2.5

Mary Lou Dorf

Engineering - University of Michigan

2.5
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
17%
Would Retake
154
Reviews
2.5
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.5
Clarity

17%

Would Retake

154

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
154 total ratings

5

31

4

19

3

20

2

32

1

52

What Students Say

A very unpleasant and unhelpful person

EECS183 - 2.0 rating

I took this class to affirm that I would major in computer science

EECS183 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

92%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 27 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
B (7)
A- (4)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(7)C(0)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 30 reported grades
A: 11
B: 7
A-: 4
B+: 3
Common Tags
Tough Grader (1)
Get ready to read (1)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
Clear grading criteria (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.06 avg change
Jun
Jul
Nov
Dec
Apr
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ENGIN101

5.0

(2)

EECS280

3.3

(4)

ENG100

3.0

(1)

EECS183

2.8

(118)

183

2.5

(4)
+4 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENGN101

5.0

183

4.8

EECS497

4.0

ENGR101

3.8

EECS183

3.4

Reviews (153)
5.0
2.0
ENGIN101
Jul 24, 2002

Very nice... new to UofM('02) less math and more logic

1.0
1.0
ENG101
Aug 24, 2002

Poor Professor. Did not prepare me well for an Engineering career.

3.0
3.0
ENG100
Jan 2, 2003

No Comments

1.0
1.0
ENG101
Feb 18, 2003

No Comments

2.0
4.0
EECS280
Mar 5, 2003

No Comments

2.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 21, 2003

No Comments

1.0
4.0
ENG101
May 2, 2003

No Comments

2.0
2.0
ENGR101
Sep 3, 2003

confused, and accordingly confusing ... take Bielajew (pronounced "B-L-I-F," not "beetlejuice")

1.0
5.0
ENG101
Dec 10, 2003

THE WORST PROF I HAVE EVER HAD!!!!

5.0
2.0
ENGIN101
Mar 30, 2004

Although she is not a very good public speaker, she is helpful and does know what she is talking about. Her lecturing style makes her seem unapproachable, but she is actually very nice.

1.0
4.0
ENG101
Mar 30, 2004

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ENG101
Apr 7, 2004

Easiest class ever! got 105% on every exam and i loved it. i had no programming experience and did great, because she is easy. Granted I took it when it was her first semester here so she probably didnt know u of m was supposed to be challenging.

1.0
5.0
ENG101
Apr 15, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ENG101
May 6, 2004

The most unrewarding class i've ever taken. all of the stuff were really hard and she expect you to figure everything out on your own. Some GSIs cheat and will give full credit for any type of pseudo code. Totally discouraging and unfair grading system.

5.0
4.0
EECS183
Aug 5, 2004

She is very helpful in her office hours. Her lecturing style makes it interesting.

2.0
3.0
EECS183
Aug 12, 2004

Not a good teacher.

5.0
2.0
EECS280
Oct 26, 2004

Very easy going. Helpful in office hours. Lectures were always interesting.

2.0
4.0
ENG101
Dec 3, 2004

class just was hard and not clear

2.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 7, 2004

doesn't explain. just expects you to know.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Dec 15, 2004

she does not know how to teach and she yells at you if you go to office hours. She is boring, mean and unhelpful. This makes for a very difficult class

5.0
1.0
EECS183
Dec 18, 2004

this class was a joke, through 4 projects and two exams i missed 20 points out of 400. Mary Lou was a great lecturer who explained concepts very well; so well that with no programming experience i opened the book twice all year.

1.0
1.0
ENG101
Jan 12, 2005

Doesn't know her stuff very well, could not even answer simple questions

3.0
1.0
EECS183
Jan 13, 2005

No Comments

2.0
1.0
EECS183
Mar 14, 2005

Although the class was easy, Professor Dorf has to be the worst Professor I've had at the university. She does not seem to know how to do much of anything with the computer, and without her GSI's, she would be completely unqualified to teach the class. Her voice is annoying too. Very screechy...!

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Apr 14, 2005

She's a fun professor and her class is very relaxed as long as you don't procrastinate too much.

2.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 30, 2005

Not a good lecturer. Tells you that something is not going to be on the exam and then puts it on the exam as one of the 20-point questions. Unclear on a lot of subjects. Class was still a lot of fun though and the TAs/GSIs are absolutely wonderful.

1.0
1.0
ENG101
Jun 5, 2005

No Comments

1.0
1.0
ENG101
Jun 13, 2005

The worst professor I have ever had. I literally went to lecture four times and then stopped going because it was almost painful to listen to her talk and she had absolutely no idea what she was saying. It was an easy class though because the GSI (ben lee) was outstanding.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Jul 18, 2005

Terrible teacher. Don't sleep during the night before the class, and you will have enough time in her class. Screech for the whole hour. Very irresponsible during the office hours. Very rude in manners. She handed in the course evaluations 5 minutes before the final to keep you distracted during the final. All in all, she should not stay in UM.

5.0
3.0
ENGR101
Oct 6, 2005

No Comments

1.0
4.0
ENG101
Oct 23, 2005

Dorf is the worst professor i have ever encountered. Her lectures are annoying and irritating. taking her class has been the worst experience and if by chance she is ur professor then god save you.

1.0
4.0
ENG101
Oct 23, 2005

all the students, even the GSI'S hate her. oh yeah if she's ur professor then ur screwed. either change to a different section or suffer for the whole semester. If ur not good at the course then your chances of reapeating it are very high because dorf is ur prof.

2.0
2.0
EECS183
Nov 29, 2005

Dorf gives dull lectures, provides unclear assignments, and is generally unapproachable for questions. Her voice is goofy and her hair is sometimes pink. If it weren't for her GSIs, her class would be needlessly difficult (the material covered isn't especially hard if presented properly). Avoid her if possible.

1.0
5.0
ENG101
Nov 29, 2005

No Comments

2.0
4.0
EECS183
Nov 30, 2005

Read all the comments below-they are worth it. She is not helpful, and seems to take a pleasure in seeing you suffer through the course. She has no pity, so avoid her at all costs. As a friend who took the class told me: "I will dance on her grave after she's dies." This is only a small insight into what to expect from this woman.

4.0
2.0
EECS183
Dec 4, 2005

I think the below are a little harsh... she was actually very straightforward. I knew exactly what she wanted for every assignment and the tests were a breeze. In lecture she joked around and it could have been interpretted as mocking... I didnt see it that way.

1.0
5.0
ENG101
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2005

No Comments

2.0
2.0
ENG101
Dec 8, 2005

I think the thing that bothered me most about her was that she would waste entire lectures on talking about things that were not pertinent at the time. This made lectures almost pointless to go to. Other than that, I guess she was alright.

5.0
5.0
EECS183
Dec 8, 2005

She has a good sense of humor and is very helpful during office hours. I'm surprised about these other ratings.

2.0
5.0
ENGN101
Dec 14, 2005

Hardest of all the Engn 101 Professors, her exams are insanse & projects are a lot harder than other classes! Avoid if possible or hope for a great GSI(all of them were very helpful atleast).

1.0
5.0
ENGR101
Dec 18, 2005

she curves to a c+. her lectures are largely useless. her coursepack is completely useless. projects/exams harder than other professors. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

3.0
4.0
EECS183
Jan 12, 2006

Decent lecturer although she would go off on tangents about irrelevant subjects. Not the sweetest person you ever met.

3.0
3.0
ENG101
Jan 29, 2006

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ENGR101
Feb 6, 2006

Avoid at all costs. The woman ruined my life. This class with her was the worst experience EVER- do not take any class with her at all.

5.0
5.0
EECS183
Feb 20, 2006

Mary Lou was one of my most favorite professors here, super dry humor. I didn't do well in the class, but I also didn't work hard. She was extremely hard, I agree, but lazy freshmen taking eng101 need to step it up instead of blaming the professor. Maybe take some time to learn the material instead of thinking it will just come.

5.0
2.0
EECS280
Apr 9, 2006

Did a good job presenting material. If there was something that many people didn't understand she would typically pass out example code a few days later to help us understand. Amsuing (dry) sense of humoour. Programming assigments are time consuming and moderately difficult, but give a good understanding of concepts. Take advantage of office hours!

3.0
5.0
EECS183
Jun 2, 2006

Definately the worst prof I've ever had. This class was horrible.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Dec 10, 2006

I did well in her class, she wasn't a really good teacher, but it isn't hard to do well in the class. I wouldn't recommend regular lecture attendence. She told us we would have to do the final if we got 85% on our last two projects which just require a few hours of pure downtime to get done.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Dec 16, 2006

she's good

1.0
5.0
EECS280
Jan 7, 2007

No Comments

2.0
3.0
EECS183
Mar 31, 2007

She has the most annoying voice of any person i've ever heard. it's like nails on a chalk board. shes not very clear and the exams are too hard and tricky. i liked the class at first and got ful credit on all the assignments but got B-s on the exams

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 24, 2007

She starts off as a good teacher because she explains everything but as the class goes on she gets more and more dissorganized. Her grading policies can be very irritating but the class is not too hard as long as you are willing to put in the time. Its probably best to go to the GSI's for help though.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Jul 17, 2007

Awful. Mean. Rude. Being in her class was pure torture. Everything was so hard. Don't take this class unless you are in love with computers and enjoy getting your life and all that is good zapped out of you.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Nov 12, 2007

I don't know why she has such a bad rating on here... i thought she was a great teacher and explained things well... she makes an effort to chat with students and talk about things non-class related which i like in a professor

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Nov 16, 2007

She's not bad. She is a very good lecturer, however it is true that she can sometimes be quite rude at seemingly arbitrary times...but she is clear and her lectures are very helpful.

3.0
4.0
EECS183
Nov 26, 2007

Dorf isn't bad...she has a weird sense of humor, and can be kind of scary, but she's good at teaching eecs 183...she knows her stuff really well. Her exams suck (it's Michigan, what do you expect?), but the projects are very do-able (but time consuming). This class was a pre-req for me, and I ended up enjoying much more than I thought I would.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Nov 26, 2007

she knows her stuff. pay attention during class, and you will not be in much trouble.

5.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 15, 2007

I heard some pretty nasty rumors about her... and frankly I was worried. But it turns out she isn't too bad. Definately knows her stuff, which is suprising considering she's like from the stone age of computers. She is a little scary, but still helpful in office hours. If you're afraid of her, go to the TA's office hours. EXTREMELY HELPFUL

2.0
5.0
EECS183
May 1, 2008

Ok, I'll try to be objective, but for any one who has ZERO experience with C++ &wants to take this class as an introductory class, BAD MOVE! The work load is overwhelming &the projects are ridiculously time consuming especially the last 3. She claims to help you via email, but I've had my share of nasty replies. If you have a foundation, ur safe.

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Dec 2, 2008

If you have no experience with C++, then this is a difficult class to take. The last few projects are incredibly time consuming. Dorf can be very helpful because she knows her stuff, but she can also be incredibly rude for unknown reasons. If she intimidates you, go to the IA or TA office hours. They can be extremely helpful.

3.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 7, 2008

Just to add what people have been saying, this is NOT a good intro to C++ class, I HIGHLY recommend reading a c++ text before this class. Dorf can be extremely rude for no reason at times but most of the time her answers are just plain useless, showing up to lecture is quite pointless. The GSIs for this class, however, as all incredibly helpful.

4.0
4.0
EECS183
Mar 22, 2009

This is a different class. For those with no experience with any programming language will want to buy the texts. Those with any kind of experience can get by w/o it (I am). I think she's pretty clear and her GSI's are very knowledgeable about the subject.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Apr 16, 2009

SHE is "the Role model" for all the professors. Annoying voice, rudeness, and unwillingness to help students. PERFECT!!! To tell the truth, I went this class less than 5 times this whole semester and literally cannot understand students in that classroom listening to her beautiful voice.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Apr 20, 2009

Annoying. Rude. Very good at giving vague directions and advice in writing project descriptions and answering questions. Often left to interpret on own. All semester I have not learned one useful thing from looking at her answers to student questions on the 'help' forums - except that she has made many mistakes in making clear project descriptions.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Apr 27, 2009

Worst professor I've ever seen. Very rude. Very unhelpful. Kind of smart, but still messes up project specifications and continues to change them as deadlines get closer. Asking any questions about grades or clarifications on exams will undoubtedly warrant a rude, nasty response. Class itself is sstructured badly. Worst professor, worst class

2.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 29, 2009

She's a pretty horrendous teacher. The subject matter is interesting; I liked learning C++, just not from her. I figured most everything out on my own. She really doesn't contribute to your education very much. I recommend no electing her as your professor, if you can avoid it. If she is the only one teaching 183, then you're out of luck.

4.0
2.0
EECS183
Oct 20, 2009

Wow, I didn't expect to see so many harsh comments. She's really not that bad at all. The class is pretty challenging and takes a lot of time, so you have to really want to know the stuff. She won't sugarcoat what you need to improve on, but she's taken seriously and she's very helpful.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Nov 19, 2009

Professor Dorf is definitely one of my favorite professors at UM. Prior to taking 183, I was very worried when I saw the negative comments here,and I didn't think I would like programming. Now because of her class, I am doing CS minor(too late to do a major for me). She is very helpful if u ask her specific question and show what u thought of first

5.0
3.0
EECS183
Nov 19, 2009

I love this class!Coding can be time consuming and frustrating sometimes, so ALWAYS start early and ask ur GSIs(they are very helpful). Ask Professor Dorf questions in class and she will explain it or give u a hint.Contrary to what ppl said here, I think she is very nice,clear and helpful.As long as u start early on projects,u'll be fine.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Jan 10, 2010

The absolute rudest, arrogant, dread full teacher I have ever had. She doesn't teach and you won't pass the class unless you have a good GSI. She does have an annoying voice and I will stop there! AVOID IF POSSIBLE else work your butt off and pray.

1.0
4.0
EECS497
Feb 19, 2010

Dorf is the worst professor ever. She is very rude and insults people openly during class. "Grace" is unknown to her, and she interrupts other students when they talk. Also, she talks to us as if we are retarded by talking super slow and emphasizing one word in every sentence way too much. She thinks shes funny, but she's not. She's just annoying!

2.0
5.0
EECS183
Feb 21, 2010

She was a guest lecturer for my EECS 183 class. However, her time as guest lecturer was completely wasted as she spent 30 minutes looking for one function in C++. I stopped going to my class afterwards because of how bad she was even though she was a guest lecturer.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Mar 18, 2010

How many times did she get lost during her lecture? Multiple multiple multiple multiple times.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Apr 9, 2010

Lectures tend to be irrelevant to actual course work and much lecture time is spent rambling, assignment instructions are vague as if she expects you to read her mind, and, if in failing to read her mind you get one small detail differently than her you will get a 0 for the assignment. AVOID AT ALL COSTS

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 20, 2010

Project specifications were often vague while the grading criteria were specific. The projects were also difficult and time consuming, but really helped with a deeper understanding of the material. Don't take this class if you don't have plenty of time to devote to programming Prof Dorf is very helpful and a good teacher. Really knows her stu

2.0
5.0
EECS183
Apr 22, 2010

This is the worst class I have ever taken (I am a math major). Your work is graded by a computer program, which failed a few days before our final project was due. Not only was all responsibility for this failure deferred to the students, but we were actually punished with further limitations. AVOID THIS CLASS IF YOU VALUE YOUR TIME!

2.0
4.0
EECS183
May 2, 2010

Lectures are pointless, lecture slides are not helpful, she got surgery the week before finals and was absolutely no help on our final project. This class should not be a pre-req for math majors anymore.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Sep 24, 2010

This is a horrible, useless, mean, obnoxious creature! She favors certain people over others. Useless lectures, she'd take hours to find an answer. Shame on UofM to hire such low-level professors! Save your dignity, time, and money and AVOID HER BY ALL MEANS.

4.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 11, 2010

If you have to make a decision between her and professor Soloway, choose her class and you can really learn somthing from her lectures. You will feel regretful taking professor soloway's lectures.

5.0
3.0
EECS183
Dec 16, 2010

I cannot believe there are so many negative comments. This is one of the best professors in the entire University. She knows her stuff and is very helpful.

2.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 17, 2010

She is one of the worst professors in the entire University. She is somewhat knowledgeable, but I would never call her helpful. Rude and demeaning, especially when she thinks her way is the only way. "I /am/ the Senate" - Emperor Palpatine. You'll see the resemblance. You won't be able to unsee it.

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 11, 2011

I was surprised to see so many negative comments on here. Funnily enough, most people faulted her for being "rude", not for her actual knowledge. While she is insensitive, she knows her stuff. She doesn't sugarcoat, she is direct and wastes no time in pointing out what you did wrong. If you're too thin skinned to take criticism, don't take this

4.0
4.0
EECS183
Apr 25, 2011

Despite people saying she is an awful professor and/or person - she is great. She knows exactly what she's doing and wants the same for you. She gets straight to the point and can be a little harsh but deal with it. Definitely take her over Soloway too!

3.0
2.0
EECS183
May 7, 2011

Dorf is fine. She taught both her section and Soloway section this semester (basically). She is a little weird in her personality, and a little harsh when asked questions, but she knows the material cold. The class is setup in the sense..you put in the time ..you will do well. Its time consuming.. more than you think, but the difficulty is fair.

3.0
5.0
EECS183
Sep 20, 2011

While very thorough in teaching, she is not friendly or welcoming. Even though I struggled in the class, I was flat-out scared of her, and that made me dread class more. She is tough and unforgiving in her grading, and condescending in her speech.

4.0
1.0
EECS183
Dec 16, 2011

Easy class. Half the class grade is based on projects and other stuff you can easily get a 100% on. Exams were very fair.

4.0
1.0
EECS183
Jan 19, 2012

Some say she is a bad teacher, but for someone, namely me, who had never programed before, she was an excellent teacher. Only two projects were actually difficult, but the are all time consuming. The questions on the test are fair, but multiple choice is like 6 points per question and it is worth over half of you test grade, so it can be annoying.

5.0
4.0
EECS183
May 17, 2012

Listen, this class is tough! Programming is a totally different animal, so if you've never done it before, you'll want a prof who teaches methodically and clearly - that is ML Dorf. Sure, she can be a little snarky but she was excellent where it mattered: very clear, very reasonable, and very helpful! Very time consuming class, but worth it

3.0
5.0
EECS183
May 30, 2012

Those with a background in computer science like her. Those without a background in computer science don't like her. However, she's probably the lesser of two evils (Soloway), because she really knows her stuff.

5.0
5.0
EECS183
Nov 23, 2012

Excellent professor. Whether or not you know computer science is irrelevant. She makes everything crystal clear, and if you do poorly in the course it is your own fault. I knew nothing prior to taking this class and have learned a lot under her. She has a very low tolerance for whiners, but listens and responds well to class suggestions.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Dec 16, 2012

Professor Dorf is great! She can come off as a bit harsh, but deep down, she truly does care about her students.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Jan 9, 2013

Great professor! Very knowledgeable about the subject. Helpful and informative.

5.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 8, 2013

Professor Dorf is very knowledgeable in C++ The class is a lot of work but the projects are kinda fun actually. Lectures are very straightforward and discussion section is NOT mandatory but very helpful.

5.0
2.0
EECS183
Apr 11, 2013

Professor Dorf is a very good lecturer. This is an intro level class and I came in knowing nothing about Computer Science. She does a very good job of presenting the material in a way so that everyone can understand it, and she, along with the IAs are always available to answer questions about exams and projects. I loved this class.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Dec 15, 2013

Very unapproachable. She treats students like they're idiots even though it is an intro class.

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Dec 20, 2013

Very approachable. She treats students like they're not idiots, even though it is an intro class!

5.0
1.0
EECS183
Apr 19, 2014

I felt compelled to rate her after seeing the negative reviews here. She's honestly awesome! She knows her stuff, conveys it clearly, and does care that her students learn. TEAM DORF FOREVER

5.0
4.0
EECS183
May 1, 2014

Professor Dorf is awesome. She explains things extremely well and is always, ALWAYS available to help her students and definitely cares that they learn and succeed. I learned so much and enjoyed every bit of it.

2.0
1.0
EECS183
Grade: A
May 8, 2014

Professor Dorf has a condescending attitude towards students and is reluctant to address issues with the class. When she does answer questions on the class forums, they are terse at best and incomprehensible at worst. If possible, I'd recommend taking this course with a different professor.

3.0
5.0
183
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 10, 2014

Reading the people below who says "she doesn't treat the students like idiots". Jesus, I wish she treated us like idiots. Advice: Figure out in the first week if this stuff comes naturally to you. If it doesn't, drop or take for passfail. She skips over a ton of basic stuff and will leave you in the dust

2.0
5.0
183
Nov 12, 2014

NOT AN INTRO CLASS. DON'T EVER TAKE THIS. IT'S RIDICULOUS THE AMOUNT OF TIME PUT INTO THIS CLASS FOR AN INTRO. Some of the projects are just ridiculous - completely beyond beginner students.

2.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 13, 2014

Eecs 183 is a hard class, not because the material is necessarily hard (it is, but it is understandable if we had time) but because the WORKLOAD IS CRAZY. get ready to spend HRS & HRS (even 25+hrs) on this class especially if you come in knowing no programming. There is help from GSIs and OH but not prof. dorf who I find to be very condescending.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Nov 30, 2014

Worst class I have had EVER! The grading was not clear until the very end of the semester. And the projects are just not appropriate for beginners. And, she is not willing to answer questions after class. DO NOT TAKE HER CLASS IF POSSIBLE!

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Dec 4, 2014

Never ever take this class. If you're not a programming whiz, then you will fail this class. This professor is not very helpful for students who are not familiar with the subject. Projects take at least 8 hours a day for a week to finish. This is supposedly an "intro" class, but if you're not familiar with coding, this class is nearly impossible.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Dec 4, 2014

Worst class I've ever taken. Extremely unorganized. I have never spent more time on one class at Michigan. This is a ridiculous amount of work for a introductory class. The class is a nightmare, and the professor isn't any better. She is not helpful at all and doesn't seem to care about her students.

3.0
3.0
EECS183
Dec 10, 2014

Everyone seems to be complaining about Dorf as well as the class. Personally I had no programming experience before taking the class, and while I did find it though at times, there was always help available at Office Hours. As long as you start the projects early and actually go to class you will be fine.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: D
Dec 11, 2014

Extremely hard class unless you have previous experience with coding. Dorf claims during the first lecture that " no coding experience" necessary but THAT'S A LIE. The projects are extremely hard and so are the exams. Overall, save yourself if you are "trying" this class out.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 14, 2014

The class was horrible!The lectures were confusing and Dorf would spend 10 minutes looking for the right file or slide. My biggest qualm with the class however is the workload which was just insane! I'm all for working hard ,but I would spend at least 15 hours on each project. In addition, everything had to be perfect even one mistake was a 050.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Dec 16, 2014

I have never spent so much time on assignments on any of other classes before. They are trying to reorganize the course this semester so a lot things are new and disorganized. I felt like they are taking experiment on us to find out our extremes. If you have to take this course, try not to take any other heavy load class together with it.

2.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 16, 2014

Go to office hours. It will literally save you as it saved me a million times. I would say lectures are necessary because it gives you the foundation to start your projects and do well on the exams. Personally I thought the exams were easier than the projects, but everything required a lot of time. Be ready to commit at least 15 hours per project.

5.0
3.0
EECS183
Dec 17, 2014

Good lecturer -- I didn't pay attention and did other assignments. The nature of the class was a heavy workload (especially for the later projects, in the ballpark of 20-40+ hours for the last ones), but a great staff team, and the class is constantly adapting to feedback. Not always well-organized or specific for grading, but an awesome class.

3.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 20, 2014

I took this class to affirm that I would major in computer science. So, coming in I knew I would dedicate a lot of time to this course and I found the material enjoyable. However, if you are here to only "try out" the class--just be forewarned by the work load. It is a lot of work but manageable to get an A without prior experience.

2.0
4.0
EECS183
Dec 20, 2014

Personally I did not like her teaching style. But as someone else pointed out there is an amazing staff team. I felt that I learned a lot from office hours and the TAs are super helpful.

2.0
4.0
EECS183
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2014

I got a concussion around the time of the final project and told her that I would do my best on the project and not withdraw because I was counting on this project to raise me to an A-. She still lowered my project grade (100% to a 71%) because she believed I did not contribute enough EVEN THOUGH I HAD A BRAIN INJURY. Worst person I have ever met.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Dec 27, 2014

One of the worst professors and worst human beings I've ever seen. Very rude, condescending, and treats students like slaves or experimental guinea pigs. Unthinkably poor course organization, last-minute announcements, and extremely difficult and challenging projects made this class a living hell. Avoid at all costs.

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Jan 15, 2015

gr8 class

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Feb 13, 2015

HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE, the class itself is simple, but the professors make everything very unenjoyable. They grade on respect toward the teachers rather than your knowledge

3.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: B
Feb 25, 2015

She would go on long rants and stories without covering the material used on projects. SO MUCH WORK! Insane amounts, I would spend 16 hours per project, And there's six of them. Horrible

2.0
5.0
183
Mar 24, 2015

TERRIBLE! SO much work! The class itself is okay, but after spending more than 40 hours on everything, i absolutely hated it. The TAs are really helpful, you won't pass without their help. I once asked Dorf for help, she spent time with me but left me feeling so useless and on the verge of tears. Terrible professor

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: B+
Mar 25, 2015

Worst professor I have had in my entire life. She shows up 10 minutes late to lectures, goes on weird tangents and emphasizes random words for no particular reason. She has no sense for teaching our generation. She is also extremely unreasonable and isn't open to any suggestions, change, or ideas from students. Absolutely awful. Please retire.

5.0
1.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Mar 26, 2015

I had her a while ago- but I always found her lectures to be exceptionally clear and interesting.

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Grade: A-
Mar 29, 2015

I came in without any previous coding experience and rocked this class. It's not an easy A, but if you work hard and put time into it an A is doable. Prof. Dorf was extremely helpful if I had questions after lecture or needed help with a project.

5.0
3.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2015

Mainly 5 projects, 2 exams and a real-world final project (rather than a final). It gets a bad reputation because of the workload, but thats EECS. Its work but fair and you learn a TON. Mary Lou is polarizing but she's got a great staff around her. If you dont like her, you can go to the other 2 lectures. IAsGSIs are great--relatable and helpful.

3.0
4.0
183
Apr 11, 2015

She definitely cares about her students. Multiple points through the semester she sent emails out to the class with people wanting to hire people out of 183. Dorf isn't the best, but I don't understand a lot of the ragging on her bc if you don't like her you can just go to another lecture. 183 is run like 1 big class. Section is optional too.

4.0
4.0
EECS183
Grade: A-
Apr 11, 2015

Long story short I realized I hated coding by the end of the semester and the workload gets unbearable if you really aren't into it. My advice is to take enough credits so that you can drop this class and still be full-time. Some of the staff is helpful but as a whole they are overrated because the large amount of students make it hard to get help.

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 15, 2015

Please do NOT be afraid of 183. It is my favorite class since arriving at Michigan. Dorf's lectures are sometimes a bit disorganized, but you'll be fine. There's Extra Credit attached to every project for turning things in earlier, and the exams aren't that hard. Study and go to office hours and you probably won't get less than a B.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: B
Jun 8, 2015

This class is pretty difficult, especially if you have never coded before. It's a weeder class, and a lot of people drop after the first test. The class consists mostly of group projects which with hard work and long hours are doable. I went to tutoring with GSI's all the time just to get a B. The tests are almost impossible.

1.0
2.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Jul 8, 2015

A mediocre teacher who is very condescending during office hours. The class was easy, but Dorf's attitude towards students was despicable.

3.0
4.0
EECS183
Grade: B+
Aug 21, 2015

Tough class if you're new to programming. I realized I hated coding by the end of it. Dorf is definitely not one of the best professors that taught this class but you can always attend a different lecture.

3.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: A-
Aug 29, 2015

This class gives the liberty of letting you go to any lecture you want, so don't stress if you don't like her. I was completely new to coding, and this class aided to that. Use all the resources available, don't wait until the last minute (i.e. online videos, office hours, discussion), it's only hard if you don't seek help.

2.0
3.0
EECS183
Aug 31, 2015

I initially thought EECS 183 was pretty hard, but I realized that I was having difficulty in the course mainly because Dorf's lectures were unclear and disorganized. Attend a different lecture if you can.

1.0
2.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2015

She's really annoying to listen to but the class is really easy if you're willing to put in the time it takes to get the work done. Start projects as soon as you can in order to get extra credit, and do the readings, because that's basically how you learn the material.

4.0
3.0
EECS183
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2015

Her lectures are long and sometimes boring. Most of the learning came from the online interactive textbook we used. I went to lectures just for clicker points. She is really not involved much outside of her lectures but the rest of her EECS 183 staff is incredible and always there to help

2.0
2.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Dec 26, 2015

A very unpleasant and unhelpful person. Treats all students as if they don't know the meaning of hard work.

5.0
4.0
EECS183
Grade: A+
Feb 17, 2016

One of the best teachers I've ever had - and definitely the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable programming instructor I've ever met. Really supportive/proud of her students. Make sure to not miss any lectures if you don't have to; do all of the CodeLab exercises/practice tests, and you'll be sure to do well in the class!

1.0
4.0
EECS183
Mar 7, 2016

She's super annoying and is rude. If you ask for help and you don't know the answer she will be angry and is a very unpleasant person to be around.

3.0
3.0
EECS183
Mar 10, 2016

Dorf isn't the best lecturer but you don't have to worry about her tbh. The IAs and Office Hours are the lifeblood of this class. Go to office hours and start early! Can't stress this enough! You will do well if you do that. Overall, really great class. It's set up extremely well and the projects are fun! I recommend it to everyone!

3.0
4.0
EECS183
Grade: B
Mar 20, 2016

Dorf is extremely unsupportive and unpleasant to be around. She makes a big deal about how "coding is for everyone" blah blah but if you have questions, she often makes you feel inferior. Her emails and comments on Piazza are very rude. Its time for her to retire honestly. Don't go to Dorf for help with this class, the IA's are your best bet.

1.0
5.0
EECS183
Grade: B
Apr 14, 2016

Dorf is the LEAST helpful professor I have ever had. Her answers to students' questions are vague and often condescending. She over complicated simple concepts and wastes class time on unrelated topics. The projects are boring and extremely exact. Nearly impossible to complete without going to OH. Very happy this class is over.

1.0
3.0
EECS183
Apr 24, 2016

She's so. rude.

1.0
2.0
EECS183
May 9, 2016

Her manner of speaking is extremely annoying, and she is quite rude and unhelpful in general. The class is pretty easy though, and thankfully, the rest of the staff is fantastic.

4.0
4.0
EECS183
Grade: B
Jun 20, 2016
Would take again

She can come off as rude, snobbish, or unhelpful , but ultimately she really wants to help students learn and be successful in one of the most challenging fields offered at Michigan. Work hard, stay on top of the material, form a study group, make a good team on the final project and you'll have a great experience. I really liked her and the class

1.0
4.0
EECS183
Jul 18, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Went to her OH twice. First time, I had no idea what to do for a project and she was very rude about explaining anything. It was like she couldn't possibly understand why I was confused about anything on that project. Second time, I had a large part of another project done (thanks to the GSIs), and she was much nicer and helpful with my questions.

1.0
2.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Nov 7, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I went to her OH and started to doubt myself. She was so rude and didn't provide any helpful advice at all.

1.0
4.0
EECS183
Nov 10, 2016
Wouldn't take again

EECS 183 is easily the most frustrating class I've ever taken. The lecture slides, as well as the online supplement material, covers a bare minimum of how implement code correctly. The office hours are an absolute mess; if you don't have hours to dedicate to getting one question answered, don't waste your time going. Don't take this class.

Tough Grader
2.0
1.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Nov 17, 2016
Would take again

Definitely pay attention to the reading. That's how I learned all the material for the class. Her lecture is very boring and discussion is basically useless. Find friends to work on the projects with and don't get too hung up on exam grades. Start projects and assignments early of you WILL regret it. Overall, fun class!!

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
2.0
2.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Nov 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Let's just say that Nic Cage speaks at a more consistent volume. Lectures can get pretty boring. One time one of the other EECS 183 lecturers subbed for us and that was pretty good. I'd say go for another lecturer if you can but it won't impact your grade at all. Super easy class

1.0
2.0
EECS183
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Terrible teacher. Always very rude and unhelpful.

2.0
3.0
EECS183
Dec 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

My group for the final project went to meet with her because even the IAs couldn't find the problem with our code. She was condescending and ended up yelling at us and blaming us for not understanding concepts. Interestingly enough, the concept was something we had never even learned before... I would go to another professor if you have questions.

1.0
2.0
EECS183
Dec 15, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She's one of those people who thinks she's strong and bold, but is in reality just rude and very bitter.

1.0
2.0
EECS183
Grade: A-
Dec 22, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Not too difficult of a class but she was both a bad teacher and a bad person. Least favorite professor I have had at UofM.

3.0
3.0
EECS183
Grade: B
Apr 16, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Not a great professor, but in EECS183 you can attend any lecturer you want, so don't worry if you get stuck with her. All lectures are recorded as well. She is very considerate in office hours, but is not a great lecturer...

1.0
2.0
EECS183
May 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She's so salty and always throws temper tantrums in office hours.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

92%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 27 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
B (7)
A- (4)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(7)C(0)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 30 reported grades
A: 11
B: 7
A-: 4
B+: 3
Common Tags
Tough Grader (1)
Get ready to read (1)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
Clear grading criteria (1)
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Stable

+0.06 avg change
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Ratings by Course

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5.0

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2.5

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Difficulty by Course

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