4.4

Joseph Finck

Science - Central Michigan University

4.4
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
100%
Would Retake
92
Reviews
4.4
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
4.5
Helpful
4.5
Clarity

100%

Would Retake

92

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

66

4

19

3

6

2

1

1

0

What Students Say

Gives a lot of examples in class and will give real world examples if things don't make sense

PHY130 - 5.0 rating

BEST PROFESSOR AT CMU

PHY130 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

36%

Textbook Required

74%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

92% confidence
Based on 14 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
B+ (4)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 15 reported grades
A: 5
B+: 4
B: 2
Not sure yet: 1
Common Tags
Hilarious (6)
Amazing lectures (5)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
Respected (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.08 avg change
May
Oct
Dec
Jan
Mar
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHY13013

5.0

(2)

MTH152

5.0

(1)

PHY1301

5.0

(1)

PHS100

5.0

(1)

PHS151

5.0

(1)
+12 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHY1301

4.0

PHYS171

4.0

PHS130

4.0

PHS251

4.0

PHY170

4.0

Reviews (92)
5.0
2.0
PHS101
Feb 24, 2002

Creative, good sense of humor, innovative teaching style, interesting

4.0
2.0
PHY
Mar 16, 2002

Anyone who starts class with music can't be all that bad

3.0
3.0
PHY101
Oct 21, 2002

No Comments

5.0
2.0
PHY130
Oct 30, 2002

He's sooooo funny

5.0
2.0
PHY130
Nov 26, 2002

Very funny, is a great teacher, even though physics sucks

4.0
3.0
PHY130
Dec 9, 2002

No Comments

5.0
4.0
PHY13013
Jan 20, 2003

The tests are hard! His lectures are good, the homework sucks too.

5.0
4.0
PHY131
Jan 29, 2003

love the music, good practice exams, clear drawings

4.0
3.0
PHY131
Feb 13, 2003

If I wanted an easy class I would have taken Intro to Walking

5.0
2.0
PHY131
Mar 24, 2003

Makes physics as easy as it can be. very fun, cool, and hands on teacher. He teaches you the concepts before giving you problems unlike Fre Phelps

4.0
3.0
PHY130131
Apr 1, 2003

Makes it interesting and fun. Check out the practice exams, they are of great help. Wouldnt take physics with anyone else after having him.

5.0
1.0
MTH152
Apr 19, 2003

Great class for left-brainers. Tries to bring in hands-on and real-world concepts. Leave class early if your work is done.

5.0
4.0
PHY130131
Apr 25, 2003

He is an awesome professor. He doesn't make his class impossible to success at. You'll love all the lectures. My advice is form a study group that's how I survived the class. He's very easy to approach so if you have any questions talk to him.

5.0
3.0
PHY131
May 17, 2003

A very interesting teacher. You will learn a lot of information. Gives excellent notes. Always do the practice tests.

5.0
4.0
PHY1301
Oct 23, 2003

Dr. Finck is one of the best professors that I have ever had. He makes physics fun and interesting! I highly suggest taking him for physics!

5.0
2.0
PHY110
Oct 26, 2003

I never took physics before. But with Finck, it doesnt matter! He helps you learn so easily with fun, entertaining examples. He keeps the class interested with his good humor and awesome personality

5.0
1.0
PHY131
Oct 29, 2003

Excellent professor. Starts every class with music. Explains everthing very well. Tests easy if you do practice tests. TAKE FINK OVER PHELPS....believe me

5.0
3.0
PHY13013
Nov 5, 2003

Phenomenal teacher. Best of the best. He's a genius who has the gift of being able to explain things to anyone. Love the music before each class! Also one of the finest human beings that you will ever meet.

5.0
2.0
PHY110
Dec 4, 2003

Excellent teacher. His visual aids are second to none. He's funny and entertaining. He is a superior professor. I would highly recomment taking one of his classes.

5.0
2.0
PHY130
Apr 13, 2004

Great Teacher

4.0
3.0
PHY130
Apr 20, 2004

He's a good teacher and entertaining. The online homework can be difficult. His test are actually easier than the homework.

5.0
2.0
PHY130
Apr 26, 2004

Great, great, great prof. If you didn't understand physics in high school, I'd definitely recommend him. He could teach this subject to almost anyone. Do CAPA and don't wait til Sunday.

5.0
2.0
PHY130
Apr 29, 2004

Great teacher, absolutely knows his stuff and how to get it across to students. Do not miss any class and you will do fine. Different lesson everyday, clearly explains everything you need to know for tests and homework. Recommended!

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Jul 21, 2004

great prof. keeps you entertained, at least. music before lectures is interesting. if i could i'd take him for my other phy classes.

4.0
3.0
PHS101
Oct 17, 2004

Very good teacher.

5.0
3.0
PHY110
Oct 27, 2004

One of the best teachers at CMU. No doubt in my mind!

5.0
1.0
PHS100
Nov 10, 2004

GREAT TEACHER! Good UP course. Music bf class is nice. He is funny and energetic! Clear with his notes. Dont need the book. For tests, just study the notes he gives in class. Go to class, study a little and its an easy A.

5.0
2.0
PHY131
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2004

This guy is great. He's laid back in class, and plays music before. He is very enthusiastic and he likes to throw things. The material is tough, much more so than 130, but he makes it okay. Go to class and write down everything.

4.0
3.0
PHY110
Dec 13, 2004

This class shouldn't be called physics of sports. Some sports are mentioned but thats because he makes a point to bring them up just so the class can keep its title. Homework is way harder than the tests.

5.0
2.0
PHY110
Dec 16, 2004

GOOD PROF! i've never had physics before and didnt really think i'd like it but surprisingly i rarely got bored in his class. homework can be a little hard but you can get help on it. exams were okay. but i definitely recommend him!

2.0
4.0
PHY130
Jan 26, 2005

I think Dr. Finck is quite overrated here. Yes, he's a nice guy who plays music before class. BUT, he's not that clear explaining problems during or after class. The homework is ridiculously hard too. When my neighbor (who's a Math major) gets stumped, that says a lot. The exams are ridiculous too.

5.0
1.0
PHY130
Mar 4, 2005

Pay no mind to the last entry--this prof is GREAT!!! The homework is NOT that difficult if you use your brain and break down the problems. Also, prof is FANTASTIC with helping you out-he doesn't solve the problems for you but leads you in the right direction so you think for yourself. GREAT PROF!

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Apr 6, 2005

Great Professor. The class is very tough, but he makes it as easy as possible. Do the practice tests that he gives before the exams. Final is not cumulative. Great professor, a MUST have if you have to take PHY 130!

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Apr 13, 2005

Dr. Finck is the best! He is such an awesome professor! He's a little off the wall at times, but he knows what he is talking about. It is a hard class, no doubt about it, do the homework! The tests are really hard, but the homework helps out, and def. do the practice exams!

5.0
2.0
PHY130
May 2, 2005

GREAT prof! take him if you can. easy way to get an A because he makes it interesting and understandable. CAPA is rough; dont procrastinate b/c its an easy way to get points. wait to buy the book...hardly used it because his points were clear.

5.0
2.0
PHY130131
Nov 7, 2005

Physics is never easy, but you have the best chance of an A with Finck. Do the practice tests, and go to class and you'll do fine. His notes are great, so don't buy the book, it is a waste of money.

4.0
3.0
PHY131
Dec 22, 2005

I was a little pi**** that I got a B+, but he's a pretty good teacher overall. Finck is way better than Phelps, so I've heard. In fact, if Phelps is the only physics prof. you can get, then take physics in another semester.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Feb 20, 2006

The class is tough but this prof. is awesome. He makes the class fun to go to. There is no better person to teach this class.

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Mar 1, 2006

I had really issues with Phelps, but Dr. Finck is such a great teacher I'm doing just fine. You learn, and class is actually fun (for a lecture).

5.0
3.0
PHY130
May 1, 2006

Dr. Finck is an award-winning teacher. Great class and great prof but sometimes his taste in music sux. He needs some new tunes. Take Finck, avoid Phelps for Physics. Great guy!!

4.0
5.0
PHY130
May 2, 2006

This is one of those courses that you will take and never do anything with it again for the rest of your life. For a 100 level course I found it to be quite difficult at times. Dr. Finck is a good professor though. If you are required to take this course take him.

5.0
2.0
PHS151
Jun 27, 2006

He is a great professor! I learned so much. The class does require a lot of studying, but he makes it interesting. The experiments are a lot of fun. I took this as a 6 week summer class and it went at the perfect pace if you are a sciencey person. He is very willing to explain things more than once. It is a very hands on class!

5.0
4.0
PHYS171
Jan 6, 2007

Amazing

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Mar 28, 2007

I put physics off until now (5th year) because it was so hard for me in HS, but I'm SO glad that I have Dr. Finck. He keeps you awake and is a lot of fun! Don't bother with the book; I've opened it a couple time for conversions that I could look up on the net. DON'T wait to do the HW until the last minute and make a good notecard to use during the

4.0
4.0
PHY130
May 3, 2007

Awesome teacher! I would (and am) taking him again. Gives good examples and gives sample exams before the exams. Tells you what you need to know. Take him. Its a fun class with fun examples.

3.0
4.0
PHY131
Oct 24, 2007

Face it, Physics sucks! It's difficult to understand for most and it's one of those classes that will be forgotten and never used again! It's hard to like a professor that teaches such a pointless class but this professor is pretty good at what he does.

5.0
4.0
PHY131
Dec 13, 2007

He is the best professor you can get, not only for physics, but probably for CMU in general. Take this class if you have the chance.

4.0
3.0
PHY131
Dec 13, 2007

Great teacher. Makes everything easy to understand. Only teaches you what you need to know. Take him.

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Apr 29, 2008

Awesome prof! Made class interesting, fun, and related material to everyday events. I didn't buy the book, but I went to every class. Do the homework!! It helps your grade. It's done on lon-capa and you have a week to do it, with 20 tries per question! Should get 100% everytime. Exams are 15 questions, but they are directly from class notes.

4.0
4.0
PHS130
Aug 7, 2008

this man is such a good teacher going to class is easy. if central hasn't given him every award under the sun, they should. as a matter of fact the United States should award this guy for being the kind of teacher our country needs to keep our head above water. Finck for pres!

5.0
4.0
PHS251
Dec 9, 2008

I love this guy! I had absolutely NO interest in this subject until I took this class. He is so helpful and really cares about whether or not you learn. I wish there were more professors like this one. If you need any Physics department classes, take them with Finck!

5.0
5.0
PHY131
Dec 16, 2008

Very tough course, but is very helpful. Probably best prof. to take for Physics. Don't have to worry about textbook. Not actually used for class, study only if you do.

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Apr 8, 2009

I had a really hard time with physics, but Finck is such a great professor! He keeps the class interesting and does some pretty cool demonstrations. I wouldn't take physics with anyone but him! You don't need the book, and he curves which is helpful!

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Apr 13, 2009

he was a really good teacher. he made the information easy and relatable

5.0
4.0
PHY130
May 13, 2009

Great professor. Cares about students and is very thorough and clear with notes. Not a really easy class, but definitely doable. Just go to class, do the homework, and do the practice exams.

4.0
4.0
PHY130
Jun 18, 2010

Very good teacher however the class is not easy. Make sure you do all the homework. Exams are hard, they are multiple choice so its either make it or break it. If you have to take PHY I suggest him as a teacher!

5.0
4.0
PHY131
Jan 4, 2011

Failed the class, but plan on taking it with him again when he teaches in the Fall! I absolutely LOVE Dr. Finck, I just hate the class. He's a great teacher.. lots of knowledge. Seriously though... DIFFICULT class.

4.0
2.0
PHY130
Apr 11, 2011

Good professor, the word "Eccentric" fits him pretty well. He is pretty silly guy, but he generally teaches pretty well. Show up to class, takes the notes down, and do the practice exams. If you do this, you should not get lower than a B in his class. You get to make a formula notecard for exams, just know how to apply the formulas.

5.0
4.0
PHY130
May 5, 2011

One of the best teachers at Central. Provides sample exams before all but the last exam, is available to help with online homework, and genuinely cares about students.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Dec 5, 2011

Absolutely amazing professor!!! Dr. Finck is so helpful and so passionate about physics!! It is a very hard class and you have to attend every class to do well! Do the homework and go into office hours. He is a FANTASTIC professor!! He is very funny and made every class fun! He is so knowledgeable!! Take this class with him!!

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Dec 6, 2011

AWesome Professor! Gives a lot of examples in class and will give real world examples if things don't make sense. Keep up with the homework and do the study guides, they help a lot on the tests!

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Dec 14, 2011

Best professor I have ever had! The class and exams are challenging, but Dr. Finck makes physics applicable to real life and is hilarious! Keep up with the online homework, it helps your grade a lot.

3.0
4.0
PHY130
Dec 20, 2011

very challenging course!!!! best prof. to take for it though

4.0
3.0
PHY130
Jan 10, 2012

Best prof i have ever had at cmu. He's hilarious and makes his class fun and relevant to the outside world. I feel like i could apply what i learned to my daily life. Cracked me up all semester! TAKE HIM! AMAZINGG.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Feb 23, 2012

take this class, super fun and pretty easy

5.0
2.0
PHY130
Mar 25, 2012

BEST PROF AT CENTRAL. He is the greatest guy ever, I absolutely loved going to class with this man. His demonsrations are great and he keeps everyone interested. I would retake this class just because I loved it so much! Finck unlike anyone else..

5.0
2.0
PHY130
Apr 3, 2012

BEST PROFESSOR AT CMU. seriously, i wish he could teach every class i take. hilarious guy who gives the best demos ive ever seen, all relative to the class. STUDY THE PRACTICE EXAMS AVAILABLE. most of his exams are based off of the templates of older ones. i look forward to this class every day. you NEED to have this man teach you.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Apr 11, 2012

Amazing teacher! Pick Him!

3.0
3.0
PHY131
Apr 26, 2012

Overall a pretty good professor. There are times on his exams where he'll do the ol standby of making all the answers potential errors you could have in your calculation, so watch out about that. Other than that, he does seems to really care about his students, even if he appears to be standoffish sometimes when you speak to his privately.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Apr 27, 2012

Definitely the best professor I've had at Central. You don't need the book just take notes and work on the homework and practice exams. The class is not easy but this guy is the best.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Aug 29, 2012

This guy is a total dork, but in the best way. He is very good at making things easy to understand and relating things to real life to make it more interesting. Don't get the book, you don't need it. ALWAYS go to class! If you never miss a class you will always have the answers in your notes somewhere.

5.0
4.0
PHY130
Dec 4, 2012

Great stories. Great problems and examples. He makes you think and makes physics fun. Other professors should be required to go to his class to learn how to teach.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Dec 14, 2012

Dr. Finck loves what he does, and he makes physics fun and interesting. Online homework every week. Tests can be tricky, so be careful. He gives you old exams for practice. Otherwise, the class is a little hard, but Finck clears most of it up for you.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Dec 6, 2013

One of the best professors I've had at CMU! Always looked forward to going to his lectures even though it is a tough class. Take physics with Dr. Finck!!!

4.0
4.0
PHY170
Grade: A
May 3, 2014

Dr. Finck is very much invested in teaching physics in an interesting and relevant way, with tons of physical demonstrations to keep things lively. Difficult tests but you get a notecard, and online homework was lon-capa but it was always do-able and he will help with it too if you go to office hours.

3.0
4.0
PHY131
May 5, 2014

He seems like a nice guy and is really energetic about physics but his homework alot of the time is on problems we have never done and his test are extremely difficult. He does curve and you get a note card for test so there's that

4.0
3.0
PHY130
Apr 12, 2015

Dr. Finck is by far the best physics professor. He explains the material very well, but then again, its physics, and if you have never taken it before, it is fairly difficult. homework: do it after every lecture, he gives questions examples that are tough homework problems. the tests are hard, but if you do the practice test, its the same layout.

5.0
4.0
PHY 131
Grade: B+
Oct 26, 2015

Finck is a great teacher, I love his jokes because it shows he actually tries to engage the students. Only complaint I would have would be him being kind of standoffish if you ask him a question office hours. One time he actually asked me 'another question?'

4.0
3.0
PHY130131
Grade: B+
Dec 18, 2015

One of my favorite professors at CMU. Made physics easy (or at least easier than it would have been). I really enjoyed having class with him. Lots of really cool demonstrations. Exams are a little difficult but he lets you use a note card on them so that makes it easier. The homework is sometimes hard but the tutors help a lot.

5.0
1.0
PHY130
Grade: B+
Mar 15, 2016

Dr. Finck is amazing! His exams are hard but he usually curves them.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 15, 2016

Firstly, do not buy a book--you will not use it. Physics is difficult for me, but Dr. Finck made it more enjoyable and easier to understand! He is a very funny guy and provides tons of example problems in class to aid with homework. His practice exams are similar to the actual exams. If you go to class, do the homework and study, you will be fine.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Grade: A
Oct 31, 2016
Would take again

Amazing professor, made Physics clear and, while not easy, manageable.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
PHY130
Dec 14, 2016
Would take again

Dr Finck was a great professor! Cant wait to take 131 with him-he made physics bearable. Lots of online homework but very simple-it can be done from the notes. He lectures a lot, but its good notes. Don't bother with the book-you won't need it unless you skip class. Would definitely take his class again.

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
PHY131
Grade: B+
Apr 18, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Finck is my favorite professor at CMU! Lectures are mandatory in order to pass but he makes them extremely entertaining. I am not a math / physics person but this class is easily my favorite class this semester simply because Finck is such a great professor.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
PHY131
Grade: C+
May 4, 2017
Would take again

He is so kind, caring and a great teacher. He can't teach you anything if you don't put in the effort, but definitely great for both PHY 130 and 131! I actually understood nuclear physics, and did well on exams. I'm not good at math, and I struggle with physics. He's funny and makes the class enjoyable. Attendance isn't necessary, I suggest going.

5.0
3.0
PHY130
Grade: A
Oct 15, 2017
Would take again

He is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Doesn´t matter what he is teaching, he will make it interesting. He does not require a text book but says we could use any physics book if we want to.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
PHY130
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Finck was a really entertaining guy, and clearly very passionate about what he does. His lectures are really good and helpful, but he never posts notes or equations online, so attending class is absolutely essential. Difficult class, would have definitely appreciated more resources outside of class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Tests are tough
5.0
5.0
PHY130
Grade: B-
Dec 14, 2017
Would take again

Exams and homework are difficult-- his lectures make material seem simple & easy, but be prepared to do a lot of studying outside of class because homework is much more difficult. He does curve, which is nice, but it is not that much. 2-3 percent. He is hilarious and accessible to students, and he makes the difficult class interesting and enjoyable

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
PHY130
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Finck is my favorite prof I have had at CMU. He is funny and very good at explanations and applications. His lectures are never boring do to his exciting demonstrations and passion for the subject.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
5.0
PHY130
Jan 22, 2018
Would take again

Hilarious professor and makes learning a lot of fun with his examples and lessons that arent boring but rather funny and amusing. But you have little to be graded on so ever point counts

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
PHY130
Grade: A
Mar 26, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Finck cannot be praised enough. He is an amazing professor and is VERY good at teaching a fairly difficult topic. He's funny and engaging and is truly the best professor I will probably ever have at CMU. I had him for both PHY 130 and 131 and loved it. Rumor has it he is retiring next year, so be sure to take him while you still can!

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
PHY130
Grade: A+
Dec 26, 2018
Would take again

I took AP physics in high school and scored a 1 on the AP test. I was so nervous about taking it again in college, but Finck made it seem easy. He gives you everything you need to succeed. Lectures are amazing and it's impossible not to like him b/c he puts so much effort into every single class. So sad he's retiring, but glad I got to take him.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
Amazing lectures
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

36%

Textbook Required

74%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

92% confidence
Based on 14 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
B+ (4)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 15 reported grades
A: 5
B+: 4
B: 2
Not sure yet: 1
Common Tags
Hilarious (6)
Amazing lectures (5)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
Respected (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (2)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.08 avg change
May
Oct
Dec
Jan
Mar
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHY13013

5.0

(2)

MTH152

5.0

(1)

PHY1301

5.0

(1)

PHS100

5.0

(1)

PHS151

5.0

(1)
+12 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHY1301

4.0

PHYS171

4.0

PHS130

4.0

PHS251

4.0

PHY170

4.0

Similar Professors