2.4

Mariamma Varghese

Mathematics - University of Arizona

2.4
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
31%
Would Retake
127
Reviews
2.4
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
2.3
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

31%

Would Retake

127

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
127 total ratings

5

15

4

19

3

22

2

24

1

47

What Students Say

Here's how to pass her class: 1

VECTORCALCULUS - 4.0 rating

She is rude and mean and just yells at the class

122B - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

83%

Textbook Required

44%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 52 grades
Most common grades:
A (21)
B (14)
Drop/Withdrawal (6)
Grade Distribution
A(25)B(15)C(7)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 66 reported grades
A: 21
B: 14
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
C: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (24)
Lots of homework (18)
Lecture heavy (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (13)
Test heavy (12)
Participation matters (12)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (6)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.04 avg change
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH120

5.0

(1)

CALC122

5.0

(1)

35417

4.0

(1)

CALC122B

4.0

(1)

MATH122B

3.3

(12)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MAT110

5.0

MAT124

5.0

MAT115A

5.0

MATH006

5.0

MATH151

5.0

Reviews (126)
2.0
3.0
MATH112
Dec 1, 2004

Boring, hate her accent, hate the tone of her voice. She doesn't give very good notes or instructions except the fact that most of her students are morons. Don't get her as a teacher, she sucks!

2.0
4.0
MATH124
Jan 14, 2005

Very difficult teacher and not very helpful. My suggestion: find a different teacher.

2.0
4.0
MATH129
Jan 24, 2005

This teacher is horrible! Does not work well w/ even sick students. She did not let me turn in homework the following day even though i was bedridden. Not flexible at all. DO NOT PICK HER!

1.0
5.0
MAT110
Apr 11, 2005

Worst teacher ever. Couldn't handle it. Kicked me out of class and would not let me return after she caught me reading the Wildcat. This happened mid-semester, forced me to fail course. She is crazy.

2.0
4.0
MATH129
Aug 8, 2005

Grades hard on homework and tests. She won't accept anything late. In addition to homework from the book, she had her own worksheets. Too much work, didn't enjoy the class.

2.0
4.0
MAT113
Grade: A+
Aug 21, 2005

Horrible teacher! This lady has no sense of humor and no heart. Grades very hard on homework and tests. Very weird teacher. Whenever she expains the material, she never looks at the students but stares at the ground or looks out the window. Avoid her!

1.0
5.0
MATH124
Sep 30, 2005

HATE her. i hate the way she grades, i hate the way she explains stuff, and i just hate the way she teaches in general. i honestly dont know how she got a job teaching, its just beyond me. half the people in my class have taken calculus before in high school, and ALL of them are doing WORSE their 2nd time through cuz of this **** teacher.

1.0
5.0
MAT124
Oct 30, 2005

She can't teach and won't help you unless she's likes you. Holds grudges and makes grades dependant off the grudge. Horrible teacher. Get out when you can.

1.0
5.0
MAT124
Nov 4, 2005

She's basically the worst Calculus teacher at the U of A. She gives ridiculous amounts of homework that take hours to finish, assigns extra worksheets, and grades with no partial credit. If you have her, switch out right away, if you are choosing a calc teacher, just don't pick her. Pretty much everyone is doing bad in her class.

1.0
5.0
MAT115A
Apr 29, 2006

WORST TEACHER I'VE HAD HERE. She makes things so much harder than they need to be, and does not help when you go to office hours, i just always left more confused. I'm failing her class and she is not doing anything to help. Laughs at people when they do not understand! GET OUT OF HER CLASS IF YOU HAVE HER!

2.0
4.0
MATH124
May 21, 2006

This was a really bad class and I'm so glad that I dropped it. She was unclear and a really picky grader.

2.0
5.0
MATH124
Oct 26, 2006

She was horrible. I dropped the class, but it took everything in me to not curse her out. Honestly, she inspired me to change my major, but she made me hate math that much. She sucks.

1.0
4.0
MATH112
Nov 11, 2006

Mariama Varghese is the most sour and unhelpful teacher I have ever had. She reacts with hostility whenever you ask her for help, or she just refers you back to the notes, which are unclear to begin with. Don't even think about going to her office hours, as you will always leave more confused and frustrated than when you came in. STAY AWAY.

2.0
5.0
MATH006
Aug 22, 2007

give quizes to do in too short time

3.0
5.0
MATH129
Jul 7, 2008

Her test are hard! But if you go to her office hours she will help you. There is a ton of homework. If you want to get a good grade go to the math tutor room they help. But the good thing is that she does get you prepared for the final exam. The handouts are usefully.

3.0
4.0
MATH124
Aug 6, 2008

This is not a class for non-math/physics majors. She is hardcore and hardly gives partial credit. If you mess up on one question on a test it could potentially drop the score by 15%. She's not very nice and she doesn't answer your emails. If you're looking for a challenge, take her, if not find someone else.

1.0
5.0
MATH151
Nov 6, 2008

DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER!!!!

2.0
5.0
MATH124
Nov 24, 2008

Very knowledgeable in math, needs lots (LOTS, LOTS, LOTS!) of improvement in teaching techniques, especially in the way she interacts with students. Sour, makes you feel dumb, and sometimes laughs at your mistakes. She needs to take a course on teaching and working with students... now.

2.0
5.0
MATH124
Dec 29, 2008

Her grading scale is set up so that your homework points are scaled down and have very little affect on your grade. She has a middle eastern accent and can not understand many of the questions you ask her. I would not take this class unless you want to work twice as hard as the other classes only to get a lower grade.

2.0
4.0
CALC124
Jan 14, 2009

At first i completely hated her class but by the end of the semester you get used to her teaching style. Although the class is difficult she is an amazing teacher she really prepares you for the final and for next semester calculus. As long as you go the work you will get a good grade. Of course its difficult it's calculus.

2.0
5.0
CALC005
Feb 8, 2009

I DROPPED, do not take this teacher she expects you to know how to do the material before she even teaches it and makes you feel horrible if you do not know how to answer her questions she is overly strict and has a thick accent which makes it hard to understand her at times WATCH OUT

3.0
4.0
MATH223
Apr 5, 2009

She's a pretty good teacher. She does many example from the book and explains the material very well.

1.0
5.0
MATH112
Oct 19, 2009

worst teacher i've ever had. no interested in helping you.

3.0
4.0
MATH124
Oct 31, 2009

Very Hard Teacher

1.0
5.0
MATH124
Dec 30, 2009

This professor is horrible. IF YOU GET THIS PROFESSOR FOR ANYTHING DROP IMMEDIATELY. You can barely understand what she is saying and if you dont know the answer to a question she will scream at you until someone says something. Horrible and useless teacher.

3.0
4.0
MATH124
Jan 14, 2010

One thing is for sure in any math class: READ THE BOOK!!! i got a D mostly because of that. She's a pretty good teacher not the best, but pretty good. Dont be scared its 400 year old math. 8)

4.0
3.0
MATH129
Mar 30, 2010

This teacher has a bad rep because she isn't a sunshiny person and can be impatient if nobody answers her questions. She has an accent but is PERFECTLY understandable, and she grades leniently on homework-less so on tests, but its not her fault if you didn't study. I hate math, but I really like this teacher. She is very reasonable.

4.0
2.0
MATH129
Apr 28, 2010

She has an accent but after a couple classes she is understandable. She a good teacher and works problems on the board. There was a sign in sheet some days. Sometimes handouts were due or there were quizzes. Even though attendance is kinda mandatory, if you don't go to this class you wont do well. It's Calc 2.

5.0
1.0
MATH120
Nov 29, 2010

LOVE this proffesor! She is absolutely amazing, yes the workload may be much but she knows what she is doing! Very helpful would definately recommend

2.0
2.0
MATH112
Dec 23, 2010

Loved her! Her accent wasn't as bad as some of the reviews made it seem! Yes, she does give "a lot" of work but its totally worth it. She will work with you if you have trouble and she is just all around a great teacher!

4.0
4.0
MATH124
Feb 11, 2011

I have her for calc I and she's comparatively better than many math teachers here. She has an accent but is perfectly understandable. The workload she assigns is really not that bad at all, and besides it's for your own benefit. She is a very reasonable professor.

3.0
4.0
MATH112
May 24, 2011

Compared to other Math 112 teachers, she gives a lot of work. That said, she knows her stuff much better than the grad students that also teach the class. She will help struggling students, but can be intimidating. Her accent is nothing to worry about. If you like math or are a very motivated student, this class is doable.

1.0
4.0
MATH112
Sep 16, 2011

I am about 1 month in, and this has to be one of the worst math teachers I have ever had. Her accent is not too bad, but her closed mindedness, her rudeness, and intimidation is unacceptable. She yells at students when they ask a question, and acts like she is "almighty." I have had enough of this pathetic woman, and I am dropping the class TODAY.

3.0
5.0
CALC124
Oct 31, 2011

She is a decent teacher, but her tests are pretty hard. I have seen other Calc 1 tests from different classes and most do not even compare. If you go to class, study your butt off, than you have a chance at an A. She preps you well, but you need to study a boatload if you want an A. She does not assign much homework.

3.0
3.0
MATH112
Nov 8, 2011

She is a bit difficult to understand at first, but you get used to the accent after a while. She gives quite a bit of homework, but it's not hard at all. She's not very good at explaining if you ask her questions.

2.0
4.0
MATH122A
Aug 26, 2012

She's rude and really tough to understand. She seems to get angry when people ask questions, and she doesn't really teach anything. She assigns homework and expects you to figure it out yourself. I do more than half of my homework by looking up how to do it on Google.

5.0
4.0
CALC122
Sep 10, 2012

I really liked her a lot! She is a little strict but she really wants you to succeed and pushes you to learn. Her classes scored highest on the exam and her every one of her sections got a C or higher on the exam whereas other teachers had students who failed. She is cynical but funny but overall I definitely recommend her! FOR SURE...

2.0
2.0
MATH122A
Sep 11, 2012

She is an OK teacher. All we did in class were quizzes and easy examples, so when we did our homework we were constantly stumped by difficult problems that we had no clue how to do. I think she would have been a better teacher if she had gone over more difficult to problems it would have been better. I got a B in a class i usually get an A+ in

4.0
3.0
MATH122B
Oct 15, 2012

She's a little blunt, which seems condesending at first, but really isn't; it's just part of her character that makes asking questions a tiny bit scary. As long you come to class and do all the homework, the class isn't too bad. She's very organized and knows what she's teaching.

4.0
5.0
CALC122B
Jan 11, 2013

LOVED HER! But, if you have never taken calc before DONT take her class. She is the BEST teacher but moves fast and her tests are hard. If you know the stuff, you will learn a ton! If not, like me, you could fail. But if you are smart, TOTALLY TAKE HER.She is blunt, but if you get to know her she is a total marshmallow! I would RECOMMEND HER!

3.0
4.0
MATH223
Jul 2, 2013

She's is a pretty tough grader. I got a B in calc 1, a B in calc 2, and I ended up getting an A her class. If you have the old exams there are SUPER helpful because she doesn't change the exam much at all. If she is your last resort don't sweat it, just study the problems the problems that she goes over in class and you should be good to go.

4.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Sep 24, 2013

Not the friendliest of teachers, but one of the best for math. She's really good at explaining concepts and working through problems during class to prove a point. Attendance is mandatory. Tests are fair; everything on a test she's gone over in class.

1.0
5.0
MATH122B
Nov 6, 2013

Horrible professor. Can barely understand her through her thick indian accent. Literally makes 1 to 2 easy math mistakes per class. Horrible at teaching, never explains anything well. Yells at the class when nobody answers her questions, doesn't realize she never taught them how to do it. Tests are really hard, nothing like homework.

3.0
5.0
MATH122B
Nov 12, 2013

She grades really tough. I get most of the answers correct on the tests, but she will pick little details in your work and you will end up getting a C on a test where you got 95% of the problems correct. This is true for homework too. To do decent in her class you have to pretty much solve the problem EXACTLY how she would.

4.0
4.0
VECTORCALCULUS
Dec 25, 2013

Here's how to pass her class: 1. attend class every day and take notes 2. the week of a test, review all in class notes and written hw 3. do all hw // if you can do these three things, i promise you at least a B in her class. she's pretty clear, and kind. Express some interest in math to show you actually care. I had her for vector calculus.

4.0
2.0
MATH122B
Grade: A+
Jan 8, 2014

At first you will hate her. She seems condescending, rude, and ridiculous. But I PROMISE you, she is the exact opposite. She is super nice and reasonable about tests and is actually a very nice lady. Trust me, give her a chance and you wont regret it. Im in vector now, and wish I could have her as an instructor again. Overall relevant tests and HW

5.0
2.0
MATH122B
Jan 12, 2014

By far the best math teacher I've ever had. She's only rude to the students who treat her poorly. She knows exactly how to teach each lesson and makes sure that you are more than prepared for every test and homework on webassign. Her accent isn't bad at all either.

5.0
2.0
MATH122B
Mar 3, 2014

She's great! She has really redeemed math for me. I had a terrible experience my first time around in 122B (I have even taken AP calc in high school and did fine). She gives a ton of practice and breaks things down wonderfully. She even will give you questions that show up exactly like how they do on tests! I highly recommend her.

1.0
4.0
MATH122B
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Apr 4, 2014

She is honestly a rude, condescending person. Yells at the entire class if no one understands her question, usually because its something she hasn't taught yet. Grades super tough, on tests and homework's. Find a different math professor

5.0
2.0
MATH122B
Apr 16, 2014

You WILL get at least a B if you go to class. Great teacher, she gives you all the tools you need to succeed!

3.0
3.0
MATH122B
Grade: A
Jun 7, 2014

She is very condescending at first. But after a few weeks, she loosens up and becomes nicer. She is very good at teaching although sometimes it is hard to understand her. Overall, she was a good teacher. Hard to get a good grade if you don't go to class though.

2.0
5.0
122B
Nov 18, 2014

Avoid her if you can. She is rude and mean and just yells at the class. Her tests are hard and she grades very hard. Her lessons match up with the homework which is nice, but the tests are not similar to the homework. Honestly, one of the rudest people I've met in my life.

2.0
5.0
MATH122
Dec 8, 2014

Gets mad fast and yells Fast explanations and not too clear Hand writing is unclear and writes at the bottom of the board Hard grader and loves to pop quiz over new material Tests are hard Lovely personality

1.0
5.0
122B
Grade: C-
Dec 8, 2014

She is the worse teacher i ever had in the university of arizona she doesnt exlpain well she yells at you mid lecture and also yell at you if you dont understand

1.0
5.0
122B
Grade: C-
Jan 14, 2015

The worst desicion i ever taken in my life

3.0
3.0
MATH122B
Apr 14, 2015

I really liked her teaching style, however, she is hard to approach with questions. She does sometimes get mad when people ask questions, but it's not too bad. Her lectures go along with the homework assignments and the final, which is helpful. I should also mention that her students typically do better than the rest of the students in 122B.

5.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: A
May 11, 2015

Varghese is tough on the outside and soft on the inside. She wants her students to do well and her lectures prepare you for the test. If you want to do well, you can't ditch class and you have to pay attention during her lectures. The tests are often the exact questions done in class. Overall a great professor

3.0
4.0
MATH122B
Grade: C
May 14, 2015

I was worried taking Mariamma after reading the reviews she had, but I think she looks tough, but she's really nice. Like mentioned in other reviews, exams are similar problems as the homework. She does get angry when you ask questions, but if you go to her office hours, she's really helpful!!

1.0
4.0
223
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Aug 26, 2015

Gets angry about any questions on the lecture. Assumes you more know than you actually may.

4.0
3.0
35417
Aug 28, 2015

While she does sound angry when you ask questions, you just have to keep asking her to explain the problem. If you don't get it in class, be sure to ask after the class and during her office hours, she is more helpful then. I would suggest her as a calc 3 teacher if you have enough confidence can discuss things with others. Well structured class.

4.0
3.0
122A
Grade: A
Sep 15, 2015

She appears rough on the outside, but Mariamma is very helpful and will stop the class at certain points to make sure everybody understands the material. She has a thick accent and makes mistakes pretty regularly, but just point them out and she'll correct herself. Overall a good teacher, if you put in the effort you'll do well.

4.0
3.0
223
Sep 17, 2015

From what I gather, Varghese teaches better compared to the other professors. Although she sounds mean and is sort of aggressive, she really wants you to do well on the inside. Lectures are very clear and she gives you all the info you need for her tests in the quizzes and homework.

4.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: B
May 12, 2016

She is an effective teacher and is pretty fair with her homework policy

3.0
4.0
MATH122B
Grade: B+
Aug 5, 2016
Would take again

Very nice lady! She will help you if you come to class and ask when you need help. Lots of HW in mat 122b/089

2.0
4.0
122A
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I wouldn't say she is a horrible teacher but she is definitely difficult. She doesn't teach from a book or powerpoint instead she just does a bunch of problems on the board and goes through them super fast. She assumes and expects everyone to know what she is doing. I had a very hard time in her class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
4.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2016
Would take again

Mariamma is a good teacher. Her tests are almost exact every semester. The questions on the test are exact questions from Web Assign, in class examples, and the Final Exam Study Guide. Use the Final Exam Study Guide to study for each test. She may seem a bit harsh in class, especially if you get an answer wrong. So go to her office hours.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: B
Apr 20, 2017
Would take again

This is my second time taking vector calculus and Mariamma is a far better teacher than the one I had first time around. Her lectures are concise and easy to understand, and she gives lots of examples that always show up again on the exams.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: A
May 18, 2017
Would take again

Mariamma lectures effectively cover the material for the WAssigns and Exams. Sometimes she covers the material too fast so this can be an issue if you are not solid with the material. Make sure to actively listen and ask questions when you are confused. Overall I felt prepared for the exams and the final. Be aware she does not have a D2L.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
3.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: C
May 22, 2017
Would take again

learned a ton in this class. pretty tough but the material is tough. pay attention and due lots of problems to stay prepared. struggled towards the end of the semester. overall, great class if you enjoy vector calculus.

Tough Grader
Respected
4.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Jan 27, 2018
Would take again

Mariamma is a teacher who is very passionate about math but can sometimes have trouble translating that effectively into student learningshe goes quickly and is relatively standard in her teaching style (she uses notes, handouts, quizzes, etc. no presentations or projects) so it also depends on your learning style. Overall a good experience.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
3.0
4.0
MAT122B
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jun 1, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Mariamma isn't a teacher that will slow down if you are having trouble with a topic. If you are a person that values thorough explanations, look elsewhere. She teachest everything on the board and uses similar questions on the exam, so be sure to show up! If you are already decent/strong in math, this class is absolutely fine.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
5.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Jul 3, 2018
Would take again

Very intimidating at first, but once I got the basics of vectors down, I actually enjoyed the class a lot. Material is presented in a very clear way, and she assigns a reasonable amount of work. Tests are also very fair and reasonable. Highly recommend.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
1.0
2.0
122B
Grade: A-
Nov 30, 2018
Wouldn't take again

If this is your first time learning calculus get a better teacher. If you've already learned calculus then you'll be fine. She's a picky grader too.

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
1.0
4.0
MAT142
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 5, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Honestly this is by far the worst teacher I have ever had. She hardly assigns homework and when she does it's about 2-5 problems that are ridiculous easy and don't challenge at all. If math isn't your best subject- STAY AWAY. If you have a question, she just gets annoyed and just repeats herself- never fully answering your question.

Tough Grader
1.0
5.0
MAT129
Grade: Incomplete
Mar 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Mariamma is a decent teacher, however there is more to being a teacher than just lectures. The homework is unclear, where at the beginning of SOME classes, she will verbally announce the homework for the week. Never posts online announcements about HW either. She also shreds your written HW apart. Dont expect homework to help your grade with her.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: A
May 14, 2019
Would take again

She is the best math teacher I've had at UofA. She is very tough, but knows what se's doing. Sometimes she comes off as a bit ... condescending, but she is always clear in her instruction. The class is very hard but if you go to lectures you will be fine.

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
4.0
122A
Grade: A-
Sep 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

By far the worst course I have ever taken at this university and to be honest, college in general. Besides the fact the the course itself is utterly useless overall, this professor makes it so much worse. With a full schedule, the two hours of homework a night sometimes is almost impossible to do. Prepare to feel like you're in high school again.

Lots of homework
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
122A
Grade: A
Sep 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

As expected of 122A , the classes were fast. She made us do homeworks all over the place. Homeworks from webassign, handouts in class and D2L Assignments too. D2L unlike mentioned there had to be submitted in person, you dit it online?? Too bad you missed that grade. Won't accept homeworks five minutes after class start

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2019
Would take again

One of the best math teachers I've ever had. The tests and quizzes are fair (there's never any trick/unexpected questions), and she has a great sense of humor at 8am. There's usually a Webassign and a worksheet for homework every 1-2 days, which is kind of a lot, but it's worth it because I left the class with a really good understanding. 10/10

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: B
Apr 9, 2020
Would take again

Prof Varghese is enthusiastic, and she really cares about her students and their success. She is genuinely interested in your learning, and always willing to help you. Ask if you have questions, go to office hours, and you will not be disappointed.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
1.0
3.0
MATH116
Grade: B+
Apr 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I think this professor is the worst one I've ever had in a math course. She makes so many mistakes in class and my class had to constantly correct her which made me skeptical about if she was grading tests and homework accurately. She also is super picky about how much work you show even if it is a multiple choice. Don't take her class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: B+
May 5, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Varghese expects a lot out of her students, so come prepared for notes and plan for office hours. There was homework due about ever other day. If something is confusing wait to ask a question till she is done, she is old school. Vector calculus is the base of many subjects so give it time & don't get frustrated, stick with it.

Accessible outside class
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This Prof is literally the worse Math teacher I have ever had, and I've been in and out of schooling for almost 40 years. I was berated, ridiculed, and told that I was dumb, careless, and ignorant! She will not even give partial credit on long hard problems, so you better be perfect! This person has ZERO business being in teaching!

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The worst math professor I have ever had. The material is not that hard but she makes the lessons way more difficult with her confusing explanations. She is very condescending when you ask questions. Her wifi was really bad most of the time, which made her board blurry on zoom. She does the bare minimum when it comes to helping her students.

Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
MAT223
Grade: B
Feb 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I have already taken this class before in high school. She is a terrible teacher, her wifi always dropped in the middle of class. She is super defensive whenever you ask a question in class, and isn't very helpful. She also doesn't have any TA's so keep that in mind. She is a tough grader, got lots of 60,70s on quizzes for missing one question.

Lots of homework
Beware of pop quizzes
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She is my least favorite professor who I've had at the U of A. She is rude to students and clearly doesn't care about her students or their grades in her class. Over Zoom, she only used a whiteboard and a bad quality camera making it impossible to read the work and she made no attempts to fix this problem when students brought it up.

1.0
5.0
MATH223
Grade: B
May 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

A class with Varghese will take up 90% of your time. She gives weekly quizzes as well as 3-4 tests. On top of that she assigns 2-3 homework assignments that go over problems much harder than the class examples. Quizzes are extremely challenging despite being able to use notes. Tests are just as challenging. Studying is a must if you want to pass

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
MATH223
Grade: C
Jun 17, 2021
Wouldn't take again

To stricked and not friendly

Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Jun 29, 2021
Would take again

I took her class in the summer, was really hard but doable. The exams are challenging and require some real studying. However, she will prepare you for the final. Dr. Varghese likes her students to be top-notch, so expect hard quizzes and midterms. Otherwise, she was worth the experience.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Jun 30, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Varghese is hard, but she explains concepts well. If you go every day and dont zone out, youll pass. Plenty of review sessions are provided. Homework averages about 30-45 minutes per assignment. She knows the material and the people who say she doesnt care likely didnt put the time in to understand materials. This was not my hardest class.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
MAT223
Oct 29, 2021
Would take again

This class took up majority of my time. She expects you to come to class with prior knowledge from other classes. Can get upset if students do not participate. She pushes her students to do well. You will learn more from her than other math professors but that comes with a cost. Exams were easier compared to homework and lectures, but conceptual.

Participation matters
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2021
Would take again

There are frequent quizzes and homework assignments, but she allows for multiple drops if you miss any. The online homework is much more difficult than the quizzes and tests in class, so if you can get through the homework, you'll be fine. I would suggest getting a Chegg account. I took this class as a freshman after taking Calc BC in high school.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2021
Would take again

It's a hard subject, so don't expect for the class to be easy. Prof Varghese is a good professor. You are tested on what you're taught. And yes, she will sometimes poke fun if you don't know a basic calculus principle, but you're in calc 3 so you should know it. Great teacher!

1.0
4.0
MATH116
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 28, 2022

I would give her a 0 out of 5. This teacher does not speak English well and should be teaching a lower level of math. She teaches with her back to the class and gives no feedback. The online homework doesn't match with what we are learning in class. To wrap up, do not take this class if you value your mental health.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
MATH116
Grade: Not sure yet
May 3, 2022

This is a course with challenging material and the professor makes it even more challenging. Its a time consuming class I don't recommend taking if you have a difficult schedule. You cannot afford to miss class, your grade will suffer. She has a heavy accent which makes it hard to understand at times. Would not recommend if math doesn't come easy.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
MATH116
Grade: Not sure yet
May 9, 2022

Treats you like a middle schoolers. Unpleasant to be around and difficult to understand due to heavy accent. Frequently has ilegible handwriting

Participation matters
1.0
5.0
MAT223
May 25, 2022

Tough

Tough grader
4.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: B
Jun 7, 2022
Would take again

She worked through the problems on the board by hand which was nice since I am a handwritten note taker. The content was confusing at times, but she was open to questions during lecture. Sometimes she would make small mistakes on the board, but she always corrected them when someone pointed them out. Don't miss lectures if you can.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
MATH223
Grade: C
Jul 7, 2022
Would take again

She is very talented at math and good at explaining things, but she does seem frustrated if you don't grasp the material. It is a tough class- so be prepared to work really hard and you'll be fine. She is a tough grader but willing to help if you ask, she's especially helpful outside of class.

Tough grader
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
MAT223
Jul 28, 2022

worst math experience

Tough grader
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
VECTORCALCULUS
Jul 28, 2022

Attendance is not required for this class, but said its required for no reason and took attendance.

1.0
5.0
MATH223
Aug 3, 2022

The worst I ever had.

1.0
5.0
VECTORCALCULUS
Aug 3, 2022

Take your math classes at pima.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
Calc223
Aug 3, 2022

tough grader

Lots of homework
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Nov 10, 2022

The content is easy if you use the internet and the textbook. The teacher doesn't teach well and is unintelligible. She is a harsh grader and so is the TA. She corrects herself every 2 seconds and barely goes over new content and jumps in practice problems. Might be better off taking it online if you don't slack off.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
MATH223
Grade: B
Nov 11, 2022

She is the worst professor I have ever had within the math department and that is saying something because the math department sucks. Her tests are MULTIPLE CHOICE, and VERY LONG. She only gives you 50 minutes to do 9 questions. And if you think the HW/quizzes will help YOUR GRADE, well guess what her TA grades you like it is the goddamn MCAT.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: B
Dec 2, 2022

tests are pretty tough compared to the webassign and written homework. She is frankly not good at teaching, but is nice enough of you ask a bunch of questions. For vector calc especially, you really need 3d images to help learn concepts fast enough, so i recommend watching khan cause they have helpful 3d models in their videos (her drawings suck)

Tough grader
2.0
3.0
223
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2022

Her classes are pretty similar day to day. If you miss a day, it will be hard to catch up because material you learn one day will be useful for the rest of the year. She does of quite rude sometimes and isn't the most approachable, however the workload is manageable and if you study, you will do well on the exams, which are quite easy.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
122A
Jan 18, 2023

gets frustrated easily if you ask too many questions

4.0
2.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Apr 20, 2023
Would take again

Class was boring but pretty bearable. I thought her lectures were easy to follow and the tests were not hard. Overall I liked her and the class wasn't bad.

Participation matters
1.0
5.0
Calc223
Aug 8, 2023

Don't take classes with her

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 7, 2023

Professor Mariamma was extremely difficult to understand when she was giving lectures and rarely used the microphone so the entire class would have a hard time hearing her. She also would constantly be in disagreement with the coteacher, and made many mistakes in the lectures that would leave students confused.

Tough grader
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
MATH116
Grade: A+
Apr 11, 2024

This class wasn't extremely difficult for me because I knew most of the concepts from a Calc class I took in high school but I can't imagine taking this class with no prior knowledge. Prof. Varghese is not a horrible teacher but does not react well to questions asked by students and rarely answers their questions correctly or nicely.

1.0
5.0
MATH116
Grade: B-
Apr 26, 2024

This professor is terrible. I couldn't understand her with the strong accent and god forbid if you get a question wrong she will give you a dirty look and scold you. Mean and always has attitude. If you can switch out of her class, do it now.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
MATH116
Grade: A
May 24, 2024

This class was interesting. It's a challenging subject but you can get through from it. She was able to teach it well enough, but I did have to go through Think Tank a couple times. After class through, she is able to provide quick clarification which is helpful! The best part is that she will give partial credit on tests, which was much needed !

Participation matters
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
223
Grade: B
Sep 10, 2024

Probably my worst experience ever in Tucson was cause of her. She is the complete opposite of being supportive, but rather do her best in discouraging you as much as possible. I had my own complicated circumstances and they are unforeseeable so every professor understood my circumstances, except for her. She was a complete disaster. 0/10

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lots of homework
1.0
3.0
122B
Grade: A+
Dec 17, 2024

yikes this was not fun

1.0
4.0
122B
Grade: C
Dec 17, 2024

I did not get along with her at all. For reference, I actually had already taken calc 1 before I came to this class and somehow still nearly failed. She did not like me whatsoever and genuinely made my life feel like hell. I cried in her class multiple times and also after her final. I don't know how someone who hasnt taken calc can pass this class

Tough grader
3.0
4.0
MATH223
Grade: B
Dec 25, 2024

The content can be challenging, but using resources like Unstuckstudy along with the textbook helps a lot. Attend class and be prepared to work hard - she's a tough grader but willing to assist if you ask.

2.0
3.0
122B
Grade: B
Jan 10, 2025

Can be difficult to read her handwriting. Not super good at teaching the concepts. Took Calc 1 before and still ended up with a B in this class. You can find better.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
Calc223
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 24, 2025

Terrible notes and lectures that are incomprehensible to read, followed by exams about those incomprehensible notes.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
223
Grade: B
Mar 6, 2025

Mariamma is an embarrassment to this institution. She becomes visibly frustrated with the class when no one responds to her questions, yet it never occurs to her that this may be because she has failed to provide the knowledge necessary to answer. Frequently faces the opposite direction of the class and fails to hold the microphone to her mouth

Tough grader
3.0
3.0
122B
Grade: A
Apr 16, 2025

I passed this course with a high grade because I understand math and I am good at studying. Her lectures feel like she is scolding you sometimes. She is nice but strict like a mother. You will be fine taking her but I think there are nicer and slower teachers if you need someone to explain things to you to understand better.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
MAT223
Grade: B
May 12, 2025

She is incredibly rude and judgmental whenever a question is asked, but at the same time gets upset when the class doesn't participate in answering questions. Her handwriting can be incredibly poor at times, similarly with her drawings. Her TA was amazing and is probably the only reason I did as well as I did.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
223
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2025

Mariamma is the worst math professor I've seen at UA. She doesn't for her lectures, and asks bad questions - only to be frustrated when class participation is low. If she can justify taking points, she will - even if other math instructors and TAs disagree with her. I really wish Herring had been the only professor for this class - he is excellent.

Tough grader
5.0
3.0
MATH223
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2025
Would take again

The explanations were solid. The exams and most quizzes were fine. I don't really understand the low overall rating here

Participation matters
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

83%

Textbook Required

44%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 52 grades
Most common grades:
A (21)
B (14)
Drop/Withdrawal (6)
Grade Distribution
A(25)B(15)C(7)D(6)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 66 reported grades
A: 21
B: 14
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
C: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (24)
Lots of homework (18)
Lecture heavy (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (13)
Test heavy (12)
Participation matters (12)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (6)
Clear grading criteria (5)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.04 avg change
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH120

5.0

(1)

CALC122

5.0

(1)

35417

4.0

(1)

CALC122B

4.0

(1)

MATH122B

3.3

(12)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MAT110

5.0

MAT124

5.0

MAT115A

5.0

MATH006

5.0

MATH151

5.0

Similar Professors