3.4

Lianzeng (edward) Yuan

Finance - Toronto Metropolitan University

3.4
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
91
Reviews
3.4
Quality
2.5
Difficulty
3.5
Helpful
3.3
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

91

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

50

4

7

3

1

2

2

1

31

What Students Say

Great prof, gives you practice midterm pretty similar to the real thing and stays after class to explain any concepts that may have been confusing

CFIN401 - 4.0 rating

Explains things in a simple way

FIN401 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

45%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 22 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (9)
A (5)
B+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(2)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 25 reported grades
A+: 9
A: 5
B+: 3
B: 2
Common Tags
Get ready to read (1)
TEST HEAVY (1)
LECTURE HEAVY (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+1.23 avg change
Jul
Nov
Apr
May
Dec
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CFIN301

5.0

(1)

CFIN410

5.0

(1)

CFIN300

4.2

(19)

FIN401

4.0

(20)

ACC401

4.0

(1)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

FIN401741E

5.0

FIN501

3.5

CFIN401

3.1

CFIN601

3.0

CFIN501

3.0

Reviews (91)
1.0
3.0
CFIN601
May 10, 2012

Do not believe this person below. Did not understand what the professor was saying most of the time. Tests were kind of hard (80% of the class got 50% or less on the second midterm). Professor is knowledgable but doesn't know how to teach. Learned most of the material from book. Guy below is an idiot. Don't listen to him.

1.0
5.0
FIN300
Oct 29, 2012

This guy just gets angry at the class for not being PHD math students, barely speaks english and really is no help. This is coming from somebody in a math background, just drop finance or take it with anybody else. He doesn't even lift.

1.0
5.0
CFIN300
Nov 4, 2012

Do NOT take a class with this guy if you expect to pass! This fool expects you to already know what he is teaching and gets annoyed when you ask him to do his job and actually TEACH YOU SOMETHING!! He gives you practice questions, and the answers but refuses to show you how to ACTUALLY SOLVE IT! Disappointed that Ryerson allows him to "teach".

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Dec 1, 2012

This guy is the sickest prof ever! Hes a bit hard to understand, so you have to focus, but as long as you do some questions in the book, easiest A you'll ever receive, barely have to go to class, only if you don't get his slides

4.0
1.0
FIN300
Dec 1, 2012

hes a good guy trying to look out for his students, but his accent is a bit troublesome but you do get use to it and do well on his exams very easy to do well and excel in finance, the practice mid is exactly the same as the mid with different numbers got an 4.0 easy

1.0
5.0
FIN300
Dec 3, 2012

I did a lot of self teaching in this class.

4.0
2.0
FIN300
Dec 4, 2012

its alright compared to the other profs, he trys hard to teach the course but the language barrier makes it hard if you read his powerpoint and come to class it'll all make sense and you'll get the most out of the class

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Dec 7, 2012

cool guy trys his best to look out for his students, will go over concepts if you ask him, he is in no rush, he only moves on when you understand great way to learn got a great mark great prof i recommend him

5.0
2.0
FIN300
Dec 7, 2012

What can i say easy proff, great teaching all you really have to do is study the practice mid he gives and your set, this is a class not to worry about

5.0
2.0
FIN401
Dec 9, 2012

I never liked the finance math in highschool but the way he taught it made me reconsider for a finance minor, stays late after class to answer any question you may have all in all great prof

1.0
4.0
FIN300
Dec 11, 2012

I don't understand who is giving him all these stellar grades on this site? This guy is absolutely brutal. Sure he comes from "Wall Street" but cannot convey material to students AT ALL. The only way I passed this class was attending another prof's lecture + SOS tutoring + Study groups etc. Didn't learn one thing from him. RUN.

1.0
5.0
FIN300
Dec 12, 2012

brutal he puts the hardest chapters on mid doesn't let anyone know avoid if you can

1.0
5.0
CFIN300
Dec 17, 2012

One of the worst finance/math teachers out there. He is hard to understand due to his accent. He doesn't use any questions to while teaching- he only talks. He gives the longest formulas that you don't use in the labs or the exam. And uses a spreadsheet that you don't need. If you want to benefit from this course find another teacher!!!

1.0
5.0
CFIN300
Dec 30, 2012

Run for your life. Horrible!

1.0
5.0
FIN300
Jan 19, 2013

hard to understand, midterm was hard, and hard to do well

1.0
5.0
CFIN300
Mar 12, 2013

Brutal! One of the worst Profs I have ever had. You are better off staying at home and reading the book to learn on your own. I found going to his classes make things worst.

1.0
4.0
CFIN401
Apr 30, 2013

Hes very quite. you cannot understand what he is saying most of the time and he speaks in a monotone. overall an ok guy but not a good teacher

5.0
2.0
CFIN301
Apr 30, 2013

Most helpful teacher I ever had. He always tried to make things easier for students. Really nice teacher. I would love to have him again.

1.0
3.0
CFIN501
Jul 31, 2013

Useless lectures. Writes like a 1st grade student, and speaks quietly. He is not helpful whatsoever and isn't approachable (he ran away when I brought up concerns). Overall, easy material, but you'll learn better on your own then from this guy.

1.0
5.0
CFIN501
Aug 7, 2013

Worst professor at Ryerson. Speaks too soft and talks too much about how a formula got derived. He doesn't talk about the chapters enough and he is so unorganized when it comes to his writing. DO NOT TAKE HIM

1.0
5.0
FIN501
Aug 7, 2013

HORRIBLE!!!! Can't understand a word he says...derives useless formula's all class, very quiet monotone and doesn't care about students at all. He makes you feel stupid for asking any questions. Final exam was BRUTAL, gave us selected questions from the textbook but the exam was nothing like the questions he said to practice....DON'T take his class

1.0
5.0
CFIN501
Aug 14, 2013

I'm not exaggerating that he is one of Ryerson's worst teachers. He skims through everything and goes so fast that we were 2 days ahead of schedule for the midterm. He zips through course content so fast that students don't even understand what he's talking about. When we asks questions, he gets frustrated and tells us to read the book. AVOID HIM!!

1.0
5.0
CFIN501
Aug 14, 2013

He gave us practice midterms/finals for us to study. When it came to exam time, it was nothing like the practice. His exams had several typos and answers that didn't line up. When I asked if there was a typo, he said 'no, everything is correct', but everyone in class also noticed the typo. He's a very bad teacher and should be banned from teaching

1.0
5.0
CFIN501
Aug 14, 2013

He has a Chinese accent that is difficult to understand. His writing on the white board is even worse. He scribbles like crap and just plugs this writing where ever there is space on the board, making it hard to follow him in class

1.0
5.0
CFIN501
Aug 14, 2013

He hates teaching and hates students. Exam questions are very convoluted. Doesn't even go over what you need to do for the group project. He basically tossed us the course outline that had a brief 2 paragraphs about what we had to do.

1.0
5.0
CFIN401
Aug 15, 2013

Everyone in class hated him. He sucked at teaching. His exams were stupidly hard for no reason. My friends doing the same course with other teachers actually even said he was being unreasonable

1.0
5.0
CFIN401
Grade: Fail
Aug 19, 2013

Guy is smart and knows his finance stuff, but can't teach to save a life. He shouldn't be allow to teach at Ryerson. We need actual teachers/professors

1.0
5.0
CFIN401
Oct 11, 2013

Poor teaching habits, useless email replies. Students should be prepared to teach themselves rather then ask questions/seek guidance. Drop/switch course if you end up receiving this professor, thank me later.

4.0
1.0
ACC401
Oct 17, 2013

honestly he got better, a lot of students were complaining about his teaching in class so he decided to give out a review before both midterm and exam (mandatory attendance) which he basically tells you about 75% of what to expect and what to look out for, still not good teaching but the easy midterms make up for it

4.0
1.0
FIN401
Oct 31, 2013

Hes a good teacher, worked at wall street so he knows what hes talking about, just does not know how to communicate it, if you read before class it makes his class so much easier to attend and learn and the midterm wasnt even hard good luck

1.0
5.0
FIN300
Nov 16, 2013

WORST PROF EVER! HORRIBLE AT TEACHING, USELESS EXPLANATION, BE PREPARE TO STUDY ON YOUR OWN AND READ THE BOOK! DO ALL THE EXERCISES ON THE BOOK AND LYRYX.

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Grade: B+
Jan 11, 2014

I was so worried about this course as people were telling me how hard finance can be but edward made it very simple and clear on what was expected. If you are willing to learn you will be just fine in this course

5.0
1.0
CFIN501
Jan 12, 2014

Hard to understand but you get use to it and learn a whole lot in his class, found it to be a great experince

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Grade: B
Jan 14, 2014

easy prof, loves to teach only if you put in the work don't ask a question he as already answered as he gets mad other than that the learning experience was great recommend him

1.0
5.0
FIN401741E
May 5, 2014

Extremely slow talker get ready to fall asleep he practically whispers. His notes are done on the board. Very confusing. Doesn't teach formulas and problems so when midterm and final come you are screwed.Doesn't supply handouts or helpful problems. He doesn't give encouragement or advice. Doesn't help. Poor teaching style. Switch if possible

1.0
4.0
FIN401
Grade: A
May 11, 2014

Awful, avoid taking him.

4.0
2.0
CFIN401
Grade: A+
Jul 13, 2014

Great prof! Understands the material well. Will tell you the chapter breakdown for the midterm, so if you're just concerned about passing just focus on understanding the chapter which is the majority. As with any Ryerson finance course, learn to program equations into the Casio. 40%-50% theory questions on tests (good, if thats what you prefer)

4.0
4.0
FIN401
Grade: A+
Jul 13, 2014

His accent is good. Explains things in a simple way. His exam was hard, but as long as you study, you will be fine.

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Aug 10, 2014

just study prior to class and its not that bad, gives you a chance to ask question, hes really knowledgeable however may have a hard time getting his point across(doesn't help students getting frustrated at him)just do the work, work hard and hard work will pay off all the best.

2.0
4.0
FIN300
Nov 24, 2014

Edward is something else. He's not really suited to be a professor, there are times where he really looks down on his students and makes them feel straight up dumb. Not very approachable... in the slightest. If you have him, switch out. If you can't, read the text book like it was the Bible.

1.0
5.0
FIN300
Grade: C
Dec 29, 2014

Probably the toughest professor I've had so far. I just completed my first semester in third year and cannot express how much I hate this man. His lectures are only verbal. No power points in class, he writes chicken scratch on a whiteboard. Do yourself a favor and switch out immediately. I barely passed only with treating the book as my bible.

5.0
1.0
CFIN401
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2015

people like edward yuan is the reason why i love finance, highly knowledgeable, wants students to succeed and is willing to engage class to show the beauty of this course. Wish he taught more upper level finance courses

5.0
2.0
FIN401
Grade: B+
Jan 12, 2015

Great prof, the only problem is nobody comes prepared to class, and he gets frustrated how no body is as excited about the course. He is willing to engage with people that did the work and are prepared for class. Overall great prof and a good indicator if you should go into finance.

4.0
1.0
CFIN401
Jan 14, 2015

Great prof, gives you practice midterm pretty similar to the real thing and stays after class to explain any concepts that may have been confusing.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Jan 20, 2015

Great guy, easy midterm basically the same as his practice midterms, theory is were i didn't think he would put a lot but he made it 5050, so remember to study your theory and should be an easy class.

5.0
1.0
CFIN501
Grade: A
Jan 20, 2015

Take Take Take !!!! enough said.

5.0
1.0
CFIN501
Jan 21, 2015

very knowledgeable, worked at wall street for a bite, so he tries to give real world examples of how these formulas can be used. Enjoyed every minute of this class, if he is available i highly recommend taking him.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Grade: A-
Jan 22, 2015

no negative comments to say about him, hes just great

5.0
2.0
CFIN300
Jan 23, 2015

great guy, just make sure to put in the work, you can only get as much as you put in, as long as you work hard he will help you succeed.

5.0
2.0
FIN401
Jan 24, 2015

WOW best prof at ryerson, i did so bad in fin 300, but with the help of edward yuan i was able to get an A- and i am not even great at math. He use to work for wall street so he knows his stuff, just try hard and it will pay off. All the best.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Grade: A
Jan 28, 2015

This guy is just great period, glad ryerson has him as a professor, he really cares about finance and tries to get the class excited about the course, really engaging and wants everyone to succeed.

5.0
2.0
CFIN300
Jan 28, 2015

yes this is an easy B, but you have to go to class and listen to the hints he gives during his lectures, practice his practice midterm and change around the facts, its not that bad of a course and i am really bad in math. :)

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Jan 31, 2015

great professor for those not great in math or did not have a strong math background in highschool. He will take the time to make concepts simple and will do his best to keep the class entertained

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Grade: A
Feb 1, 2015

What a joy to be taught by this guy, all my friends in the other classes did bad, this guy is the real deal when it comes to students first. Be sure to get in to his class asap as he fills up quickly.

5.0
2.0
CFIN401
Feb 1, 2015

He worked for wall street and keeps mentioning examples of how this is useful in the real world. If you are looking to learn and stay interested edward is the man.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Feb 1, 2015

He looks out for his students, just come prepared for class, which means pre read the slides he post on blackboard so when you come to class it will reinforce what he is talking about, most of the questions on the midterm come from the practice midterm but different numbers, and the theory comes from his lecture.

5.0
1.0
CFIN501
Feb 1, 2015

most chill finance course i have ever taken, this guy makes life easy

5.0
1.0
CFIN410
Feb 2, 2015

This course is tricky, so you have to do the assigned problems, the lyrix is not a good indicator of whats on the midterm, its kind off just there to boost your mark up, a good indicator of whats on the midterm is in the practice midterm, do those and get comfortable with them because he just changes those numbers up, i hope that helps all the best

5.0
1.0
CFIN401
Feb 7, 2015

Best professor at ryerson hands down. Will make life easy by making the concept as clear and easy to understand as possible.

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Feb 16, 2015

Come to class, listen to what he says and you should be good as long as you put in work and go to his office hours.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Mar 1, 2015

If finance is not the major you want to go to, take this guy. He is very straight forward on what he expects and it is really easy to do well in his class, all my friends and I killed his midterm and final, because he basically uses the same question on his practice midterm.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Mar 1, 2015

this guy is just great for ryerson, proud to be taught by him, very professional, cares for his students and wants the best out of everyone, i would take him again for another fin course.

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Mar 12, 2015

Hard class, but he makes it easy, he post his hand made notes to study, so all you need the textbook for is to do the homework questions, as long as you keep up with the homework its pretty solid course.

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Mar 14, 2015

Simply the best prof to choose for this course, all the other prof are just terrible at explaining concept, had to retake this course and understood it this time around and did really well for the minimal amount of work i put in, highly recommended for anyone that does not like finance and need to take the course for the degree.

5.0
1.0
CFIN501
Mar 14, 2015

This professor is awesome, he comes to class with stories of what he did at wall street to help us really understand the concepts learnt in class, just remember to put in the work and it will pay off, class is entertaining and a joy to be in.

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Mar 22, 2015

if you are trying to actually learn finance and take it for your major take him as he explains everything perfectly, if your just trying to pass because this is a required course to take, he is kind and will pass you with little effort, hes understanding.

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Mar 25, 2015

Truly caring prof that wants best for his students, highly recommended.

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Mar 25, 2015

Every finance prof at ryerson should learn a thing or two from this guys teaching style, this guy clearly knows how to teach and engage students by far better than the prof i had for fin 300. If he is open you should take him right away, he seems to close pretty fast.

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Grade: A+
Mar 29, 2015

He starts of the class saying we are all on the same team trying to go to the same place, basically he wants everyone to pass, treats you more like a peer and someone you can trust, hands out practice midterm that a really similar to the exam.

5.0
1.0
FIN501
Grade: A+
Mar 29, 2015

thank goodness for this prof teaching this course saved my life, he made things really simple giving me more time to allocate to the other finance courses, needless to say i got an easy A

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Apr 2, 2015

Finance is suppose to be boring but Edwards enthusiasm and excitement brings the class alive and engaging, going to class and redoing the problems are key to success goodluck

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Grade: A+
Apr 2, 2015

If you do his problem he assigns and do the practice midterm you will fly by this course, this course is suppose to be hard but he makes things simple, he understands we have other obligations to other courses and teaches what needs to be taught, and bonus we got to leave an hour early every class

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Grade: A+
Apr 7, 2015

His only purpose of teaching is to make you understand finance, he really trys to tie concept together and make you see their relationship making it easier when you get home to do the hmk without any problem. If he is available take.

5.0
1.0
FIN300
Grade: A+
Apr 10, 2015

Great course to save or maintain your gpa, just do what he tell you to do, listen to his hints(i.e he gives many), do his practice midterm and you should be fine, this is a course you should feel glad you are taking.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Grade: A+
Apr 12, 2015

great guy, gives students respect as long as you give him respect, course load for this course is very manageable, take if hes available

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Grade: A+
Apr 12, 2015

wow this guy is too easy, the class average was 80, and said i will not bell curve down because all of you deserved it. Wish he taught more upper finance courses to boost my gpa

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Grade: B
Apr 16, 2015

Worth taking this course with this professor, he is clear and concise on what he wants and that's it, no tricks or funny business on the exam.

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Apr 16, 2015

Course is well managed, prof has years of experience at wall street waiting to pass down to students. Classes are enjoyable because he keep you entertained, just put in the effort he asks of you and the course will be fine

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Apr 22, 2015

stick to the script, he only test you on stuff he does in class and what is on his practice midterm for the math questions, the theory just read over the slides before the exam and you should be fine. He is great at explaining concept, so attendance is key. Just keep up with the course and you should be fine good luck.

5.0
1.0
FIN401
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 23, 2015

class average was 74% for the midterm, other classes 55%. Enough said take him if you can.

5.0
1.0
FIN401
May 15, 2015

He is okay, i have seen better but he is decent for a finance prof. Would not say this is my number one choose, but it is not a bad option either.

2.0
5.0
CFIN401
May 31, 2015

All the bottom reviews are so misleading.. His lectures are horrible and unclear. It is really hard to understand what he is saying, with all due respect. Also, his midterm is nowhere near easy as his practise midterm. In fact, it's nothing like it. Don't take this course with him if you want to get a decent grade and learn. I have learned 0

1.0
5.0
CFIN401
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 1, 2015

Unable to understand, tests do not follow what was taught in class. Does not use slides, just writes random things on the white board. Could not answer questions when asked

3.0
4.0
FIN401
Jun 17, 2015

Edward is a bit hard to understand in class. I believe he means well when he speaks but there's a language barrier. You end up teaching yourself this course for the most part. Read the slides, chapters, and do a few of the end of chapter practice questions and you should be okay. Getting an A in this course will be a stretch.

5.0
1.0
CFIN401
Jul 12, 2015

made the lectures easy to understand, come to class take your notes, practice the questions assigned in class and you should be good.

5.0
1.0
CFIN300
Nov 5, 2015

No better finance professor than this one, he explains very clear and is very concise. Bonus we got to leave early.

1.0
5.0
FIN401
Apr 10, 2016

Professor Edward is extremely unclear and unapproachable. His midterm in this class is very difficult, and considering he is not a great teacher, you are destined for a poor or failing midterm mark. He does very few, and irrelevant examples and if you do keep him, I highly, highly suggest you attend another professors lectures.

1.0
4.0
FIN501
Grade: C
Apr 21, 2016

Here's the thing. This guy does not know how to project his voice. More than half the class dropped the course after the midterm since many people failed so it was down to around 15 people, and yet he no one could hear anything even at the front. Couldn't understand anything in class and when you email him he is not helpful.

1.0
4.0
FIN501
May 10, 2016

In his lectures, he would mumble something and occasionally write a term on the whiteboard. Most people stopped attending lectures after the third lecture of that. What he taught in class seemed irrelevant from what was tested. He was not helpful when questions were asked.

1.0
5.0
FIN401
Grade: B+
Dec 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He focuses on theory when final exam was worth 75% calculations & 25% theory... Didn't teach calculation questions in class, if he did it was textbook examples.. Had to learn everything on your own or from a different teacher's class. If you plan on learning yourself then be my guest & take him.

1.0
5.0
FIN401
Mar 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

worst experience. he mumbles to himself, writes on the board and is hard to follow. you are going to teach yourself because he posts practise questions with no answers and also does not teach calculator tricks. be prepared to teach yourself one of the hardest courses.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

45%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 22 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (9)
A (5)
B+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(2)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(4)
Based on 25 reported grades
A+: 9
A: 5
B+: 3
B: 2
Common Tags
Get ready to read (1)
TEST HEAVY (1)
LECTURE HEAVY (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+1.23 avg change
Jul
Nov
Apr
May
Dec
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CFIN301

5.0

(1)

CFIN410

5.0

(1)

CFIN300

4.2

(19)

FIN401

4.0

(20)

ACC401

4.0

(1)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

FIN401741E

5.0

FIN501

3.5

CFIN401

3.1

CFIN601

3.0

CFIN501

3.0

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