3.1
Quality3.2
Difficulty63%
Would Retake98
Reviews63%
Would Retake
98
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
22
4
20
3
28
2
17
1
11
What Students Say
“He is honestly one of the worst professors”
PHYS23 - 2.0 rating“WORST TEACHER I'VE EVER HAD”
PHYSICS17 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
16%
Textbook Required
61%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.38 avg changeRatings by Course
PHYS
5.0
(1)PHYSICS55
4.3
(3)PHYSICS23
4.0
(1)PHYSICS53
4.0
(2)PHYS1
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
80104
5.0
PHYSICS55
4.3
PHYSICS23
4.0
PHYSICS17
4.0
PHYS1
4.0
Reviews (98)
No Comment
Allows note cards on tests, (leaves in the middle of exams so you can have as many notecards as you want). Make sure to do homework. Difficult exams.
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Do the practice exams, ignore the homework, put answers to practice exam on notecard
Dr A is a very demanding professor. If you're looking for an easy grade, go back to HS because you don't belong in college. He teaches students how to think, not what to know. His classes are a must for engineering and physics students because what you learn will serve you throughout your career.
Dr. Alward is cool. His pastel shirts are way awesome!he's very smart and has a lot of confidence!
Too arrogant for teaching.
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He recycles old tests, but tests you on material you never learn in class.
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Loved him, he's a cool professor and explains things real slooooowww!!
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great Proffesor, hard tests!
Great Teacher! Very, very fair.
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no comment
No Comments
he definately makes comments that are too general and very not uplifiting. i used to like physics, but now, i HATE going to class.
He is quite strange and much better for the second semester than the first. I would avoid taking him at all, but usually he falls on one of those semesters if you need to take it you may need to take him. Good luck!
His tests for 53 are all free response. They are a little challenging but there are crazy curves. Probably 20-30 point curves for each quiz/test for Phys 53 only though.
first day of class, you could NOT hear him speak. i hate going to class!!
The teacher from HELL. he never explains anything, ignores the class and doesn't even hang around when you are taking a test so that you can ask questions. Run for your life!
if u take him, study from old tests, he gets all questions from test banks so if u get old tests it helps tons
too easy...hahhaha
fine class, no homework, all multiple choise tests, notecards and even a full page on tests, two full pages of notes on the final. if you have a BRAIN you should be fine.
His lectures were lackluster but all the test material was covered in them. I never used the book. Note cards made the tests easy enough.
Easiest science class ever. Actually, quite possibly the the easiest class ever. You get a notecard for each test, mostly multiple choice questions, and he even encourages putting notes in your calculator. This class would still be easy w/o all that. A definite math/sci GPA booster for any Pre-Pharms or Pre-Dents.
This class was the easiest class I have taken so far at UOP. We never used the text book and lectures were all that were on the tests. He writes everything on the board, so take some really great notes. Don't miss class a lot unless you can copy notes from someone. Tests are easy w/ notecard! The final is also easy and labs aren't bad either.
Horrible teacher. All he does is problems all the board, say we're stupid, curves very unfairly esp when you really need the curve. horrible, horrible, horrible. His lecturing voice is annoying too. It's like he is reciting his lecture.
Nice teacher. You just need to study your notes thoroughly. Don't even need to buy book.
Not too difficult to get a decent grade. He curves the tests and allows a notecard.
Awesome professor. No book needed. Just review the practice exams and you should be good.
This guy is a great teacher. He goes over all the things for every test, He also gives practice tests that are very similar to real tests. He dismisses the class 10 minutes early everyday for 1 on 1 explinations. Tests are all multiple choice, super easy, and are curved. TAKE THIS CLASS!!!
An amazing teacher by the full meaning of this word!! He is very knowledgeable and has his unique way of teaching.All what you need to know is from the lectures. He recycles his tests!!
organized
This teacher takes forever to get the simplest points across. Pretty funny! Knows his stuff and curves (be smarter than your class members and do well- one exam curved 80%)
Great prof. Very clear, good examples, and gives sample exam that helps a lot. Don't need a text, just go to class! Funny guy too...in a way.
One of the worst professors i have ever had. he doesnt assign homework problems so your lost the whole semester.
Awesome teacher. Knows his stuff. Don't need the book, but definitely need to study your notes. Curves like a madman.
Please do not take this professor. Lectures do NOT help at all. Notes do not contain even half the material needed for exams. Tests are extremely tricky. Does NOT curve in General Physics 25, yet curves a lot in Physics 53. Has changed a lot since Fall/Spring '08. Not the same as previous posts suggests.
Dr Alward has been teaching this class for many years. He has this system down where he's gonna drill it straight into your head, so you can do the problems. And he does assign book problems its in the syllabus he just doesnt talk or collect it in class cause its not mandatory and its on you to go look. But you can get by with just lecture notes
He is the clearest, time-centered, lesson-ready lecturer ever! He is concise, precise, organized, and reminds me of my grandpa that lectured me when i was young. He will teach you shortcuts and methods other physics profs won't, even how to use your calculator. The in class demos are the best! Prob UOP's best Physics Instructor! Learned E=MC^2
Awesome professor/class. If you put in the work, you will see results. Don't think you're above going to lecture, because it definitely does help, as does reading the book. He also gives you 2 whole 8.5x11" papers of notes for the final. I am usually bad at Physics but I got an A in this class. Worth the time and effort :)
I sat in the front of the classroom and couldn't hear him. He's a paycheck teacher. I studied for hours and hours. I went to tutoring sessions, I got help from friends, I went to his office hours. He has practice tests online, but the real exam is totally different. Exams were UNREASONABLE! I still failed them miserably even after my study efforts.
You cant really pay attention/learn much from the lectures. i just went to the SI sessions and learned in two hours everything taught by alward in a couple weeks. tests werent too bad, usually was a gigantic curve.
Overall decent teacher. His lectures can be a little boring and hard to pay attention to though. His exams are too hard, but has fairly large curves to make up for it.
I have already learned all the material in the class, and his teaching style is so dry that I couldn't even relearn it. His grading curves are great, but don't ask questions in class, he like to make you look inferior.
Work hard and you'll get a decent grade. But he sure isn't a peach.
I'm a physics major and I was still completely, utterly, hopelessly lost. I didn't buy the book, but it wasn't required and was $180. Despite that, I still got an A in the class due to his RIDICULOUS curves. The lowest test curve was 40%. The final was curved 60%. Every test is multiple choice. Do the math: You can flat out guess and still pass.
quirky guy. his lectures are extremely helpful but he goes through the material extremely slowly so people tend to get bored very easily. always get a 8x11 paper of notes for tests. tests were all MC and sometimes so hard, that alward cannot even solve it all. BUT he has HUGE AMAzING curves (from 20-40%) that help.
His tests are hard, but he curves a lot. His lectures don't really help besides the fact that he gives you the formulas needed for the test. He sometimes makes his students doubt their answers and makes them feel dumb. He can be funny sometimes. Always lets us out at the exact time (watch the clock if you're bored.)
This class is extremely easy. Dr. Alward allows a cheat sheet for every exam, so the tests are very doable. He also recycles questions and curves like crazy for all exams. This class is highly recommended for you pre-healths who need a GPA booster. Free A, hands down. I didn't even have to take the final for an A in the class. Loved Dr. Alward!
Pretty chill class. Alward goes through the material really slowly and clearly so there's no difficulty in understanding the material. Every exam is multiple choice, and you are allowed a formula sheet for each test. This is by far the easiest science course at Pacific that I have taken. Lab is easy, too. Highly recommended if you need a booster.
Dr. Alward is a laid-back guy. He gives out all equations needed on exams during lectures, so attendance is recommended. Exams have huge curves and equations sheets are allowed, so tests are pretty easy to get high scores on. Don't buy the textbook. Labs are a joke compared to chemistry. In short, take the class. You can probably get a good grade.
Alward is tough. Very tough. Exams require extensive knowledge, and he doesnt give out much help. however he does curve heavily. He will teach the EXACT amount of class time. Never late, never done early/late. as straightedge as they come...
Dr. Alward's lectures are clear as can be. His exams are extremely difficult! Nothing like his practice exams or the notes from class. He tells you to get at least half the questions right. 10/20 thats an F! He does have a good curving scale.
The tests are nothing like what he teaches in class. I took physics in high school but this class was VERY difficult. Unless you can easily apply ALL of the concepts to one problem i suggest you drop the class and take it elsewhere. The practice exams dont help AT ALL. Should be categorized under ADVANCED physics rather than introductory. Bad Class
Excellent professor. If you show interest,he'll help. Some background knowledge in physics would make this class easier.Very clear and sharp. If you pay attention in class and understand the concepts,practice the problems for tests, the class is not too difficult even without much prior knowedge
The WORST teacher I have had at UOP. Lecture problems are nothing like the test. If you don't hVe any background in physics you will struggle. His lecture is just pure easy examples, don't expect to learn anything. Terrible teacher and very rude. Only good thing is the curve.
DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS. His lectures have nothing to do with the tests. He is rude and likes to belittle his students. INTRO TO PHYSICS? HA! More like ADVANCED. His lecture makes it seem not too bad but when it comes to studying his practice exams and taking the tests it's a million times harder. WORST TEACHER I'VE EVER HAD.
Worst class ever. Doesn't give homework, which is key to ensuring students understand. Grades on curve to fulfill promise of everyone getting a C! UGH. Rude and unhelpful, puts blame on you for failing the tests that are way too hard compared to the lecture examples. Doesn't even open the book. Don't waste your time & money on this class! Skip it!
He is honestly one of the worst professors. He loves to make people feel stupid during lectures and office hours, and i have no idea why he's still here. His tests are difficult and looking at his past tests aren't enough. Run from this class if you can! Now if you'll excuse i have to go retake this class with someone else now. Seriously. Run.
Easiest 5 credit class you will take in your life in my opinion. He even gives you equation sheet during the exam, so you just have to know how to use them on solving problems. His lectures are very clear, although he often makes algebraic mistakes that he would later correct after students point them out.
easiest class ever. massive curve on all exams
As everyone says, he is the worst lecturer ever. He is very monotoned and belittles you. As for his exams, 1/4 of it will be easy but the rest will be challenging if math is not your strong suit
He writes out all of the lecture notes and provides them, so we don't have to take notes. There are quizzes every class, but the quizzes are extra credit. 2 points if you get it right, 1 point of not. The tests are curved like crazy. Tests themselves are okay-ish. Just go over the practice problems that are also provided by him. Overall, great
This class was very very difficult for me. He writes out lectures before class and hands them out so all we have to do is pay attention. I'm a hands on learner so I have to watch the problem being solved and be provided with an example to try myself. This class is not going to give you that. All you do is watch him, boring and difficult.
Professor Alward is a nice guy. But if have never taken physics before don't expect this class to be a walk in the park. He gives a lot of extra credit and does curve like crazy but that can only help so much, you really have to study for his exams.
"Pop quizzes" are everyday but are extra credit! 2 points if you get the question right, 1 point if wrong. The Class is out of 620 points. Exams are curved(expect atleast 10 points). But each question is 5 points, so thats only about a 2-3 question curve. I got a 45 on my first midterm, but an A in the class because final replaced it! No Textbook!
He prints his notes (which are all you need to study from) and practice problems which he hand out in lecture. He can be condescending, but the class is easy and he gives mini quizzes at the end of every lecture which you get 2 EC points for if you get right. He also curves and replaces your lowest midterm with your finals.
Alward gives 4 regular exams plus the final. All exams are multiple choice and out of 20 questions. He gives you each lecture along with practice problems before each class. He also gives a quiz after each lecture, but it's all for extra credit points that help boost exam scores. Sometimes talks too fast but is a also a pretty funny guy in lecture.
He is a great professor. You are graded on 4 tests + lab + final. His exams are multiple choice and not tough if you study. He grades on a good curve (grades only go up). he gives a one question quiz every class for 2 points, one for name 1 for correct. Gives enough extra credit to skip final if you do well (not too tough).
Not good, not bad. You don't learn from his lecture, because he just reads and copies them verbatim. He is a funny man, and I like him, so class is doable. For some reason, he made the exams harder this semester (Fall 2018), and the notes don't help much, same with the homework problems. Good thing: he has quizzes for points. An A attainable.
Alward made exam q's harder this sem (fall 2018). v diff. from examples in notes and practice problems. totally doable to learn all material yourself if you've never taken phys before. 20%+ curve every test. go to class so you can get 1 EC point for attendance on mon and wed (no quiz on Friday). he's a bit sassy if you ask q's so be prepared
He got rid of EC quizzes S2019. Test curves were much lower bc he started providing past exams as well for practice. Final however had a large curve. His practice problems would often be much easier than his test questions so make sure you know concepts well. If you have the tb used in previous years, I would supplement it with his notes.
Worst Professor I have ever taken. Makes the class difficult for no reason and is always passive aggressive about answering questions and messes up at least 3 time every class period so is confusing. Practice Problems are difficult enough but his exam problems are even harder, most people guessed on half the exam and it was MC. Overall do not take!
Class was based on 4 exams, final exam, and lab points. Lab was very easy to earn points, but lecture not so much. I found his lectures to sometimes be very confusing due to many errors that he made (in lecture and on exams). His curve was helpful but don't expect anything big.
His lectures are very slow and most do not even attend. You can honestly work on other things during class and won't miss much. The only hard part is when you are taking tests and none of your answers match the choices because he did not put the right answer as one of the options lol. But he does curve. There are also equation sheets he gives.
Honestly im not good physics and I did ok. All the lectures are online and if you do the practice problems pure pretty set. I did take this class during Covid so the tests were open note. He not very nice when you ask questions so better to just self teach
Very kind professor! Highly recommend to anyone! Tests are easy if you do the practice problems and are an active listener!
Good man. Do the problems in the book.
He is a great guy. He does make a few mistakes though. He is funny and has a sense of humor. However, there is NO homework in this class. The grade you get is based on 4 exams and the final. You have to study and practice to get good grades on the exam. He does curve so that is good. As long as you show up to the lectures and study you'll be fine.
You get one point of extra credit for each lecture you attend. Generally he's a pretty easy teacher. He's super old so his lectures are slow and convoluted; he is prone to making mistakes. The exams are multiple choice, so you can get an A through just studying his online textbook.
You receive one point extra credit for attending class which goes towards your exams. He replaces your lowest exam score with your final exam score at the end of the semester. He makes a lot of mistakes during lecture that the class has to correct him about. Don't fall behind because it's easy to get lost and it's a struggle to get back.
Alward is one of my top professors so far and I'm even majoring in physics. He has a good sense of humor and even though he's on the older side, this makes his lectures more slow/thorough and experience as a professor more inclusive of students. I wish all professors could teach this way. He's straight forward and offers attendance extra credit.
lectures were okay, 1.5 points EC if you went. exams were 20 Qs 5 pts ea. can be unnecessarily sassy and condescending for no reason. do his problems on canvas. final (33 Q) was made up of exam questions so just do those over and over again. if you guess on a problem and got it right but showed no work, you get no credit. overall, he's just okay.
alward is easy but u have to self study b/c his lectures are not good or helpful. so honestly going to class is useless, unless ur going for the extra credit attendance (which does help a lot). his tests are okay, not super difficult. if u self study his notes u should be fine for the tests and in the class overall.
Go to class, he gives extra credit. The only thing in the grade book is exams. NO HW. Exams were FRQs with sometimes 1 MCQ. He will drop lowest grade and replace with the final grade if you scored higher on the final. Sometimes he will cold call on people during class however, you can pass. Overall, he is nice and easy to approach.
He doesnt really teach good at all. Only assignments in grade book are lab + midterms, but he replaces lowest midterm with final (if final is higher). 100% self-teaching. Going to class is useless besides the fact you get 1pt of extra credit for going. Tests arent bad but its all self teaching before the exam.
every lecture you attend you get 1% ec on the test. final replaces lowest grade. I took his first exam and scored over 100. i would say if you took ap physics and scored over a 4 this class is good, but if physics is hard for you dont take him because the lecture is bad. he often gets the practice question wrong and doesnt have a lot of resources
Alward is a sufficient professor that gives plenty of extra credit per lecture you attend. The concepts are easy to understand through the notes he provides, and you do not need to do any self-learning outside of that. There is no harm in skipping on lectures due to his slow pace, and it is very easy to get a good grade in his class.
Dr. Alward really needs to retire. His lectures are difficult to follow as he often forgets what he was talking about and makes mistakes in his math but expects students to catch the errors (but we don't even understand the concept!) HIs exams differ greatly from his in class examples and his practice problems. No homework for this class.
I love Dr. Alward's class! His exams are pretty long and a bit difficult if you don't study. Take good notes during class and pay attention. He gives credit for showing up to class—some people leave after he takes attendance. His hearing isn't great so you kinda have to shout when he calls your name. Jokes around with students sometimes. Great prof
Lectures are a mess because of how many mistakes he makes and he expects students to always catch them. Exams are harder than in-class examples and online notes. No homework so not a lot to study off of or practice. Luckily he gives extra credit for attendance and curves exams which helps. Your whole grade is exams so if you do bad you're done for.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
16%
Textbook Required
61%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.38 avg changeRatings by Course
PHYS
5.0
(1)PHYSICS55
4.3
(3)PHYSICS23
4.0
(1)PHYSICS53
4.0
(2)PHYS1
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
80104
5.0
PHYSICS55
4.3
PHYSICS23
4.0
PHYSICS17
4.0
PHYS1
4.0