I took his astronomy class and his science and the Bible class as well. He will change the way you look at the world around you. His classes changed my entire outlook on life, it sounds crazy but knowledge is extremely powerful. Oblivious people looking for an easy A, stay away!

4.0
5.0
ASTRONOMY
Dec 31, 2013

Prof Block is REALLY into science. He isa great guy undeniably, but if you're looking for an easy science class, DO NOT TAKE ASTRONOMY. VERY VERY HARD. I'm an A-B student and i struggled very hard to get a C in his class. If you're up for a challenge and really want to study hard, take this class.

5.0
4.0
AST101
Grade: A+
Jan 6, 2014

His classes are hard, but I've learned more from him than any other professor I can think of. His tests are cumulative so you need to retain everything. Great man.

5.0
4.0
PY090
May 6, 2014

Took Astronomy and it was pretty tough. Every class made up entirely of rapid note taking so if any class was missed there was no catching up. Not many assignments in the gradebook either so hard to raise grade. But professor is enthusiastic about topic and is always there for extra help if needed.

1.0
5.0
BASICASTRONOMY
Oct 30, 2014

He talks really fast, and loses track of time. Lectures are long and he goes on tangents that you have to pick out the information that he wants you to remember. There is no homework, but he has high expectations without making it clear what exactly is expected.

1.0
5.0
SCIENCEBIBLE
Nov 9, 2014

This class is really hard! Don't take it he is not easy to understand and it is just tests that are really hard and all writing. He gives you blue books and you need to answer so much information and it is very confusing!!

3.0
4.0
PY055
Nov 25, 2014

Professor Block is clearly devoted to science and religious however rarely writes notes on the board, no study guides and tough grader. Expects you to be a professional geologist. Unorganized, shows clips and movies as a supplement to teach material. If you prefer a challenge, take this class, but it is a serious GPA killer.

2.0
5.0
PY190
Grade: C-
Oct 29, 2015

Speeds by during the lecture, Smart guy but not the best professor.

5.0
4.0
PY155
Grade: B+
Nov 11, 2015

I took Professor Block for Science and the Bible. He is extremely passionate about his subject, and gets so excited during lectures he screams and yells, and is quite entertaining! It's a challenging course, and the tests are hard, but I seriously have never learned this much in my entire life. You need to study, but great guy!

3.0
5.0
ASTRONOMY090
Grade: D+
Dec 8, 2015

This professor is out of his bird, hardest class i have ever taken in my life. Serious GPA killer and i'm a A-B student. He has high expectations and doesn't make it clear what is even expected. I wouldn't even wish it upon my worst enemy to take this class because it is just pure torture and a fine example of what hell must be like.

3.0
4.0
PY190A
Grade: B+
Dec 9, 2015

I took Block for Astronomy and it is a difficult class, but it is managable if you put the effort in. He tells you exactly what you need to know and if you take good notes and study everything, you will do fine. Its just the final and the midterm, plus 2 small quizzes. He is passionate about what he teaches and his lectures are interesting.

3.0
4.0
PY155
Grade: B
Jan 18, 2016

This class is tough, as is Dr. Block. Comparing and relating science and the bible is difficult but if you put a lot of work into this class you will pass. He is always there during office hours, so if you take advantage of that, you have better shot of doing well. Dr. Block is a really good professor and teaches you to truly work for your grade.

2.0
5.0
AST101
Apr 15, 2016

Insanely hard course. Does nothing but lecture without visuals or breaks for 2 1/2 hours. Tests make you explain every concept with every detail and gives 1/2 credit if you miss a single thing. Is very dry and the biggest GPA killer I've ever had. Would not take ever again.

3.0
4.0
AST101
Grade: B-
May 3, 2016

Will totally torpedo your GPA. Im not kidding. I read the reviews here before I took the course and wish I listened. Honestly one of my hardest courses this semester, and it really shouldnt be. Studied for hours, got every answer right on the midterm, but lost 20 points because this guy is half credit happy. Professor takes this class too seriously

2.0
4.0
AS101
Dec 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Seems like a nice guys but very hard grader on exams and quizzes. You basically have to memorize everything and he's very half credit happy when grading. Would not recommend taking this class.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PY155
Jul 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Block is one of the most stubborn people I have ever met in my life. If you try to disagree with him on something, he will not entertain your opinion. The first QUIZ was 70 questions, all sentences. Insanely long tests, quizzes, midterms, and finals. If you have any respect for the Catholic religion, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. Trust me on that one

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PY115
Grade: D
Nov 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

nice guy but a horrible teacher, even if you write exactly what he said in class on the test he will still give you a bad grade. His lectures are all over the place. I would recommend not taking him its not worth the stress and aggravation

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
PY101
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He expects a lot out of students, originally there was only supposed to be a midterm and final but at the end of the semester he added 2 tests before the final and we had to cram everything in. Good lectures but tests are all open ended and there is a lot of info to learn.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
4.0
ASTRONOMY090
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2018
Would take again

This man is dope. He is definitely a hard teacher but it is fair if you just study the material. Probably my favorite teacher I have ever had as he makes the lectures very enjoyable and you can really tell he is passionate about what he is teaching. Many people complain that the tests are too hard but if you study like he tells you, it is a breeze.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
PY190
Grade: C
May 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Do not take astronomy if you want a decent GPA for the semester. None of the quizzes or exams are multiple choice. The final was 82 open ended and explain questions. Do not think you can pass this class without studying. Lectures are confusing and he never says the same thing twice. TAKE A LAB INSTEAD-- IT WILL BE EASIER

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
5.0
PY035
Dec 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I took his Science and the Bible course for TLA. He was nice but the lectures were all over the place and it was hard to pay attention in due to the spattered teaching; he wouldn't state things twice, 2-3 quizzes that were long (30-40 open-ended questions) and the final was close to 60 written questions that he expected you explain. GPA killer.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
ASTRONOMY
Dec 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I took his Astronomy class and let just say it was the most difficult class that I have ever took. There are basically no powerpoint or anything to take note on. Every notes that taken in class is when he give his lecture. He is very passion about what he talking about. But he can be confusing. His tests are very hard.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PY101
Mar 31, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Block is an AMAZING professor!! This class is hard, but that is what you should expect when taking a college course. Although, his tests are word for word what he says from the lecture. If you put in the time you will be just fine. He is actually a really cool person too. Take the time to introduce yourself to him and to learn about him too!

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Tough grader
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

94%

Textbook Required

81%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (2)
B+ (2)
A (2)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(2)C(2)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 12 reported grades
A+: 2
B+: 2
A: 2
C-: 1
Common Tags
Tough Grader (8)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (5)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Inspirational (1)
Tough grader (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.33 avg change
Nov
Dec
Apr
May
Dec
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ASTRO

5.0

(1)

SCIAST

5.0

(1)

PY299

5.0

(3)

ASTRO99

5.0

(1)

GEOL100

5.0

(1)
+25 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PY040

5.0

PY035

5.0

GEOLOGLY

5.0

BASICASTRONOMY

5.0

GEOL100

5.0

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