Interesting class. No math on the tests. The homework is grades very easily as long as you do it. Do NOT buy the textbook, he does not use it once.

the class was a bit intense- but John Perry is the man. He is definately helpful in whatever you need, no prob going to this guy with questions. approachable and friendly. Great stuff- and you GOTTA take the lab. (MANLEY IS HILARIOUSLY AWESOME)

Great professor. He changed the class a bit this semester. Instead of having midterms and a final, we have a T/F test every Thursday and he drops the lowest two.

Friendly and engaging fellow. Easy grader. A good teacher overall. I couldn't disagree more with the other reviews here.

GREAT CLASS!!!!! You can do well if you put effort into it.

The way he presents a problem in astronomy at the beginning of a lecture and works through discoveries and advancements to teach us the solution or theory, is really impressive. He's great and really cares about the subject. He also owns a hologram business. So that's cool.

If you have any interest at all in physics or astronomy, he is one of the BEST lecturers you will ever find on the subject. First person ever to explain relativity so that I clearly understand the concept. GREAT class.

Professor Perry is the man. His class is the most reasonable science class imaginable. He scales the 25-Q multiple choice tests heavily and offers tutoring sessions for the homework, which are VERY helpful. Just do what he asks: the APOD (Astronomy Pic of the Day) and the tutoring sessions and you'll do fine.

Prof Perry is extremely knowledgable in Astronomy. He presents the newest and most exciting information, as well as the history of how we got there. He is really hard to hear in the lecture class -- sit right up front and you will be fine. The homeworks look hard, but go to the tutor sessions, they will do it for you basically. Mind blowing class.

i liked this class more and more as the semester went on. john knows his**** about astronomy, and he is the only person whose ever been able to explain relativity, string theory, black holes, etc to me. the material is definitely difficult to wrap your head around, but john will explain it over and over just to get you to understand. sit up close!

He's very interested in the subject. astronomy 5 is very basic and a little boring but he's a solid teacher. The class has a bad dynamic because most of the students aren't interested at all and just want to get their science requirement done. Try taking a different astronomy course if you have background knowledge already.

John Perry is probably one of the best teachers i have ever had. Even with a class full of students who don't care, Perry makes it very interesting. Probably one of my favorite professors. He also helps if you visit him before or after class or at office hours. Great guy who has passion for what he teaches.

Perry is a great teacher and a great man. His class isn't too challanging and you will learn a lot. I went to nearly every class and studied no more than an hour for each of 6 tests and got an A.

so great!

Perry is an awesome teacher. I love hims as a professor, he get so excited about the topic. I hated the actual class. It was really difficult, but Perry is just awesome.

Really great class, and John Perry is the man to take it with. You will learn how to travel through time if you come across a rotating black hole.

Great, incredibly informed lecturer. He is extremely knowledgeable in subject area and is helpful if you need extra help (which you will) because his course is very difficult. Go the the office hours and study a lot for quizzes. You'll need to write down everything he says, but the course is incredibly interesting.

This guy is the Walter White of astronomy. Seriously, the class is so cool. Keep in mind, it's full of kids who don't care since it's a pretty easy science, but if you sit up front it's great. During one of his office hours seasons, he instructed me to let go of everything I've ever perceived about physical reality. You're in for a heady class!

Told me to call him John cause thats what his son calls him. This dude is the man and is really enthusiastic about the material. Just go to class for the quizzes and you'll do fine. Gives you 3/4 of the quiz before you even take it. Grreat guy.

Terrible lecture. 2 question test every other Tuesday. This guy loves what he does though, if you can pay attention in lecture and go to the extra help session before tests you'll probably be ok.

John Perry ranks as one of my top 3 professors at UVM simply because he is such a great guy. As a former TA of his, not only does he care about the success of his students but the accuracy of the material he presents. I would highly recommend his classes to anyone with the least bit of interest in astronomy, space, black holes, planets etc.

There is no homework, and no required reading. There is a 2 question (multi part) test/quiz every other week, plus an extra credit question. He posts all of the possible questions online beforehand (save a few of the sub questions). Spend the evening before the exam answering each of the possible questions, and you'll do fine. Going to class helps

John is an amazing and brilliant person, and this class was extremely interesting. On the downside, your grade comes out of only the exams. (no homework outside of preparing for them) You basically have to memorize the exam questions he gives you. He does curve the grades, but it's not an easy A. No textbook.

The lectures are engaging and well taught. You need to have a very strong interest in astronomy in order to do well in the class. There are six exams (quizzes) and he posts potential test questions in advance. Exams are curved A LOT. Go to class and study and you should get an A. Loved the class and loved the teacher.

lots of exams

John Perry is a great teacher. The lectures are interesting, and he makes it clear what the important information to know is. As long as you go to class and study before the test it's fairly easy to get an A.

he is great

One of my favorite teachers this semester. Class is lecture-based but he intersperses the more dry material with more exciting space facts or pictures. The last few classes were particularly mind-blowing. Often available for office hours. I liked this class so much that I'm doing my other science requirement with John Perry also.

This is a pretty hard class, but Perry makes it reasonable. Just study like hell for the tests and you'll be fine.

Perry's one of the better professors at UVM. His classes are challenging without being difficult, and his grading is fair, even though his exams are a little unorthodox. This is my lowest-maintenance course, and I'm taking intro to drawing.

Go to class and pay attention and you'll do fine on the tests. I took 005 last semester and am currently taking 153 (Moons and Planets) with him. It's best to develop a quasi-personal relationship early on. Really helpful with test questions in office hours. Honestly one of the best instructors I've had. Chose an Astro minor because of him.

Concept-based, no math. Easy if you've taken any science class or interested in the subject. Posts half the test questions beforehand so you can get the answers from office hours & know what to study. A little memorization, but mostly tests are big concepts. Multiple choice are obvious. Explains material well & worth going to class

Perry knows what he's talking about and is a funny guy. Lectures are boring and can be confusing. Your grade for the class is based only on tests (lowest test grade gets dropped). There's an extra credit question on each test worth 5 out of 40 points which is a big boost. Grades are heavily curved. Posts tests questions and slides ahead of time.

Super cool, brilliant dude. Had him for 005 too. Only grades were from our 3 tests and one presentation in 153. He gives you the questions beforehand to work on which isn't for everyone but if you're interested in the material its manageable and worth it. Astronomy is my minor and there are really only a few professors but John is awesome.

The quizzes were pretty tough, but going to his office hours and review sessions made all the difference in my final grade. He's very willing to help you out and understands that many people take astronomy for a science credit, not to be astronomers. It's hard material but there are ways to get help if you put the effort in.

I took 005 and 153 with John last year. Im currently in 157 (stats&galaxies) with him, and I also TA for 005. Hes such a great guy. I can see why some wouldnt like his teaching methods but his love for the subject really makes up for it. Its good to develop a friendly relationship with him as he loves to help students. Overall 10/10 for me

Funny guy who knows what he's talking about but only grades based on tests which can be super stressful at times

A great professor. Taught me everything I know.

Only 5 tests, lowest grade dropped, no homework. Parts ABCD in a test, only 2 questions. John gives you parts A & B and the TAs will go over answers. Hard concepts, but easy to get A if you go to TA sessions. Lab was easy too, if you ask ta for help.

Super kind, funny guy. such a dad. refuses to answer to dr. perry or professor, call him john. the class is hard, but show up, do the sample questions, study. lowest test grade is dropped, no homework.

5 tests throughout, drops lowest test, then you take a larger final. Easy class to PASS but not an easy A, be warned. Some math is involved. Lots of concepts are hard to grasp at first, but if you study you can do well. John's a wonderful guy. Always happy to answer questions you may have. Fulfilled for a gen-ed requirement.

Perry is the nicest professor I've had since being at UVM, even if you're terrible at math and science its an easy pass. He gets that most are just taking the class as a gen ed and designs the class as such.

Honestly, when it comes to any of John's astronomy courses they are enjoyable. The content is always in the slides he posts and any questions he thoroughly goes over if you go to office hours. As an astronomy minor, I've basically taken all of John's classes and I'd recommend any and all of them. Exams aren't hard as long as you prep as well!

John is a great professor. I've taken several classes with John and have enjoyed them all. Lectures can be long and sometimes a little confusing but John does a great job making sure everyone understands these difficult concepts about astronomy. I would definitely take another class with John.

really good professor! knows a lot about astronomy and lectures are very interesting. can be a bit unclear sometimes and the tests can be hard but if you actually go to the lectures and take notes its manageable. TAs give the answers to half the test in review sessions- GO TO THEM. took this class as a science requirement but it was not too bad!

A good class to take if you're not a science or math major since he explains everything in plain English. I do recommend going to the TA's office hours if you don't understand the quizzes and want to do good! Really enjoyed this class even if it was just to fill the science requirement.

Totally loves astronomy

He is super passionate, so lectures are made interesting. The class was super easy and open book quizzes/finals, which makes it easy to get a good grade. The lab was not great online but the TAs were helpful.

I had John for 3 classes. As an astronomy minor these classes weren't the easiest as tests/quizzes do require work. Astronomy isn't supposed to be an easy topic, and being that its changing topic its complex, and people don't realize that so they dismiss the class as bad. John is an amazing prof and person. Worth taking, just put in the work.

I love how John is very passionate about the subject and its fascinating to see him go on and on about the topic within a long period of time. However sometimes his slides sometimes dont match up with what he says.. so take note of what he says and that will be your best help for the homework. TA meetings are great. Astronomy is awesome.

Minored in astronomy and took basically every astronomy course offered at UVM, John is a great guy, knows what he's talking about and is very passionate. Lectures include a lot of information. Exams can be hard but he gives everything possible to pass it. Literally gives you the questions lol. GO TO TA SESSIONS AND OFFICE HOURS, best way to pass!

Interesting course, taught in a way anyone can understand. Listen to what he's saying rather than what's on the slides. Those who hate this course just take notes without actually listening to how he's explaining the concepts. He's a great guy too. Quizzes are more difficult, they test understanding rather than memory.

I was so nervous to take this class because people say it was really hard, but professor perry was incredible and I really enjoyed the class. It is mostly exams but he posts potential questions in advance so as long as you prepare you will do well. TAs were exceptionally helpful

John really knows what he is talking about, however he gives lectures like we understand the material as well has he does. He goes over too much in class that it is hard to follow what he is saying. If you are really struggling go the the TA help sessions, especially before a test because they will give answers on the possible test questions.

John Perry is an amazing professor. He is incredibly passionate about astronomy and loves to share his knowledge and excitement with his students. The topic itself is very dense and a little difficult to grasp but John tries his best to explain it in a way that makes sense.

John is awesome. He cares so much about astronomy and it's clear in class. He is funny and enthusiastic, only recognizable if you are engaged. Weekly hw assignments are doable and tests fine if u study. Might be f*cked now that Hazel (amazing TA) is gone, but review sessions were insanely helpful. I rcmd this course if ASTR program can stay afloat.

Although the class content is pretty difficult to grasp, John and his TAs are incredible. If you take advantage of his office hours, he will make sure you understand! He's so knowledgeable and is always open to answering whatever questions you have.

Perfect for non-stem majors! Lectures are really interesting, it's complex but John is a great teacher and is very helpful. There are weekly quizzes - easy A if you pay attention in class, easy B if you google it. And 3 exams that are difficult if you don't keep up, and if you don't the curve is a lifesaver! The lab was easy and fun too.

This class is difficult, but John is great guy and makes things as easy to understand as possible. He makes the lectures interesting and fun and is also super funny himself. He knows what he is talking about and is a pleasure to listen to. The tests are hard but everything is curved so don't worry about getting a bad grade.

weekly assignments are hard but manageable. tests are right off of the assignments. light workload. Perry is a fantastic lecturer and a pleasure to listen to! would recommend to anyone and everyone!

Professor Perry's class is challenging but rewarding. His lectures are engaging, and he's genuinely invested in helping students succeed. While exams can be tough, he provides useful study materials. Using UnstuckStudyAI alongside the textbook and TA sessions really helped me ace this course.