2.4

Lucian Ilie

Computer Science - Western University

2.4
Quality
4.6
Difficulty
33%
Would Retake
151
Reviews
2.4
Quality
4.6
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

33%

Would Retake

151

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

36

4

17

3

4

2

9

1

85

What Students Say

Get ready for the worst experience of your undergrad and a lot of confusion

CS3331 - 1.0 rating

The course is difficult

CS3331 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

20%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 65 grades
Most common grades:
Rather not say (28)
Not sure yet (19)
A (13)
Grade Distribution
A(23)B(10)C(7)D(3)F(4)A-/B+(19)
Based on 123 reported grades
Rather not say: 28
Not sure yet: 19
A: 13
B+: 10
Common Tags
Tough grader (44)
Test heavy (26)
Lecture heavy (23)
Respected (17)
Get ready to read (13)
Inspirational (11)
Amazing lectures (11)
Caring (10)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.07 avg change
May
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CS2121

5.0

(1)

CS342B

4.0

(1)

CS342

3.1

(7)

CS3331

2.8

(37)

3331

2.7

(12)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CS

5.0

CS3331COMPTHEOR

5.0

CS3342

4.8

CS3331A

4.7

C3331

4.6

Reviews (151)
4.0
4.0
CS342
Jun 7, 2002

Tough, but overall okay.

4.0
3.0
CS342
Sep 10, 2002

No Comments

4.0
4.0
CS342
Mar 19, 2003

No Comments

2.0
4.0
CS342
Feb 26, 2004

This guy knows what he is talking about, but he isn't the best at teaching. His notes seem to be detailed, but then you'll get an assignment and none of the things you need to know are in them.

2.0
4.0
CS342
Sep 29, 2004

Guy has *no* time for undergrads. If you ask a ? get ready for a weird response that won't help.

1.0
5.0
CS
Nov 6, 2004

No Comments

4.0
1.0
CS342
May 24, 2005

Really easy course. He sometimes explains materials or questions in a weird way, but when u think deeply about the question, he pretty much gave you the answers already. Just really concentrate on the notes.

4.0
3.0
CS342B
Jun 29, 2005

Interesting course. I found the assignments easy and the exams hard, but in the end he bumped up everyones final exam mark by 20% cause we all got smoked on it. He's a funny guy and I found him approachable, although he does explain some things in an odd way.

2.0
4.0
CS342
Feb 4, 2006

dis oriented, lack of teaching skills

5.0
1.0
3331
Grade: A
Nov 20, 2014

Best prof. ever. If you're looking at courses for next semester, pick this guy up. Hilarious. Really reassured the class. Material is pretty tough; he's the man to teach it. I ended up loving the material. So damn logical. Felt like MIT. People didn't like him before because the material is tough but he changed the course a lot. DAMN GOOD.

4.0
3.0
3331
Grade: B+
Dec 13, 2014

Probably one of the hardest courses conceptually in compsci. He's very thorough and knows the difficulty of the subject. You have to keep up with the lecture or you'll fall behind FAST. His tests are a bit difficult but he'll adjust marking to make up for it. Assignments can be difficult as well, but all the answers laid out in lecture notes.

5.0
1.0
CS3331
Grade: B-
Feb 25, 2016

Dr. Lucian is an example of what it means to be a professor. He is passionate about teaching and it radiates from his lectures. He is there to help you when you have questions and he is super fair when it comes to exams and assignments. Glad I will get to walk away from school with such an experience. Take his courses!

5.0
3.0
CS3331
Grade: A
Mar 10, 2016

Great Professor. He clearly has a very in depth understanding of computation and this comes through in his class. I would definitely recommend attending lectures, as the material is pretty tough at first. The text book is also pretty helpful to clarify some shortcomings in the slides. Dr. Ilie is very approachable, and willing to answer your Q's.

4.0
4.0
CS3331A
Dec 25, 2016
Would take again

Prof Ilie was, in a word, solid. The course is not easy by any means, but he prepares you well for all assignments and is willing to give help outside of class. He has a wry sense of humour that makes you laugh. The textbook is an EXCELLENT, if not crucial, resource if you're shy about seeking help out of class. Don't be intimidated; Ilie is great.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: A+
Apr 19, 2017
Would take again

Lucian is one of the most passionate and intelligent professors in CS. I learned a lot in his lectures, but to do well in the midterm and final, you must also do practice problems. The exams are very concept-based and very fair (they do not ask for anything not covered in class). He will write you a very good reference letter if you ask!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Caring
5.0
4.0
C3331
Grade: A+
Nov 13, 2017
Would take again

A very inspirational Proff, great mentor!

Respected
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
CS3331
Grade: A-
Feb 26, 2018
Would take again

One of the best profs at Western! his courses are difficult, but more than fair if you pay attention and read the textbooks. Cares tremendously about how students are doing, not only with the course, but with life in general.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
CS2121
Mar 25, 2018
Would take again

Lectures are easy to follow and taught in an easy to understand manner. A truly engaging professor that really cares about the students' success and well-being.

Inspirational
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: B
Mar 28, 2018
Would take again

One of the most conceptually difficult courses I have ever taken, but the devotion and enthusiasm this man has for teaching is amazing and inspiring. Skyped into class even when just getting out of the hospital not once, but twice. Genuinely cares about his student and their understanding.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: B+
Dec 5, 2018
Would take again

The most amazing and inspiring teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Genuinely care about his students and their learning. The course material is BRUTAL but Lucian makes it worth it. I pity students who have to take this course without him.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: A
Mar 29, 2019
Would take again

Great course, great prof. Although more theoretical than what you will likely see on a day to day basis, this course will change the way you think about computing. It is worth putting the time and work into.

5.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 19, 2020
Would take again

Ilie is an amazing professor. The courses he teaches are very difficult, but he cares about his students, and if you work hard to understand the material, you will get a fair mark. He occasionally gives some inspiring philosophical speeches, which I would retake a class for alone. If you get the chance, take a course with Ilie.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
1.0
5.0
CS3331COMPTHEOR
Grade: A
Sep 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Prof makes things very confusing. The prof expects you to go teach yourself if you don't understand anything. He also defends the TAs when they take off marks for error carried forward when TAs can't even mark consistently between people. He also believes people cheat on assignments (which is sad because many people honestly do it properly)

1.0
5.0
CS3331
Oct 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

lack of teaching skills and do not let ppl record the zoom lecture for review

Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: A-
Oct 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Unfortunately, he's the only prof at Western that teaches this course. Get ready for the worst experience of your undergrad and a lot of confusion. This professor also lacks basic teaching skills, not sure how or why he's still employed..

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The course is difficult. Lecture notes are not clear, and contents are basically just to repeat the textbook briefly. The course is hard enough and he made it more diffcult. Also, contacting him is a problem. Sending several mails to his email address, course email address and got no replies. So I had to contact TA to help me contact professor.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Dec 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Makes 50% of the course grade due in a span of only 2 weeks, with the "latest to submit" some assignments only 1-2 days from the midterm/final. The course material by itself is challenging, but the resources provided are insufficient. He speedruns his lectures, the textbook is verbose, and he gives very little time on the exams.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: B
Dec 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The midterm and final exam do not have a clear evaluation criteria. The grading is very subjective. They can just take 5 marks away without clear justification of why not 4 or 3.

1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: A-
Dec 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Make the assignment and exams very difficult, but do not have labs where TAs can help students better understand the material.

1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: B+
Dec 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

It's so weird that the prof gave philosophical speeches in the middle of a lecture. When there are so many questions in the chat unanswered, the prof just said "I don't have time to answer questions from the chat."

1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: B+
Dec 30, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Terrible lectures. My friends and I couldn't understand what he was talking about. Then when we asked questions , he simply just ignored the questions and said I don't have time. The lecturer is so bad and exams and assignments are so hard. I went through depression and had to go to therapy. That is how bad this course is.

1.0
3.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lecture notes are basically unreadable. The course itself is easy but I have to learn everything from Youtube, which is free and much more clear than his lectures.

2.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: A-
Apr 21, 2021
Would take again

Over 80% of students didn't have time to finish the midterm.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: C+
Jul 6, 2021
Would take again

Truly one of the most difficult but eye-opening courses. Theory of COmputation is truly a difficult course for undergrad. Any bad reviews are because the course was extremely difficult. But I would 100% put myself through it again. It forced me to think and wrap my mind around very complex ideas. Wouldn't have passed without recording lec.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Caring
5.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: C+
Dec 24, 2021
Would take again

Best prof at UWO. Hard material but fun to learn. Very intelligent.

Respected
Lots of homework
Inspirational
4.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2021
Would take again

Course is hard, prof does his best to simplify it. If you take the time to watch his lectures. do practice + assignments, you'll definetly pass. Exams are tough, so theres no gurantee you'll do well. He doesn't just test your ability to do problems, but will ask trick questions to test your understanding. The good news is he curves alot!

Respected
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
C3331
Grade: Rather not say
Mar 18, 2022
Would take again

Not fair. If it is a online exam, he will make the exam extremly hard. This is becasue he assumes everyone is cheating.

Tough grader
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: A-
Jun 1, 2022
Would take again

Course Content was extremely hard, but he did teach the content well (in my opinion). Content definitely needed to be reviewed by reading the textbook. Assignments are challenging but does teach you very well. Midterm/Final are tougher but will overwrite Assignment marks if you do get higher on them.

4.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: B
Dec 15, 2022
Would take again

Professor Ilie's 3342 class is arguably the most difficult class offered by the Department of Computer Science at Western, but also arguably the most rewarding. His course materials are thorough and well taught, he's an intelligent, caring, and overall respectable professor who will make you get off your ass and act like a computer scientist should

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: Rather not say
Feb 2, 2023
Would take again

Absolutely amazing professor. Extremely kind and insightful. Cares a lot about his students.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Inspirational
4.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: A-
Apr 15, 2023
Would take again

Difficult course that requires a lot of practice. I appreciated the professor making the assignments rather light, knowing the majority of us are taking a full course load. The midterm curve was also pretty generous. I will say I did require a fair bit of YouTube videos to teach me some topics, but overall this professor is pretty decent.

Caring
Respected
4.0
5.0
CS3342
May 25, 2023
Would take again

Lucian is a great prof and truly cares about his students and his teaching, especially when working 1 on 1. This course is notoriously difficult, but Lucian understands that and compensates with good teaching and a very forgiving exam curve. He does tend to go on tangents occasionally, and get a little philosophical, but good prof overall

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: B
Oct 1, 2023

He goes way too fast and says if you come to class you're ok but going to class doesn't mean anything. His slids mean nothing without recordings

1.0
5.0
CS3331A
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2023

Difficult, Unreadable leture notes

5.0
4.0
C3331
Grade: A-
Dec 22, 2023
Would take again

Ilie was a great teacher and lecturer, and he gave great feedback. This course was pretty difficult, but he taught it extremely well

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
4.0
1.0
CS3331
Grade: A
Jan 29, 2024
Would take again

Good Teaching

Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
Group projects
4.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: Rather not say
Feb 11, 2024

I took CS 3331 with him last semester, and I must warn you that it is a VERY difficult course. Nonetheless, Prof Ilie does a good job explaining things in his lectures, it's just that I often had to supplement my learning with the textbook or YouTube videos to really understand things. I wish I had gone to office hours to ask questions.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Respected
5.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
May 19, 2024
Would take again

Prof Ilie is a good lecturer and is willing to help students.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Respected
2.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 30, 2024

Guy is super smart and cool, but he makes extremely hard exams. I also find he tends to over complicate material that is easily understandable making it seem harder than it actually is. In order to get a high mark, you need to know the content with a PhD level understanding. This course and 3331 is also mandatory so have fun :)

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
3331
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 1, 2024

Prof must understand that students here are for learning. They are not phd certified that u throwing content to set them for failure. I am concerned parent whose son made it well until here and now these 2 coourses 3342 and 3331 are making them feel quit program.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Nov 2, 2024

This course is extremly made difficult purposly. Content does not address what exam and testing expect. How many student enrol, how mamy drp and how many fail...i wonder if university does math. I have no money in budget to retake this.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
3331
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 3, 2024

Difficult. Think of dropping course , just waiting for mid term marks. Money wasted. Time wasted Need someone better to teach concepts who can divide content in chunks to make it understandable. Will remove 3342 from my list of courses for next semester as same prof teach it too. I have doing good for all other courses so far securing 85% plus.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: A-
Nov 3, 2024

The structure and content of the course is not it.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
3331
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 4, 2024

Extremely hard course. Prof makes assignments and exams extremely hard and justifies it by saying its to make more capable so ai will not take over. That does not excuse him underpreparing us with his teaching style. Please do not take this course if you do not have to.

1.0
5.0
3331
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 5, 2024

Do not take any course that this professor teach. He may be smart for himsrlf but he has zero teaching skills. Teacher goal should be to make course understandable to student. His goal appears to be to demostrate how intelligent he is. He seems teaching same courses , using same slides for years. Student cannot soak all this in 3 months

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 5, 2024

Too fast Too vague Expectation to perform like student already has masters There are load of other courses and job too, how load is justify. Its taking 25 to 30 hours per week self study time for just this course and still lack of confidence that i will pass.

Tough grader
5.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: A+
Nov 5, 2024
Would take again

You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 6, 2024

If you late in class, for 20 minutes, all class has to waste time hwaring how late comer has to oil squeeky door. Students run sometime class to class and there is not even 5 minutes in berween. So what if someone decide to use toilet after their previous class.

1.0
5.0
3331
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 7, 2024

Hardest course ever

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
CS3342
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 8, 2024
Would take again

Honestly, Lucian is not even that bad like people say. It is like how people said El-Sakka in 2208 was bad, but imagine how much worse it would be if it was not El-Sakka teaching it. Lucian was like that, but for 3342 and 3331. Imagine if 3342 and 3331 is still as hard, but with different professor teaching. Almost all of u would fail already.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 9, 2024

Wanted to write a more level-headed review after some time. Assignments tend to be more challenging than maybe necessary, creating a time vacuum when students have other classes. Areas for improvement: slides could be clearer, slower pace, find a better way to address disturbances than direct confrontation.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 11, 2024

This was doable 5 years ago? Presèntation slides and test from covid times? Is ot time to change and make it more rekevant to times. We have other courses and there is no cerb.

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: D-
Nov 23, 2024

Lack of clarity in content. This is not only difficult course, notes from Pandemic and testing criteria make us compete with computer generated apps. Assignment, test, subject matter, teaching sryle, TA assistance, everything offered is not in line to make it through with 60 percent passing mark.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 7, 2024

How are we supposed to secure 70%. This course is going to expel me from my dream degree. I met requirement so far with good grades in others. This is very bad in terms of content and test. There are 4 other subjects to study. I spend all time to study this course, still secure less then 50% overall. Insanity. Very scared.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
C3331
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2024

His handwriting is absolutely unreadable, the slides are too abstract and hard to understand, he makes the exams very difficult, and he expects us to write the exam with all computations on an arm table

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3331A
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 11, 2024

The professor does not answer your questions clearly at all, in emails he would respond with 1 word or "it means what it says". This is extremely unhelpful, it is his job to clear our queries but leaves us clueless figuring out what "it means"

1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2024

Literally the prof is just so unhelpful, I asked hima question today in the exam and he says "it is what you know", he does not clarify and clear our questions at all. Super unhelpful!

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Dec 11, 2024

The professor makes extremely hard exams and the material he provided to prepare for it doesnt suffice. Definitely do not take this course if you DO NOT HAVE TO!!!

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: B+
Dec 12, 2024

One of the most pretentious professor, it does not bring any value to your life. The professor is extremely unhelpful and ALWAYS make the exam difficult. He change the exam every single year so you can not prepare for it. Get ready for the worst time of your life if you doing this for requirements, otherwise do not take this course.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: A-
Dec 14, 2024

The Worst Prof in CS faculty

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 14, 2024

As a professor it oa your duty to clear the doubts of your students, instead he answers with "No." or "Its obvious.". How does this clarify the questions we have? At the end of the lecture, he said ta's would reply to his emails until he decided to do so himself so that his students get qualitatives answers. Are these one word answers of quality?

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 14, 2024

Someone told me this course at waterloo is easier and an elective. Youre telling me I just completed a course that exceeding the difficulty of a waterloo lvl course. Also the title of the course is very misleading and should be called automata theory or theory of comp tbf. Prof also is not helpful at all or concerned with his student's progress.

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 14, 2024

Very hard course and professor does not accomodate for it.

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 14, 2024

Very unhelpful prof.

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 14, 2024

Do NOT take this course unless you need to.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Dec 14, 2024

Is not accomodating at all!

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 14, 2024

What will happen for pass rate of 3342? I am so worried from feedback of 3331. Failure rate so high. Is there chance of curve up with this professor if majority class suffereing . If i fail 3342, i have no other path to escape in life.

Tough grader
2.0
4.0
C3331
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2024

When your final exam average is 58% you are doing 1 of 2 things wrong. Either the exam is too hard or you are not preparing the students for the exam. If the average of a class of hardworking third year CS university students is so low, the prof has to take some accountability.50% passing condition also seems too high when the average is only 58%.

1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2024

Dude below is bluffing, either prof himself or ta. Doesnt change the fact that the prof made this a very hard course and much harder than it needed to be.

4.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2024
Would take again

3331 has always been one of the hardest CS courses at Western. Y'all should've been prepared instead of ABSOLUTE CINEMA. The final exam this year is light compared to previous ones, and Lucian did provide past exams for practicing. You will absolutely pass if you are prepared. Lucian: "If you make everyone happy, you've done something wrong."

4.0
3.0
3331
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2024
Would take again

Professor Illie teaches a tough course but keeps it engaging with his sense of humor. The exams are challenging but fair, rewarding those who attend lectures, complete assignments, and practice past exams. The concepts are hard, so it's not ideal to take this with a heavy course load. Expect some tricky questions that challenge your understanding.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
5.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2024
Would take again

Top Tier Prof.

Respected
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
C3331
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2024

This is a hard course. There is no sugar coating it. Go to lectures, actually do the assignments, and study hard for the final. DO WELL ON THE MIDTERM! If you do not get the content, go to his office hours. He will support you if you show effort.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: C+
Dec 15, 2024

The relief you will feel when you pass his courses is probably paralleled with your firstborn and wife coming out healthy from the labor room. Material is niche (watched his past vids on repeat) + some MIT vids. Do the assignment yourself, and ask him specific questions. Pray that you have chill marking TAs. Find a classmate and study together.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 15, 2024

Confusing lectures.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2024

No connection of content to exams questions

Tough grader
5.0
5.0
3331
Grade: A+
Dec 15, 2024
Would take again

ABSOLUTE CINEMA

Tough grader
Inspirational
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 16, 2024

TA' s HELPING OR prof adding comments here for themselves? What % of class failed in 3331? Its matter of future of Western Students. Some one find this Cinema, come'on. 3342 .. what would be failure rate? Why these exams at 7 pm? Rain snow dark cold, students on street at 11 pm all hungry tired. Who take responsibility of safety?

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2024

If less then 80% class fail, this need deep dive investigation. Exam was very hard as if meant for Ai. Never missed class, never missed deadline. Already failed midterm. Hope down in drain after writing final exam. This course need investigation for content vs exams. I bet passing rate will be less then 60% students.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 18, 2024

When a class with such a large quantity of students has not even one reach a grade >89 on the midterm, something is seriously wrong. Both of his classes have the largest quantity of curves, low averages, lack of students in the upper grade percentiles, rereleases/reopening of assignments (due to large quantities of failing assignment grades),etc

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 18, 2024

Is this professor /ta's doing negative marking? Does this professor love his students so much that he want half of his class return to take this again? Is this money grab technique of Western to have student stay longer in university? Will any one on earth do something about content/exam. SUFFERINGS. need letter to Dean office on this.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

I am upset and frustrated. I have always gotten A's, and now I dont think ill get a 60 to stay in honours spec. The prof makes the exams extremely difficult, and just says "this is easy" on topics we struggle with. I kept up with the class and spent a lot of time studying for this final, only for him to add question variations we have never seen.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 18, 2024

This course spoiled carreer. Why testing students on something u did not taught in class. Waiting for final class results. I feel class action has become necessary at this point.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

Prof is extremeley unfair, made the exam uneccessarily hard. Who makes it this hard. There were also questions out of of the syllabus, very unfair on us.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

I second this, why would prof decide to change the format after whole four years. Why should I be punished for taking 3342 this year and not the previous year, where the format was being followed for like 4 years. So unexpected and uneccessarily make difficult on purpose.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

Prof adds in a 10% curve if we get we get 10% more on the final then we did on the midterm, giving hope to us students just to latter make the final exceedingly hard.

2.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2024

Can 35 mark for midterm and final be passing mark plesse? I dont have any money for second attempt. No work in market. I barely made it for fee after skipping 2 meals per day for past 5 months. Exams were extremly hard. Did not find time was sufficient to think and write solutions. Got 34 in midterm. I am bleeding tears, freeking of failure. HELP.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

Prof made course unecessarily hard and to top it off gave us so easy practice finals which do not even compensate for the difficulty of the final he gave us.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

What is this curving system. If the highest grade is 100 u get no curve but if its 89 u get +11 points. What if that 100 is an outlier and the rest have failed? Then we dont get "shifting" nor "curved". Pretty unfair system if u ask me. Its literally a system made for us to fail imo.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

I am trembling in fear of failing like literally since the exam I haven't been able to sleep the thought of failing this course is giving me severe anxiety and i am still shaken in fear, such an insanely hard exam.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

The prof made an insanely hard final. Previous years had it so so easy.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

Prof is punishing us for his bad reviews. I haven't ever made a review on rate my prof but I am forced to do so. It is not our fault you are getting bad reviews, so why punish us?? Why raise the bar of difficulty on us but go easy on previous years. How is that even fair???

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 18, 2024

Please do not take this course if you do not have to. Do not even think of taking it as an elective please. It messes with your sanity, like literally. I have to go to therapy because of the ptsd this course and 3331 has left on me.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2024

Hard course man and profs not willing to help either.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Ayo yall dont take this course, its not joke man so hard too hardd

1.0
5.0
3331
Dec 18, 2024

Awful awful course. I studied so so so so hardd for the midterm and got just 29 on it. I also studied rlly rlly rlly hard for the final and I dont think I am going to pass please dont take this course if you have a choice, prof doesnt even curve either just "shifts" unless someoen got a 100 which is so unfair

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Seriously prof needs to rework his curving system like someone gets 100 and we all joever. What if that 100 is a outliers and us the people who jsut made it to 50 (and just below 50) are the inliers. Is this even fair at this point???

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

This course has been very difficult and I have put in so much effort sidelining the rest of my courses and I still feel like I am going to fail.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Very difficult course!

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Examples provided in class did not relate well to the material covered on exams.

Gives good feedback
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

The content from the slides does not suffice for the difficulty in exams, introducing new topics in it, etc.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Please I put blood, sweat, and tears in this course. I really need to pass. I cannot afford to retake this course. I have cut down my portions to 3/4 and live in my car to afford this semester's tuition please please be fair for once.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Prof makes really hard exams like they aint even passable.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

This course requires alottt of effort. Read the textbook, do textbook questions, do your assignments on your own, and please please go to office hours to clarify your doubts.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Prof is willing to help and very passionate about the material and helping us however the difficulty of this course and exams are just exoribitant.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 18, 2024

Professor should provide us with more study material to study from.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: F
Dec 19, 2024

Exam was extremely challenging and some students from other degrees from abroad might score exceptionally high. This could potentially affect the grading curve or any adjustment. Can we reach ourself or request Prof to reach to science dean uwo ca to resolve this. Prof expectations are out of boundry on performance of learning students.

Tough grader
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
3331
Grade: B+
Dec 19, 2024
Would take again

He's a very fair professor. The difficulty of his material scales as the question progresses. Therefore, if you want to achieve a 80+ you need deep knowledge on the content. The content is abstract and therefore, you can't rely on chatGPT to think for you. Many forget about that, and go into the test with chatGPT brain (Absent).

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
3331
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2024

I rated Lucian a 5 to balance the average. During the course, I might have rated him a 3, but after finishing, I'd give him a 4. Lucian's teaching style involves challenging content and hard exams, making the course demanding. Whether this approach is necessary or overly tough depends on individual preferences.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2024
Would take again

CS3331 and CS3342 are the hardest CS courses at Western and so people are review bombing the prof when 90% of people don't attend lectures, don't ask questions and overall put no effort in. Lucian makes these courses tough but he's very helpful when you ask questions, he also tries to pass everyone if you are close to the 50 mark.

Tough grader
Respected
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: B
Dec 19, 2024
Would take again

People expect a free degree, to be able to chatgpt all assignments, don't attend lectures and then magically pass and blame the prof. These courses are extremely difficult, you will not be able to study two days before the final. Lucian answers emails very fast, helpful in office hours and in class. You can't expect to be given a pass for nothing.

Tough grader
Respected
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 19, 2024

Speak for yourself, I studied 9 days a week for this course whilst having back to back exams, sidelining every other course, attend all lectures and email the prof with questions and am still on verge of passing or failing.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Dec 19, 2024

For the people saying that you're not gonna pass if u chatgpt thru the course. Could u rlly do that?? I vouch that u wont get more than 13% on the assignment if u use chatgpt. It is just so inaccurate and not correct like at all. Even its explanations r just awful.

1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 19, 2024

It seems TA are putting explanation ( giving 5, 5 for rating) saying ask questions , go to office hours, attend lectures. Did u hear, when student ask question to prof, they are humiliated with loud voice, ITS OBVIOUS". I see class packed. Student are attending lectures. Never seen packed class like that for other course as we all worrying fail

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: F
Dec 19, 2024

Take this course in future if this professor not teaching. Try find credit from other universities. Uni of waterloo, Mcmaster and uni. Of toronto has same course and their prof reviews are grest who teach this course. Need LOP from Western to tale this course rlse where.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: D-
Dec 19, 2024

Difficult. It was great learning experience with Sheng when my sister did it, she said. Torture now. I dont want to sit in 4rth year again for this. I rather pass with 60 overall. No wonder we have so many students in class retaking, from 4rth year. Chronic problem. This professor making majorty take it twice. Not offered next sem/summer.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 19, 2024

The course is pretty hard and the prof makes it more harder by giving so hard assignment and exams.

5.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: C
Dec 20, 2024
Would take again

Professor Ilie is perhaps the best professor at Western University. His exams are difficult, but very rewarding once you master the material. Some detractors say it's unfair. I say he's the GOAT. If Western ever gets a computer science building, we know who it will be named after.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: A+
Dec 20, 2024
Would take again

the actual goat.

Tough grader
Respected
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2024

marks very fairly, hard exams

5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2024
Would take again

Genuinely the greatest professor of all time. Explains all concepts extremely clearly, always willing to help students out, and overall just a very nice and respectable guy. The course material is difficult, but once you learn it, it feels amazing. Lucian is actually the goat and deserves the world. We love you Lucian

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Respected
5.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: A+
Dec 20, 2024
Would take again

Lucian is the best prof I have had at Western. I see a lot of people complaining about his courses, but the truth is they are some of the very few courses here at Western CS that require you to actually engage deeply with the content and think. He's an excellent teacher, and really cares - you just have to take initiative and work honestly.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: B+
Dec 20, 2024
Would take again

Tbh 31&42 were the only ones I really listened to and went to every lecture. For others, even I didn't study all semester, I can get an A or above with confidence, but neither 31 nor 42 could. Both require a lot of understanding and practice, and you must follow his rhythm to pass the courses. he is nice with 42 grade but not 31, good luck to y'all

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: B
Dec 20, 2024
Would take again

Quite humorous & responsible, he'll not be perfunctory u, it's more of a guide to make sure you're on the right track than a direct answer to the question ur asking. Ppl seem to have a lot of complaints, but i still have learned a lot from him, I am glad I can meet such a prof in the uni, although the process of learning his course is painful...

Tough grader
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 20, 2024
Would take again

Lucian's classes are not easy, you need to work to understand the concepts or the exams will punish you. However, his classes are rewarding and he does care for his students unlike what some of the other reviews say.

Get ready to read
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2024
Would take again

Tough but fair. He makes assessments hard so that the upper portion of the grade distribution can be discerned, then curves it back up to give everyone a fair grade. No one gets an undeserved 100, but he won't let you fail either.

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2024
Would take again

Most conceptually interesting course I've taken in uni by far. Prof Ilie introduces the content rigorously while still keeping it accessible. If you're bright and hard-working, his classes will teach you a lot.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: B+
Dec 21, 2024
Would take again

G.O.A.T 🐐

5.0
4.0
CS3342
Grade: A
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

If you have a chance to take one of Lucian's courses you should! They're not easy by any means, but you will definitely learn and grow. He talks a lot about philosophy in class, which was pretty interesting since its obvious he is a very intellectual guy. Western CS is a bit of a joke but this prof is carrying the torch for sure.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
3.0
CS3342
Grade: A+
Dec 26, 2024
Would take again

His classes are hard, but they are not hard to pass. Don't expect to get 100% on his exams, but if you understand the material, with the curve, you will do well!

Tough grader
Caring
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
CS3331
Grade: A+
Jan 14, 2025
Would take again

Best professor at western

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Lots of homework
1.0
3.0
C3331
Grade: A+
Jan 24, 2025

Knowledgeable and does an ok job of explaining the concepts… but the TAs are way better. During lectures and office hours, he comes across as arrogant and self-righteous, especially when giving out unsolicited “life advice”. He doesn't really listen to students questions and makes assumptions and off-colour jokes that don't land.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
C3331
Grade: F
Dec 8, 2025

THE GUY SURE LOOKS LIKE PLANT FOOD TO ME

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: C
Dec 11, 2025

This prof needs to seriously be looked into at Western he puts no effort into trying to make student lives easier. His slides are so messy and hard to understand that you are learning the course from youtube videos. Exams are very tough, I seriously wonder what he gets paid to do because it is not teach.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2025

Brutal. Does not help students understand the material, flies through examples and explains by calling it "obvious", is not welcoming to questions, constantly makes remarks about the intelligence of students, unhelpful one-word email responses, messy cryptic handwritten solutions. Everyone is clearly so lost and no one will speak up, Disappointing.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2025
Would take again

GGWP see u next term

Tough grader
Hilarious
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: C
Dec 16, 2025

Western really needs to step up and look into how little effort this prof puts into his course. His lecture slides probably haven't been updated since 2015, it is impossible to understand what he talks about and how he explains stuff. Exams wouldn't be as hard if he actually cared for his material and knew how to teach it properly. FIRE HIM

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: F
Dec 16, 2025

The University of Toronto didn't even want him.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2025

just please if you can, if you dont plan on doing honor spec do not take this course, plz.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3342
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2025

post exam all i can say is: this was prob worst exam I ever took, the only hope is the curve

Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CS3331
Grade: C
Dec 25, 2025

One thing about this class is that it'll strip u away from any sense of happiness & will leave you with little to no will to live. I don't like this prof AT ALL, dudes on a power trip. no other uni wants him. buddy drives from Toronto to London everyday cuz UofT doesn't want anything to do w/ him. I wish I could tell u his exam curves would save u.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

20%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 65 grades
Most common grades:
Rather not say (28)
Not sure yet (19)
A (13)
Grade Distribution
A(23)B(10)C(7)D(3)F(4)A-/B+(19)
Based on 123 reported grades
Rather not say: 28
Not sure yet: 19
A: 13
B+: 10
Common Tags
Tough grader (44)
Test heavy (26)
Lecture heavy (23)
Respected (17)
Get ready to read (13)
Inspirational (11)
Amazing lectures (11)
Caring (10)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.07 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CS2121

5.0

(1)

CS342B

4.0

(1)

CS342

3.1

(7)

CS3331

2.8

(37)

3331

2.7

(12)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CS

5.0

CS3331COMPTHEOR

5.0

CS3342

4.8

CS3331A

4.7

C3331

4.6

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