4.0
Quality3.8
Difficulty58%
Would Retake194
Reviews58%
Would Retake
194
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
109
4
35
3
19
2
18
1
13
What Students Say
“He really loves astronomy”
ASTR0100 - 3.0 rating“The is the first class I've ever had to drop”
ASTR100 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
87%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.32 avg changeRatings by Course
71013
5.0
(1)ASTRO100L
5.0
(1)ASTRONOMY
5.0
(1)ASTR102
5.0
(1)ASTROLAB
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
ASTR7004
5.0
ASTR105
4.5
AST100
4.2
ASTR0100
4.2
AST
4.0
Reviews (194)
He's hard, not clear, tests are hard, grading not fair.
boring, hard, too much work
Great teacher. One of the best! Negative comments are no doubt from students who are brainless. Ignore them. Take his class, he's a great guy.
He's a great teacher - my best one since i've been here. he makes the subject interesting and easy to understand. and he's a funny guy too - you should definitely take his class.
He actually knows what he's talking about- a refreshing change @ Palomar. It's not an easy grade, but you will learn from him. He's entertaining, too- quite funny.
Tough class but a good professor.
Does anyone else hear the resemblance to Nick Cage... and the hand movements too!
great teacher..not an easy A class but you learn a lot of great stuff from him. he's a very smart man and knows exactly what he's talking about. enjoyed the class very much and got a B.
Knows his stuff, test are very challenging. His teaching style makes the subjects a little dry. I got an "A" in his class but had to fight to stay awake.
Made things easy to understand. Tests kinda hard but as long as you pay attention you will do good. Very easy study guide so you cant fail the test. It was kinda hard to stay awake at time.
I kept falling asleep in his class with his monotone voice and boring lectures. Didn't pass...now taking Pesavento and love it.
Great teacher. Hard to stay awake cuz the lights are usually off. Learned alot of neat things from him. Not an easy A class but well worth it.
BORING!!!!!!!! VERY HARD TO STAY AWAKE
A real teacher. Learned tons of applicable info. Would take again. Fair, yet challenging class.
A wonderful teacher, VERY helpful, funny, knows his stuff and makes the class interesting. He's very just, in a good way! I also took him for the Lab portion and extremely enjoyed it. I highly recommend him... tests are straightforward too.
Difficult Concepts + Gentle and Amusing Mark = A Godsend! VERY ORGANIZED & FAIR. Uses Powerpoint in LEC. Dark Room = Sleepy Students. Bring Coffee! If Truly Understand Concepts = A. Listen to Learn Tons! Syllabus is for REAL. LAB's Easier & Easy A
Hard subject but he's a great teacher. Make sure and take good notes other wise you'll have a hard time. As long as you pay attention and study your notes you should be okay. He explains things well and he's a funny guy.
What the hell is he talking about? Do not take this class before 11, because you'll fall asleep. The concepts are really hard to grasp, he doesn't take roll, but if you miss one day your screwed.
I took him at night. Wasn't hard to stay awake, but hard to stay for the whole three hours. Pay attention when you go and study your notes. I didn't hardly go but I studied my notes and did the project and got a B.
Prof. Lane is very boring. He is not understanding of students who are not getting the material. He just goes on teaching regardless if anyone gets it, or if they're even awake.
I took him for regular astronomy and lab. He exsplained everything clearly and effeciently. I reveived an A in his class along with many other students. The universe is very complicated, don't take astronomy unless you want to learn about physics, chemistry, and even philosophy.
COMPLETLY insensitive. Doesnt care if u get material. DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARENT A SCIENCE PERSON!! Would rather kill myself b4 taking this class again. Cant give TRUE description of what i think of him on g-rated site. DONT TORTURE URSELF. me=scarred for life from lane's class. kills self esteem too!
He is a little boring but very concerned if you dont understand. He always answers any questions. Missed a few classes but studied notes and did projects and did fine.
Very clear and keeps the attention of students
I fell asleep every class because of his monotone voice. =(
very wise and patient, knowledgeable, nd enthusiastic about his job. very hot for an older man,, too, and good sense of humour.
He's a great teacher. Will answer all your questions and explain every detail. He likes to take the class to the planetarium very often. Although the class is kind of dark, I don't fall asleep during class because he keeps you interested. I took Prof. Pesavento before him and he doesn't care for his students or this subject like Prof. Lane does.
No Comments
if you cant pass this class you are a moron
He will answer any question you ask and he treats you like the way you act. He doesnt think any question is stupid and he proves that when he answers them...I hate learning the stuff and it is hard but thats my fav. class this semester
Excellent teacher! I'd highly recommend his class. He makes it easy and interesting. It's been my favorite class by far!
He is a willfully inadequate teacher. He does not make an effort to help students outside of class. Dont bother going to see him during office hours.
this is one of the hardest class i've ever had in college but if you're good with science, you should be fine. he explains things very clearly. Unless you understand what he teaches inside out, his tests and quizzes are very hard. 3 tests and 3 quizzes, he grades on curve. i enjoyed learning, but didn't do as well on tests.
Very easy going, funny guy. makes the class fun with his sense of humor. is very enthusiastic and is not very hard. definitely take his lab class if u take a lab. lots of math but it is fun and pretty easy if you read the directions. lecture has very little hw and his tests are not hard if u stay awake and listen in class. study a little to do well
hard class but explained EVERYTHING very well. always answers emails and tries to help as much as possible. BE SURE to do the extra credit cuz you're going to need it at the end! super nice guy who is passionate about what he teaches. just show up and pay attention and you should do good!
Lane is amazing. He's actually there for you to make sure you understand everything. He's brilliant and passionate about astronomy and it's contagious. Lecture: study HARD for tests and quizzes and just listen. Lab: just show up, everything else is easy. He's funny as hell, soft on the eyes, and will never talk down to you.
If you want a challenge and you want a good intro. class to astronomy take this class. Lane is a professor who is not afraid to push the student. Study hard even if you thnk that you grasp the concept becuase he will expect you to understand how to apply it for the test. I learned allot.
very good teacher. sets u up to pass his class. very clear and responsive to questions in class.
very good teacher, he knows his stuff.If you need help he's good at that also, as he says thats what he's there for.On his exams/quizes he tests how well you know the concepts not how well you can memorize them.If you take him you should take advantage of the extra credit even if you are doing good, it will only benefit you.
End of year was crammed, trying to complete the syllabus by the end of the year. A hard subject that was lightened by humar, quick wit, and a love for the subject.
This is a great professor, and in my opinion he makes learning artonomy very interesting. He is pretty easy i got an A.
If you think this class is going to be interesting and fun...your wrong. This class is very hard and very boring. The only thing good is that he does not take attendence. DONT TAKE THID CLASS!!!!!
Bloody hardest class I have ever taken in my life. He is very unaproachable...he is funny, but still hard.
Prof. Lane is the only teacher I have right now that seems to really know what he's talking about. The class is definitely not simple but it's super interesting and pretty easy to follow if you pay attention and show up to class. If you need help, go to his office during office hours and he'll help you figure it out. I recommend taking this class.
attendance not mandatory, grades on a curve, and there is extra credit = the perfect professor. A= 82%+ , B = 72%+, C= 62%+ ....get the point? You've heard of the Big Bang? Well he is teaching at Palomar College. Yea, thats right. Lane is the BOMB!
Do not take this class if you want an easy grade, you have to earn it here. If you are interested in astronomy etc. and you have a desire to really learn, Mr. Lane is your man. He loves what he does and he is passionate about it. He is easy to understand and you buy 95% of the notes, but if you miss class you will probably miss something important
DONT TAKE THIS CLASS!! VERY hard and VERY boring. Mr. Lane is unapproachable and rude. I was so excited for astronomy and his class changed my mind. I withdrew from the class because i couldnt stand it. looking for something easy and interesting? this is NOT the class for you!
Professor Lane is a pretty cool dude. He explains ideas and concepts thouroughly, always asks the students if they dont understand or if they have questions, and he wont make you memorize definitions or constellation names! This class is a lecture class so he does a lot of talking, but not alot of rambling. He also likes Southpark...LOL :)
Lane is over-top-knowledgeable on his subject. His license plate even says STARGUY. If you really want a great foundation in Astronomy TAKE THIS CLASS. If you are just trying to breeze on through college, do us all a favor, go to admissions office and withdraw then and get a job at Starbucks.
Prof. Lane is very passionate and knowledgable about ASTR but don't take this class if youre looking for an easy A. His lectures are informative but move at a very quick pace. You MUST show up for every class even though he doesnt call attendance or youll be lost in the next class. Pay attention! Not much homework, but difficult tests, STUDY HARD!!
He is a great professor and explains everything really well. If you don't understand just ask he is always asking if there are any questions. He is very into Astronomy and it shows, his enthusiasm is infectious. If you want to learn about the subject and enjoy it take the class if you just want an easy A this isn't it, he does make you learn.
This class is life-changing. Professor Lane applies Astronomy to everyday life - you'll learn SO much. Not much homework, but the tests are pretty hard so make sure you study. Despite the hard tests, if you take time to review and become interested in the subject, you'll do fine. When learning concepts, keep your eye on the "big picture".
I would definitely recommend this class to people who can learn somewhat independently. Professor Lane is very clear in his lectures, however there are a few reading assignments that are key to tests.
The Jedi Master! He is a cool guy, and astronomy is hard, the lab especially. Go to EVERY CLASS and get full credit on the day's assignment, and if you suck at math yes there is a ton, and its on the tests, but fear not! You can still get a B if you do all the assignments and fail all the tests. May the Force be with you!
This is not an easy class. If you are really into Astronomy then this class is good for you. Proff Lane is goes to in depth and his test are hard. If you miss class you might miss very important information so do not plan to ever be absent. His projects require a lot of time.
Mark Lane is very passionate about Astronomy and it shows in his teaching. This class is easy for me but I have always excelled in science and am very interested in Astronomy. It can be difficult for someone who isnt that interested. If you miss class, you'll miss a lot! So go to class and study or don't take it if its just to fulfill a requirement
Prof Lane is a fantastic teacher! He is passionate about astronomy and he throws some humor into his lectures. I highly recommend this class. However, you need to be dedicated to truly understanding the concepts and show up to every class.
Lane is a good instructor but if you are looking for an easy A this not the class for you. He's very passionate about astronomy. Lectures are kind of confusing. Not an easy class. Have to be really dedicated to this class if you want to pass.
Highly recommended for anyone who likes Astronomy. He really teaches instead of just repeating what's in the book. This class takes work but is not hard. Not recommended for students with any interest in the class that takes it just to meet a requirement.
Course was faily difficult. You learn a extreme amount in this course. Lane makes it very clear, but his tests are a little tough for a 100 class. Many questions on the tests are intentionally decieving to test your understanding. Good class, I would recommend it.
A good teacher he is not. Just because you know the subject doesn't mean you should teach it. Don't bother asking for his help, he makes you feel incompetent and like it's your fault you don't understand. The class average is low. You think he would figure out why.... I am an A student and he was heading to fail me, I dropped. Take someone else.
Nice guy but a little to hard for a 100 level course. Tests are hard and deceiving and he makes you feel a little dumb when you ask a question. Don?t mess up on any homework assignment because it will drastically affect your grade! I recommend taking someone else unless you want to become an astronomer.
This was a great class and is very enjoyable if you are interested in the subject. The classes are not hard to follow if you pay attention and he tells you what you need to write for notes. And adds a nice amount of humor to the lectures! The exams are difficult but definitely passable, just read the questions carefully & double check your answers!
Awesome teacher! you can tell he loves what he does and explains the world around you very well. I look at everything different now. His tests are challenging, but if you listen in class and care at all about astronomy, Lane is GREAT
Lane definitely knows what he is talking about, and cares alot about the subject. He is kind of nerdy, but his corny jokes are enjoyable. Tests and quizzes are very difficult, and you get screwed if you miss any points on the homework. Have to attend every lecture or you get lost. Overall it's a pretty good class, you just have to be committed.
dont take this class unless you absolutely love astronomy he will rip you a new arse
He is a great teacher. Test are based on class lectures and involve a lot of practical application. You only use the book 2 times (if you go to class). You're better off just using the Library copy. Great Teacher and very funny. His smartness makes him HOT!
He is possibly one of the best teachers I've had. He enjoys teaching the subject and his lectures explain the topics very well. The tests can be difficult because they are based on comprehension. Attend the lectures and study the lecture notes and you will get a good grade. He throws a lot of jokes into his lectures which livens the mood.
This class was tough for me, but I persevered. This is NOT a class about "Hey, there's a moon and planets!" Nope. Soooo much more than that. The tests are tough. Lane does not want you to memorize definitions, he wants you to know concepts. His notes booklet is clear, but the textbook is a good companion. He's a funny guy, too. Expect to work.
THE BEST PROFESSOR EVER! explains very good and he knows his topic. Very helpful. Looks difficult, but if you pay attention it is not soo hard.
This class is tough, but if you attend class and pay attention it's not hard at all to understand the material. Make sure and form a study group and do all the hw. He is very helpful in explaining things and very funny. He is always available for questions and grades on a curve.
Mr. Lane is one of the best teachers at Palomar in my opinion. He clearly loves what he does and really cared about his students. Although his class is difficult, his power points and his methods of teaching really caught my interest. He uses all up-to-date technology to make your experience in his classroom really interesting! love him!
Not the Easiest class, but Lane does an amazing job of explaining concepts that should go way above your head. Also will answer any question you didn't get to ask during class, after class.
i took both lec & lab with him and he is a great guy and interesting teacher. But you CANNOT BE LATE! he offers substantial extra credit, is easy going & answers questions, quirky humor and good teacher considering the subject. would recomend 100%. (plus only 3tests & no final! lowest quiz grade dropped) just careful in studying concepts only
Prof. Lane is very easy to understand. The lecture is interesting and you will learn alot. Tests are hard. You have to know the concepts.
Class is hard, but Prof. Lane is great. He is very clear to understand, and can answer ANY astronomy-related question you ask him. You can tell he's very passionate about his subject. STUDY THE CONCEPTS. He's also very funny. :]
No joke...this is probably the best professor at Palomar...and I've been there 2 years. He loves what he does, is great at explaining concepts, and has great powerpoint/visual material. Not the easiest class, but I guarantee you WILL learn something. Afterall, that's why we're in college...right?
Very good teacher. Definetly knows the subject and the way to teach it in a clear way. Attendence is absolutely essential to passing class. Kind of a jerk during classes but if you talk to him afterwards he is nice. Not an easy class though. Takes a lot of time and dedication as well as paying close attention. But you will learn in the end. A+
Very good teacher, his classes are very fun and interesting. Some what hard to learn the concepts but you will learn alot. If you take this class dont think that it will be easy. Highly recommend this class.
A ton of material is presented in each class and you are expected to learn every bit of it. I never missed a class, took great notes, did all the readings, & the maximum extra credit work allowed and barely made a 'B.' This ruined my 4.0 grade average. PS If you take the early morning class,you will be sitting in the dark w/ the lights off.
Very nice Teacher loves what he does but his class is HARD! Even with all the reading i did, detailed note taking and Studying i did, i still struggled in his class- Here is why: the quiz's and test and timed, 20 min's for 20 Q's and the Q's are very tricky, like DMV Q's! if you aren't prepared to work VERY hard in this class don't take it...
Prof. Lane is a very good teacher. He really knows is stuff and wants you to know it. He is very sarcastic and will make the class fun. His main goal is for everyone to have a clear idea of how the sun, moon, and space relate to us on Earth.
Probably the beat teacher I've ever had. He explains everything very well, and has correct answers for even the most obscure of questions. However, his tests and quizzes are hard, so be prepared for that. He does curve at the end of the semester. Take his class, just not if the morning of you are sleepy because his class is pitch blank very often.
amazing. this class was awesome, best class i have taken. if you really enjoy astronomy and want to learn about it take this class. i was amazed in every lecture.
This is not a class that you can just breeze through. It's important that you show up to every lecture or else the tests will be impossible. He does give reading assignments and they extend on what is taught in class but if you just do the reading, it's too confusing. If you're willing to work, this class is highly recommended.
Great teacher! Very intelligent and knowledgeable on the subject. It was a lot to learn - but if you're at college to be fascinated by science - take his class!
Super nice and very geekie- but good geekie, like mythbusters type. He's very enthusiastic about astronomy and makes the class interesting.
Extremely approachable and clearly very passionate about his subject, he makes every lecture a pleasure to attend. Made me decide that it was worth it to pursue Astronomy as a major. If at all possible, take his class and be prepared to be wowed by the components of the universe.
Awesome professor. His quizzes and Exams are not easy and require the understanding of the materials (but not memorizing). i would highly recommend him for those science lovers =]
Best science professor at palomar. I learned so much in this class and it makes me feel smarter.No matter if you like the subject or not, after taking his class, your view will change. His lectures open your mind about the world around you. Awesome man!!
Great teacher. He always directly answers ur questions instead of sending u to look on ur own. He isn't easy but he's very frank and down to earth. He's very intelligent and treats u like u are too. You must attend class otherwise u might miss something important. He doesn't make u memorise the material, simply understand it. He likes Mythbusters.
This class is extremely hard! You'll need to understand the conceptual meaning to ALL formulas for the tests. The teacher doesn't take role, but DON'T LET THAT FOOL YOU. Perfect attendance means nothing. The lectures are interesting and there is barely any homework. It's worth it to do the extra credit.
He is the most amazing teacher I've ever had! Even though the class is hard and it is very important to make sure you understand everything, it has really inspired me to love astronomy and the universe around me. He is absolutely GREAT!
Wonderful teacher! It's a little hard in the beginning, but once you know what to expect, it should get easier. Got an A in the class. Do the extra credit, go to class, listen to his lectures, do your homework and study and you'll be good. He loves his subject and it shows, he loves to teach, which makes it all the more interesting!
Such a wonderful professor! He loves to teach his subject and it shows. He's very helpful, do your work, study hard and you should do fine. At the beginning it may be rough, but after you know what to expect it should get easier. Loved his class! I looked forward to going to his class and listening to his lectures!
I love this professor! He is very passionate about astronomy so it was very interesting to come to class everyday. It was probably one of the harder classes i've taken but definitely worth it and rewarding. Do the extra credit! He is super nice/funny & answers all questions. i recommend him 100% if you are willing to WORK.
Professor Lane warns you up front that the class is difficult, but so long as you're someone willing to do the actual work assigned, it's pretty easy. What's great about this class is Lane treats his students like they're in COLLEGE. You'll get what you want to get out of the time, and if you invest in it, you'll learn a lot. Great professor!
Prof. Lane is a great teacher but the class is freaking hard!! I barely passed with a "C". I understood the lectures but when it came to tests...AH! so tough. I'm really glad I took him though. He has a great sense of humor and really makes you interested in the subject!
Professor Lane does a great job of making difficult concepts relatively easy to understand. He's also got a great sense of humor, and his lectures are always exciting and enjoyable. But his tests are extremely hard. You really have to understand the material. Be prepared to do a LOT of studying.
Takes his job very seriously. Extremely knowledgeable. Great, nerdy, corny jokes. His class has VERY little busy work. TOUGH grading. Makes it clear that there is very little you have to memorize, but many concepts to understand and put into practice. Went into it expecting it to be easy... NOT an easy class. He makes it harder than it should be.
He's a great professor, but he is difficult since he covers a large amount of material. 2 quizes and 3 examss plus a project makes up your grade. If you're willing to learn a huge amount of info and not fall asleep in class, then this teacher will be suitable.
Passionate about subject, great professor, exams are really tough.
great, great teacher. dont take if you want to learn some constellation names, take if you want to learn about time, space, physics, etc. i really liked how he laid the material out and did a few in-class examples to give you a picture of what is happening. i wish i could take this class again just to marvel at the universe some more
Hardest class I've ever taken but SO worth it. Basically a combo of every core subject out there: Chem, Physics, History, English, Calc, etc. I started the class with an F & ended with an A. You HAVE to study the material for more than 1 night before tests, & UNDERSTAND the concepts. I walked out feeling 10x smarter every day. Also, GET THE BOOK!!!
Professor lane is no mere mortal when it comes to galactic infrastructure, whatever he says, take it as scripture, for he tells you absolutely everything you must know to pass the class, but be weary friend, for this is a journey not for the faint of heart. And as a side note, his planetarium show is astounding! This class is HARD but worth it.
BEWARE, this class is graded on a curve, which barely keeps half the class from failing. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS TEACHER -- unless you want to ruin your GPA. He's a legend in his own mind!!! Arrogance is where he's at.
Extremely difficult class, especially as 8-week summer class. Ridiculously challenging exams, not much extra credit. If you're not a science major, BEWARE; you're not going to pass just by attending and reading notes/books.... Worked really hard & got a B; many busted butt and didn't pass... doesn't seem right. Means well but arrogant.
This class is one of the most difficult classes I've ever taken. Don't expect to pass if you don't study or show up to class. If you miss one day you'll fall behind. However, he is an awesome professor! He explains the concepts in a way that you'll understand and is always available for additional tutoring.
This class is difficult; there is a TON of information across the semester to be taught. For his 100 class, you need to be there every day, pay attention, read the book, do the (not very many) assignments, and take as many notes as you can. It's a tough class, but the information you'll be learning is very fun and interesting.
Extremely thorough. You have to show up and you have to pay attention. He makes the topics interesting and fun. As he says many many times, you can't memorize your way through the class, you have to understand the concepts. He WILL ask questions on the quizes/exams that test your understanding, not your memory.
The class is extremely interesting and engaging. His lectures go by really quickly, but the material that he is teaching is insanely difficult. The class average was a D throughout the semester. The tests are really hard and the extra credit is extremely limited. Only take if you're interested in astronomy as a major, it isn't worth it for your GE.
This is the hardest class I've ever taken, BUT I've never enjoyed a class more (I am going to major in Astronomy or something very similar). He never directly uses the book, but he tells you which parts of it you should be reading, and every now and then you will actually have to read something, but I never did and I got a B. I think he's a genius.
Much more difficult class than I anticipated. His love for the subject and want for student's understanding shows in every lecture. I changed my major to Astronomy because of his class. Understanding concepts rather than memorization is key to passing this class. Miss a session and you miss out on an amazing lecture. Well done Mark!!!
Great Professor. Extremely passionate about the subject. I came out of every class even more intrigued then the time before. Definitely not a "blow off" class, but if you are willing to put in the time, it will pay off.
Committed to teaching. You will learn astronomy and the concepts supporting it. Attend every class. Pay attention when he winks cause that is what you will be tested on. Review review review and it also helps if you preview the material before lecture or lab. Also the italicized stuff in his packets are paramount to LEARN.
Professor Lane is a cool guy. Lots of material. However, I knew a lot of the material taught in class before I took the class, I stil managed to learn a lot though. For me this was one of the easiest classes I have taken, can't say the same for my fellow students. Only myself and one other person have an A. The rest have D's and F's. Work hard
Mr. Lane is a great teacher, knows the subject well. His passion for the subject is infectious. This is not a class you can just blow off and not keep up with. For future students: the most important part of the class are the lecture notes. Overall, awesome class, except one annoying classmate who interrupted the class with premature questions.
The worst class I've ever taken. If you want to preserve your sanity and your GPA, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. It's an 100 community college class and it's almost like he sees that as a challenge to make it as difficult as possible. I learned a lot more than I'll ever need to know about astronomy but the tests are insane. Most stressful class ever.
I think this clas was hard. I took notes n understood the stuff. But when it came time to the test. It was like "what in gods name is this?" But the class however is good. It's jus the testin. For me at least.
He does come off as arrogant, but he knows his stuff. The test are mostly based on the lecture notes, so make sure to show up. I didn't really care for the end-of-the semester projects, and tbh he wasn't that hot, like not even dad-hot. He mentioned beer enough for me and my friend to always joke that he was running late to class because of AAA ha
i liked the class but hard the tests and hw are worth alot :)
This class is extremely difficult. If you are majoring in astronomy. Take this class, but if you just getting a general class from the courses, DONT take this class. Teacher knows the material and very smart, but he isn't helpful when it comes to office hours (more like trying to get you out) The homework and exams is hard. Dont get this class!
This course has been a challenge, but Mark is a great teacher and I'm learning a lot from his course. That being said, if you want an easy 'A', this is NOT the class to take.
Do NOT take this class. This class is incredibly difficult, the class average is a D. The tests are extremely difficult and it is an extreme struggle to get even a B.
Prof. Lane has a good personality and he really keeps you paying attention. He doesn't take attendance, BUT you must attend in order to understand the material. You are not learning basic planet information. You are learning physics and other very detailed information. It's extremely interesting, but it requires all of your attention.
Doesn't take attendance, but you have to turn in a lab each day for that day's credit. Extremely fair if you're not lazy. He gives fair warning of his expectations on the first day of class. Suggest you drop if you don't come close them.
Do not take this class. The work/return ratio is not worth it. His quizzes and exams are logic puzzles requiring an instructor's level of understanding, with no way to practice for them. His lectures are clear and interesting. Do not rely on his lecture notes-take a lot of your own notes, especially about any and every example that he gives.
Fantastic Professor! He's highly engaging to listen to, has great stories to illustrate talking points. He does mention the first day it's not an 'easy' science class. While he does go over the materials, he also provides his own notes. It's always recommended to read the book too! I look forward to a lot more classes with Professor Lane!
Excellent and engaging professor, clearly answers any and all questions, very amiable. Must study to get a decent grade but it's a bit easier because he lets you record his lectures.
From the first class, he lets everyone know what they're in for. The concepts aren't easy, but if you do the assigned readings from the textbook and do the assignments, you'll understand better. Tests are difficult as well, but I definitely recommend this class because it was so interesting. Also, if you don't do the final projects, you won't pass.
As long as you are respectful, Professor Lane is awesome, but if you show up late or disrupt class he'll call you out. He checks labs, and tells you what to correct, so it's easy to get 100% on labs. You can work with your classmates on labs. 4 quizzes. Easy A if you attend ALL classes, no make ups on labs. Lecture class is awesome too!
Awesome class!! Professor Lane really knows his stuff! He makes this class very interesting! But if you're looking for an easy A this course is not for you!! On the other hand if you're looking for knowledge than this class is the best astronomy class here in Palomar College! But you'll have to read much and really be prepared for quizes and tests.
Great Teacher, but tough class! Get ready to pay attention, but if you do what he says you will pass. He is the funniest teacher and makes the class awesome.
Professor Lane warns you at the beginning of the semester to leave if you're looking for an easy A. I got a B in his class (I think there were around 3 or 4 Bs total). He keeps you very engaged in his lectures, but be prepared to read all of the material and do the book work! His tests will ask you conceptual questions. Study hard!
A no nonsense type of professor. If you goof off during his lectures he will call you out. Lectures topics are thorough and carefully laid out. I can tell he put a lot of preparation into it. Get ready to take tons of notes even with the required note packet. Recommend writing them in a separate notebook; you'll need the space.
I took him and I had to drop. The class average was a low F, and according to previous students this is the norm for Lane. Don't get me wrong, he really knows his stuff, he answers questions, and he doesn't seem like a bad guy. All I can say is do each assignment, study study, but realize that chances are you'll still fail. I wouldn't recommend him
Took GenEd Astronomy 100 as a Summer course. Too much material for 8 weeks. Think this teacher would be better as a FULL semester course but for Summer, its been a total nightmare. Currently as I look, more than half the class has a D or lower. Hard concepts to grasp in such a short period of time. Plus its a useless topic w useless info in life.
The is the first class I've ever had to drop. The class average is constantly at a D or F, and I've heard the same from multiple people that have taken his class. I didn't expect it to be a cakewalk, but it's ridiculously hard for a GenEd course. When I asked for help twice, let's just say I didn't get the help I needed. I don't recommend his class
I'm taking this class now, and you really have to be involved and think a lot. If you are the kind of person who glances at the book before class each week, don't sign up for Professor Lane's class. I study every week and still have a 58%, but I'm learning. If you desire a NEW and GENUINE understanding of how the world around you works, sign up.
Great professor! He has a lot of experience in teaching (obviously) and in his field of study and truly loves what he does--it shows. I, for one, think those types of professors are the best. You will have to work for you grade. I understand it can be difficult but he offers many options for understanding the material fully so make use of those.
He is super passionate about the topic. He really loves astronomy! He cracks jokes and it lightens up the class. Honestly, He's a really good teacher. I did the read, I did all the reading quizzes, and I studied and reviewed. I am super convinced only the students who are passionate about the subject were the only ones who passed.
He is so passionate about Astronomy, and if you ask for help, he is there! He genuinely cares about his students, but if you are looking for an easy A, you won't find it here. There were only a total of 2 A's and 9 B's in the class, and the average was an F. So do all of the extra credit, don't skip class, and take REALLY good notes. He's funny too
Professor Lane is clearly passionate about the subject and truly knows his stuff. His lectures are good and clear. He answers student questions. He is pretty funny and is a nice guy overall. However, make sure you do all your work and READ the textbook. If you at least try, you will do fine. If you don't focus, you might get lost. Good luck.
Awesome professor. Always helpful. As long as you do the work, you should do fine in the class. I got a C because I never did many of the reading quizzes (you'll get one each week), but I actually enjoyed the class.
very uptight and condescending
He's cool
This class was VERY difficult, so don't take it if you're looking for an easy way out of your science req. Reading quizzes on blackboard each week, 3 exams (non-cumulative final), 2 in-class quizzes (lowest is dropped), & 2 projects. Chance for LOTS of extra credit. Willing to help, passionate. MANY people dropped, but if you ask ?s, he will help!!
Very passionate about the subject, explains difficult concepts clearly and in interesting ways, encourages questions and offers one-on-one help.
Make sure you pay attention during the lectures and show up for class or else things just won't make sense.
very professional !
Weekly reading quizzes and only two homework assignments that he collects for a grade. EVERYTHING he grades impacts your grade. If you do bad on the test, you WON'T pass the class even if you do the extra credit orreading quiz. Go to his office hours and he might help you Class curve is crazy, reason why so many people "passed" and went from F to C
He doesn't take attendance but seriously you need to show up to lectures. He knows that they are sometimes boring and tries to crack jokes and make it interesting. If you aren't willing to do the weekly reading quizzes and take notes, it won't go well for you.
He made me feel very dumb in class. He is probably the worst professor I have ever had. Over half of the students, in may class, failed. Good luck if you have him.
His tests are crazy, he has essay questions, which have to be EXACTLY the way he wants them. Class average is usually around the Ds or Fs. If you're planning on taking this class for the credits, don't!
Well informed and entertaining, amazing lectures, but a LOT of material between tests for an introductory class. Don't take for an easy general science credit, only if you have a genuine interest in astronomy.
Cool professor, very entertaining lectures. But extremely heavy exams, specially if you take it during summer. Each exam question is worth 4%, so is very easy to not pass the class or get a "C". The last exam consisted of 25 units, half of the material that we were going to cover during the summer session and only one week to study everything.
I loved this class because it was straightforward. I'm great at learning by lecture, so it was easy to just take notes and study. There's not a lot of assignments, so do well on the few tests. I received one of 4 A's in the fast track summer class at night, but more than half of the class failed. Only take if you're serious, he won't help you.
2nd favorite teacher in my whole life. Others make you memorize tons of numbers; he makes sure you really understand, and youll only ever have to memorize 3 things. He distributes a guide that makes taking notes effortless allowing you to focus on the hard parts. The things I learned changed the way I see the world forever. This guy is passionate.
Professor Lane is one of the best instructors I have ever had. He is passionate about the subject, is fair & direct in his grading. This is the guy if you have a genuine interest in astronomy or want no surprises. Labs are easy points but you must attend: each class is about 4% of the grade. Lab points are easily earned & 1 quiz score dropped.
Wow, Don't take this course if you want an easy pass grade. This guy is tough but fair and math heavy. He makes it clear of that the first night. Absolute subject matter expert. Will give you a completely different perspective of Astronomy that you weren't expecting.
One of the WORST professors I have ever had in my entire life. Went to him for help outside of class-he seemed annoyed and in a hurry. Asked questions in class and he made me feel stupid. Math heavy. Tests are unbelievable. No matter how many times I re-read lectures, notes, and books I still had no chance with him. Horrible HORRIBLE
He is a great professor. Lectures were always interesting and fun. I studied so much and went to him during office hours pretty often, but I still failed every exam.. His tests are tricky. His quizzes are also difficult. His essay responses are super specific so good luck with that. In my class I would say more than half failed with a D or lower.
my semester isnt over yet, im almost positive im going to fail the class. this is the hardest class ever. even if you study and are confident in your exam grades, you get an F. please save yourself and dont take lane. theres another astronomy teacher and more science classes you can take. i warned you
He's a tough teacher but if you're in there and focus, you'll do just fine. If I could take these courses again I would. It was challenging and a lot fun.
Astronomy is an incredibly complicated subject that involves chemistry, physics, math, and more. This class is going to be a challenge. However, Professor Lane outlines his expectations from day one and lets you know that it's not an easy A. Great lectures, makes the material understandable, and is passionate and knowledgeable about the subject.
Professor Lane is incredibly passionate about Astronomy and his lectures show. Don't take the class if you're not willing to put in the time to understand and study the material. His exams are a bit tricky, but again, you need to understand the material. Great class, would definitely take it again.
Astronomy is very interesting and his lectures are engaging. But this class is not worth it. His tests and quizzes are difficult and hard to decipher. Hes not the nicest guy to people who are slow to understand the subject matter and makes them feel dumb in the middle of class. Also if you want your test answers you have to go to his office hours
Not a hard class as some people are describing it to be here. Attendance is mandatory to take notes on his lectures to study for the exams. His lectures are very interesting. The tests are somewhat difficult, but if you study ahead of time for them, you should be fine. Easy weekly HW reading assignments and 2 very easy projects
I really wanted to be good at Astronomy, I love the topic and was down to do some serious work to get a good grade. However, I was quickly overwhelmed by the lack of flexibility and high-pressure tests. Professor Lane is passionate about his field and good at lectures, but he is condescending at best and makes students feel small. Good. Luck.
This class is not easy my any means, but Professor Lane is extremely knowledgeable and loves Astronomy. He's a great lecturer- attendance isn't mandatory, but he covers everything you will need to know for the exams so don't skip! His expectations are very clear, if you pay attention and take the time to learn the material, passing is not difficult
Very hard tests!!!!!!! book was expensive also.
Professor Lane is an awesome astronomy teacher. I enjoyed his amazing lectures as the examples he provided in the lectures made difficult concepts easier to understand. Taking notes during the lectures was very important. His tests were a bit tough but if you pay attention to the expectations he set, you will do fine.
The pacing of the class was too fast for me. He would have us watch up to 10-15 videos on a topic, give a reading quiz, and keep the videos locked, becoming inaccessible for us to go back ad review. I may have left the class having a little more knowledge on Astronomy, but overall I found it quite difficult to comprehend.
He is a great teacher. His video lectures were very well done. He was extremely understanding with technical difficulties. He gives good feedback on the work that you do and tells you what you did wrong. The work was not hard every week and there was easy weeks. the reading quizzes were easy. Take him he is helpful.
Putting all of the effort I possibly can into this class, but it's no match for how difficult the tests are. Tests are 25 minutes timed with 30 questions, making you feel like the world is closing in while you take the test. Assigns about 10 long and fast paced lecture videos. Studying so hard for this and nothing is working. Extremely hard class.
Lectures are videotaped from 2015 or 2016. A lot of reading of the textbook is required including reading quizzes to make sure you are reading or at least the textbook. All homework assignments, exams and reading quizzes are multiple choice. And exams are worded to confuse you and make sure you know the material. Not an easy A course.
I think he was a great teacher personally! Can't really think of any criticisms so I'll give it a 5. I know people say his class is difficult but I'd say it's more average. The main reason I have a B is because I failed a test, which was my own fault. I would recommend a textbook for the reading quizzes.
Wouldn't take again.
Weekly lessons are not bad but I've never had to worry about failing a class like this. I actually really enjoy his lessons and the subject but the difficulty of the exams have taken the joy out of taking this class. Unfortunately, I regret taking this class.
I am re-taking this class for transfer credits and I really regret taking it in the first place. Professor Lane is a very good professor who is passionate about his work, but his class is overbearing. The exams are extremely difficult and they seem impossible to study for. This class feels like it was made for you to fail.
Very passionate/knowledgeable with clear expectations. Problem is if you are taking it as an elective because of the 'stars', think again. You get 30 minutes to answer 25 questions. That is NOT enough time for most students. If you consider taking this class, be sure that you are as enthusiastic and excited about astronomy as the professor.
I took Prof. Lane for PHSC 101 and he is one of the best professors I have ever had. The class is difficult, but he gives you every opportunity to succeed. He is very interactive and funny during lectures. He is also very understanding. If you put in effort, you will do good. He took a subject that I dreaded and made it into something enjoyable.
A very knowledgeable professor on Astronomy, but wants students to become subject matter experts in the 100 course. The exams require students to spend hours of studying to get 25 mins to complete 30 questions with many of the questions requiring at least 1 min to read so if you don't know the answer right off, be prepared to guess. Do Not Take!
The lecture is so so important, as well as doing the reading assignments and quizzes. It is not a memorization based class, its purely conceptional, so if you're not nailing down the concepts instead of memorizing them, you may not be cut out for this class. Lane is very passionate and inspired me to pursue astronomy.
The class is fast-paced and challenging, but engaging if you're passionate about astronomy. Though the exams are tough, using Unstuck ai along with the textbook can help prep effectively. Overall, a rewarding course if you're up for the challenge.
Extremely passionate about the subject but repeatedly got angry and spiteful nearly every day when the students didn't show the same enthusiasm. He doesn't even give you all of the information you need on the tests (he claims we need to read through the entire textbook as well) and his test study guides are nothing but “Know all the information”
Pay attention and attend every class, even then you may not fully grasp the course material. Lane is a great Professor and is available to help you.
Professor Lane is a great & funny lecturer, who's very passionate about his subject. He's also upfront about his class not being an easy A. However, he's not very approachable outside of class. If you go for help during his office hours, he is very standoffish & condescending. He won't help you during office hours even for a few minutes.
I took Astronomy 100 and 105L (the lab) at different times (105L after 100) which worked out fine. I love astronomy and found these online classes to be great, just keep in mind that the lecture class can be difficult if you don't genuinely enjoy it, and that the lab assignments can be a little tedious. Overall, it was great, just a little grindy.
This was a tough class toward the beginning! Had to work very hard, but man, was it worth it. Made me so interested in astronomy and he's quite the wisecracker. Pay attention, participate, read the book, and you'll be set. Your hard work will pay off, trust me! Prof Lane is so passionate about what he teaches, it's so inspiring and engaging!!
Clearly loves the topic he teaches but likes to be condescending towards students. Constantly says most students fail his class, which says more about him as a teacher.
He's passionate about the subject and made lectures very fun to listen to, especially if you're interested in astronomy. Very funny and made the more complex topics easy to understand with demonstrations and analogies that were very helpful. You have to put in time to study, which he does say at the beginning, but overall would really recommend!
Professor Lane influenced me to change my major to astronomy, he's so knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. He is very clear on what will be on exams and quizzes. He's always available for further explanation after class and will even explain it further for better understanding. Professor Lane is an outstanding teacher. My favorite class.
Very cool stuff you learn here!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
87%
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